SAN DIEGO: Cheap Hotels in Downtown San Diego and Beyond

There are so many things to do and places to explore in San Diego. And, the great thing about the second largest city in California is that if offers a mild climate to enjoy the sights and scenery year round.

Find your hotel in San Diego

San Diego

San Diego is a coastal city located just north of the Mexican/ American border. Blessed with sunshine throughout most of the year, visitors to San Diego hotels can stay beachside, dockside, in the city, or in historic districts while basking in pure California fun!

When to Visit Based on Price

The winter months will find your best prices and fewer crowds at the attractions. You may have to pack a sweatshirt during but you still find many wearing shorts, because the weather is still mild, just a bit cloudy and wet at times.

Low Season: January through March is less busy. Average Daily Rates of:

• 2 Star: $34-$199
• 3 Star: $75-$799
• 4 Star: $169-$618

High Season: June through September offers the best weather, and destination for families. Average Daily Rates of:

• 2 Star: $44-$236
• 3 Star: $42-$209
• 4 Star: $120-$549

Magic Savings Tip: Research online ahead of your visit to San Diego for discounts on most attractions. If traveling with as a family, you can certainly save big bucks at Zoo, amusements and even restaurants.

Sights you mustn t miss

Take the ferry over to Coronado Island, and rent a bike. While there, visit the Hotel Del Coronado, a beautiful old Victorian style massive hotel. Enjoy dinner, buffet or a cocktail, at sunset on the outside deck. Bring your camera. While in San Diego, actually eat at a real Mexican restaurant and experience real Mexican cuisine. Walk the shops at Seaport Village.

Fun things to do

Spend a day with the animals at the San Diego Zoo, with the baby Panda, and 100 s of exotic animals. This is truly a fantastic zoo and experience. If you have time and a car, visit the outdoor Wild Animal park experience, where the animals run free. If you make advance reservations, you can get private tours in the acreage enclosures . Another fun time is a journey on the hop on, hop off Trolley Tour.

Although there are a multitude of other fun things to do here, a visit and tour of the U.S.S. Midway parked at the dock downtown is a must do. Enjoy this while you stroll the boardwalk and marinas.

Keep an eye out in the bay, especially in the waters between Coronado Island and San Diego for small rubber Navy crafts, and Navy Seal divers on board. They quite often can be seen doing maneuvers, especially at night.

Wine and Dine Tips

Some of your best dining in San Diego is located downtown in the Gaslamp Quarter . Here you find over 100 restaurants, all in the center of town, and a short walk from waterfront hotels. If you have a recommended favorite from your hotel, make reservations early. If not, it s fun to take a casual walk, and read menus posted out front of each restaurant, until you find the one that makes your tummy growl.

For suggestions, awesome burgers at The Burger Lounge , best Japanese at Sushi Bar Nippon , and fun time at Field Irish Pub and Dicks Last Resort where you eat on white rolled paper, and are insulted by staff (on purpose).

Day Trips

Take a day trip to Temecula Wine Country and visit some of the newest and best southern California wines. A great place to have lunch and sip some excellent wines.

Take a drive up the coast to Torrey Pines, Del Mar, Carlsbad, where beaches are inviting and popular. While there maybe take the kids for a surprise day at the new LEGOLAND Theme Park.

Where to Stay

Some of the best resort-style hotels in San Diego are set in prime locations near the water like the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. Guests staying here, and in luxury San Diego hotels like the Hilton San Diego Resort are close to shopping, dining, nightlife, and some of the most popular attractions in the city.

Many travelers to San Diego love to take the trolley or rapid rail line to Old Town Historic Park, the "birthplace of California," to experience authentic Mexican cuisine, heritage museums, and wonderful arts and culture.

Stay downtown for the day and stroll the boutiques and Horton Plaza mall for clothing and souvenirs to take home. You won't want to head back to your San Diego hotel for the night without taking in dinner and maybe dancing in the Gaslamp District, a trendy enclave of streets featuring roof-top nightclubs and charming pubs.

Families will no doubt want to visit Balboa Park, were kiddies can ride the Carousel and parents can enjoy a little time at the San Diego Museum of Art. For a special treat, walk the wandering paths of the Japanese Friendship Garden or the halls of the San Diego Air and Space Museum.