accomodation advice?

Question

Arriving in San Diego in early December for a 3 night stay. Middle-aged female traveling mainly with an eye to birdwatching so I will have a rental car. Would like to be located in an area with some services and restaurants but away from the busiest downtown areas. Considering Best Western Yacht Harbour Hotel, Holiday Inn Express - Seaworld area near the sports arena, Comfort Inn Seaworld and the Best Western on Shelter Island. Most of these at least partly chosen because they include parking. The Best Western on Shelter Island doesn't but it looks like there is lots of free parking there?

Would be grateful for any advice on which of these would be a pleasant, quiet, economical home base where I would be comfortable and safe. Open to other ideas too, Thanks!

Answer

For a birdwatching-focused visit to San Diego in early December, you’ll want a base that’s quiet, safe, and convenient for driving to various birding hotspots, while still offering some nearby services and restaurants. Since you’ll have a rental car, access to parking is an important consideration, but proximity to peaceful neighborhoods is equally key.

Here’s a detailed overview of your hotel options and considerations:

Best Western Yacht Harbour Hotel (Harbor Island/Shelter Island area) – This is a very pleasant and quiet location, with easy waterfront views and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to downtown. It is a short drive from downtown, Balboa Park, and nearby birding spots like the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Parking is included, which is a plus. There are a few restaurants within walking distance, though most dining options are a short drive away. Overall, it’s safe, quiet, and well-suited for a calm, nature-oriented stay.
Holiday Inn Express – SeaWorld/Sports Arena area – Convenient if you want hotel amenities and slightly closer access to Mission Bay and some midtown restaurants. However, this area can be busier with traffic and hotel activity, and while parking is available, the surroundings are less scenic and less serene than Shelter Island.
Comfort Inn SeaWorld area – Budget-friendly and includes parking, but it is closer to main roads and the sports arena, which means more noise and activity. It’s functional but less charming as a base for birdwatching.
Best Western on Shelter Island – This is a very scenic location with waterfront access and quiet streets. The hotel itself does not offer dedicated parking, but Shelter Island generally has plenty of free public parking nearby. The neighborhood is peaceful, safe, and scenic, making it a great base for morning or evening birdwatching along the shoreline or San Diego Bay. Restaurants are accessible but may require a short walk or drive.

Other considerations and alternative suggestions:

Mission Bay area – Offers a combination of quiet residential streets, waterfront access, and easy parking. Hotels in this area are generally mid-range and provide a calm setting while still being within a 10–15 minute drive to restaurants.
La Jolla or Pacific Beach outskirts – These areas are slightly farther from central San Diego but offer scenic coastal settings and birding opportunities, particularly La Jolla for seabirds. Parking can vary but is generally available with hotel stays.
Point Loma/Liberty Station – A quiet, safe neighborhood with restaurants and shops nearby. Easy driving access to San Diego Bay and birding sites.

Recommendation: For your goals of birdwatching, safety, and a quiet stay with easy parking, the Best Western Yacht Harbour Hotel or the Best Western on Shelter Island are both excellent choices. Shelter Island provides a more scenic and serene environment, while Yacht Harbour has the convenience of included parking. The Holiday Inn Express or Comfort Inn are more practical but less ideal for a peaceful, nature-oriented base.

With either Shelter Island or Harbor Island, you’ll have quick access to the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Point Loma tidepools, and Mission Bay birding areas, making it a strategic home base for your December birdwatching trip.

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