San Diego Cheap Hotels in San Diego

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Wildlife lovers should make San Diego a definite stop along their vacation destinations. This incredible city is home to the world famous San Diego Zoo, as well as Sea World and whale watching excursions that give you a chance to see real whales in action. Of course, there's also Legoland and tons of other attractions to enjoy. And you can see everything when you book your hotel in San Diego today and get a great deal on the cost.

When to visit based on price

Visiting San Diego between October and April will afford you much better prices. Keep in mind that rates will be higher during the winter holidays.

Key attractions

When visiting San Diego, a visit to the San Diego Zoo is always a fun and exciting adventure. This is truly one of the most beautiful and well-kept zoos of the world. On 100 acres of tropical gardens, you’ll see over 4,000 animals. You won’t find a more humane presentation of wild animals anywhere else. Take a photo of you and the Giant Panda’s, the elephant shows and of course the big “cats”. In the park, get off your feet and take the three-mile guided bus tour, or sky tram.
Another attraction you must put on your list is a visit to Sea World. This is a whole day of fun for the entire family. Enjoy the outdoor shows like the killer whales and dolphins, but a word of warning, you get wet up front.
Take a water taxi over to the island of Coronado, maybe rent bikes and cruise this relaxing quaint town. For lunch or dinner, an excellent choice is the historic Hotel Del Coronado overlooking the bay.
One of the newer attractions, and most favorite of young and old is a tour of the U.S.S. Midway Navy Carrier, docked to the boardwalk. This is the famous battle tested ship that the movie was made about. You can spend a whole day aboard this ship, utilizing the headsets that guide you throughout the ship. For “lunch with a view” you can grab a burger and a beer on the tail section café and enjoy the view of the city.

Having fun

A short drive away is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where you get to view hundreds of Asian and African animals in their natural environment, roaming over 1,800 acres. Sign up in advance and you can get a special “inside the park” tour and feed the animals, under the watchful eyes of park rangers of course. Another special treat is taking the aerial gondola over the park, or the African Tram Safari through the park.
If you’re traveling with small children, then you must visit Carlsbad an hour up the highway, and the new LEGOLAND Adventure Theme Park. Located on 128 acres, this adventure offers over sixty attractions within the park. And it’s not all about Lego’s either. There’s also a water park, with slides, and the SEA LIFE Aquarium, featuring sharks and stingrays and more.

Shopping

One of the fun shopping experiences in San Diego is time spent at the shops of Seaport Village off the boardwalk. Visit over fifty shops, and take a break in one of the 17 unique restaurants on the water.
For a true “mall experience” a must shop is the Fashion Valley Mall, featuring over 200 stores and restaurants. Shop Coach, Tiffany’s, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and much more.

Nearby

For the golfers on vacation, San Diego has some of the most spectacular golfing anywhere in the U.S., with Torrey Pines Golf Course a half an hour up the I-5. That’s just one of many to choose from, but not many have the ocean views of Torrey Pines.
If you want to escape the city into the desert for a sip or two of wine, then Temecula Wine Country is in order.
Located just about a half hour from the U.S. Boarder, you may entertain a visit to Tijuana, Mexico. To avoid the auto motor crossing, there’s actually a parking garage on the U.S. side, and a walking bridge over to Tijuana, which is recommended. If visiting Tijuana, it’s advisable to stay in the tourist area / square, where your safety is almost assured. Great shopping and deals can be had, however, keep your valuables in a safe and non- accessible place on your person. Above all, remember you are in a foreign country, so have your passport ready.

