where to stay in san diego for first time ? a guide for first timers 2025

Welcome to sunny San Diego, California’s ultimate beach city, where the weather is perfect, the beaches are stunning, and the vibes are always laid-back. But here’s the good news—visiting this paradise doesn’t have to break the bank! In this post, I’m going to share everything you need to know before your trip to San Diego, including a countdown of the top best budget hotels that offer comfort without the hefty price tag.

Plus, we’ll touch on some affordable and luxurious options for those who want to treat themselves. If you’re wondering where to stay in San Diego for first time? — don’t worry, this guide for first-timers has you covered! Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge, San Diego has something amazing waiting for you. So pack your bags and let’s dive in!

Let’s know about the cheapest hotel, mid range and luxury hotels in san diego.

where to stay in san diego for first time ? best affordable hotel under 100$

• HI San Diego Downtown Hostel Located just a 6-minute walk from the Gaslamp Quarter and 11 minutes from the East Village District, this unpretentious hostel offers free Wi-Fi, lockers, bunk beds, and shared bathrooms in mixed-gender or single-sex dorms. Private rooms come with en-suite facilities. You can enjoy a free pancake breakfast, a shared kitchen, a TV lounge, a game room, and even meeting space. Reviews are glowing with a solid 4.4 rating. Rooms start at just $93 per night.
• San Diego Adventure Hostel Nestled in Little Italy, this vibrant hostel occupies a charming Victorian villa. Just 2 miles from the San Diego Zoo and 6 miles from SeaWorld, it features bright private rooms and dorms, all with complimentary Wi-Fi and towels. The best part? Breakfast, dinner, hot drinks, and guided activities are all included! The property also has a lively common area, complete with a garden, lounge, and outdoor patios. Rated 4.5 on Google with rooms starting at $82 per night.
• Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, an IHG Hotel
  Located just a mile from the Gaslamp Quarter, this straightforward hotel offers free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. Complimentary amenities include breakfast and a happy hour with food and drinks. There’s also a pool, a gym, and an area shuttle to major attractions. Rooms start at $99 per night, and it’s rated 4.0 on Google.

Mid-range hotels under 300$ in san diego

• Horton Grand Hotel Set in a 19th-century building in the Gaslamp Quarter, this elegant hotel offers antique furniture, gas fireplaces, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can unwind in the on-site bar or New Orleans-style courtyard. It’s just a short walk from the San Diego Civic Theater and Seaport Village. Rooms start at $228 per night, and the hotel has a 4.3 rating from over 1,600 reviews.
• The Guild Hotel San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel This elegant 1920s hotel in downtown San Diego combines classic charm with modern comfort. It’s only a 9-minute walk from the USS Midway Museum and 3 miles from the San Diego Zoo. The rooms come with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and suites include living areas. On-site, you’ll find a bar, two restaurants, a lounge, and even a fitness room. The hotel boasts a 4.2 rating, and rooms start at $259 per night.
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown Located in a modern building near downtown, this all-suite hotel features rooms with full kitchens, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and pullout sofas. Guests enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, a fitness center, and a convenient store. With a rating of 4.2 from 375 reviews, rooms start at $224 per night.

best luxurious hotel in san diego

• The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel With its majestic lobby and Corinthian-style columns, the U.S. Grant is full of elegance and charm. Guests can enjoy cocktails made tableside at the Vieux Carre and easily visit nearby attractions like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.
• Park Hyatt Aviara, Carlsbad Just north of San Diego, this golf resort has been a longtime favorite, with newly renovated amenities. The resort boasts a 15,000-square-foot spa, a revamped pool area, and family-friendly activities, making it ideal for both relaxation and entertainment.
• The Guild Hotel, San Diego Housed in a 1920s-era YMCA, The Guild blends historic charm with modern style. With a sleek lobby and updated guest rooms, it offers a unique downtown experience with a central location perfect for exploring the city.

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A perfect travel guide for first timers

what makes San Diego such a popular spot? For one, it’s the perfect destination for outdoor lovers. With an average temperature of 72°F year-round, it’s a paradise for anyone who loves sunshine and fresh air. The beaches here are stunning, and there’s so much nature to explore, from parks to outdoor activities. The San Diego Zoo is a must-see for animal lovers, and if you’re traveling with kids, Legoland is sure to be a hit. The city also has a rich history and is home to the nation’s largest concentration of military personnel, with over 100,000 active service members.

When it comes to military history, you can visit the USS Midway Museum, a former aircraft carrier that lets you experience what life was like for sailors. I even spotted a Navy ship while filming this video right off the Oceanside Pier! There’s definitely a lot to explore in San Diego, and I’ll cover even more things to do as we go on.

Now, let’s get oriented. The best spot to start is Cabrillo National Monument, located at the end of Point Loma. From here, you can get an incredible view of the city. You can see downtown San Diego in the distance, and just next to it is Coronado, which has been named one of the best beaches in the U.S.

Over here, there’s a statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on the West Coast in the 1500s. And just beyond the monument, you can even see Mexico! There’s a bit of confusion between San Diego County and the city itself, but in this video, I’m focusing on the city with its 1.3 million residents. The larger county, which includes a lot of surrounding areas, has more than 3 million people.

