Hate Driving on Vacation? Stay in These Parts of San Diego and Thank Us Later

San Diego might be a spread out city, but that does not mean you need a car to make the most of it. Some neighborhoods are made for ditching the keys and getting around on foot, by bike, or with easy public transit. We found the best areas where you can walk to everything, skip the parking stress, and still hit the best spots in the city. Stay in these parts of San Diego, and you will wonder why anyone bothers renting a car here.

15 Best Hotels To Stay In San Diego Without A Car

A vibrant nighttime skyline of San Diego, featuring illuminated high-rises, streetlights, and the bustling cityscape as seen from a tall building. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Finding hotels in San Diego can be daunting, considering the many options to choose from throughout such a large city.

Whether you travel on a budget or prefer to splurge on a luxury stay, there is something for you. This list compiles highly rated hotels in various walkable and lively neighborhoods throughout the city.

Budget-Friendly Hotels In San Diego

1. PodShare San Diego

PodShare San Diego is a nightly or subscription communal living space that can be found throughout major cities. This PodShare can be found in the Little Italy neighborhood, which is a very popular and history-rich part of San Diego. County Center/Little Italy Trolley Stations offer easy transportation throughout the city.

2. Stay Classy

Stay Classy is a highly rated and very affordable hostel stay in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. This stay is only 1.8 miles from the Santa Fe Depot Amtrak Station.

3. Abpopa Hillcrest

Abpopa Hillcrest is a modern and trendy hotel in the artsy neighborhood of Hillcrest. While being budget-friendly, this hotel offers a spa and yoga classes onsite. Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo are both within walking distance.

4. Old Town Inn

Located in the Midway District, this quaint Inn drops visitors just a quick walk away from historic Old Town San Diego. The Inn is also located less than 4 miles from the San Diego International Airport, The Presidio Hills Golf Course, and SeaWorld.

5. Lucky D’s Hostel

Lucky D’s is another highly rated hostel stay that is a perfect option for those looking to be in the most happening part of the city while staying on a budget. It’s located in the Gaslamp Quarter neighborhood and the San Diego International Airport is less than 5 miles away.

Mid-Scale Hotels In San Diego

A high-angle shot of San Diego's marina, showcasing luxury yachts, green spaces, and the tall Hyatt building against a clear blue sky. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

6. Sonder The State

Sonder The State offers high-end apartments for a reasonable nightly fee, providing even a small kitchen area. This stay sits in the heart of Little Italy, where authentic markets are full of fresh foods to prepare in your kitchen and enjoy on your balcony.

7. Bahia Resort Hotel

The Bahia Resort Hotel represents what many envision when they think of San Diego. This beachfront hotel offers a taste of the Southern California lifestyle and sits amid the beautiful and lively Mission Bay. This is a highly walkable area, and many prefer to get around via rented bicycles or scooters to soak in the ocean air.

8. Sonder The Marin

Sonder The Marin is an elegant and moderately priced option in San Diego’s historic Marin Hotel. This stay is a less than 10-minute walk from Petco Park, the San Diego Convention Center, and Seaport Village. Convention Center Station is 6 minutes away, and Gaslamp Quarter Station is 7 minutes away. It’s located in the Gaslamp Quarter neighborhood so you’re going to hear the busyness of the area.

9. Ocean Beach Hotel

This small hotel is directly on the sand and sits just above the walkway that visitors can take for miles along Ocean Beach and Mission Beach. It’s located in the Ocean Beach neighborhood. This is a great option if you want to spend your days in the sun and sand.

10. La Jolla Cove Suites

Those who choose this stay are lucky enough to be perched right on the beautiful and famous natural landscape of La Jolla Cove. Beach days, kayaking tours, and local seafood restaurants are a must when staying at La Jolla Cove Suites. The Village of La Jolla is just a short walk away, with easy transportation into downtown San Diego via Bus Line 30.

Luxury Hotels In San Diego

11. Hotel del Coronado

A nighttime view of the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, beautifully lit with festive string lights, as visitors stroll along the walkway. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Hotel del Coronado is known for its incredible architecture and location in Coronado. Coronado is a resort city that offers a vibrant beach community full of restaurants, bars, and shops. You can also find an easy pickup spot for the Old Town Trolley in front of McP’s restaurant. It’s also a great choice if you’re visiting during Christmas.

12. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

The Marriott Marquis is a luxury hotel found in the Marina district. This stay offers beautiful views of the water and is a short walk to Petco Park. Find a nearby trolley stop on 12th and Imperial, or the Padres Coaster Train is another form of transportation that can be easily accessed to get to and from the Marina.

13. Pendry San Diego

Pendry San Diego is another luxury hotel, but with a classic feel in the heart of Downtown San Diego. A high-end restaurant and bar can both be found on site while the stay is also surrounded by all the downtown area has to offer. Balboa Park is within walking distance as well.

14. The Wayfarer San Diego

While this hotel is not the most luxurious on the list, its location on the water boosts its pricing. This beachfront hotel offers visitors easy access to the sand as well as the Famous Mission Beach Boardwalk. This hotel is located in the Mission Beach neighborhood. Bicycle rentals are available, and Mission Bay Park is merely one mile away.

15. La Valencia Hotel

La Valencia Hotel is located near The Village of La Jolla, a lively area for visitors and locals to spend the day shopping, eating, and taking walks along the beautiful coastline. The Line 30 bus is a direct route from La Jolla back into Downtown San Diego.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit San Diego without a car?

Visiting San Diego without a car is a viable option. When doing so, I recommend that you research ahead of time to determine what you are hoping to get out of your visit and choose a walkable neighborhood to stay in based on this.

Is San Diego a walkable city?

San Diego is considered moderately walkable. There are plenty of walkable neighborhoods within San Diego.

In theory, a car would not be necessary for someone who commutes within their neighborhood or those directly around it, but this is not the case for many who must commute from work.

Some of San Diego’s outermost neighborhoods can be 20-30 minutes by car from the downtown area.

How do I get from San Diego to La Jolla without a car?

La Jolla is one of San Diego’s gems and offers beautiful natural landscapes and high-end shopping and dining experiences. The Line 30 bus is the most direct mode of public transportation that takes visitors between La Jolla and Old Town San Diego without having to transfer.

What is the best area in San Diego?

San Diego can vary significantly by neighborhood, which is a huge benefit of the city to many.

This also means that there is no way to determine the “best” area in San Diego, but rather this depends on each person’s own personal preferences and interests.

But determining whether you would prefer your stay to center around the beach or a more “downtown” experience is a great place to start.

For a safe neighborhood, we recommend the North Park neighborhood in San Diego.

Is San Diego safe?

San Diego is widely known to be one of the safest cities in the nation for its size. Although some levels of crime are a given, and some of its neighborhoods are safer than others, the crime rate in San Diego remains below the national average.

Can I visit San Diego in the winter?

If you conjure up images of endless summer and salty surfers when told to think of San Diego, you’re not alone. Although this city is known widely as a summer vacation destination, San Diego has its draws during the colder months.

How many days are needed for San Diego?

Because San Diego has so much to offer, I would recommend at least a 3-day trip to be able to explore different neighborhoods and visit as least 1 of its larger attractions such as Balboa Park or the San Diego Zoo. But if you can, plan a 5-day trip to San Diego to see the best of San Diego and not feel rushed.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know where to stay in San Diego without a car, you can ditch your car and start exploring the city through walking, public transportation, taxis, or shared rides with Uber and Lyft. If you choose to rent a car, here’s all you need to know about renting a car in San Diego.