any ideas?

I glanced at a map of rentals on homeaway.com to see what pops up. My suggestions are based on my own preferences: Hillcrest, Mission Hills, and the areas adjacent to the west and north of Balboa park. I live in SD, but have never lived in these areas though.

Oh, thank you. I will check those out. Can you tell me what those areas are like? Thanks again!

Hillcrest and Mission Hills are “Uptown” and older. I just like the way they feel. Houses look pretty nice and many are historic, like Craftsman and Spanish style. They’re prettier, denser, walkable (for San Diego), and feel busier with people. There’s lots of local businesses and grocery stores for you. You could easily go over to North Park for restaurants too. (There’s supposed to be good eating there.)

I looked at the rental map again, and looks like there’s way more rentals for beach areas. Those are nice too, but I didn’t want to suggest the usual PB and La Jolla. I'm just not a beach person!

If you want beach then Ocean Beach perhaps most affordable...

If you want to be on the coast near the Ocean then in comparing to the places you want to visit, Point Loma over the hill toward the city from OB.(Animal park is a long drive from anyplace located centrally to the other 3 places you want to visit.)

In comparing prices, consider too Homewood Suites at Liberty Station (the water is an estuary not teh BAy or Ocean: still nice park like setting with a Vons nearby and great take out restaurants: try Tender Greens.

libertystation.com


http://homewoodsuites1.hilton.com/en_US/hw/hotel/SANLSHW-Homewood-Suites-by-Hilton-San-Diego-Airport-Liberty-Station-California/accommodations.do;jsessionid=45A077EEA3445BF299FFA773B9B3F026.etc60


Also Shelter Island is in Point Loma kind of a yachting/marina park like area..very safe with path on the Bay, grassy picnic areas, jungle jim and Dr Suess charater the kids just love. on the Bay.

Best Western had a Family apartment suite with kitchen, I thought was affordable. The other hotels might too: again some nice restaurants and very clsoe to Liberty Station too..

http://www.shelterislandvillage.com/

Why not stay near the beach? Not a huge fan of Hillcrest - too dense, urban feel. Mission Hills is much nicer - but probably also more expensive - and again - not near the beach.

Liberty Station would be great - as would anything in Pt. Loma, etc. La Jolla is georgeous - but also probably morfe expensive as Del Mar would also be. Ocean Beach is fine - but more hip/youngeredgy, and Pacific Beach is similiar, except if you get on the bay side.

And Carlsbad - 30 miles north of San Diego - is also super - and that's where Legoland is and Wild Animal Park (now called Safari Park) - and to me - even more interesting than the zoo) is a straight shot inland to Escondido - along freeeway 78.

Other than rush hours - especially in the morning - heading into SD and than at night - heading north back to Carlsbad - it's an easy shot into SD - and the Zoo and Seaworld.

Well there are lots of companies and websites which can help you to rent a house, or you can surf through http://san-diego.apartmenthunterz.com/houses which provides you to find the house as per your needs.

BTW - in addition to traditional condos/homes for rent - there are a number os suite hotels you might consider. Hotel Circle isn't a neighborhood feel - but a great location for getting anywhere in SD (near several freeways - you can find some fairly inexpensive deals there - perhaps a 1 BR suite?

Here is a starting point for various suite hotels. http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/casdmenu/tp/suites.htm

Nearby Old Town is also a great place to walk around if you can find something that meets your needs.

And Coronado would also be great - but not sure about the prices over there.

Just Google away.

Thank you all so much! This is a plethora of wonderful information. I will check it all out and let you know what we decide!

daria:

We have stayed at the Homewood Suites, Liberty Station and I can tell you it is great value for the cost. You get a full breakfast each day and Monday thru Thursday a light evening meal. Coffee and tea available all day. Your twins would enjoy the lovely little pool and only a short walk to a nice outdoor playground. Plenty of free parking. Hotel has laundry facilities.

You may want to consider The Inn at Sunset Cliffs located in Ocean Beach htpp://innatsunsetclifs.com - some of the units have kitchens and a large pool right on the ocean. Free parking. Do walk out on the pier at Ocean Beach.

Discount coupons at htpp://sandiego.org

Sandy

Try htpp://innatsunsetcliffs.com

daria, take a look at some of the houses that would be in your price range and you feel would be suitable. Come back and post. You may find a nice little neighborhood that isn't far from the beach. San Diego is easy to get around in.

