10 Best Places To Live In San Diego, California - Updated 2024

1. La Jolla (from USD 290)

Known as the jewel by the sea in San Diego, La Jolla offers a dazzling coastline and a posh village-like atmosphere. This tranquil seaside community showcases 7 miles (11.2 kilometers) of Pacific Coast beauty along with craggy cliffs. Also on display are ritzy restaurants, charming cafes, chic boutiques, and fine art museums. Golfers are in heaven with two expert courses that lay atop magnificent sea cliffs. If you want a place that offers easy, upscale living, then La Jolla is the neighborhood for you.

A fabulous boutique inn overlooking the ocean, Pantai Inn is centrally located in downtown La Jolla and offers elegant Balinese-style rooms that are eye-catching and cozy. It has handcrafted wood furnishings and Indonesian-inspired art decor. The beautiful brick villas are surrounded by lush greenery offering a stunning oasis-like setting.

2. Mission Beach (from USD 246)

The quintessential California beach town, Mission Beach is one of San Diego’s most popular beach destinations because of its unusually expansive sand and surf. An oceanside environment boasting a nearly 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) long waterfront boardwalk, Mission Beach is packed with exciting diversions: a historic boardwalk amusement park showcasing a fabulously restored 1925 wooden roller coaster called the Giant Dipper. With its plentitude of cool bars and lively nightlife scene, Mission Beach is popular with the Gen Z crowd.

An exhilarating oceanfront swimming pool highlights the delightful Blue Sea Beach Hotel. This accommodation residing by the shoreline features handy bike rentals so you can explore the area. The rooms provide breezy balconies so you can unwind and enjoy the salt-air surroundings.

3. Downtown San Diego (from USD 735)

Comprised of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, the divine aromas of Little Italy, and a worthy pub-crawl venue, Downtown San Diego is an irresistible playground for any tourist or local. Without a doubt, this vibrant section of the city is the heartbeat of San Diego. Where else can you marvel at impressive tall ships on the bayfront, then watch a baseball game within the span of 2 miles (3.2 kilometers)? From the bustling waterfront area of Embarcadero to the towering rooftop bars around J Street, San Diego’s downtown neighborhood is the go-to spot.

A funky and fun lodging at the center of the Gaslamp District, Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego is a must stay. This hotel offers a pet-friendly environment and bikes are available free of charge.

4. Point Loma (from USD 200)

No worries Point Loma lacks sandy beaches because the big draw is the dramatic peninsula, the shimmering tide pools, and the awe-inspiring sunsets. Soothe your soul by listening to the crashing waves against the eye-catching cliffs or investigate the tide pools in the rocky reefs that are teeming with fascinating marine life. Also looming large on Point Loma’s peninsula is the Cabrillo National Monument, a lovely park with nifty trails, pretty tide pools, and interesting exhibits on California’s past. This monument also provides gorgeous panoramic views of the water and the San Diego skyline.

The Inn at Sunset Cliffs is literally steps from the shoreline and provides easy access to many first-rate dining options and exciting water recreation.

5. Mission Bay (from USD 229)

If you love marine life and water sports, then Mission Bay is a slice of paradise. This neighborhood comprised of over 50% water - that includes the world’s biggest man-made saltwater bay and aquatic park - is home to the renowned SeaWorld San Diego and also boasts a limitless amount of fun water recreation. Known as San Diego’s water wonderland, Mission Bay offers non-stop water diversions from stand-up paddleboarding to jet skiing. Other popular water activities include a cruise on a Mississippi riverboat-inspired sternwheeler and thrilling sport-fishing expeditions.

A top seller, Paradise Point Resort & Spa is a lush resort-style accommodation featuring a pampering spa and beautiful tropical gardens. The rooms are decorated with impeccable class and the comfort level is phenomenal.

6. Del Mar (from USD 339)

Del Mar is a great mix of extravagance and quaintness. Sprinkled with a collection of handsome half-timbered, Tudor-style structures and tall palm trees, this oceanside village oozes European charm with a twist of California splendor. Del Mar is for those who crave first-class cuisine, the thrill of thoroughbred horse racing, and pristine beaches. Everything done in Del Mar is done in grand style from the joyous annual San Diego County Fair to the heart-pumping seaside horse races presented at the internationally known Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

A rare beauty on Del Mar’s hotel landscape, Les Artistes Inn is a quirky boutique lodging by the ocean. The rooms offer casual sophistication and the decor is inspired by world-renowned artists.

