DK Travel : San Diego

Blessed by a sunny climate that never varies ten degrees from moderate and a splendid setting along the Pacific Ocean, San Diegans can well boast they live the California Dream. Although non-stop outdoor recreation, a vibrant downtown, and world-class attractions keep the city’s spirit young, its heart lies in its Spanish beginnings as the birthplace of California.

Harbor Island

Created from 3.5 million tons of mud scooped from the bottom of San Diego Bay, this recreational island is another peninsula that extends into the bay south from the airport. Hotels, restaurants, and marinas take advantage of the gorgeous views across the bay of downtown, Point Loma, and Coronado. Facing the island along the waterfront is Spanish Landing Park, which commemorates the 1769 meeting of the sea and land expeditions of Gaspar de Portolá and Junípero Serra (see Mission San Diego de Alcalá) which permanently brought the Spanish to California.
Harbor Vacations Club

At San Diego’s most unique hotel, you have a choice to stay in eight different yachts, from a sailing catamaran to a 55-ft (17-m) coast cruiser. Or try the floating villas, which are dockside houses with showers, refrigerators, and cable TV.
Hash House A Go Go

Locals vote this the best breakfast spot in town.
Heritage Park

Downtown’s rapid expansion after World War II almost destroyed several Victorian heritage houses and San Diego’s first synagogue. The Save Our Heritage Organization rescued and moved these architectural treasures to this specially-created park. Of notable interest is the Sherman Gilbert House, once home to art and music patrons Bess and Gertrude Gilbert, who hosted luminaries such as Artur Rubinstein, Anna Pavlova, and the Trapp Family Singers. Bronze plaques describe the houses’ former lives.
Heritage Park B&B

This 1889 Queen Anne mansion offers charming rooms reminiscent of its original era. Relax on a wrap-around veranda, or try a claw-footed bathtub for two. Breakfast is included.
HI San Diego Downtown Hostel

This bright hostel offers dorm and some private rooms, free airport transport and breakfast, kitchen and lounge facilities, laundry and Internet access.
Hiking

Hiking is available in every environment imaginable. Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve and Mission Trails Regional Park offer trails of varying difficulty through their canyons and valleys; the trails of Torrey Pines State Reserve and Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (see Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve) pass near the ocean. The San Diego Natural History Museum (see San Diego Natural History Museum) hosts guided nature tours.
Hillcrest

Considered San Diego’s first suburb in the 1920s, Hillcrest slowly developed into a residential area, offering a quiet alternative to the bustle of downtown. A trolley stop opened the neighborhood up to thriving businesses, restaurants, and theaters; in the 1940s merchants proudly erected a sign that spanned University Boulevard, proclaiming “Hillcrest” to the world. But fortunes changed, neglect followed, and the sign came down. In the 1970s, the gay and lesbian community took up the revitalization challenge and transformed the community into a hip destination with fabulous restaurants, nightlife, and avant garde shops. And the sign is back – in neon.
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines

This low key but chic hotel is located next to the Torrey Pines Golf Course. A valet can look after your immediate needs, and a town car service is available to drive you to La Jolla. All rooms have balconies or terraces and many have ocean or harbor views.
Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

Beautifully-appointed rooms with down comforters, loft apartments, and individual attention from the staff make this downtown’s best choice. It’s located right next to the Convention Center, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Petco Park.

Jump to top

Hotel price categories

For a standard double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $100
- $100–$200
- $200–$250
- $250–$300
- over $300
Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $20
- $20–$40
- $40–$55
- $55–$80
- over $80