Short mother daughter trip - hotel

Question

My daughter (20's) and I (50's) will be coming end of Oct. for 3 full days. One of the days she'll be at the convention center most of the day for work. Due to this, she has access to group discounted rates for hotels in that area. We won't have a car.

Hotel: She would like a 'cool bar', coffee shop, and not too far from the convention center.. I want it to be be very safe ( I am still the mom!!) which I believe most are by the convention center/ Gaslamp, have luggage hold option, and have a small store for snacks & hopefully wine. We've looked alot at Margaritaville and Hilton Bayfront. I can see positives and negatives for both including size, what they offer, etc... any opinions on one over the other?

Hike: 1 day we want to do some hiking by the water somewhere like 3- 5 miles (not sure yet where) and will likely use uber. Is cell reception pretty good in La Jolla/ Torrey Pines near popular walking trails? We can look at closer places as well.

Answer

For a short mother-daughter trip to San Diego with your daughter mostly attending the convention center, staying nearby is ideal for convenience, safety, and walkability. The Gaslamp Quarter and nearby waterfront areas are generally safe, lively, and well-serviced by hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Hotel options near the convention center:

Margaritaville Hotel: Fun, vibrant atmosphere with a casual, tropical vibe. Has a bar and on-site coffee options, but its size and theme may make it feel less “quiet” for parents. Conveniently located for walking to the convention center and Gaslamp restaurants. Likely has luggage hold, small store options may be limited.
Hilton San Diego Bayfront: Larger, more upscale hotel with good security, multiple bars, coffee options, and small shops including snacks and wine. Offers luggage hold, and its location is very close to the convention center with a waterfront view. More spacious public areas and professional feel, which may feel safer and more comfortable for an adult traveler.

Recommendation:

If you prefer a trendy, casual, fun vibe for the daughter, Margaritaville is a solid choice.
If your priority is safety, amenities, and quiet comfort while still being convenient to the convention center, Hilton Bayfront is likely the better fit. It also gives easy access to the waterfront and walking paths, with Uber or Lyft options nearby.

Hiking options for a 3–5 mile walk near water:

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Coastal trails with stunning ocean views. Several loop options, around 3–5 miles. Very popular, so cell reception is generally good along main trails. Parking is available, but Uber/Lyft drop-offs are convenient.
La Jolla Shores / Coast Walk: Gentle trail along the cliffs from La Jolla Shores to La Jolla Cove. About 3–5 miles round trip. Beautiful ocean views, tide pools, and plenty of spots to stop for photos. Cell service is reliable along the main promenade.
Mission Bay / Bayshore Bikeway: Flatter, easy walking along the bay, ideal for a scenic but less strenuous option. Can customize distance easily.

Other tips:

Uber and Lyft work well in these areas, so you can manage without a car.
For safety and convenience, choose hotels with 24-hour front desk and easy access to walkable areas. Both suggested hotels meet these criteria.
October weather in San Diego is generally pleasant, so coastal hikes are very comfortable.

In summary, Hilton Bayfront is probably the safest, most comfortable choice with better amenities for your needs, while Margaritaville is more playful and youthful. For hikes, Torrey Pines or La Jolla are both excellent for a 3–5 mile, scenic, coastal day trip.

Short mother daughter trip - hotel

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