San Diego Quiet Neighborhood/Town
 

We're looking to stay at a hotel in or near San Diego, but in a bit quieter/more relaxed area. We're coming from NYC so want our vacation time to be in a relaxed area, preferably by the beach.

Any suggestions on places to look? Thoughts on Mission Beach?

We want to go to the zoo, but have no other plans while we're there.

Also, if you have any advice on specific hotels that would be great too.

Honestly? I've stayed in "every" Marriott in the greater San Diego Metro area and especially compared to NYC, the entire area is "relaxed"; even the Convention Center Plaza area isn't very loud or crowded (except maybe on game days, which means avoid the Gaslamp Courtyard I guess).

And I was in the Coronado Marriott over Memorial Day weekend; the weather was gray and chilly so it wasn't very crowded but even still it probably meets your needs.

If you're going to the zoo anyway, you might as well spend at least a little time at Balboa Park, located on Park Blvd. near the zoo.

It's a large "urban culture park" with open space, gardens, walking paths, museums, places to eat, etc. It also contains the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, with free concerts every Sunday at 2 PM, as well as other events.

Visiting Balboa Park is, in my experience, more relaxing than visiting the zoo.

https://www.balboapark.org/

IMHO, the botanical and other specialty gardens in Balboa Park are among the best things about visiting San Diego. We can spend hours wandering among them.

It's not really in San Diego, but how about LaJolla? The village has lots of restaurants and bars, there's a museum, a walk along the sea, etc.

La Jolla is some miles north of the "main" part of San Diego, but it is, in fact, within the city limits of San Diego.

May not be everyone's cup of tea, but I like staying in the Liberty Station area - it's just west of the airport and feels like a world away from downtown, but is quite close. When I'm in town for work or conferences, I actually try to stay out of the fray.

There's a Homewood Suites and a Courtyard. A number of small eateries and nice views with a waterfront park. Easy freeway access.

Well, since no one mentioned world famous Hotel Coronado, that is right on the beach.

Went to a conference for work and stayed on Coronado Island, but on the other side without a beach but with a view of downtown. It was great - don't recall the name but I'm sure you can Google it (if someone doesn't post first) IIRC it's the first hotel on right as you get off the bridge. Has its own pier.

Jetsfan92588

You mentioned the zoo at as destination in your plans.

You might also want to consider, in Escondido, its partner, dedicated to reproduction of endangered animals. Here is a link to this fairly unique facility

http://sdzsafaripark.org/

Comic-Con weekend (typically mid-late July) is probably a different story too. Then again, availability is likely zero near downtown at this point for those who need to be in SD then.

I think the suggestion of Liberty Station is worth considering. No real high-end hotels, but the atmosphere is much quieter than downtown. And Liberty Station itself is worth a visit. Lots of small shops, places to eat (including an interesting market), small museums ---and on weekends there are often events with music, art, performances. Fun. Plus, it's close to anything else in San Diego. Balboa Park is wonderful---theater, museums --- and the zoo is right there. The Safari Park is excellent --- if you're up for a bit of a drive and warmer weather.

I'm sure that the OP has already visited, so I'm posting this for future readers of this thread. The hotels next to the convention center are in what I would consider a quiet area. I enjoyed my stay at the Hilton Bayfront and when I went outside to walk along the bay it was quiet. If you go across the ped bridge into the heart of the Gaslamp, you'll encounter a much nosier environment.

Another quiet area that I like is the around the Sheraton Marina. I've stayed at that Sheraton several times and it's a peaceful area. Walking along the bay in that area with a cup of coffee in the morning is so relaxing. There's typically people running and walking. There is also a path that you can walk that takes you from the hotel, along the marina, and under the N Habor Dr bridge to another quiet are where there is Starbucks, a park and a walking trail around the water in that area. It's a short drive from Balboa Park and the zoo from the hotel.

Someone mention La Jolla and while I absolutely love walking along the cove, Prospect st, Girard Ave, dining outside at George's on the Cove, dining outside at The Med and happy hour at Catania, it's not the most quiet area, specifically along Prospect St where most of the nice hotel are.

If you want quiet, but easy access to the zoo etc, I'd suggest Westin Downtown. There are two Westin's. The Gaslamp and Downtown. Stay at the Downtown property. Easy walk or Uber to many places in town.