Central San Diego Travel Guide

Tourist 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.

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

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#california
#travel
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#architecture
#buildings

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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(29 area reviews)

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

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(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
SanDiego_NorthPark_6346499_001

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
Gossip Grill

Hillcrest

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

While visiting Bankers Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Mo'olelo Performing Arts Company and Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden.

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

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
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 NZ$152 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
NZ$152
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,458 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 12 Feb 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 NZ$196 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
NZ$196
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,435 reviews)
Staff and amenities

Reviewed on 14 Feb 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 NZ$435 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
NZ$435
17 Feb - 18 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their 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 10 Feb 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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (296 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 10 Feb 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
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in San Diego. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Port of San Diego and San Diego ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (116 reviews)
It's like an apartment, and very private. Very clean and parking was easy.

Reviewed on 4 Feb 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 coffee maker. 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 24 Jan 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.

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Cities near Central San Diego

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