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Our recommendations in San Diego

Wyndham Garden San Diego Near SeaWorld

Wyndham Garden San Diego Near SeaWorld

3-star hotel

N/A

Starting From

$135

Hotel Iris - San Diego

Hotel Iris - San Diego

2.5-star hotel

N/A

Starting From

$94

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego

3.5-star hotel

N/A

Starting From

$229

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Diego North, CA

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Diego North, CA

3-star hotel

N/A

Starting From

$208

Ramada by Wyndham San Diego North Hotel & Conference Center

Ramada by Wyndham San Diego North Hotel & Conference Center

3.5-star hotel

7.9 Good

Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle

Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle

3-star hotel

7.9 Good

Starting From

$127

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

4-star hotel

N/A

Starting From

$241

Bay Inn and Suites at Seaworld

Bay Inn and Suites at Seaworld

2-star hotel

5.8

Residence Inn By Marriott San Diego Central

Residence Inn By Marriott San Diego Central

3-star hotel

8.6 Fabulous

Starting From

$127

Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego

Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego

5-star hotel

9.3 Superb

Starting From

$1450

Motel 6 San Diego, CA – near Sea World

Motel 6 San Diego, CA – near Sea World

2-star hotel

N/A

Starting From

$105

California Suites Hotel

California Suites Hotel

2-star hotel

N/A

Starting From

$119

Planning your couple’s vacation in San Diego

Whether you are planning a surprise romantic getaway or just a vacation for two, San Diego is always a safe bet. From beautiful unsets on the beach, some of the finest dining restaurants in the world, and facts that the weather is always gorgeous are solid reasons for vacation. But wait! We have a bunch of super ideas for you to think about walking hand in hand.
Most times the beaches, which are San Diego’s bread and butter for tourists, are busy, crowded and not very private. Although some may offer seclusion like Torrey Pines State Beach, it requires a bit of exercise and a long walk.



We highly recommend hitting the beaches on the seaward side of Coronado Island over the Coronado Bridge from Downtown San Diego. The quiet little island is well known as a semi-private tight nitch community who love some privacy. That’s where their beaches come to play for you. No crowds clean and wide stretch of beach. Central Beach runs along Ocean Boulevard all the way south to the famous Hotel Del Coronado. The Hotel Del is actually another reason to head out to the island for your couples adventure, even just for your beach day. The patio restaurant is a fantastic place for a cocktail or two, overlooking the bay. Add a plate of ices cocktail “finger food” shrimp, and possible bottle of Champagne, or Pinot Gris to be on budget, and there you go.
If you really want to be on a roll with your partner, make reservations for dinner at the Hotel Del restaurant. I actually will find a table for happy hour in the lounge, with live music, and dine on the happy hour menu with Stella Artois on tap.
One last suggestion if maybe a “little spark” is needed in your lives. Make reservations with the gondola company located at Crown Isle Marin for a ride that evening. They run the Florence style gondolas between 3PM and midnight daily, and will sing for a tip.
Another special experience most visitors wouldn’t think about happens on another great small beach in LaJolla. We may be stepping out on a limb here, but hang in with us. You two can slap on your masks and fins and snorkel the LaJolla Sores, and encounter hundreds of Sharks. Once you get past the little hairs quivering on your back, you really will enjoy this experience. They are actually leopard sharks, with little tiny mouths, even if being 6+ feet in length.
Our next idea involves a bit of planning and reservations, and chocolate. Once a month the owner of Dallmann Fine Chocolates in El Cajon offers a “hand on making-chocolate class”. Imagine, Len the art of making fine chocolates, and actually leave with your own box to feed each other later.
Another hot attraction tat although it will be busy, is an awesome place to put your arms around each other and stroll, the San Diego Zoo. This is one of my favorite zoo’s because it’s massive, takes a day or more to see, the habitat’s are as good as they can be, and there are so many different experiences. There’s just something about visiting the Panda’s up close, because they are so cute.
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Is San Diego for Lovers? Best beer loving joints in San Diego

There are all kinds of love out there in the world, love of country, love of spouse, love of your car, and then there’s the love of beer! We are starting our discovery tour of San Diego with a tour of the best beer joints, for the beer-loving tourist. With today’s explosion in the craft beer industry, San Diego is right up with the best.
Actually one of the best ways to experience the countryside outside of San Diego proper is by taking your own “beer tour”. If you take RT 15 out of Downtown San Diego out to Escondido and pick up RT 78 towards Oceanside, there are five awesome breweries along the way to enjoy. Starting at The Lost Abby Brewing in San Marcos, you can experience some excellent older “barrel aged” beers as well as some younger refreshing ale. Be sure to ask permission to walk about the “barrel room”.


