Central San Diego, CA

Travel Guide

San Diego, California cityscape at the Gaslamp Quarter.; Shutterstock ID 446681584
San Diego, California cityscape at the Gaslamp Quarter.; Shutterstock ID 446681584
Central San Diego
Ahhh, the marvelous buildings of Balboa Park. If you're ever in San Diego, this is a must visit! It's so relaxing and has beautiful architecture.

#california
#sandiego
#balboapark
#building
#architecture
Still not over the beautiful architecture at this park! Definitely a spot to visit if you're in the area!

#sandiego
#california
#travel
#balboapark
#architecture
#buildings

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Where to stay in Central San Diego

Closeup of the Adobe walls of the historic Mission De Alcala San Diego California

Mission Valley

4/5(4,999 area reviews)

Boasting major shopping malls like Fashion Valley Mall and Westfield Mission Valley, this area offers entertainment and historic sites such as Mission San Diego de Alcalá and Presidio Park. Easily accessible via the San Diego Trolley system's Green Line.

Mission Valley
I didn’t go in as I felt the outside was pretty great already. Good area of town for a self-guided walking tour.

Old Town San Diego

4.5/5(877 area reviews)

The ample dining options and beautiful 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
SanDiego_NorthPark_6346499_001

North Park

4/5(78 area reviews)

North Park is well-liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like San Diego Zoo and San Diego Natural History Museum.

North Park
Gossip Grill

Hillcrest

3.5/5(53 area reviews)

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

Hillcrest
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden featuring a park and wildflowers

Bankers Hill

If you're spending some time in Bankers Hill, Mo'olelo Performing Arts Company and Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden are top sights worth seeing.

Bankers Hill
Late winter afternoon at park on Mission Bay, San Dieg

Clairemont

4/5(512 area reviews)

Restaurants, beaches, and shopping are some highlights of Clairemont. You might stop by Mission Bay or Fashion Valley Mall while you're in the area.

Clairemont
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 $92 total per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
$92 total
per night
Feb 22 - Feb 23
Book a stay at this 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! (2,465 reviews)
The location was great, Hotel Circle is central to everything. The room was clean, the staff was excellent! We stayed in a kitchenette room and it was great to have. We'll stay there again!

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2026

Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle
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 $113 total per night from Mar 4 to Mar 5
$113 total
per night
Mar 4 - Mar 5
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! (2,442 reviews)
Everything was great, except the weather!

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026

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

Lafayette Hotel & Club

4 out of 5
2223 El Cajon Blvd San Diego CA
The price is $263 total per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
$263 total
per night
Feb 23 - Feb 24
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,468 reviews)
Cute boutique hotel that puts attention to every detail! However it is small and a lot of outside guests visit since it’s open to the public. It can be crowded and loud

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

Lafayette Hotel & Club
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! (300 reviews)
Great location in Hillcrest for all the LGBT bars/clubs/restaurants. They are still renovating some sections. Hotel staff were very friendly and accommodating! The beds and pillows are SOO comfortable and clean!! Great stay for the price.

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

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
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of San Diego and San ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (116 reviews)
It's like an apartment, and very private. Very clean and parking was easy.

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026

City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills
Comfy 3bd / 2ba home steps from Little Italy

Comfy 3bd / 2ba home steps from Little Italy

2 out of 5
San Diego CA
Stay at this cottage in San Diego. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Port of San Diego and San Diego Zoo are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Lovely little place - bright and clean with just what we needed. We loved the convenience to walk downtown or jump on the trolley!

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2026

Comfy 3bd / 2ba home steps from Little Italy
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Central San Diego

Explore a world of travel with Expedia