What area to stay

Question

My husband and I are coming for our first visit to San Diego in September, we are planning to stay four nights and visit SeaWorld and the San Diego zoo apart from other things which we haven’t yet decided as we are still in the very early stages of planning.

What areas should we be looking to stay? We have a car and don’t mind driving so don’t need to be in the centre of everything would love to keep it under $200 a night if possible including car parking if we need to pay for that on top.

Are there areas that we should be avoiding?

Thank you so much for your help

Answer

For your first visit to San Diego, you have a good amount of flexibility since you have a car and don’t need to be right in the center of the city. Since your main priorities are SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, it makes sense to consider areas that are reasonably central and allow easy access to these attractions as well as other points of interest.

Recommended areas to stay:

Mission Valley: Centrally located and close to both SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo. Mission Valley has a wide range of hotels, often with parking included, and is convenient for driving to other parts of the city. It’s a practical choice for first-time visitors who want a mix of affordability and accessibility.
Hotel Circle: Technically part of Mission Valley, this area has many mid-range hotels and motels, often under $200/night. It’s near I-8, making it easy to drive to various attractions. Hotels here usually have free or low-cost parking.
Old Town: Offers a charming atmosphere with historic sites, restaurants, and easy freeway access. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive to the Zoo and SeaWorld. This area also has some reasonably priced hotels with parking included.
Pacific Beach / Mission Beach: If you want a beach vibe, these areas are great, though hotel prices might be higher. Still, it’s possible to find deals under $200/night, especially in smaller boutique hotels. Driving to the Zoo or SeaWorld is doable but will take about 15-20 minutes without traffic.
La Jolla: A beautiful area, ideal if you want a scenic stay and are interested in beaches, coastal walks, and dining. Note that it’s farther from SeaWorld and the Zoo (20-25 min drive), and hotel prices may be on the higher end, but deals do exist if booked in advance.

Areas to be cautious about or avoid:

Downtown / East Village: While trendy and walkable, some parts can be noisy, and parking is expensive or limited. For a first visit where you have a car, it may not be the most convenient choice.
Some parts of Southeast San Diego: Neighborhoods farther south like Encanto or parts of National City can be less safe for tourists, especially if unfamiliar with the area. Stick to well-reviewed hotels and main roads.

Tips:

Book early, especially for September, as San Diego is still busy with summer tourists and local events.
Check if hotels include parking in the nightly rate, as adding parking can easily push the total cost over your $200 target.
Mission Valley/Hotel Circle gives the best combination of price, safety, and centrality for your itinerary, making it likely your best bet for a stress-free first visit.

With a car, any of these areas work well, and Mission Valley or Hotel Circle likely give you the easiest and most cost-effective base for exploring SeaWorld, the Zoo, beaches, and other San Diego highlights.

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