Stay put or change area

Question

We are coming to San Diego for the conference on the 10th of May and have booked 12 days at the Marriott at the marina as it is linked to the conference. The event finishes after five days and I am wondering whether to move to a different area area of San Diego or stay put at the Marriott and explore from there.. are interests are the beach, pool and nice restaurants and fine dining within walking distance of where we are staying. We were considering Coronado Island just wondered whether anybody could help me make my mind up.. thanks

Answer

Since you’ll be staying at the Marriott Marina for 12 days with the conference occupying the first five, you have a few factors to consider for deciding whether to stay put or move:

Staying at the Marriott Marina:

The Marina area offers convenience, especially right after your conference, and is well-situated for exploring some of downtown San Diego’s highlights. You’ll have easy access to:

Seaport Village, the USS Midway Museum, and the Gaslamp Quarter for casual and fine dining options within walking distance.
Marina Harbor for scenic walks along the waterfront.
Quick access to Little Italy for excellent restaurants and cafes.

While you are a short drive from beaches like Coronado, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach, it isn’t a direct beachfront experience. If your main interests are beach-focused, this could feel a little limited for the second week.

Moving to a beach-focused area like Coronado Island:

Coronado is a beautiful, relaxed area with a resort-town feel, famous for its beaches and luxury hotels. Staying here for the second week can provide:

Direct beach access for swimming, sunbathing, and evening walks along the sand.
A charming main street with boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes, some fine dining options within walking distance.
Views of the San Diego skyline from the ferry or across the bay.
More leisurely pace if your goal is to unwind post-conference.

Consider the trade-offs: moving requires unpacking, possibly checking in/out, and a short drive or ferry ride to access downtown attractions. However, it can enhance your beach-focused vacation experience.

Recommendation:

If your priority for the second week is beach relaxation, sun, and scenic tranquility, moving to Coronado Island or a beach-front area like Mission Beach is worthwhile.
If you prefer staying centrally located with easy access to downtown restaurants, walking along the marina, and casual sightseeing, staying at the Marriott Marina is convenient and still allows day trips to the beach.
You could also split your time: stay a few more nights at the Marriott after the conference, then move 5–6 days to Coronado for a true beach vacation experience.

Ultimately, both options are reasonable. It depends on whether you value central convenience and dining variety, or immersive beachside relaxation for the latter part of your stay.

Stay put or change area

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