San Diego 4 day trip

Question

My family and I are visiting San Diego for 4 days. Wondering if the gaslamp district a good area and if it’s a prime location for dining and shops?

Wasn’t sure looking at hotels like Marriott Marquis and Hardrock-thoughts?

Wasn’t sure if we should stay 2 days in the gaslamp district and spend 2 days elsewhere just for additional exploring of the area. Would also like to visit Coronado Island. Is the ferry a goood way to get there?

We will not have a rental car.

Answer

The Gaslamp Quarter is indeed a prime location for a San Diego visit, especially if you enjoy dining, nightlife, and shopping. It is a vibrant historic district with plenty of restaurants, bars, and boutique shops within walking distance, making it convenient for visitors without a rental car. The area is also close to the waterfront and many major attractions, which makes it a practical home base for a multi-day trip.

Regarding hotels, both the Marriott Marquis and the Hard Rock Hotel are excellent choices in the Gaslamp District:

Marriott Marquis: Located right on the waterfront, offering spacious rooms, great views, and easy access to both the Gaslamp Quarter and the convention center. Ideal if you want a larger hotel with full amenities.
Hard Rock Hotel: More boutique-style with a lively atmosphere, younger crowd, and entertainment-focused amenities. Very close to bars, restaurants, and nightlife, which could be fun if you enjoy a bustling environment.

For a 4-day trip without a rental car, staying entirely in the Gaslamp Quarter is very convenient. However, if you want to explore other parts of San Diego and get a slightly different experience, you could consider splitting your stay:

2 nights in the Gaslamp Quarter to enjoy dining, shopping, and easy access to the waterfront.
2 nights in a different area, such as Little Italy (for a quieter, culinary-focused neighborhood) or near Balboa Park (if you want to be closer to museums and gardens).

Regarding Coronado Island, the ferry is an excellent option. From downtown San Diego, you can take the Coronado Ferry from the Broadway Pier. The ferry is scenic, affordable, and convenient for visitors without a car. Once on Coronado, you can easily explore the island by walking, renting a bike, or using local shuttles. Popular spots include the Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Beach, and the main shopping street.

Additional tips for a no-car trip:

San Diego has a reliable trolley and bus system that connects the Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town, and other central neighborhoods.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and convenient for trips that are less accessible by public transport.
Consider planning your day trips around transit routes to minimize walking long distances with luggage or for elderly family members.

Overall, staying in the Gaslamp Quarter gives you excellent access to restaurants, shops, and sights, and with the ferry and public transport options, you can easily include Coronado and other nearby attractions without a car.