The next stop would be at the Toolbox Brewing Company that specializes in Brett beers and sours, with lots of small batch brews to sample.
Stone Brewing in Vista is your next stop, which is a sweet place o sip some cold brews as well as have lunch.
The next stop brings you into Carlsbad, home of LEGOLAND, where you can enjoy not only some awesome “local favorite” brews but also killer pizza. This brewery is totally family friendly, where as a matter of fact, you and show your “pinball wizardry” on the pinball machines.
Helpful hint” Check out the Pizza Port Bottle Shop next door and take a few of the more than 600 beers with you for later.
End your tour in Oceanside on the coast, in the home grounds of the United States Marine Corp who play here but reside up the road in Camp Pendleton. The Bagby Beer Country is a large brewery with lots of space for “the boys and girls”, Some of the best craft beers in the country are made and served here. You just might want to do a “sampler” and get a taste of the fine workmanship that comes from a great brewer.
Back in downtown San Diego, you can sip some awesome hoppy suds at one of three excellent breweries.
Half Door Brewing Company located in an old Victorian home with 19th Century furnishings, is a super place for sipping craft beers, as well as lunch or dinner. From comfort foods including fish & chips and chicken pot pies they offer some of the best brews to wash it down with.
The next place with a name reminding you that the San Diego Zoo is a great destination also, is the Monkey Paw Brewing Co. Not only are the beers cold and tasty, but also of all things they are a local favorite for the cheesecake?
Located in the downtown Gaslamp Quarter is the Mission Brewery that was first opened back in 1913 and was the local spot until it was shut down during Prohibition days. This wonderful brewery was given a new life again in 2007 and has become the place for craft beer sippin in the Gaslamp. Quite appropriately, it is now housed in the old Wonder Bread factory, and although the final product is different, they both supported the yeast industry.

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Vacationing in San Diego? Here’s how to save big bucks!

Vacationing in California, especially in top destinations can really burn thru your budget, especially San Diego. Check out our money saving tips and suggestions for a successful and cost saving ideas before you visit.
To begin with, when choosing your hotel, not only location can save you money, but choosing the right one extra funds. If you choose location in the area you will be spending most of you time, you may not need that rental car, or associated parking fees. However, some additional benefits can save you tons of money, like staying at a hotel offering free full hot breakfasts, free Internet and if needed free parking.
You can also save money by staying in a hotel that offers free airport shuttle service to and from your hotel.


Something else to check out is how close you are to restaurants, so you don’t have to eat in your hotel restaurant or only a few high dollar restaurants nearby. Being located near “fast food” vendors, especially when traveling with your children can be key to savings. And keep in mind, you don’t have to limit to the standard burger joints when you have designer burger restaurants like In-N-Out Burgers, my personal favorite.
As far as renting a vehicle in San Diego, if you are planning on traveling up and down the coast to key locations, there is public transportation available. Trail service is available from downtown San Diego all the way up to Carlsbad and Oceanside, all stops in between. If you are just staying locally, walk, rent bikes, cabs and Uber, all are cheaper than renting a vehicle, paying insurance, gas and parking. That’s also cheaper and less frustrating than sitting in traffic buildup on the I-5 almost all day long.
If a visit to Coronado is in your plans, and really should be, there’s no need for a vehicle, because you can take a water shuttle over to it. If not for any other reason to visit this island spending a few hours wandering its beaches, or a glass of wine on the deck of the Hotel Del Coronado is worth the trip.
If you are staying downtown San Diego, you are within almost all attractions on foot, and of course the restaurants in the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. You can easily burn through your food budget in many, but if you show up during happy hour, try sharing a couple “starter small plates” and a beer or two instead of that steak and seafood dinner.
You can also discover some excellent low to medium priced restaurants in the Hillcrest area which is located near University Ave.
Most area attractions allow you to bring beverages, snacks and even picnic lunches in, with the exception of SeaWorld that only allows bottled water to be brought in. Note that the others are fine if you have in a bag or backpack, but absolutely no coolers.
Like vacationing in any other major vacation destination, you should make yourself aware of coupons and special discounts offered for attractions. One suggestion is the Balboa Park Passport that allows you into any of the parks museums throughout a week long vacation. Also, many discount coupons are readily available online at the San Diego Visitors Bureau website. Check before leaving and print your coupons head of time.
Of course, when you decide to travel and vacation in San Diego can dictate how expensive your vacation will be. Like any area, hotel rates spike during prime peak vacation seasons, so planning if you can to visit during March, April or May, as well as September through end of November gets you much cheaper rates.
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Vacation in San Diego and learn why it’s a “Top Destination”

