Perched close to the Mexican border, San Diego is a vibrant Californian city with a more colourful atmosphere than many of the others in the state. You can expect everything from superb beaches to buzzing nightlife, cultural attractions and heaps of family-friendly activities. San Diego’s popularity is reflected in the terrific range of accommodation on offer — from historic inns and boutique stays to slick luxury hotels with suites and top-notch facilities (most with a pool). Whilst many of the best places to stay in San Diego are centred upon the downtown area and the lively Gaslamp Quarter, there are some gorgeous beachfront properties for romantic retreats or fun family holidays, and some are even pet friendly. If you're not sure of where you should base yourself, check out our neighbourhood guide.

Some of our San Diego collections:

• Top Resorts in San Diego
• Best Central Hotels in San Diego

Bursting with cultural sites and boasting wonderful weather, San Diego is brilliant for a city break. Discover the area’s complex past at the San Diego Natural History Museum, tour impressive art galleries and amble around the appealing Old Town to admire striking architecture. Come evening, catch a show or live music event before feasting in one of the city’s trendy eateries and hitting the dance floor.

San Diego is also a great city for families: kids will adore the world-famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, the Birch Aquarium and Legoland. If it’s the great outdoors that you’re after, stroll through Balbao Park or try hiking and wildlife-spotting in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, one of the wildest stretches of the South California coast. The city’s many beaches are lovely for long walks, building sandcastles or surfing, too. Popular coastal spots include Del Mar and La Jolla, where some of our top hotel picks are located. Many of the best places to stay in San Diego promise views over spectacular Pacific Ocean sunsets, whilst others offer super-swish city breaks for well-heeled travellers or stacks of activities for the whole family.

The Best Places to stay in San Diego

For a grand & central stay

• The US Grant is an imposing landmark hotel, dating back to 1910. Book a luxurious room here for a glamorous San Diego experience, complete with a superb spa, gym, cocktail bars, smart restaurants and prohibition-era meeting rooms. The striking art collection is reason enough to visit! Grown-up opulence.
• Horton Grand Hotel offers charming, antique-filled rooms with marble fireplaces in a Victorian-era edifice. Life in this elegant hotel centres upon the sociable courtyard garden. Stay here for the heritage grandeur and lively Gaslamp location.

For contemporary city style

• The Guild Hotel is a sophisticated downtown delight, promising cool, contemporary rooms with white-tiled bathrooms and a chic evening vibe. Sip cracking cocktails at the Guild Bar and savour excellent Italian cuisine after a rejuvenating afternoon at the spa. Stylish and romantic.
• Andaz San Diego is a hip hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, with luxurious, ultra-modern rooms featuring lots of glass and mood lighting. The rooftop restaurant and pool-side bar becomes an open-air cinema in the evenings. One for chic party-goers!
• Hotel Indigo offers a bright, modern stay in the Gaslamp area, perfect for couples, families or business travellers looking somewhere fun and friendly. Admire the views from the rooftop bar at the weekends, or kick back with fresh, zingy fare at the lobby restaurant and the laid-back café. The property is also pet-friendly, and boasts great meeting facilities.
• Pendry San Diego is a trendy choice for a slick city stay, Spacious rooms promise crisp white linens and pared-back decor, whilst there's plenty of fun to be had at the rooftop pool, the indulgent spa and the six bars and restaurants. Ideal for a lively and sociable San Diego break.
• Hotel Republic is a chic urban base with simple, stylish rooms featuring white-and-grey decor and indulgent rain showers. Choose from an array of bars and restaurants, marvel at the city skyline from the roof terrace, and cycle around the city on one of their bikes. Excellent value for a central stay!

For a boutique hideaway

• The Pearl Hotel is a hip, minimalist property in Point Loma. The 23 rooms featuring a soothing cream-and-white colour palette, there's a central pool, regular outdoor movie screenings, and the lively bar is a brilliant place to grab a drink and socialise. A trendy, intimate choice for couples or friends.
• 1906 Lodge offers 17 rooms in a meticulously-restored house on historic Coronado Island. Expect elegant, understated interiors, with big tubs in the larger rooms and heaps of character. A gorgeous B&B for couples within easy reach of all the island's attractions. The pool is ideal for cooling off!

