Hotel Circle San Diego

Hotel Circle includes some of the best resorts in all of San Diego. Between hotel amenities, shopping and fun nearby activities, it’s a great place to stay on vacation.

Hotel Circle

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Experience Unique and Affordable Lodging in Hotel Circle

Riverleaf Inn in Hotel Circle, San Diego

Hotel Circle San Diego is a collection of some of the Best Budget-friendly Hotels in San Diego along a stretch of the I-8 highway. Its central location next to local landmarks like Presidio Park, Mission Bay Park, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Coronado Island’s many beaches make the hotels in the area ideal for getting the most out of your vacation, which is part of the reason why the area has become so popular with tourists.

San Diego is best known for its ocean waves and gorgeous shorelines, but just a few miles inland you’ll find plenty to see and do as well. The activities and accommodations offered in and near these hotels are top-class and provide the perfect way to round out a day of fun in the sun.

Are you planning on flying into San Diego via the San Diego International Airport? If so, you may want to consider accommodations within Hotel Circle San Diego, since it’s just a six-mile drive away. Cabs, rideshares and shuttles run between the hotels and the airport, making this an especially convenient option.

Many Kinds of Restaurants to Try in the Gaslamp Quarter

Downtown San Diego

These hotels aren’t far from Downtown San Diego either. Once you’ve spent the day in the heart of the city, Hotel Circle is just a 10-minute drive North; you’ll even pass through Balboa Park on your way back, so you can explore its many museums, walkways, and gorgeous botanical gardens.

While the high concentration of hotels is one of the most striking parts of the Hotel Circle, the area is also famous for its proximity to Balboa Park and its connections to Old Town San Diego.

One of the Many Parks within Balboa Park

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a mere few minutes’ drive south of Hotel Circle. It’s a cultural park with an urban yet historic atmosphere, full of buildings constructed hundreds of years ago and kept standing only through dedicated conservation efforts. It’s also home to a number of different attractions.

While walking through the park, you can visit the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is a large-scale botanical garden constructed in the style of San Diego’s sister city Yokohama, Japan. You could also relax on the grass, or pay a visit to one of the 17 museums within the Balboa Park with contents ranging from art galleries to anthropology to astronomy.

Main Stage in Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego

Old Town San Diego

Old Town is a historic district in San Diego that’s packed full of authentic culture. It’s heavily connected to Southern California’s Mexican roots in both its architecture and the cuisine in local restaurants. Old Town also includes the large shopping district Bazaar del Mundo which is a huge draw for visitors.

There are plenty of entertainment options all across the neighborhood. The area also hosts many annual events such as the Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo, which includes live music, stores, and lucha libre wrestling shows.

Popular Attractions

On top of these exciting nearby destinations, Hotel Circle is known for its proximity to popular attractions like the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego, as well as quite a few craft breweries. You can dine at a café, head to the park, do some shopping for souvenirs, and even ride the trolley that runs through the area.

There’s no shortage of activities and no reason not to pack your visit with as many fun events as possible, especially when you have the Go City San Diego pass. This pass offers huge savings on the price of admission tickets to attractions like the Air and Space Museum or a tour of the San Diego History Center. You can even get an additional discount by purchasing via our website!

Why you'll love Hotel Circle

Hotel Circle includes some of the best resorts in all of San Diego. Between hotel amenities, shopping and fun nearby activities, it’s a great place to stay on vacation.

Explore SeaWorld and SAVE

Visit SeaWorld San Diego

Check out SeaWorld San Diego for exciting rides, marine animal interactions and shows! Admission is included as part of the All-Inclusive Go Pass. Save even more when you bundle with other top attractions like the Birch Aquarium at Scripps!

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What activities does the Go City San Diego pass include?

There’s a variety of activities included with the Go City San Diego pass such as: The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Hiking Tours, Whale Watching, Museum Tours, Speed Boat Adventures & more!

For the most popular attractions and water-sport rentals as well as the biggest discounts, consider the All-Inclusive Pass.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Things to Do

Balboa Park

San Diego Zoo

SeaWorld San Diego

Ways to Spend the Day in Hotel Circle

Are you expecting to have a free day between visiting nearby attractions, or do you want to take a break from the breakneck pace of the rest of your vacation?

The Hotel Circle area is very walkable, and there’s plenty to do outside of the typical beach visits and museum tours. Some truly remarkable restaurants, amazing shopping centers, parks, and golf courses are nestled right in this little corner of San Diego.

