All Ages

Best Budget Hotels in San Diego for Families

See recent posts by Morgan Agesen


Some of the best attractions in San Diego aren”t actually in San Diego — they”re in the outlying towns of Carlsbad (LEGOLAND, Carlsbad Beach), La Jolla (La Jolla Cove, Torrey Pines State Reserve) and Coronado (Coronado Beach). So are some of the city”s best — and budget-friendly — hotels. And it”s still easy to save right in San Diego, especially if you want to be close to the famed San Diego Zoo. These are our picks for the best budget hotels in San Diego.

Written by Morgan Agesen

1/10

Ocean Park Inn

Enjoy a waterlogged stay at the Ocean Park Inn. Amenities include a heated pool, complimentary beach and pool towels, complimentary continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and guest laundry facilities. Rooms are equipped with balconies or patios, refrigerators, and coffeemakers. Parents will appreciate in-room massages, and when it"s time to explore, the family will enjoy an easy drive to SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND from this San Diego budget hotel.
2/10

Howard Johnson Inn San Diego SeaWorld

You won"t know which attraction to visit first when you visit the Howard Johnson Inn San Diego SeaWorld. SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and Mission Beach are all close! Plus, complimentary shuttle services take guests to SeaWorld and the airport. This centrally located, family-friendly San Diego budget hotel offers free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool. Rooms feature coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-fridges.
3/10

La Jolla Beach Travelodge

The La Jolla Beach Travelodge, located about 6 miles from SeaWorld, is one of the best budget hotels in San Diego for families looking to explore the sites and sounds of the city without breaking the bank. Amenities include free breakfast, an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and free parking. Rooms come stocked with kitchenettes, and cots are available upon request.
4/10

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Near LEGOLAND

About 3 miles from LEGOLAND California is the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Near LEGOLAND. Families are invited to enjoy amenities such as free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and guest laundry facilities. All rooms feature microwaves, refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs. Other attractions near this budget hotel in San Diego include Moonlight Beach, the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, and the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course.
5/10

Comfort Inn & Suites Zoo/SeaWorld Area

Animal lovers, rejoice! A stay at the Comfort Inn & Suites Zoo/SeaWorld Area will put you at SeaWorld San Diego and the San Diego Zoo in just a few short minutes (seven, to be exact). Amenities include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a free weekday newspaper, and guest laundry services. Rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and refrigerators.
6/10

Dolphin Motel

Located just across the street from the San Diego Sport Fishing Marina is the Dolphin Motel, an affordable San Diego hotel for families. Enjoy free continental breakfast in the motel"s courtyard each morning, as well as free Wi-Fi, free laptop use (upon availability), and free parking. Rooms feature queen-size beds (additional single beds are available in some rooms upon request), in addition to mini-fridges. Seven popular restaurants are located nearby, including Pizza Nova, Jimmy"s Famous American Tavern, and Mitch"s Seafood.
7/10

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites San Diego Otay Mesa

Consider a stay at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites San Diego Otay Mesa for your next budget-friendly family trip to San Diego. Nearby attractions include SeaWorld, SeaWorld Aquatica, and the San Diego Zoo, as well as the Maritime Museum and the Air and Space Museum. Amenities include free hot breakfast, a fitness center, guest laundry facilities, and an outdoor pool. Plus, kids eat free at the onsite restaurant. Rooms feature coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-fridges; connecting rooms and cribs are available upon request.
8/10

Hampton Inn San Diego – Downtown

Just off I-5, the Hampton Inn San Diego – Downtown provides families with a great place to stay in San Diego on a budget. Amenities include a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and free breakfast. Rooms feature sofa beds (cribs are available upon request), coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. SeaWorld is just 5 miles away, and the San Diego Zoo is under 2 miles from the hotel.
9/10

Holiday Inn Express La Jolla

Beach-loving families should consider a stay at the Holiday Inn Express La Jolla. Located minutes from downtown La Jolla and Wind-n-Sea Beach, amenities include an outdoor pool; a plethora of water sports, such as surfing, parasailing, kayaking; and free breakfast. Plus, kids eat free! Rooms have kitchenettes with microwaves, mini-fridges and coffeemakers, and cribs and sofa beds are available. Pets are welcome here too however a one time fee applies.
10/10

Blue Sea Beach Hotel

Steps from Pacific Beach (the hotel is literally right on the sand), Blue Sea Beach Hotel is a perfect San Diego budget hotel for families to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Rooms feature private balconies, in-room movies, and mini-fridges. Amenities include an outdoor heated pool (open year-round), complimentary Wi-Fi, bike rentals, and guest laundry facilities. The hotel is within walking distance of several restaurants, and a short car ride to SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, and Torrey Pines State Park.



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