For a seafront escape

• Tower 23 is actually a beautifully designed three-storey building right on the seafront. The 44 rooms have floor-to-ceiling sea views, there are in-room spa treatments to sample and the restaurant is fabulous. Beachfront contemporary cool for surfers or families, who will appreciate big rooms with two queen beds.
• Scripps Inn is a cosy 14-room B&B right on the beach in La Jolla. Classic, comfortable interiors feature a blue-and-white palette, there's a lovely terrace for soaking up the ocean views, and lots to see and do nearby. Excellent for relaxing and exploring!
• Pantai Inn is a Balinese-inspired hideaway with characterful antique furnishings, Indonesian artwork and extensive balconies perfect for panoramas of the Pacific. Savour delicious breakfasts, unwind with an in-room massage and wander to the cove at La Jolla.
• The Grande Colonial is an impressive historic building, ideal for well-heeled travellers dreaming of a seafront break. Think stylish, grown-up rooms with marble bathrooms, a superb farm-to-table restaurant and a wonderful location in one of the city's smartest seaside neighbourhoods. Very grand.
• La Valencia is a gorgeous seaside hotel with an old-school Mediterranean vibe in elegant bedrooms, a pink-walled restaurant, a relaxing spa and an attractive outdoor pool. Charming and idyllic, for a classic escape. The set-up is great for families!

For a resort

• The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a craftsman-style property overlooking a championship golf course and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Pick this place for old-school charm and excellent golf. Charming rooms offer family-friendly options, there's superb food and the vibe is very laid-back.
• Fairmont Grand Del Mar is an opulent resort choice for families or couples, with lavish bedrooms, five pools, six restaurants, a golf course, tennis courts and a top-notch spa. The private beach access is a highlight, too! Mediterranean-inspired luxury.
• Kona Kai Resort & Spa is a chic, contemporary property overlooking Kona Kai Marina. Expect a fresh, airy feel, with bold prints and a nautical palette, two pools, a spa and striking alfresco dining. Very romantic, but also well-suited to families eager for somewhere swish and sea-facing. There's a private man-made beach, too.
• L'Auberge Del Mar offers 120 luxurious rooms and suites in Del Mar for couples or families. A popular wedding venue, the resort also features an outdoor pool, tennis courts and a soothing spa. Pets are welcome and there are bikes for exploring the area. Stay here for a chic seaside escape!

For great value

• Les Artistes Inn is a cosy Del Mar hideaway, within easy walking distance of shops, eateries and the beach. The twelve quirky rooms are named after famous artists and feature lovely private balconies. Well-priced and deservedly popular.
• El Primero Hotel is an adults-only B&B in a very cool Art Deco building. Monochrome rooms are simple, the team are super-friendly, and you can kick off your day with a great fresh breakfast each morning before heading out to see the sights around Chula Vista. Family-run and excellent value.
• Hillcrest House is a characterful, eight-bedroom B&B in the central Hillcrest neighbourhood. Some rooms boast little patio areas -- ideal for sitting out with a glass of wine in the evenings. Stay here for the vintage feel, great value and ideal location. Warm and cosy.

For an apartment or villa

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to San Diego International Airport - better known as Lindbergh Field - which is just 2.5 miles north-west of downtown San Diego. Hop aboard a bus or take a taxi to your hotel. Alternatively, many hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick-up in advance.
• California is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• An appealing year-round destination, San Diego boasts warm weather and lots of sunshine. Expect more rain in April and November.

Still not sure?

• Explore our pick of all the best places to stay in Encinitas, La Jolla, Downtown San Diego, or the Gaslamp Quarter.
• Broaden your search to include the best places to stay in California.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in San Diego