I learned many years ago when I morphed from an occasional visitor to full time resident, what was so special about San Diego. The weather in Southern California is near perfect all year long; Beaches are superb, restaurants fantastic, nightlife unbelievable. Everywhere you go there are tanned bodies, well-dressed businesspeople, and money. Let’s see how you can enjoy this dream destination, and keep some of that money others won’t.

One of the most important considerations you need to look at is what hotel you will be staying in, not only for price and what you get for your money. The other important decision you need to incorporate is where you want to go and what do you plan to visit. Let’s say you really want to learn or spend time surfing in San Diego County. Booking your hotel in Downtown San Diego isn’t in your best interest, and you should instead look at hotels in the Del Mar or La Jolla area to be closer. The same goes for staying out of the area because it’s cheaper, but you plan to spend your time in Downtown San Diego.
There are major plusses to staying in the Downtown area, for one that the hotels often offer great discounts to draw visitors. They also will offer hot breakfast and happy hours in evening as part of your room rate. You are also in walking distance to the ocean Seaport Village, and also the Gaslamp Quarter. For those who are diligent western history buffs, famous lawman Wyatt Earp spent a great deal of time walking these streets and enjoying establishments.
No matter what vacation site you research, most will tell give you the advice we also advocate, get the Go San Diego Card before you arrive. The discount prices you will realize is major, and it gives you an incentive to visit some of San Diego’s key attractions. Some of the most popular are the LEGOLAND Adventure in Carlsbad to the North, SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, and one of my personal favorites, the USS Midway Museum. You may be aware of the first three, but not many visitors actually know much about the aircraft carrier Midway, except the fact it was a Hollywood Movie. In fact, you are able to wander every inch of this magnificent war veteran, on a “self tour” listening to wireless guide earphone.
Another awesome adventure neglected by many, and also included in your Go San Diego Card, is taking a tour of the San Diego Harbor on Hornblower Cuisine. The lines offers two cruises, one in North County and the other in the harbor cruising past the Midway and under the Coronado Bridge.
Whether you choose to visit the popular destinations here in San Diego or not, there are things to do and places to go for fun and for free.
San Diego County offers some of the best beaches in the United States, and it doesn’t cost you a dime to use them. One thing that hasn’t changed over my lifetime and longer, is the ability to grab towels, Sunblock, sandwiches and a Styrofoam cooler with pop, and spend a day at the beach.
If you’re traveling with children, a special place for a day trip is the awesome La Jolla Cove, with its safe swimming area, sandy beach, little café’s, and the seals. That’s right, enjoying the gathered seals at Shell Beach, or letting the kiddies play in the children’s pool area tops families adventures.
Walking about in Seaport Village on the waterfront, enjoying a snow cone or ice cream, renting rollerblades or bikes, it’s easy to fit in with the locals. That’s what they do for fun. The 27 miles of shoreline enjoys jogging and biking paths ranging all the way up Mission Bay. End the day with a sunset picnic on the grass with a bottle of wine and your favorite snack.
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