Pottery Barn and Many More Stores at Fashion Valley Mall

Shopping

You don’t have to travel far to pick up some great local souvenirs and gifts on your trip. There are an abundance of stores in the Hotel Circle area covering everything from standard gift shops to beach supplies to huge shopping centers.

Fashion Valley Mall features an inviting two-story outdoor mall area with over 200 stores and dozens of places to eat, as well as its own movie theater. It’s the perfect trip detour for any shopping aficionado.

Did you know?

Most of the hotels in Hotel Circle are right next to the freeway, making it very easy and quick to get to the attraction that suits you.

You can also make a supply run at the Westfield Mission Valley Shopping Center, which is another large outdoor mall in neighboring Mission Valley. In addition to the many specialty shops and small, locally-owned boutiques in the shopping center, the historic style architecture gives everything an authentic, welcoming feel, letting you shop and enjoy San Diego at the same time.

Blanco Restaurant in Fashion Valley Mall

Restaurants

Whether you’re looking for chain restaurants or local bistros, the area around Hotel Circle has you covered. Restaurants are a great way to experience everything an area has to offer and immerse yourself in the local culture. Popular restaurants in Hotel Circle cover every craving, from fine dining to comfort food.

Parks

There are quite a few pleasant parks and opportunities to spend time in nature on the western side of the Hotel Circle area. Cottonwood Grove Park includes a trail that stretches along the river as well as a dedicated bike path. It’s close to the Silver Terrace Mini Park, which features a playground for kids.

Historic parks abound in the area as well. Check out Presidio Park, a long-standing monument to California’s Mission History with its own cultural museum. You can also immerse yourself among historic buildings while walking through the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala with Statue and Cross in Front

The First Mission in California

Mission San Diego de Alcala, the first mission in California was established by a Spanish Franciscan friar, Junípero Serra, on July 16, 1769.

This mission was first located a few miles west of the current compound on Presidio Hill overlooking San Diego Bay. In 1774 drought caused the mission fathers to move Mission San Diego de Alcala approximately six miles inland. The area is appropriately named Mission Valley, which is just east of Hotel Circle San Diego.

Visiting this mission is a great way to spend your day and learn some history about San Diego and California.

Riverwalk Golf Course with the Courtyard by Marriott in the Background

Golfing

The bright, sunny weather of San Diego is perfect for golfing. The Riverwalk Golf Club is just on the other side of the San Diego River. In business since 1988, it includes 18 holes spanning over 6500 yards and it’s open year-round for all visitors.

Popular Activities

Hop On & Off Narrated Trolley Tour

$42 per person

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USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

Discounts Available

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Visit SeaWorld San Diego

Discounts Available

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Old Town Tales, Tacos & Tequila

$75 per person

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Hotels in Hotel Circle

There are dozens of hotels in the Hotel Circle area, and each has its own strengths and unique features. If you want to stay overnight in the area but you’re not sure which resort is best for you and your family, check out some of our top picks before you make your reservation.

Outdoor Pool at the Doubletree by Hilton San Diego Hotel Circle

DoubleTree By Hilton San Diego - Hotel Circle

The DoubleTree By Hilton San Diego - Hotel Circle is located along the Hotel Circle South road and is a premiere family-friendly hotel not far from Balboa Park, the Fashion Valley mall, and Petco Park. It’s a pet-friendly hotel, which is perfect for the nearby dog beaches at Ocean Beach, Coronado Island and Fiesta Island.

The DoubleTree comes complete with amenities to guarantee you have a great experience. Soak up some sun on a lounge chair at the hotel’s private pool, touch up your beach body in the exercise facilities, and dine in the Ariana restaurant or order room service.

Exterior of the Handlery Hotel

Handlery Hotel

The Handlery Hotel is conveniently located close to the Riverwalk Golf Club. It’s great for both young kids and pets, so you can bring the whole family along on vacation. With a huge, crystal-clear heated pool and tiki bar area, luxury king rooms, laundry services, and fitness and business centers, the hotel has everything you need to make your trip a success.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Mission Valley

The Crowne Plaza Hotel Mission Valley is as welcoming to families as it is to those travelling for business. Those looking for a more relaxed vacation can check out the outdoor pool or head over to the nearby golf club. Guests looking for the perfect space for a business trip can enjoy the impressive conference and presentation rooms, then enjoy award-winning sushi for lunch at the hotel’s Islands Sushi Bar and Grill.

