TAW

Hello,

DH and I are planning a trip for Oct this year to drive down Hwy 1 from San Jose (home) to San Diego.

Plan to stay 2 nights Pismo Beach (never been there), we’re looking at The SeaVenture.

Then 3 or 4 nights in Carlsbad at Beach Terrace Inn. We want to stay ocean/beach side in both places.

Then I was thinking of staying 2 nights actually IN San Diego but I am having a difficult time trying to figure out where….Mission Bay area, Gas Lamp area, or???

We’re seniors so really don’t need nightlife or a wild party atmosphere. Any suggestions as to location?
Would love it if I could find a place w/free parking and maybe even free breakfast. The more I read about the various areas the more confused I get. So many have negative or mixed comments about each area.

I guess I should ask “where would your grandparents (who are still relatively active) like to stay?”
My price range is $200/night +/_

Thanks in advance for your replies.

lcuy

THE Coronado Inn has free continental breakfast, free parking and is more like $125/night. It is in Coronado so just five or 10 minutes drive from from the Zoo, Balboa Park, Little Italy, North Park etc. A ten minute walk from Coronado Beach, the Hotel Del, and all the nice restaurants in Coronado. The ferry is 2 blocks away. You can take the little foot ferry over to the San Diego side for fun or to dine in San Diego without your car.

Too good to be true? The actual lot where it sits is nothing special, and you need to ask for a room OFF of Third street (it's noisy during the morning fish hour) The rooms are clean, There is a pool, and it looks like an updated version of a 1930"s motel (it is).

I have stayed there many times over the last 20 years. I like it and like being in Coronado without a ridiculous price tag.

elizzie4000

I wouldn't stay in the Gaslamp. If you stay in Coronado you might look at the 1906 Lodge. It's a couple of blocks from the beach.
http://www.1906lodge.com/

There's also the Glorietta Bay Inn across from the Hotel del Coronado
http://www.gloriettabayinn.com/

You might also consider Pacific Beach if you'd like to look out your window and see the beach and ocean. You might look at Pacific Terrace or Blue Sea Lodge or one of the other beach front hotels north of the pier.

Mission Bay and 1 block from the beach at Pacific Beach is the Catamaran. It's a good location.

TAW

Thank you!

What about The Bahia? A friend stayed there several years ago and remembers it was nice? I can get a pkg 2 nights incl B'fast for about $430 total.

nanabee

I second lcuy's suggestion. Coronado is the perfect spot for your age and interests. You can also rent bikes (Hollands Bike Shop) instead of having a car to sightsee around the island (which is small and flat). I recommend Tent City restaurant for a light breakfast or lunch.

Coronado gives you the best access across the bridge to the main interstate freeways to get to downtown, Balboa Park, and other popular sights.

TAW

Thanks to all for the help. I ended up booking a Best Western on Coronado for 2 nts.

elizzie4000

The BW Coronado is just a few minutes walk to the Coronado Ferry Landing. A great place for a view.
http://www.coronadoferrylandingshops.com/

I think you'll enjoy Coronado! I worked there for 6 yrs and miss going there daily.

TAW

elizzie,
Thank you! We are also planning on getting the hop-on/hop-off trolley there at the Ferry Landing. That's kinda our speed now.

elizzie4000

TAW - I can't tell you how many times over the years I've seen the HOHO buses going buy and said to myself 'I want to be on that! They look like they are having fun!'

SandyBrit

TAW:

I see your hotel is sorted. Please report back as to how it was.

You have time to get a visitor information brochure and take a look at the discount coupons at the tourist information http://www.sandiego.org

San Diego one of my favorite places, going again in November.

Sandy

TAW

Sandy, Yes, I have the SD visitor guide and have been reading it and deciding what to do, etc. Thanks

Momddtravel2

TAW - Coronado is lovely! We were there a few weekends ago - stayed in the gaslamp and drove over in the am..it is such a lovely place - I am sure you will enjoy!