Give us links to what is in your price range. A few of us know this city really well and we'd be happy to tell you about the area.

There is not a better Oceanfront setting than the Inn at Sunset Beach - at least IMO. It's a fairly basic 2 star place - but you are literally - right on the cliffs above the Ocean - and can watch the surfers, sealife, the nearby pier - and enjoy fun/funky Ocean Beach along Newport Ave.

see: http://www.oceanbeachsandiego.com/ocean-beach-attractions

I thought she wanted to rent a house?

I agree with you Tomsd, that Ocean Beach is an oft overlooked part of the city by many tourist. It just seems like ppl there might like it that way.

People's is one of my favorite markets.

Thank you all so much.

I have been looking and it has been a bit challenging to find something at the right price point. We definitely need to get something under $200, and I was actually hoping for something in the $125 range, but that is looking practically impossible. I looked at the Best Western with the family apartment and it looks like a really good deal ($161 with a full kitchen, pool, parking, and breakfast), but it is pretty far away from the activities we will want to do - this is the Best Western Lamplighter Inn & Suites. I will look again at the Homewood Suites Liberty Station, but I think it is around $195.

I've also been looking at houses/apartments/condos in the Mission Beach and Pacific Beach areas, and the cheapest that aren't booked seem to be in the in $180 range. They, of course, don't have a pool, which I am now thinking would be really fun for the kids. We will be spending 10 days in LA in Venice right at the beach before arriving in San Diego, so I am now thinking we don't necessarily need to stay at the beach and, instead, it would be fun for the kids to have a pool.

I'll let you all know how I progress. And, thank you again. I have always loved fodors. Everyone here is SO helpful!

daria, San Diego is an easy city to get around in via car. Mission & Pacific Beach are going to be out of your price range. I've lived here most of my life and think those areas are over rated, traffic in and out is difficult.


I know nothing about this place except the location would be one I would pick. It's close to the beaches and downtown. It's in a quiet neighborhood so your chances of being woken up by ppl partying is nil.

Look for a neighborhood like this one or similar. Come back with a few choices and I will be happy to tell you something about the nieghborhood.

I am seriously considering the Best Western Lamplighter as it has a pool, breakfast and free parking and is only $161 with a AAA discount. I looked at the map and it does not appear to be that far off the freeway. Here is the address: 6474 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115

How hard will it be to get to Seaworld and Balboa Park from this location? (I know it will be a long drive to get to the animal park from anywhere we stay.) Any other comments about this location? I looked again at the Homewood Suites Liberty Station and booked a room there for the time being, but this Best Western would save us over $30/night, which would be appreciated on our budget.

Thank you!

It wouldn't take long but that wouldn't be a neighborhood that I'd want to stay in, it's a bit run down. You can do better.

Although, just for fun I went to TripAdvisor and am surprised at the reviews. The location seems like it would be noisy but I didn't read that at TA.

The other thing I didn't mention is that the room I am looking at at the Best Western has a full kitchen, which is the main thing we are really looking for. That way, we can cook meals in and save $. I have not seen anything else in that price range with all of those options. . . .

The lamplighter is in the Sand Diego State Univ area. it might be okay if school hasn't started yet. Have you looked at motels (with kitchens) in the Old Town or Mission Valley areas? August is high season in San Diego, and I think motels are going to be your best bet for budget accomodations.

A quick search on Kayak.com for places under $200 with kitchens in mid-August pulled up these places where I have stayed at or visited. I think they would all be decent locations:

Holiday Inn express in La Jolla (My sister stayed here. you are just minutes from the beaches of La Jolla or Mission Beach
El Codova in Coronado (tiny but excellent location)
Best Western Hacienda in Old town Close to freeway access and surpisingly quiet. Nice and clean)
Residence Inn Mission Valley

Why do you want to stay out in the sticks? And on a busy street?

Geesh - spend a lit bit more for accommodations closer to the beach - and enjoy spending more time around there with your twins, strolling around the scenic areas, etc.