Outdoor Patio at the Hampton Inn San Diego Mission Valley

Hampton Inn San Diego Mission Valley

The Hampton Inn San Diego Mission Valley includes all the comforts of the best resorts. With its location along Hotel Circle South road it is centrally located to Old Town and Balboa Park is only bested by its proximity to SeaWorld San Diego, making it a convenient place to stay with kids. Relax at the pool, gather around the patio fire pits, and enjoy complimentary access to the fitness center.

Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle

The Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle offers comfort, convenience, and affordability. This is a great hotel for families and couples alike who want to explore all that San Diego has to offer.

The Days Inn is equal distance between Balboa Park with the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego along the beautiful Mission Bay. It is also very close to Little Italy which is a great place to grab dinner and drinks.

Featured Activity

Kids next to gorilla statue at the San Diego Zoo

The World Famous San Diego Zoo

Spend the day at the iconic San Diego Zoo! Featuring over 3,500 animals and 650 species, this zoo is the heart of Balboa Park. There are multiple exhibits & experiences for all ages to learn about animals and their habitats.

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Popular Attractions Nearby

Hotel Circle is conveniently close to plenty of popular San Diego attractions. Whether you’re in the mood to visit a museum, walk around the zoo, or learn about San Diego’s history, you can find lots to do.

Don’t forget to grab a Go City San Diego pass in advance so you can save on admission prices!

Tropical Rain Forest at the San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is one of its most well-known and beloved attractions in San Diego, and for good reason. Here, you can see hundreds of animals from countries across the world, all living in enclosures that replicate their natural habitats. It’s easy to spend a full day watching the wildlife and making memories that last a lifetime.

While you’re there, check out one of the rotating live shows, or visit the 4D theater.

SeaWorld San Diego from Mission Bay with Downtown San Diego in the Background

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego is an incredible experience for kids and adults alike. Watch incredible marine animal shows, have an up-close encounter with a dolphin, and head to the amusement side of the park to enjoy rides and rollercoasters. SeaWorld is both entertaining and educational, offering visitors a window into the world that lives miles below the ocean waves.

Whaley House Museum

The Whaley House, located in Old Town, is a museum housed in a renovated building originally constructed in 1857. It is part of the Save Our Heritage Organization’s push to maintain historic buildings and teach local residents and tourists about key pieces of San Diego history.

In addition to being a historic landmark, it’s also considered to be one of the most haunted places in San Diego, and routinely hosts after-dark ghost tours.

San Diego Museum of Us

One of the standout museums in the Balboa Park area is the Museum of Us, previously known as the Museum of Man. It is an anthropological exam, collecting and displaying exhibits that catalog everything from the development of early humans to modern-day cultural differences and social issues.

Some popular exhibits you’ll want to check out include a feature on the native Kumeyaay tribe, an exploration of ancient Egypt, and a look at race from an anthropological perspective.

Featured Hotel

DoubleTree By Hilton San Diego - Hotel Circle

Balboa Park

Families

Near Bay

Stay at DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego-Hotel Circle, and you may think you are at a big resort. This hotel offers lots of amenities for business & leisure travelers.

Prices Starting at $124

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Know Before You Go & Tips

Cafes

Parks

Shopping

Trolley Stop

Useful Tips for Hotel Circle’s Attractions

Before you book your reservation, here are some important things to keep in mind about the Hotel Circle’s nearby attractions.

Museums and Theaters at Balboa Park

In addition to its many museums, Balboa Park also routinely hosts stage shows and other live performances at its three theater venues. Balboa Park is only a few miles away and within walking distance of most of the hotels in the circle.

Start Early at the Zoo

Staying overnight at a hotel gives you the perfect opportunity to arrive bright and early at the San Diego Zoo so you can see much as possible. San Diego is known for having great weather all year-round with the mornings generally being a cooler time of the day. The lower temperatures and additional shade contribute to some animals being more active in the AM hours.

As an added bonus, you can expect thinner crowds the earlier you arrive!

The SeaWorld San Diego Shuttle

Many of the Hotel Circle hotels offer free shuttles to popular attractions like SeaWorld San Diego. Check with the front desk of your hotel to see if they can provide transportation so you don’t need to worry about parking.

Hotel Circle San Diego

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