San Diego

Hey C.! My boyfriend and I went to California over Memorial Day weekend.We stayed at The Marriott in Oceanside, this was an ideal location...about 10 minutes fron Oceanside Pier, 30 mins from Sea World, about 15 mins from the Wild Animal Park and about 45 mins from Tijuana, MX! We just cruised around one night and the "downtown" part of Oceanside is within walking distance of the ocean as well as many shops and boutiques to enjoy. (plus it was slightly cheaper to stay outside of San Diego)
Hope this helped a little!

There are a lot of great places close to the beach. Mission beach is great. go to www.globaltravelexecutives.com and search hotels there and put in mission beach.

I am from San Diego and went to visit last week. I got a really really good deal on my hotel at hotwire.com. The Hyatt Recency for $118 a night. Across from Sea World, but not really walking distance from the beach. But a very nice place to stay.

We just moved from there this past November. Oh, it's soooo beautiful. Since we lived there I didn't have to stay in a Hotel, but I have some quick recommendations for things you should do while you're there.

First, at Sea World, don't miss the Pet's Rule show. I know, who goes to SW to see cats and dogs, but it's a great show. And despite the warnings, you really don't get wet in the bottom rows. Also, the night show's are the best! So stay for the shamu and sea lion shows, totally worth it. We had annual passes and still went twice a week when we could! Oh and before you stand in line at the Shipwreck Rapids attraction, you should know it's really short and not really worth the wait. Journey to Atlantis however, is a blast.

Oh, and I know you plan to hit the beach, we frequented La Jolla Shores. It's big, the water's fairly calm and there's plenty of lifeguards. If you want to see tide pools Ocean Beach has some neat ones. Oh, and you have to go to Children's Pool. The seals come right up on the beach and there's a walkway that jets out into the ocean so you can get a good look. Really neat. Go in the early evening. Also, Torrey Pines is a great beach if you want to avoid some of the tourists. We started going there once we were more familiar with SD.

Also, instead of the San Diego Zoo, most people actually prefer the Wild Animal Park.

In La Jolla, try the Birch Aquarium, there's always cool fish and in the summer they have some neat exhibits for the kids to try.

Oh, and go downtown! It's really neat. Plus the Star of India is right near there as well as Seaport Village. Oh, I miss it a little can you tell? Especially in this heat!

We did stay at the Embassy Suites in La Jolla when we were evacuated due to the fires. It's super expensive, but it's beautiful.(We got a discounted rate because we were evacuees) And UTC mall is right across the street. So, um, yeah, if you want any more ideas or have any questions email me. Have a great trip!

we r staying at the holiday inn in mission bay.

check out www.getawaytoday.com. They usually have some great prices and the cost is per room not person. Also if you stay a certain number of nights then they include tickets to attractions sometimes

Good luck and have fun.

We just returned from our family vacation to San Diego. We stayed at the Bahia Resort Hotel in Mission Beach and this is the only place we will stay going forward. It has a private beach and is about 2 blocks from Mission Beach on the Strand (and the boardwalk). The hotel also had a small arcade inside for the kiddies plus a steamboat cruise of the bay every night that was free to those staying at the hotel. Rooms were a good size and clean.

Our very favorite place to stay is in Coronado (across the bridge from San Diego). It is surrounded by water and only about 20 minutes from Sea World and very family friendly. I second option that is very close to Sea World is Mission Beach...it's probably a little cheaper, but not as peaceful as Coronado. Check out deals from Priceline or Travelocity...either way enjoy your time away.

Try my website www.crystalingstrum.worldventures.com Put in San Diego under hotel Powersearch and then you'll be able to search by the beach through the interactive map.

Try it and let me know if you have any questions!

We stayed at The Catamaran Resort and Hotel on Mission Blvd. right across the street from the beach-very kid friendly resort-close to Sea World and Belmont Park--where you have to stop for the giant pizza! Have fun.

My kids favorite places are the Pacific Shores Inn and the Diamond Head Inn. They are sister properties in Mission Beach and are on the boardwalk next to the beach. Diamond Head Inn ###-###-####). Pacific Shores Inn ###-###-####). Both properties have rooms with little refigerators and microwaves. There are LOTS of restaurants nearby and Seaworld is not far away. Pacific Shores has the pool, but guests at Diamond Head can use the pool. When we are not on the beach we are on the boardwalk riding bikes and roller blading. Belmont Park is nearby also.

