First time to San Diego

Question

Hi! My husband and I are visiting San Diego in September for the first time, we'll be staying 5 nights. We are open to staying in 2 different areas during our stay, I'd like to be on the beach for at least 2-3 nights. We will rent a car. We'd like to stay in an area that is relatively close to restaurants and bars, or a very short drive. I know the area can be expensive, looking for $350 for one and maybe something a bit cheaper for the second hotel. Excited to see the sights of the area and eat, drink and relax, too. We need to book the hotel, then we can work on the itinerary. We are from Minnesota, so excited to see the beauty of the Southern California Coast. Thanks so much!!

Answer

For a first-time visit to San Diego, splitting your stay between a beach area and a more central or historic area is a great idea. This will allow you to enjoy both the coastal scenery and convenient access to restaurants, bars, and attractions.

Beach Area Options (2–3 nights):

Pacific Beach: Popular with both locals and visitors, Pacific Beach has a lively boardwalk, bars, and restaurants within walking distance. You can often find hotels or vacation rentals around $300–$350 per night in September. The beach is great for relaxing, walking, or casual dining.
Mission Beach: A slightly more family-oriented option than Pacific Beach, with a boardwalk, fun rides at Belmont Park, and easy access to restaurants and casual bars. Staying here keeps you right on the sand with easy access to the Pacific Ocean.
La Jolla: If you prefer a slightly more upscale and scenic beach area, La Jolla has beautiful cliffs and beaches, boutique shopping, and excellent restaurants. Expect to pay a bit more, but there are occasional deals in the $350 range, especially in September.

Central/Other Area Options (1–2 nights):

Gaslamp Quarter / Downtown San Diego: Perfect for nightlife, dining, and walking around historic streets. You can find mid-range hotels here, some possibly closer to $250–$300 per night. Easy access to Balboa Park, USS Midway, and harbor cruises.
Old Town: For a more historic feel, Old Town has charming Mexican restaurants, shops, and a central location for exploring other parts of San Diego. Hotels here can be moderately priced and provide a unique San Diego experience.
Coronado: If you want a quieter, picturesque stay with proximity to the famous Hotel del Coronado and a beautiful beach, consider Coronado. It’s a short drive over the bridge to downtown San Diego and often has hotels under $350 in September.

Tips:

Book your beach hotel first, as September is still a popular travel time and beachfront properties can fill quickly.
Consider parking costs; downtown areas often have paid parking while beach areas sometimes offer free or low-cost options.
With a car, you can easily explore the other attractions and neighborhoods beyond your hotel areas without being confined to one spot.

By splitting your stay between a lively beach area like Pacific Beach or Mission Beach and a more central or historic area like Gaslamp or Old Town, you’ll experience both the beauty of the Southern California coast and the vibrant culture, dining, and nightlife of San Diego.