San Diego’s Top Stays for Solo Travelers

San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is a place where history meets the high energy of a modern nightlife destination. Included on the National Register of Historic Places, the neighborhood is where 19th-century buildings, replica gas lamps (inspired by the originals that once lit the streets), skyscrapers and more than 200 restaurants and bars intertwine. During the day, the neighborhood is busy with shoppers and sightseers, the open-air Gaslamp Artisan Market on weekends and Padres games at Petco Park during baseball season. At sundown, the area’s nightlife scene attracts a younger crowd. There are plenty of lodging options in the Gaslamp Quarter, whether you want to be near the center of it all or tucked away in a quieter corner.  

The Moxy San Diego has a chic and convivial atmosphere (check-in and checkout is at the lobby bar), inviting communal spaces, comfy rooms with city views, and a convenient grab-and-go market. A century-old landmark hotel was rejuvenated when Palihotel San Diego opened in its space, as the brand brought its understated elegance to the neighborhood. The boutique property has Diptyque bath products, a rooftop bar that’s exclusive for guests and Saint James French Diner, an upscale eatery. The AC Hotel San Diego is right on Fifth Avenue near the Balboa Theatre and has a guest-exclusive rooftop pool and lounge and fitness center, and modern rooms with European design.

North of the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood has grown into one of the city’s premier dining destinations. India Street, the main thoroughfare, is lined with cafes, traditional Italian eateries and newer modern restaurants, and comes alive in the evenings with alfresco dining. The Piazza della Famiglia in the heart of the neighborhood is a lively public space with tables and chairs, the perfect spot to enjoy a takeout lunch or cup of coffee. Little Italy is close to Santa Fe Depot — a hub for the San Diego Trolley, Coaster and Amtrak trains — and is within walking distance of the Embarcadero’s Waterfront Park and the Maritime Museum of San Diego. On Saturday mornings, one of the largest and most popular farmers markets takes over the streets, where local farmers, chefs and artisans sell their wares. With its walkability and access to top restaurants, Little Italy offers the perfect stay for solo travelers who want to explore the city’s culinary gems.  

Boutique stays in the neighborhood include the 16-story Carté Hotel San Diego, a sleek property in a quieter section of the neighborhood. The hotel has the 28,000-square-foot Fit Athletic Club and a rooftop bar that is an ideal spot to take in a sunset and views of downtown. Porto Vista Hotel is steps from India Street and offers a midcentury aesthetic and the GlassDoor Restaurant, a stylish Mexican cantina serving breakfast and dinner. 

Pacific Beach, or “PB” as locals call it, is a classic Southern California beach community known for its fun-loving energy and youthful spirit. Just north of the historic Belmont Park amusement park, PB stretches along a scenic three-mile boardwalk lined with surf shops, beachfront cafés and bars, and casual eateries. At the heart of the neighborhood, Garnet and Grand avenues are home to a bar and restaurant scene that’s a favorite hangout for 20-something visitors and locals. The iconic Crystal Pier offers panoramic views of the coastline and a chance to watch surfers ride the waves. A bit inland is Kate Sessions Memorial Park, a true local gem with walking trails and sweeping views of Mission Bay, and Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, which can be accessed by car for 360-degree views of the city.  

There are several oceanfront stays available in PB at a variety of price ranges. Check in at the Ocean Park Inn, a boutique hotel owned by a local family and just steps away from the sand and Crystal Pier. Complimentary breakfast is included, and the hotel partners with local restaurants that offer discounted delivery. The Beach Cottages is a landmark oceanfront property with affordable accommodations ranging from standard hotel rooms to one-bedroom apartments with full kitchens. The Wayfarer San Diego is another seaside home-away-from-home right on the boardwalk. 

Mission Bay is an aquatic wonderland that’s quintessentially San Diego: calm bays and coves fringed with palm trees, beach bonfire pits and volleyball courts, and wide-open spaces with walking and biking trails, including a scenic 12-mile bayside path. This 4,600-acre playground is the largest of its kind in the world, offering everything from swimming and kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding and sailing.

It’s also home to SeaWorld San Diego, one of the region’s most-visited attractions, and the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, one of the largest public waterfront sports centers in the U.S., where anyone can rent equipment or take a guided lesson. You’ll also find several whale watching and sailing tours launching right from the bay. Mission Bay is a great choice for solo travelers who want to stay active during their trip, or who simply want to relax and do nothing by the water. 

Mission Bay is known for its large, family-friendly resorts, but there are also smaller, more peaceful options that are perfect for solo travelers looking to unwind. 

The Catamaran Hotel Resort & Spa is a Polynesian-themed resort on an idyllic location on Sail Bay, where every room includes a balcony or patio. The resort feels like a tropical oasis, with lush gardens, scenic bayfront dining at Oceana Coastal Kitchen and a full-service spa that offers just the right amount of escapism. Settle into one of the resort’s beach chairs for an afternoon of sunbathing or reading, or take a stroll along the Bayside Walk. The Dana on Mission Bay is a smaller resort on South Cove offering plenty of bayfront views, a private marina and two pools (including an infinity pool). The hotel can provide any equipment you could possibly want for a fun day on the bay, whether it’s a bike or a Wave Runner. 

