Late October trip- confused!

Question

Hi everyone. I have been trying to research where to stay for my first visit to San Diego. It’s so confusing. I can’t seem to get a clear picture on location of hotels or whether to uber or rent a car. Parking sounds annoying and expensive. I know I want to visit the zoo, Old Town, Little Italy, La Jolla and Coronado. I would love to have a water view and hear the ocean. My daughter will come for a few days, but I’ll be solo otherwise. I’d like to keep hotel around $500. I prefer boutique type places and don’t want to have to eat hotel food the whole time. Any ideas?

Answer

San Diego has a variety of neighborhoods that can fit your preferences, and late October is a great time to visit with mild weather and fewer crowds than summer. Since you want water views, boutique-style hotels, and easy access to key attractions like the Zoo, Old Town, La Jolla, Little Italy, and Coronado, choosing the right base is important.

For your interests, staying near the waterfront is ideal. This gives you easy access to the ocean, scenic views, and walkable areas for dining and exploring. Parking and traffic can be tricky in some areas, but if you pick the right neighborhood, you can rely on walking, rideshares, or short drives rather than full-time car use.

La Jolla: Beautiful coastal area with boutique hotels, ocean views, and easy access to beaches. It’s ideal if you want to relax and enjoy water views. Restaurants and shops are plentiful. The San Diego Zoo and Old Town will require a short drive (15–25 minutes), but the scenery along the way is nice.
Coronado: Iconic beaches and water views, boutique hotels, and a charming small-town feel. Close to the ferry or short drive to downtown. Parking at the hotel may be easier than downtown, and you can enjoy walking along the waterfront. Travel to La Jolla or the Zoo is longer (25–35 minutes by car).
Downtown / Gaslamp / Marina District: Central location, lots of boutique hotels and restaurants. Close to Little Italy, the USS Midway, and Coronado ferry. Walking or Uber/Lyft works well here. For the Zoo or La Jolla, a 15–25 minute drive is needed, and parking can be pricey, but manageable if your hotel includes it.

Additional tips:

Given your interests, a car rental is optional but can be helpful for trips to La Jolla, the Zoo, and Old Town. If you choose a downtown or Coronado base, you can minimize driving and rely on Uber/Lyft for occasional trips.
Check if your hotel offers parking or valet included in the room rate. Boutique hotels often have limited parking, so booking ahead is recommended.
For boutique hotels with ocean views, consider La Valencia Hotel (La Jolla), Pantai Inn (La Jolla), Hotel del Coronado (Coronado), or Kimpton Solamar (Downtown with rooftop views, not directly oceanfront). Rates may vary but should be around your budget in October.
Plan your days strategically: dedicate one day to La Jolla, one day to the Zoo and Balboa Park, one day to Coronado and waterfront walks, and a short trip to Old Town and Little Italy.

In summary, La Jolla or Coronado are best for water views and boutique charm. Downtown/Marina offers centrality and easy dining options but less direct ocean immersion. A car rental is optional but can add flexibility, especially for La Jolla and the Zoo. Booking early for October ensures you get a boutique hotel within your budget with preferred amenities.

Late October trip- confused!

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