Need help where to stay

Question

Hi coming to SD early September after a stay in Anaheim. First time to California and so much I want to see with little time. Anyhow plannning on Padres game and San Diego Zoo. I’m sort of a hotel snob and having a hard time finding the perfect spot. We will have a rental car. I was looking at Coronado island hotels like the BW Coronado. I was also looking at Bahia resort and MarBrisa. SPRINGHILL suites is also on my radar. We are a family of 4 adults so having the extra bed is what I’m after as my adult boys do not want to share. I like to be able to walk for coffee and food but I also don’t want to be in the middle of the city with street noise and horns honking. Can anyone help me find my perfect spot? Safety is my number 1 priority as I’m sure my young 20’s sons will want to go out for drinks at night.

Answer

For your San Diego stay in early September, it sounds like you’re looking for a combination of safety, comfort, walkability for dining and coffee, and easy access to your planned activities like the Padres game and the San Diego Zoo. Since you’ll have a rental car, staying slightly outside the busiest downtown areas is perfectly feasible and can give you more space, quiet, and better options for multiple beds for your family.

Coronado Island is a strong choice for your preferences. It offers a resort-like atmosphere, safe streets, and easy walkability for coffee shops, restaurants, and beach access. The area is quieter than downtown, yet still close enough to drive to the Zoo and Petco Park (Padres game).

Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina – Spacious rooms, quiet location, and good walking access to eateries. Has suites with extra beds, which can suit your adult sons needing their own beds.
Bahia Resort Hotel – Full resort experience, safe environment, walking paths to restaurants and the marina. Rooms vary, so look for options with multiple beds or suites.
MarBrisa Boutique Hotel – Smaller, boutique feel, often very quiet and private. Check room configurations for two separate beds or suites.
SpringHill Suites Coronado – Reliable mid-range option, good for families, modern amenities, and some suites with separate sleeping areas for multiple adults.

If you prefer staying slightly closer to downtown while avoiding the hustle and noise, consider neighborhoods like Mission Hills or Little Italy. These are walkable, safe, and offer good dining options, but you’ll have to drive to Coronado or the Zoo.

Mission Hills – charming, quiet streets, boutique hotels or Airbnb options, short drive to downtown attractions and Zoo.
Little Italy – lively but more contained than Gaslamp Quarter, good restaurants, walkable, still safe, short drive to Padres game or Zoo.

Other tips:

Book a hotel with parking included since you’ll have a rental car.
Verify room configurations for 4 adults; suites or rooms with two beds plus sofa beds work best.
For nightlife, Coronado is quieter, so your sons may need rideshares if they plan to go out, which keeps you in a safer zone for your stay.
Try to reserve your rooms early since early September is still a busy travel season in San Diego.

Overall, Coronado Island hits your main priorities: safety, walkability for casual coffee and meals, quiet surroundings, and family-friendly accommodations. Downtown and Little Italy can also be considered, but Coronado provides the resort-style experience and peace you seem to want.

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