Hotels in Central San Diego

With its steep canyons crisscrossing its mesas and rolling hills, the suburbs of Central San Diego live up to the moniker of ‘The City of Villages'. There are numerous communities, from high-tech Sorrento Valley and Mira Mesa in the north, to suburban Claremont and Serra Mesa in the south. What these neighborhoods though share is a position in San Diego's 'sweet spot'—far enough from the coastal hotspots to be relaxed and affordable but close enough to have San Diego's highlights in easy reach.

Hotels in Central San Diego

As a broad and diverse area, hotels in Central San Diego are spread across several locales. The Sorrento Valley has the lion's share, with a string of quality brand-name hotels along Mira Mesa Boulevard. The Hyatt House San Diego/Sorrento Mesa gets rave reviews for its extremely helpful staff and heated outdoor pool. Then there's the classy Staybridge Suites Sorrento Mesa, offering excellent service with the bonus of a craft brewery just opposite. Suburban Clairemont is great for those looking for Central San Diego hotel rates on the low side. Some, like the highly-rated Hampton Inn San Diego-Kearny Mesa, are out to prove that chain hotels and great service can mix.

Things to see in Central San Diego

Despite its mainly suburban nature, there's lots to do and see here. Craft brewing has put San Diego on the map recently, and there are many such brewers in Central San Diego. One stand-out is Green Flash Brewing, known for their interesting experiments with wild yeasts. The brewery is open for tastings and they run tours throughout the week. Also in Sorrento Valley is Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, with its amazing canyon wildlife trails stretching miles inland—perfect for cyclists, trekkers, and horse-riders. One of San Diego's oldest ranches (dating back to 1823) is also found here. Clairemont has its own slivers of wilderness in the San Clemente Canyon and the Marian Bear Memorial Park. Here you can catch glimpses of raccoons, coyotes and foxes. Lastly, a visit to the Flying Leatherneck Museum, right next to the USMC Miramar air base, reveals an intriguing history of the Marine Corps in the air.

Good for all travelers

It's fair to say that there's something for everyone here. On the one hand, accommodation in Central San Diego makes perfect sense for those coming to do business with Sorrento Valley's high-tech companies. Lying right next to the University, the Sorrento Valley connects easily to the northern beach resorts of Torres Pines, La Jolla and Del Mar. That makes it a great base for those wanting to explore San Diego's fabulous coastline. Clairemont is excellent for budget travelers and lies close to Mission Bay and Seaworld San Diego. That's something that will please families wanting affordable hotels in Central San Diego from which to tour the city's family-friendly sights.

How to get to Central San Diego

With these northern suburbs stretching across 10 miles, you'll have to plan your travel to Central San Diego accordingly. Clairemont is the easiest to reach, the airport lying 10 miles to the south. By car, take the I-5 north from the airport, and then head up Balboa Avenue. For the areas around Miramar, you'll need to stay on the I-5 until the exit for State Highway 52. For the Sorrento Valley you're best off staying on the I-5 until exit 30, making for a half-an-hour long journey. Alternatively, if you're driving from LA, a two-hour drive down the I-15 will get you to the heart of Central San Diego.