Planning a trip to San Diego in April/May with our 18 month old. Probably going to VRBO a house/condo. What is the best area to stay in? Would like to be semi close to the zoo....I also see there is a safari park, which looks kind of neat, but a bit further! VRBO has thousands of places, no idea where to start! Help appreciated!!!

On Coronado Island. Still not too far over the bridge and to Balboa Park. Other really nice area is LaJolla. But that is a ways to the zoo.

I would look at the Old Town area. It's close to the zoo, Balboa, downtown, Little Italy, Coronado, etc..

If you decide to stay in a hotel, I highly recommend the Marriott Hotel & Marina. Right in downtown/Gaslamp, walk to the bassball stadium, across the bridge from and bay views if Coronado Island, and right Balboa Balboa Park and the zoo. Get a bay view room and you get to watch all the military aircraft land at the base across the bay.

I was in an around San Diego for two years. I go back every now and then.

Proximity to the zoo should not really be a big deal. I mean, if you can stay on the beach, why wouldn't you?


The three areas that would be good for tourists would include La Jolla, Del Mar, and maybe Torrey Pines. There are ample choices for housing in all of those areas. I am a huge fan of Torrey Pines beach.


Downtown San Diego is ok, but really not the best. The Gaslamp District is an armpit. Full of tourists and is more like Sixth Street than true San Diego.

When my kids were that age, the Zoo was a big hit. The Wild Animal Park is also worth the trip. It is indeed outside the city but it is a unique experience, especially for younger children (the safari train, the house of butterflies, the shows, etc). Legoland may also be of interest. My kids loved it, but it might be a bit of a stretch for 18month old.

Disneyland is not that far. And it is a great place for a young kid.

There is also a pretty cool aquarium in La Jolla.

San Diego is very diverse. You have mountains, dessert, beaches, etc. Not sure that Julian (the mountain town) is anything special, but if you want a change of pace it is there.

It's easy to get around here. I'd find a place near the beach from Mission Bay up to Encinitas, any where in that area would be fine.

Safari Park (renamed from Wild Animal Park) is worth a visit. My kids love it. It will be much hotter than the zoo though.

Anyone ever rented a road bike in SD area ? Where? Checking bike websites.

this recommendation may be horrible out of date, but in 2001 we rented a beach house in mission beach and had a great time.

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It's easy to get around here. I'd find a place near the beach from Mission Bay up to Encinitas, any where in that area would be fine.

Safari Park (renamed from Wild Animal Park) is worth a visit. My kids love it. It will be much hotter than the zoo though.

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Never trust someone from San Diego to define hot or cold.

Below 65 is "freezing" and above 88 is "scorching".

Yes, yes i know when you head east it gets quite hot. But because San Diego has so many 72 degree days, the locals just don't tolerate temperature variations that well.

That said, on any given day the temperature variation from Escondido to the coastal areas to the dessert - - is a pretty big swing. Another reason to love San Diego.

I'm just saying be aware of the difference, it could be 20 degrees. The zoo is always comfortable, the Safari Park can be hot (90s). When you have kids and are walking a lot that's important to know.