BTW - did you look at the pics for the Inn at Sunset Cliffs in Pt. Loma/Ocean Beach? http://innatsunsetcliffs.com/photo-gallery/ It has a small pool and a great BBQ area - overlooking the ocean. What better than to be cooking some hot dogs or steak or chicken - whatever - while watching the waves? You could also tell them you are a friend of a local - and ask if they give you a San Diego discount.

If you could get one of the rooms with a kitchenette - that would be sooooooooooooooooooooooooo much better than staying way out on El Cajon Blvd.

If you didn't find it going through the photos - here is the layout - and notice the site page/map - with the outdoor BBQ's which overlook the ocean. They also have great deck chairs/furniture - and you could take some blankets from the room and watch the sunset - and the girls would probably love curling up with you in one of the chairs.

http://innatsunsetcliffs.com/photo-gallery/nggallery/hotel-photos/hotel-grounds-prior-to-remodel/page-3/

I'm still wondering why you don't "rent a house" as in your title?

It's probably far more comfortable. Like tomsd said, El Cajon Blvd is a busy street and there would be no where for the children to play if you need some down time for something.

Thank you LSky for all of your help! I did look at the Residence Inn and found it comparable to Homewood Suites (once you factor in the cost of parking). But, I haven't looked at the others you suggested. I will check those out.

As for your question about renting a house, I decided I'd like to get something with a pool, but for what we want to spend, it seems unlikely to get a house with a pool. On the other hand, it might be possible to get a condo or apartment, and I will probably still look around for something like that. If I find something, I will post about it to get your take on the neighborhood. I really appreciate your help!

Tomsd, yes, I looked at the Inn at Sunset Cliffs. Yes, it looks absolutely lovely. Yes, I would love to stay there. But, it is WAY out of our price range at $285 a night. If we wanted to stay there, we'd have to cut our trip down by several days and I just would rather not do that. The kids won't care where we are; if there is a pool, they will be happy.

daria, I hope I didn't sound snarky, wanting a swimming pool makes sense, especially during August. It's usually hot in August but it's a perfect time to take advantage of the Zoo and Wild Animal Park's extended hours. All the animals come out in the evening.

I just wanted to add a place to the good list of suggestions. I found it by accident on yelp just now - Sommerset Suites Hotel. It's on Washington St in Hillcrest, and appears to be cheaper than liberty station.

Thank you all for your wonderful help and advice. It looks like we are going to go with the Sommerset Suites Hotel. It seems to meet our needs in all ways. The rooms come with a full kitchen, the hotel has a pool and provides breakfast and it is only $157 (plus $7 for parking) and it is right near the park. Also, it gets good reviews on TripAdvisor. After much hunting, I don't think there is much more I can ask for!

That's a nice nieghborhood. There's a Whole Foods (with great take out), Trader Joes is close and the Ralphs next to the Trader Joes is pretty good. There's a Sprouts market a few blocks east if you want fresh foods at an easier price than Whole Foods. Not so much organic but often they have a better selection of organic veggies than WFs. go figure.

Easy to find and it will be fairly quiet, although it's close to the center of Hillcrest.

The Park isn't far.

Hey - was just at that Hillcrest Trader Joe's yesterday. One of the local radio station/sports shows was broadcasting from a Cox Cable outlet just across the street. If you also want some good Chinese Food/sit down or take-out - try the Pick Up Sixx - at the front of the shopping center - on University - and as noted - the 25 cent cream cheese wantons on Wednesday are super. http://www.yelp.com/biz/pick-up-stix-san-diego-11

There is also a good bagel place next door to Pick Up Stixx - if you like bagels and as noted - all kinds of good stuff at the Trader Joe's, etc. Of course, there is a McDonald's down the street, toward Park Ave - and a good Thai place (or two - one with great early bird specials) on University - just west of 6th.

If you are staying at the Sommerset Suites on Washington - and it looks cute - that is a nice central location - but do ask/double check about any possible room noise - as you aren't that far from the 163 Freeway and are also close to the Emergency Care/Hospital. I'm guessing they went with double pane glass in the windows - so you should be fine.

And just to confirm - you are one street north of University -and if you want - within walking distance of the Trader Joe's/Ralph's center. There is also a pretty good little Mexican drive through/take out place - just down/west on Washington - on the other side of the street. A Roberto's or something like that, and they have pretty decent burritos, etc And further down is Bronx Pizza - which is also very good - but then again - you are trying to cook in righto?