7. University City (from USD 215)

University City is for those who adore hiking, biking, and birdwatching. University City boasts the beautiful Rose Canyon - a rugged terrain comprised of canyons and valleys that highlight scenic trails, wildlife viewing, and bird-watching activities. In fact, Rose Canyon displays nearly 100 species of interesting birds - many are on the endangered species list. Explorers can also find vernal pools - seasonal pools of water that supply habitat for distinctive animals and plants in the canyon. University City is a nature lover’s dream.

This one-bedroom nicely landscaped guest house offers wonderful living space inside and outside. The interior is adorable with a casual ambiance, while the outdoor space offers guests access to a sparkling swimming pool and relaxing hot tub.

University City Guest House

San Diego, California, United States
3.66 km (2.3 mi) from Kate Sessions Memorial Park

71 reviews  

Entire guest suite 3 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews

Amenities & Room:

this beautiful unit is tastefully appointed with comfy beds roomy bathroom and lots of amenities

kris and laura provided us a warm super clean comfortable cozy place

has room to sleep a few and has a small kitchen and a nice bathroom

we love their pool because it was private and controlled remotely with an app

Cleanliness:

the space was very clean well-decorated and comfortable

the apartment was lovely - clean stylish and comfortable

comfortable clean and central location

the guest house was spotless and beautifully decorated with unique pieces and colorful accents

very nice clean safe feeling neighborhood

Host:

he was a very thoughtful host

they were the most courteous hosts i've ever had and they made my party feel right at home

the host was very responsive and welcoming

fantastic place and fantastic host

the hosts were very friendly responsive and flexible

Location:

amazing property in great location

location was great for everything we wanted to do

the location is close to everything will definitely be coming back

location was great house was beautiful and cozy

a very nice house located in a quiet safe and beautiful area

Read more reviews

from USD

215

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8. Carmel Valley (from USD 594)

Tucked away between dense green mountains, Carmel Valley is an affluent neighborhood with lots of natural beauty. A former religious community and dairy farm, Carmel Valley has grown into a centrally located hamlet filled with aromatic coffeehouses, lush parks, and professionals commuting to nearby business hubs. This area was once home to intriguing Native American tribes, hardworking Spanish ranchers, and thrill-seeking gold miners, adding to Carmel Valley’s rich past. A network of scenic hiking, biking, and equestrian trails are great ways to explore the natural terrain.

Boasting a lovely Mediterranean vibe, Fairmont Grand Del Mar treats every guest like royalty. This hotel offers no less than four refreshing pools, six tasty restaurants, a soothing spa, and more.

9. Pacific Beach (from USD 169)

Popular with surfers, Pacific Beach offers an easy-going vibe. This relaxed coastal community boasts 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of lively boardwalk activity. With a well-established nightlife, Pacific Beach is a party mecca for twenty-somethings and offers a festive atmosphere that’s hard to resist. If you want to get a taste of the local flavor, head to Kono’s Cafe for breakfast. The food portions are large, plus the ambiance is pure beach-town bliss. Don’t forget to check out the spectacular sunsets over the Pacific Ocean - an Instagram-worthy sight.

Beach Haven is an ultra-modern retreat with a sleek minimalist style. Just moments from the beach and Pacific Beach boardwalk, this hotel is a prime locale with top-grade amenities.

10. Coronado (from USD 223)

Coronado is a picturesque resort neighborhood residing on a peninsula in San Diego Bay. The centerpiece of this community is the magnificent Victorian Hotel del Coronado, which opened its doors back in 1888. The vibe is definitely different when you cross the long bridge over the bay into Coronado. Seemingly a world away, this island nirvana showcases bygone-era mansions, opulent gardens, and a collection of beaches boasting gentle surf and brilliant wide-sand.

A high rating for cleanliness and comfort, Crown City Inn Coronado is a great respite in Coronado. The pet-friendly rooms are awash in soothing pastel color schemes and some units offer kitchenette, too.

Top San Diego neighborhoods

Celebrated for a temperate climate, popular attractions, and a feel-good atmosphere, San Diego’s earned its reputation as one of California’s jewels of the Pacific Coast. From gentle foothills to towering mountain ranges, this town’s terrain boasts some of the most appealing places to live on earth. Check out a few of these neighborhoods and you may fall in love and stay forever.