I’ll be talking about everything within San Diego County, which is bordered by Mexico to the south and Marine Corps Camp Pendleton to the north, with Orange County (home to Disneyland) even further up. This large Marine Corps base acts as a buffer between San Diego and the sprawling Los Angeles area, helping keep San Diego’s vibe unique and a little bit funky. The county is pretty expansive—about the size of Connecticut—stretching 70 miles along the Pacific Coast and 86 miles from east to west.

San Diego is often called a “city of villages” because each neighborhood and surrounding city has its own distinct feel and climate. Most of the touristy stuff is centered around the coast, which I’ll dive into more when we get to the beaches, but first, let me highlight some of my favorite neighborhoods.

Downtown is right along the bay and, as I mentioned earlier from the Cabrillo National Monument, it’s super walkable. It’s home to the convention center, the Gaslamp District (San Diego’s nightlife hub), and Petco Park, where the Padres play. The USS Midway Museum is also a must-see right by the waterfront. Nearby, Balboa Park is an incredible urban park with the San Diego Zoo and a bunch of museums to explore. Little Italy, just down the hill from Balboa Park, is the place to go for some amazing Italian food, especially on India Street. It’s one of the coolest spots in San Diego to grab a bite and enjoy the atmosphere.

I’m not kidding—India Street is the heart of Little Italy! We’ll talk more about Italian food later, but trust me, I’ve got some seriously tasty recommendations for you in this neighborhood. Just up the hill from Little Italy, you’ll find Hillcrest, home to the LGBTQ+ community and one of the best weekend farmers’ markets in the city.

If you head down the hill to Old Town, you can explore a fascinating State Park that commemorates the beginning of San Diego. On the other side of the airport is Point Loma, where you’ll find the Cabrillo National Monument and Liberty Station, which used to be a naval base but has transformed into a lively neighborhood with a shopping mall and food hall. Across the bay, Coronado is not only home to a beautiful beach but also the historic Hotel del Coronado, a Victorian-style beach resort built in 1888.

It’s the second-largest wooden structure in the U.S., and even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth a visit. You can get to Coronado by crossing the iconic blue bridge or taking a 15-minute ferry ride from downtown.

Zooming out a bit, the area south of San Diego Bay is known as South Bay, where you’ll find some of the best Mexican food in the region. And speaking of bays, San Diego has a second one—Mission Bay. It’s a recreational bay, perfect for walking and biking, and is also home to the original SeaWorld theme park. Now, as for getting into San Diego, I’m shooting this right here at Sunset Cliffs, just down the hill from Cabrillo National Monument. It’s an amazing spot to catch the sunset, and even in February, you’ll find people soaking up the sun on the beach behind me.

As for the airport, there’s only one in San Diego: San Diego International Airport (SAN). It’s the busiest single-runway airport in the world, serving 70 non-stop destinations, including spots in Europe and Japan. If you’re flying in, make sure to sit on the left side of the plane—when you approach the airport, the views are absolutely stunning as you fly in along the coastline.

As you approach downtown San Diego, you can almost reach out and touch the towering skyscrapers as you come in for a landing. The main airlines serving the city are Southwest and Alaska Airlines. If you’re coming from Los Angeles, taking the Amtrak train is a scenic and relaxing option, offering nearly hourly service from Union Station to downtown San Diego.

The trip takes about three hours, so it’s not the quickest option, but it’s definitely the most picturesque as it travels right along the coast. For the best views, sit on the right side of the train. Just a heads up, though—the tracks sometimes get closed due to cliff collapses or other issues, so it’s a good idea to double-check that the train is running before heading to the station.

Another great way to get to San Diego is by car. The city is well-connected to neighboring areas by interstate highways. From Disneyland in Anaheim, it’s about 90 minutes to downtown San Diego; from downtown LA, about two hours; and from Las Vegas, around five hours—though that’s all assuming you don’t hit traffic! Speaking of which, if you’re coming from Los Angeles, avoid driving on Friday or Saturday afternoons—those are the worst times to be on the road.

If you can, try leaving Friday morning or early Saturday morning. Sunday’s also a good time to arrive, but not so great if you’re heading back to LA, as Sunday evening traffic can be pretty heavy.

Cruise ships are another popular way to arrive in San Diego. The city’s cruise terminal is one of the most conveniently located in the country, and each year, about 75 cruise ships dock in San Diego, mostly on Mexican cruises. And yes, Disney Cruise Line is one of those that make stops here too, with San Diego Bay often being considered the gateway to the Mexican Riviera.

Once you’re here, walking is a fantastic way to get around, especially in neighborhoods like Ocean Beach, where I’m filming right now. Ocean Beach is super walkable, with the Ocean Beach Pier (the longest on the West Coast!) and great tide pools to explore during low tide. Not all of San Diego is walkable, but many areas, especially near the beaches, are easy to stroll around.