Good choice! Sounds like it will be perfect for you. Don't forget to come back and let us know afterwards!

The Indian Rest on University is one of my favorites. Well worth the trip across town.

"right near the park" you'll still have to drive to the park.

If the Hillcrest Restuarant's are too pricey for you, head east and you'll find some very reasonably priced food.

Ahhh fooey - lost a post.

Anyhow Lsky - yes, beyond Park Ave on El Cajon are some good places - but the places I suggested were not that expensive and the Thai place we loved during Happy Hour is Bangkok Thai at 540 University. They also have reasonably priced lunches, $4.95 - but again - the Early Bird/Happy hour specials were super and they had marvelous a la carte choices for less than that.

Here is what one diner had to say: "This is my favorite Thai restaurant in San Diego. Big portions, small prices, great staff, and stylish atmosphere. There is never anyone there when I go, and I don't understand why, because this place is the place to go for Thai."

And down Washington - heading east - about 7 or 8 blocks - if you turned left/north on Park (instead of turning right/south to go to the Zoo) - is one of our favorite places for Fish Tacos - El Zarape. It's small but packs a big punch: They usually have some type of fish taco special and they also have good chips. http://elzarape.menutoeat.com/ and http://www.urbanspoon.com/n/27/2674/San-Diego/University-Heights-restaurants There are also some other cute places in the three blocks along Park.

And if you head the other way on Wash (west) - you go down the hill (not much more than a mile and a half?) and turn left at the light - to my vote for the BEST chips and salsa in San Diego. Often I go by there just to buy a bag of their great chips, and of course, San Diegans know I am referring to the marvelous El Indio. http://www.el-indio.com/

Also - a short distance away from there is Old Town - and while Old Town Mexican Cafe is our favorite overall place - you can also enjoy just walking by there and see the women hand making the tortillas by the front windows.

Good choice! I've driven by it so many times but never saw it. I just thought it was more doctor offices or condos, lol.

Ok, we've had a change in plans because now my Mom will be joining us so we are looking at houses and condos again. Found a very nice one with a pool, nicely decorated, etc. located in Pacific Beach, I think, at 840 Turquoise Street.

Can you please tell me what you think of this location? Looks close enough to Sea World. Is the neighborhood safe? We don't mind being in a young people's neighborhood or that type of thing.

Thank you!!

That is a very nice North Pacific Beach neighborhood and the building looks great. You are not that far from a wonderful place - the French Gourmet - http://www.thefrenchgourmet.com/ and you can zip up the road to La Jolla - or the other way to Sea World.

http://sandiego.condo.com/Condo_San-Diego_92109_Pacific-Shores_840-Turquoise-St_1997497

Thats a safe neighborhood. More condos than most of PB, but far enough form the craziness of Mission Beach, and certainly walking distance to the beach.
Driving to Sea World will probably take 10 or 15 minutes at most.

And LOL. I think I just about sold that building before it was converted from an Apt building to a Condo complex.

You have a nice sandwich shop/liquor store/small market about a half a block - west - toward the French Gourmet - and I think a grocery store beyond that - and then just around the corner is the fabled Tourmaline (surfing) beach - which Ken Kesey also wrote about in The Pump House Gang - although the actual suring shack was at Windandsea beach - up the road toward La Jolla.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pump_House_Gang

Here are some pics: http://tinyurl.com/82gw3xd

Here is a pic of the palm lined drive down the short street to Tourmaline Beach. There is a shower and also rest rooms there so you could go to the beach there and also watch the surfers. http://tinyurl.com/78dgga4

And you are close to where you could ride this Paddle Boat on Mission Bay. http://www.catamaranresort.com/dining3.html

You are also close enough to both Pacific Beach (the main part to the south) and La Jolla to try some of their places to dine and you can find some bargains - such as Filipi's pizza on Garnet. There are also other numerous places - from Mexican to Sushi - and there is also a Trader Joe's and a Sprouts/Farmer's Market a bit east of there on Garnet - which have good things to buy/cook at home. http://www.realcheesepizza.com/web/locations/PB.html

http://www.traderjoes.com/stores/index.asp

http://www.gatewaytobeauty.com/in_san_diego/locations/henrys_mkt_locations.htm

Oh, wow, THANK YOU Tomsd and lcuy for your help. This is wonderful!!!! I think we will definitely go with this condo as your descriptions sound great and it looks lovely. Splitting the lodging with my mom will save us even more money.