This coastal neighborhood is on a peninsula west of Downtown San Diego and is made up of coastal residences, military installations, historic sites and busy marinas. Several notable attractions are within Point Loma’s borders: Cabrillo National Monument — the site where the first European explorer landed in San Diego — and a nature preserve with tidepools, a historic lighthouse and seaside hiking trails; Sunset Cliffs, a popular spot to take in ocean views and watch the sun go down; Liberty Station, a former military base that has been renovated into a buzzy center with a food hall, restaurants and shops; and Shelter Island, a scenic hub for boating and sailing.

The lodging options here are a bit off the tourist track and put you in a convenient location to experience the community’s gems. Humphreys Half Moon Inn is tucked away on Shelter Island, and has marina views and quick access to the scenic walking trails around the peninsula. During the summer and fall, the landmark hotel hosts its popular concert series that features nationally acclaimed artists performing at its outdoor venue. The Monsaraz San Diego is a chic property with an eclectic design inspired by Portuguese tile work, and within walking distance to Mitch’s and Point Loma Seafoods on Shelter Island — arguably the top places in the city to enjoy local seafood. 

Known as San Diego’s “Jewel by the Sea,” La Jolla is an upscale beach community with one of the most visited and photographed coastlines in California. From the breezy Coastal Walk that passes La Jolla Cove and the Children’s Pool — where harbor seals often congregate and can be observed from designated viewpoints — to the endemic trees at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and gentle waves at La Jolla Shores, the community is perfect for enjoying nature. Prospect Street is dotted with upscale boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, and serves as the heart of La Jolla’s social scene. In recent years, La Jolla has also become a noteworthy dining destination, drawing both locals and visitors.

For arts and culture, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego – La Jolla is a must-visit. Perched above the coast and recently renovated, the museum offers world-class exhibitions and breathtaking ocean views from its galleries. Ocean lovers should also make time for the Birch Aquarium, operated by the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography. It offers hands-on exhibits and a fascinating look at Southern California marine life, from kelp forests to seahorses.

A stay in La Jolla means luxury, and the neighborhood is best for those who want to splurge and indulge in some pampering. The century-old La Valencia Hotel, or “The Pink Lady,” is a glamorous retreat decorated with hand-painted murals and Mediterranean-inspired art, and its cliffside location has breathtaking views of the Pacific. La Jolla Shores Hotel fronts the namesake beach and has tennis courts, a pool and fitness center right onsite. The Grande Colonial Hotel in the heart of the Village boasts stunning views, boutique luxury and the popular Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar. And the Lodge at Torrey Pines is right next to the famous greens of Torrey Pines Golf Course and offers a mountain lodge atmosphere with views of the sea along with excellent service. Its signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien, is a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement and has a menu with new dishes created daily.

North Park is San Diego’s designated hipster ’hood, packed with trendy restaurants, cocktail and craft beer lounges, and independent boutiques. The heart of this buzzing neighborhood is the intersection of University Avenue and 30th Street, a highly walkable area that offers lots to explore, including plenty of murals and street art. With so many opportunities to wander, people-watch and discover local gems, it’s an ideal spot for solo travelers who want to experience where locals hang out and dine.

The Lafayette Hotel & Club, a historic retreat dating to the Golden Age of Hollywood, is the place to stay in North Park/University Heights. Fresh off a nationally acclaimed $31 million renovation, the property is the first in San Diego to receive a prestigious Michelin Key. The hotel’s bold design brings new meaning to maximalist: a vivid mix of animal prints, soft pinks and greens, and opulent lighting and fixtures somehow all work together to exude a fun and playful ambience. Every communal space and onsite restaurant is a feast for the eyes — whether you're lounging by the central pool or sipping cocktails in the glamorous lobby bar, which has become a popular nightlife spot with locals. Guest rooms are stocked with a dizzying array of snacks and liquors (available at an extra cost).  

The hotel’s location on El Cajon Boulevard makes it a prime spot for exploring the neighborhood. Right across the street is Pomegranate, one of the few restaurants in town serving Russian and Georgian cuisine; Flavors of East Africa, popular for its spicy jerk chicken; and Gilly’s, a longtime dive bar that was recently renovated. It’s about five minutes by car to the heart of North Park, and 10 minutes to Balboa Park.

Conveniently located in central San Diego, Mission Valley is a busy hub with shopping centers, hotels and Snapdragon Stadium, the city’s newest sports and concert venue, which serves as the home field for the San Diego State University Aztecs, San Diego Wave FC and San Diego FC. Several key sites — including Balboa Park, Downtown San Diego, the Embarcadero, Mission Bay and Ocean Beach — are minutes away by car, and the MTS Trolley’s Green Line has several stations in Mission Valley. From the Green Line, you can ride all the way to Old Town, Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter. In the neighborhood’s east end is Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, the first mission in California (founded in 1769), which still functions as an active parish. Civita Park is a beautifully landscaped public park complete with walking trails, gardens and picnic areas, and hosts a weekly farmers market.  

The Town and Country Resort brought the retro glamour of Palm Springs to Mission Valley with its recent multimillion-dollar renovation, earning praise from Condé Nast Traveler and San Diego Magazine. The pet-friendly property is notable for its three pools and four-story waterslide, lounge areas complete with firepits and dining options including ARLO, the hotel’s signature indoor-outdoor restaurant that offers pre-fixe meals at dinner and a festive brunch that’s become popular with locals. The Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa is a fairly new property that includes premier suites, a full-service spa with rejuvenating treatments like the Legacy Gemstone Facial, and all-day dining at Theresa’s Italian Steakhouse.