We love a place called La Jolla Shores. Sits right on the beach in La Jolla, very close to all the San Diego attractions. Not inexpensive, but reasonably priced considering the location right on the water. We've taken my 4 year old daughter there twice, and the hotel is very kid-friendly. The other recommendation I would have is using a website called VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner). You can arrange to rent someone's vacation property in San Diego. All different price ranges, depending on how many bedrooms you want, and how close to the water you want to be. Have a great vacation!

Hi Dana
We too love the area. We go there about once a year. We always stay at Dana Inn Marina. The web site is thedana.com. Check it out. Instead of walking to the beach we walk to Sea World, save on those parking fees. This place is right across the street and on the water in the bay. BEAUTIFUL! It is less than a mile to Mission Beach. The marina is next door, boats and all that fun stuff, and they have a little deli in there to pick up sandwiches, and it doesn't break the bank. Also remember they will allow a backpack of water and goodies into the Sea World park. So take alittle of your own. Have a great time.

Last summer we stayed at Campland on the Bay in San Diego and loved it!!! We plan on staying there often, it was so much fun and a lot cheaper than a hotel. The Campland has a private Bay and a place to rent all kinds of water toys(catamarans, water bikes, kayaks etc...) It is about 5 min. from Mission beach and the boardwalk too. At night you can see the Fireworks from Sea World as they are right across the bay from Campland. There is a pool, a playground, a little store, a restaurant, bathrooms, showers, electricity and water at your site and tons of room to relax and enjoy the nice weather. We loved being able to let our kids (ages 5-3-1) run in grass and play and also ride bikes an scooters. It was nice to not be trapped in hotel room or always have to be keeping the kids occupied. There is a website that you can check out www.campland.com. I highly recommend this alternative for enjoying San Diego!

We just went a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to stay forever! I loved Pacific Beach! It was great with kids and had a lot of lifegaurds. We stayed at the Pacific Terrace Hotel, it was the best hotel I have ever stayed in. I found a good deal last minute on Expedia. It is right on the beach with a pool and hot tub looking out at the ocean. You can walk straight from the beach with your key card to the shower and pool area. They also have free beach toys at the concierge, free breakfast, turn down service with chocolates, free wine at happy hour time, and cookies at the front desk. The staff was so friendly with my kids. I will definetly stay there again, soon I hope! The zoo is all hills and was very hard work with a double stroller! Sea World is awesome, we loved the shows! Pacific beach is only like 5 minutes from Sea World. If you can't get a room at Pacific Terrace you can go to the Pacific Beach website and it lists other hotels on that beach. I also liked being able to walk to everything you need from there. Denny's, Joes Crab Shack, boogie board rentals, pharmacy, etc. Hint-buy your boogie boards from the pharmacy they have the same boogie boards that cost 200 dollars for like 40$ Anyways, look up Pacific Terrace on Expedia, check it out-u wont be dissapointed. They also have a ipod alarm clock, clothes line in the shower, big flat screen tv., Balconies, free newspapers, and they bring you a fresh basket of towells every morning.

We only have stayed at the Bahia Resort in Mission Bay...would not go anywhere else. We have two little ones and the beach is right outside our rooms. Private enterance, not crowded, near low tides, 2 blocks from sea world, a couple miles to sea port village, has their own renting of boats, canoes, ect.... worth it all !

Check out the Surfer Beach Hotel. Thats were we always go now. Right on the beach, you can walk barefoot to the water!
Rates are very reasonable and its close to Sea World, we go there also. Im 37 and have lived in Az since 1985 and first time to the ocean was the year before last.
But try this hotel, We love it!!

Have Fun!

C.,
We always stay at he Mission Bay Hilton.
The rooms are wonderful there and their pool is just redone and amazing.

Then you need to go to Ocean Beach and eat at Hodads for hamburgers! It is the best burger you will ever have!

Have a great vacation!
T.
www.tesabartell.myarbonne.com

The Bahia Resort is awesome, I think you can even do a package deal with the resort and Sea World that makes it very reasonable. They have their own beach and the grounds are just beautiful!

Hello we jot back from our family vacation from San Diego. We stayed right on the boardwalk at Mission Beach and the kids loved it and so did we! We rented a beach house and it was very convenient to just walk and relax on the beach. The older kids could play while we watched from our patio. There is also a Best Western and a few other hotels that are right on the walk as well. We also went to Sea World but I would have rather gone to Lego Land (cheaper and better) and so would have the kids. If you can I would recommend going to Lego Land if you have already been to Sea World. I hope this info helps...

HAVE FUN ON YOUR VACA!

