Central San Diego Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Balboa Park showing interior views and aircraft
Balboa Park featuring interior views and a city
Balboa Park which includes military items and interior views
Balboa Park which includes rides, landscape views and a park
San Diego Museum of Art which includes art and interior views

Where to stay in Central San Diego

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Mission Valley

4/5(29 area reviews)

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Mission Valley. Check out top attractions like Fashion Valley Mall and Snapdragon Stadium, and jump on the metro at Hazard Center Station or Mission Valley Center Station to see more of the city.

Mission Valley
Old Town San Diego State Park which includes signage

Old Town San Diego

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Old Town San Diego. A stop by Old Town San Diego State Park or Whaley House Museum might round out your trip.

Old Town San Diego
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North Park

North Park is well liked for its restaurants, and you can visit sights like San Diego Zoo and San Diego Natural History Museum if you have time to explore the area.

North Park
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Hillcrest

Visitors to Hillcrest enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Marston House is worth a stop.

Hillcrest
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Clairemont

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Clairemont is well liked for many features, particularly its restaurants, beaches and shopping. Though there may not be top sights in Clairemont, consider stopping by Mission Bay or Fashion Valley Mall, located nearby.

Clairemont
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Miramar

Restaurants, beaches and shopping highlight some of the notable features of Miramar. Make a stop by Marine Corps Air Station Miramar while you're exploring.

Miramar
Handlery Hotel

Handlery Hotel

3.5 out of 5
950 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,112 reviews)
Nice hotel
"The hotel was very nice, if a little dated, with a really nice pool area! It felt safe and I slept well here! The air conditioner was quiet which is a bonus in any hotel!"

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Handlery Hotel
Best Western Inn & Suites San Diego – Zoo/SeaWorld Area

Best Western Inn & Suites San Diego – Zoo/SeaWorld Area

2.5 out of 5
2485 Hotel Circle Place, San Diego, CA
The price is AU$249 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
AU$249
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,106 reviews)
"For the price you can't beat it! Great friendly staff, the breakfast was terrific, awesome location and comfortable. There were some maintenance issues or I would give it a higher rating."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Best Western Inn & Suites San Diego – Zoo/SeaWorld Area
Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle

Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle

3 out of 5
543 Hotel Circle S, San Diego, CA
The price is AU$172 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
AU$172
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,348 reviews)
"Heated pool was nice. The bathroom door in the room is terrible."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel

2.5 out of 5
819 University Ave, San Diego, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (226 reviews)
"I highly encourage anyone to come here. Very nice location. I had so many things near by."

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel
City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills

City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills

4.5 out of 5
2801 India St, San Diego, CA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of San Diego and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (89 reviews)
"Gael assisted us. Appreciate it. He gave us free early check in. Airport is nearby so the living room wasnt entirely soundproof. The bedroom was however. Just outside downtown and little italy so taxi isn't too much. But just out of the way from being in the middle of that craziness of the city. ..."

Reviewed on 3 Sept 2025

City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills
Beautiful Normal Heights Living

Beautiful Normal Heights Living

2 out of 5
San Diego
Book a stay at this business-friendly vacation home in San Diego. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Balboa Park and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
"It was a well kept up and delightful property.We all enjoyed it tremendously. The neighbors and the location were amazing. It is walking distance to top notch restaurants and groceries. The rooms and home were immaculately clean. James was the perfect host. My wife needed a few additional items and ..."

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2025

Beautiful Normal Heights Living
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Central San Diego

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