Also, thanks for all of those links Tomsd, I will check out all of that!

Also the Woodstock's Pizza next to the Trader Joes in PB is pretty good. Heading east on Garnet you'll find a really good bread bakery, a great juice place and in the same plaza a nice Vietnamese restuarant. (It's the plaza with theBruegger's bagels)

Tom, thanks for the tip about the Thai place in Hillcrest. Also, I've driven by El Zarape, I'll try it next time I'm down there.
Meant t

meant to add that filipi's pizza is hard to beat.

840 Turquoise is just around the corner from me. I looked it up on Google maps and I know exactly which place it is. I drive past it everyday.

It is in an ok location. It is a busy street with a lot of businesses. There are a couple of auto repair shops, hardware store, bars, Albertson's, gas stations. It's not the greatest location. But you can walk from their down La Jolla Blvd. to Bird Rock (about a mile walk or drive) where there are cute local shops - it is where a lot of locals hang out with their families.

You are also near a popular surfing beach (so you can't really swim there safely) called Turmoline.

I would (if it was me) try to find something in Coronado. It is entirely (or 95%) residential with numerous family parks, a lovely public library with a fabulous children's section and activities for kids. The beach is beautiful and safe. The island is much safer for kids to bike, walk and hang out than La Jolla.

La Jolla is crowded and you are very dependent on a car to get around. Whereas in Coronado you can get everywhere by bike. You also have better access to Downtown SD from Coronado.

Believe me I grew up in Coronado and have lived in La Jolla for 35 years.

Some of our favorite restaurants on La Jolla Blvd in the Bird Rock neighborhood (which is just around the corner from Turquoise) are

Lupi's Italian
Beaumount's Family Restaurant

Then close to Turquoise on CAss Stree in Pacific Beach is my favorite: The Fishery.

A few other good restaurants in Pac Beach are
Athena Greek on Garnet
Costa Bravo on Garnet (fantastic Spanish food!!)

you might ask lcuy about Coronado, she just might agree with me

....although she left Coronado for of all places ... Hawaii. Will never understand that!

daria
when will you be in san diego?

Thanks, I will look into Coronado although I suspect it will be more expensive. We will be there in early/mid August.

Yes, I looked and there is nothing in Coronado in that same price range that also has a pool (most of those rentals are by the month only). We really want a pool for the kids as we will be at the beach in LA for 10 days before going to SD, so they are saying they would rather have a pool in SD than be at the beach.

wow... walk down memory lane - I lived on Turquoise and right after on Tourmaline.. there use to be an apartment/condo building right on Turquoise. Charlie was the superintendent. Small world... I worked at a little party store right on Turquoise. It is pretty far North PB and was not really a party area... closer to bird rock/La Jolla as stated above.

I would 100 percent pick Coranado with kids over that area.

Have you thought about "home-swapping?". I am not sure where you are coming from, but this is a fantastic way to cut the cost to nearly nil.
Tina

Coronado passed a zone requirement for monthly leases only so most Coronado places are for a month... I would reccommend staying at Hotel Del in one of their condo like Beach Village rentals where you can rent for the week and the beach is out the frontdoor. It is expensive but you might find a promotion right now.

http://www.beachvillageatthedel.com/

For what you want to do - and the price point - I think the condo on Turquoise is great. If I recall - they even have two pools there? Coronado is beautiful - but harder to get out of/back into, although such a "commute" to have over that beautiful bridge, eh? If you have a chance - you should drive over, but avoid going over in the am or returning around the evening rush hour.

In any event - you have a pool for the kids, easy walking to markets and places to dine and even the beach at Tourmaline - where you can swim closer to shore - but further out - yes, the surfers will be whipping around. Think you might enjoy watching the surfers. It's a whole nother world with them. I love body surf (Boomers at La Jolla is fun - but not for rookies - http://www.placesonline.com/north_america/united_states/california/la_jolla/beaches/boomers_beach.asp ) - and thought about board surfing, and even arranged lessons for my niece, but now - just seem to gratitate toward fishing.

And Lsky - if you try the Thai place in Hillcrest, let me know, ok? Tschiffsd@aol.com.