Hotel Suggestions please and places to go/eat ideas

Question

Right we are a family of 4 coming to San Diego from the UK around 20-25th October. Myself and husband and daughter (23) and son (21).

It looks like a fascinating place and we are super excited.

I'm wondering about hotels and whether we need to change part way through trip and combine everything in one hotel.

We want to visit all the museums and gardens etc in Balboa Park especially the Zoo. Perhaps SeaWorld or Aquarium. Ideally Coronado.

We like culture, art, shopping, history and natural history/science. We also love the classic comic con type things Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Marvel, Godzilla etc

So firstly any fun places we might not have thought of? Bookstores? Film/TV Merch stores/places?

Secondly where to stay - we have a gig to go to at the House of Blues on our last night there. I am worried about leaving there late and getting back to a hotel. So should we stay near that venue the whole trip or is there a better area to stay in for all th sights and then just stay nearby that one night?

We would need two rooms. I'm keen to visit the beach/bay but we don't need to stay necessarily at a beach resort type place.

So sorry for the long post but I'm just really keen to make the most of the time whilst staying somewhere that feels safe if we go out in the evening and need to come back to hotel.

Answer

San Diego is a fantastic city for a family trip with lots to do, especially if you love culture, history, and pop culture. Since you’re visiting for 5 days and want to cover a lot of ground, it’s helpful to plan both your accommodations and your itinerary carefully.

1) Fun Places & Unique Interests

Besides the obvious attractions like Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and the Aquarium, here are some fun spots you might enjoy:

Comic-Con Museum: Located in Balboa Park, this museum has rotating exhibits on comics, pop culture, and films like Star Wars, Marvel, and more.
Gaslamp Quarter: Great for browsing collectibles, comic books, and themed shops; lots of cafes and restaurants too.
Coronado Island: Perfect for a relaxing day, strolling by the bay, and seeing the historic Hotel Del Coronado.
Old Town San Diego: Explore historic buildings, museums, and shops with Mexican and California heritage themes.
Liberty Public Market: A vibrant place with local food, craft shops, and occasional pop culture or art vendors.
Specialty bookstores & pop culture shops: Examples include Mysterious Galaxy (science fiction/fantasy books), The Ultimate Comic Book Store in downtown, and local Star Wars/Marvel collectibles stores around the city.

2) Where to Stay

For a family-focused itinerary that includes Balboa Park, the Zoo, and possibly Coronado, it makes sense to stay centrally or in neighborhoods that are safe, walkable, and convenient:

Downtown / Gaslamp Quarter: Ideal if you want nightlife and restaurants within walking distance, and for staying near House of Blues for your gig. Safe area with easy access to Uber/Lyft.
Mission Bay / Mission Beach: Close to water activities, beaches, and SeaWorld. Great for daytime activities but a bit farther from House of Blues (15-20 min drive).
Hotel Circle / Mission Valley: Central location, safe, plenty of hotel options, easy drive to Balboa Park, Zoo, and SeaWorld, but less walkable for nightlife.

Considering you have a gig at House of Blues, the simplest approach might be to pick a centrally located hotel in Downtown / Gaslamp Quarter for most of your stay. If you prefer beach vibes, you could stay one night near Mission Bay and then move downtown for the last night, but with Uber/Lyft, staying downtown the entire trip is perfectly feasible and convenient for evening returns from the gig.

3) Recommended Hotels

Gaslamp Quarter: Pendry San Diego, Hotel Indigo, or Horton Grand Hotel for a boutique feel with safe surroundings.
Mission Bay: Bahia Resort Hotel or Catamaran Resort Hotel for waterfront access and family-friendly pools.
Hotel Circle: Hilton Garden Inn, Best Western Plus Island Palms, or Hyatt Mission Bay for mid-range options with easy access to all major attractions.

4) Dining & Evening Options

Gaslamp Quarter: Born & Raised (steak), Lionfish (seafood), Gaslamp Fish House.
Balboa Park vicinity: Panama 66, Prado Restaurant inside the park.
Coronado: Peohe’s or The Brigantine for seafood with bay views.
Fun casual / pop culture themed: Coin-Op Game Room (arcade & bar), Royale or Soda & Swine for relaxed meals.

5) Itinerary Tips

Plan a full day in Balboa Park for museums and the Zoo.
SeaWorld or the Aquarium can be half-day visits, so pair with Coronado or Old Town in the same day.
Downtown Gaslamp is ideal for evening strolls, casual shopping, and access to the gig.
Use ride-sharing to minimize parking stress, especially downtown.

Overall, staying downtown or in the Gaslamp Quarter for all nights simplifies logistics and keeps you close to restaurants, bars, and nightlife while still being within 15-20 minutes of major attractions. If you really want the beach experience, consider one night in Mission Bay early in the trip and then move downtown for the rest.

Hotel Suggestions please and places to go/eat ideas

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