We did our Sea World trip last month. We stayed at the Blue Sea Lodge. It's right on the beach. It was wonderful! We stayed on the 2nd floor with the ocean view, in a suite. It had two bathrooms, a little kitchenette, little living room, & two little balconys. It was amazing. It's not 5 star, but the view and location are better then any fancy room you could hope for. I wanted some place family friendly and it was. We went to the zoo and Sea World. It took us less than ten minutes to get to Sea World and you can get onto the beach in less than three. You go through the pool area. You have to use your key card to get in and out of everything. So, it's easy and safe. Sorry, if I'm rambling. We really had a good time. Hope some of this helps :o)

Hi C.,

We have gone to San Diego several times on family trips and always stayed at Pacific Shores Inn. Its is truly walking distance to the beach and a clean nice hotel for not that much. Check them out at http://pacific-shores-inn.pacificahost.com.

Sarah

Hi,

I just booked a house for a few days in August through Vacation By Owner (VRBO.com). I like this site best, but there are lots of rental ones out there. With a child I prefer having a kitchen and space so this works better than a hotel for us.

I spent days on the internet searching for condos, cottages, etc for my husband, daughter and in-laws. If you aren't staying a whole week - it will be more difficult if you are seeking to go during the summer.

Good luck escaping the heat.

Hi C.!

There is a place on diamond St. Right off of Mission Blvd. It is right on Pacific Beach, in San Diego. It is call Pacific Terrace Inn. It is an older hotel and is pricey. But it is the only hotel me and my husband stay at when we go there. We are from San Diego, so we've seen them all. We enjoy this one because it is right on the boardwalk. They serve breakfast in the morning complimentary, and at night they have a free happy hour with wine and something else but I just cant remember. There phone number is 1-800-344-3370 or go to www.pacificterrace.com

Well I hope this is helpful. D. P.

We just got back and were at the Hilton at Mission Bay. Great pool for the kids to enjoy and also there are some great playgrounds at the park closeby. There is a running trail there that goes along Mission Bay. Just 5 minutes from Seaworld.

La Jolla is really lovely and there are many hotels close to the beach or on it!
The surf is less powerful in La Jolla cove and the water is so clear.
It is about a 10 minute drive down the 5 freeway to Sea World.

We loved LaJolla for our kids. You get away, for the most part, from the partying, drinking college crowd of beaches right in San Diego. We love Sea Lodge. It's right next to a city park. Wonderful beach, Sea Lodge is right on the beach (few hotels in that area are). The grounds are lovely. The rooms are nice, not superdeluxe but nice. THere's a neat little set of condos close to that, just across a road from the beach, that you could also try to rent in. It's called Casa de la Playa.

If you can get into Capri by the Sea...stay there. We stayed there and it was AWESOME!!! You walk out the door and cross the sidewalk and you are on the beach. You can leave your doors open at night and hear the ocean. And, it is not far from Sea World.

Hi C. ~

I lived in San Diego for many years. There is the Bahia or the Catamaran or the San Diego Princess Resort. These are all on the Bay right by Sea World and within walking distance both from the Bay and the Ocean. They are basically considered Mission Beach area just south of Pacific Beach. You can walk or ride bikes, skate or skateboard on the boardwalk (used lightly as it is concrete), between the two beaches.
It is just a short drive into La Jolla from there, as well.

If you want something fairly inexpensive, it truly isn't a far drive from Mission Circle where there are tons of hotels and motels to choose from. Then you would just take a 5 minute drive on the 8 to Sea World, etc.

I am jealous....we're not going back this year. Please tell that beautiful city hello for me/us. (:
And have lots of fun.

Hi
We just returned from San Diego and we stayed at the 4 star Hilton resort on Mission Bay. We paid $100 a night (bid for on priceline) and it was very easy to get to Sea World. We went there 3 times.
I hope this helps.

Mission Beach - North or South ~ You are literally 2 minutes from Seaworld and can walk to the beach.

We just got back from San Diego and stayed at a Holiday Inn within one mile of Sea World--not the Holiday Inn Express which was even closer. It was nice because some of the family rooms had bunk beds for the kids and they gave out certificates for kids 12 and under to eat free at the Baker's Square restaurant located in their parking lot. The hotel was situated between 2 streets that come together so it was always a right out toward Sea World and a right back in. They were under $180/night but not by much, however nothing that close was any less. The hotels off Hotel Circle are much more reasonable, but they are a little bit of a drive down the 8. The hotels closer to the beach were in the $400+/night range and were hard to find.