Re: Mid February Best area to stay near attractions?

Question

Going with our 9 year old son for Winter Break. First time visiting and want a central area stay?

Planning to go to Zoo, Seaworld, take an excursion to see whales/ dolphins. Would love a hotel with indoor heated pool. Appreciate any advice!

Answer

For a first-time family visit to San Diego with a 9-year-old in mid-February, the key is to stay somewhere central to the main attractions while having kid-friendly amenities like an indoor heated pool. Given your plans to visit the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and go on a whale/dolphin excursion, you’ll want to minimize long drives and traffic delays.

Best Areas to Stay:

Mission Bay / Mission Beach: Very family-friendly with several hotels and resorts offering indoor or heated pools. Close to SeaWorld and a short drive to the Zoo. Easy access to waterfront activities and beaches.
Hotel Circle / Mission Valley: Central location for driving to the Zoo, SeaWorld, and downtown. Many chain hotels in this area have indoor heated pools and family suites. Good value and convenient for car travel.
La Jolla: Upscale area with beautiful coastal scenery. Slightly further from SeaWorld and the Zoo, but near beaches and whale-watching excursions. More relaxed and safe for families, with fewer crowds.
Downtown / Gaslamp Quarter: Central for restaurants and city attractions, but can be noisy at night and not ideal for a young child. Less convenient for Zoo and SeaWorld compared to Mission Bay or Hotel Circle.

Hotel Recommendations:

Hotels in Mission Bay like the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa or Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa often have indoor or heated pools, family-friendly amenities, and easy access to SeaWorld and water activities.
In Mission Valley, hotels such as the Embassy Suites or Hilton Garden Inn typically have indoor heated pools and offer suites suitable for families. Very convenient for driving to multiple attractions.
If choosing La Jolla, consider resorts with pools and easy access to beaches where whale watching tours depart.

Other Tips:

Having a rental car is recommended for February as attractions are spread out.
Book whale-watching excursions in advance since mid-February is peak season for gray whale migration.
Check with hotels in advance about indoor heated pool availability, as some may only heat pools seasonally.

Overall, Mission Bay or Mission Valley will give you the most convenience, family-friendly amenities, and central access to all major attractions with minimal stress for a short visit with a child.