If you’re driving, getting around is fairly simple, and many beach areas offer free parking. Downtown does have some pay parking spots, though, so make sure to bring a few quarters or have your credit card ready for parking meters. Locals also love getting around by bike, especially in the beach communities where there are plenty of great bike paths to

Mission Beach is a blast, with a great boardwalk stretching from Mission Beach to Pacific Beach that’s perfect for bikes, skateboards, or roller skates. It’s a fun way to get around, and if you didn’t bring your own wheels, don’t worry—there are plenty of rental spots along the beach. You can also find scooters available through apps scattered throughout the streets, so getting around is a breeze.

If you prefer a more traditional option, taxis, Uber, and Lyft are plentiful, especially in the airport and downtown areas. You won’t be left waiting for a ride long, thanks to the constant influx of tourists—about 35 million a year. I’ve had several friends tell me they’ve had no trouble getting around using Uber and Lyft.

For public transit, the San Diego Trolley is a solid option with 62 stations across the city, spanning 65 miles of track and three different lines. It’s especially useful if it goes where you need to go, but it doesn’t cover the beach communities or the airport, so you’ll need other forms of transportation to reach those areas. The bus system is available, but honestly, I’ve found it isn’t the best for reaching major tourist destinations.

when should you visit San Diego? While the city is fantastic year-round thanks to its average 72°F temperature, certain months are better for specific activities. If you’re planning to hit the beach, the best time is July, August, and September.

Why not spring break or May and June? Well, we have this thing called May Gray and June Gloom, where the mornings are often cloudy and overcast until noon. So while May and June are great for other activities, they’re not ideal for beach days. My favorite month for the beach is September—the weather is still warm, the water is about 72°F, and all the summer tourists are gone.

• That said, if you can only make it during the busy months, like June, July, or August, expect a packed beach and higher hotel rates. This is when people from Arizona (affectionately called “Zonies”) flock to San Diego, so parking lots fill up with Arizona license plates.

Hotels can get expensive, but if that’s your only window to visit, it’s still worth it. If you’re into comics or pop culture, don’t miss San Diego Comic-Con in July—just know that the week it’s happening, hotel prices will skyrocket, and the crowds will be crazy! If you’re not into Comic-Con, though, I’d recommend avoiding that week to dodge the higher rates and packed crowds.

• If you visit San Diego in the winter—like December, January, or February—it’s still warm enough to wear short sleeves during the day, but you’ll want to layer up in the evening because the temperatures can drop by about 30°F after sunset. That dry climate means it cools off quickly, even in summer, so I always pack some long pants and a long-sleeve shirt along with my beach gear.

With 70 miles of coastline, San Diego’s beaches are hands down one of the best parts of the city. They’re perfect for more than just sunbathing—surfing here is amazing year-round, with the biggest waves in winter and the smallest in summer. If you’re driving down from LA, Oceanside is the first beach you’ll hit. It’s a cool spot with a nice pier, a beachside strand, and some great new hotels near the pier. Movie fans will recognize it too—it’s where the house from Top Gun was located, now a bakery. But my personal favorite beach is Mission Beach—without a doubt.

The fine white sand, the gentle slope into the water, and the free parking make it my go-to spot. Plus, Belmont Park is right on the sand, and you can ride the classic wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper. It gets pretty crowded on summer weekends, though, so I recommend getting there early to score parking. Just beyond Mission Beach, you’ll find Pacific Beach, San Diego’s party beach with the most bars per capita. You can also stay in one of the cottages on Crystal Pier, which is right over the water.

If you’re visiting with younger kids, Coronado and La Jolla Shores are great choices. Coronado’s beach has gentle waves and a soft slope, and La Jolla Shores is also calm—just remember to do the “stingray shuffle” when you’re wading in, as they like the calmer waters.

Food in San Diego is a bit more expensive than in LA—around 30% more, especially in beach areas and the Gaslamp district. If you’re dining in downtown, expect to pay more because the restaurants cater to tourists and spend a lot on ambiance. My go-to affordable spot is the Old Spaghetti Factory in the Gaslamp, where you can get a hearty meal without breaking the bank. Outside of downtown, In-N-Out Burger is my favorite burger joint, and San Diego’s Mexican food is top-notch, especially the fish tacos.

You’ll find some of the best Mexican food at taco shops—places like Roberto’s, Alberto’s, and the many “Burdos” around the city. If you’re into craft beer, check out San Diego’s vibrant microbrew scene, with places like Carl Strauss and Stone Brewing leading the way.

For nightlife, the Gaslamp district is where the party’s at, especially if you like upscale bars or club vibes. For a more chill bar experience, head to Pacific Beach, where you’ll find a ton of bars, and if you’re in the mood for a dive bar crawl, Ocean Beach is the place to go.

Lastly, there’s so much to do here beyond the beaches. Balboa Park is a must-visit—home to 17 museums, including the Natural History Museum and the San Diego Comic-Con Museum. Belmont Park at Mission Beach has more rides besides the roller coaster, and if you’re into hiking, check out Torrey Pines State Reserve with its stunning ocean views and unique Torrey pine trees. San Diego is also a golfer’s paradise with courses like the world-famous Torrey Pines. For shopping, Seaport Village is a quirky spot with lots of unique shops. And of course, there’s always more to explore, like the USS Midway, the San Diego Zoo, and SeaWorld.