Book Cheap Last-Minute Hotels in San Diego

America’s Finest City isn’t all sunny days, surfer bros, Pacific Ocean breezes, and Anchorman quotes. (There are the killer burritos, too—but we’ll get to that later.)

When you grab a last-minute hotel deal in San Diego and get to town, sure, do the SD basics: take part in a beer-and-walk around the San Diego Zoo, catch a foul ball at a Padre’s game, get touristy with a marg in Old Town, and see the sea lions get their bark on at La Jolla Cove. But after you’ve covered all of those bases, it’s time to really get into what this Southern California utopia has to offer.

Get Down in Downtown (or the Beach)

If you want to get seen on the scene, Gaslamp is where you’ll be clubbin’. But if you need some toes-in-the-sand action, you’ll find beaches from the high-end La Jolla and Del Mar, down to the laidback and eclectic Ocean Beach. And you’ll discover cool neighborhood vibes and street art in Barrio Logan and North Park.

California Dreamin’ (of Burritos): If you visit San Diego and don’t try a California burrito, you are truly doing yourself a disservice, as the West Coast considers this portable meal the best thing you can wrap in a flour tortilla. What makes this SD staple so magical? It’s filled with not just juicy carne asada and shredded cheese—this burrito boasts loads French fries instead of rice and beans. Potat-oh, yes, they did. Try one for yourself at locally loved Mike’s Taco Club or Lolita’s.

Craft Beer O’Clock: After you’ve made your rounds at the iconic local breweries like Modern Times and have hit up what locals lovingly call “Beeramar” in Miramar—home to big names like Ballast Point and AleSmith—it’s time to dive a little deeper into the keg. San Diego is brimming with craft beer bars like world-famous Hamiltons Tavern in South Park or Blind Lady in Normal Heights, the perfect spots to try regional brews in trendy San Diego neighborhoods.

Park It at Balboa: If you’re posted up at one of the hotels near San Diego Airport or especially the hotels near San Diego Zoo, stopping by Balboa Park is a must-do activity while you’re in town. This massive greenspace is not only chock-full of decades-old towering trees and flowering gardens, it’s also where you can peruse 17 varying museums.

Show Your Peach at Black’s Beach: Just slightly off the beaten path of nearby Torrey Pines hiking trails, you’ll find the “clothing optional” Black’s Beach. It’s definitely more secluded (for a reason) than the other super-popular sandy spots in the area, so crowds won’t be an issue. No matter what you choose to wear on your visit, expect views of glorious cliffs, maybe a bit of fog, and surfers aplenty. And fully flesh out your coastal experience with last-minute hotel deals at San Diego beach areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego