Sometimes you don’t have to travel far to feel like you’ve had a break. I recently drove to San Diego for an easy staycation from Los Angeles, and honestly? It was fab. We left in the morning (after traffic, obvi), arrived by lunch, and were chilling poolside in a matter of hours…no airport, no stress. I was so grateful to be invited to stay at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. It’s been way too long since I’ve spent time in San Diego, and it was a nice reminder that we have this gorgeous city right in our own backyard.
The Hilton San Diego Bayfront sits right on the bay, close to Petco Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, and downtown San Diego. You can literally park the car, settle in, and enjoy the weekend without needing to drive anywhere.
The Rooms at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront
The newly renovated rooms are fresh and modern – really beautifully done. Our suite was spotless and comfortable, but the view really stole the show. We could see the bay, downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Petco Park all from our window.
The suite had everything that makes a hotel stay feel special: a comfy bed, great pillows, a separate sofa and sitting area, and a desk that came in handy for a quick work call one morning. I’m not the easiest sleeper (hotel or otherwise), but I slept brilliantly here, which is always my true test of a good bed.
The Bayfront Location
The location is one of the best things about Hilton San Diego Bayfront. The hotel is next door to the San Diego Convention Center and close to the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, Coronado, and Petco Park.
If you are going to a Padres game, this hotel is especially convenient. We went to the Padres vs. Arizona Diamondbacks game, and getting there was super easy. From the hotel, you walk over a pedestrian bridge, and then you are literally at Petco Park. It’s a quick walk, and it makes the whole game experience feel stress-free and fun. No worrying about parking, no waiting for rideshares, and no trying to figure out where to go after the game. You simply walk back to the hotel.
Tip: If you ARE going to a game, be sure to get your parking at the hotel early, as it fills up late afternoon before the game
Location-wise, it’s kind of the best of both worlds. You’re right by the bay and close to downtown, but also near the freeway if you want to explore beyond the city, so it’s convenient, without any of that freeway noise.
Dining at Hudson & Nash
Hudson & Nash is the hotel’s signature restaurant, and it feels like a local spot that happens to be downstairs, rather than a hotel restaurant. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and of course, there’s a fun cocktail menu…but the highlight here is the view.
The gorgeous indoor-outdoor space overlooks the bay, with firepits outside and TVs inside around the bar, which was perfect for catching the World Cup games.
For dinner, the seafood was wonderful. The seared local sea bass came with lemon risotto, asparagus, and caviar beurre blanc – fancy but not too heavy. The Cioppino was loaded with mussels, shrimp, lobster, calamari, and the seafood broth was perfectly spicy… so so good!
Hudson and Nash is lovely if you want a nice dinner, but also perfectly relaxing if you’re looking to grab fish tacos and watch a game. Families will also appreciate that kids ages 10 and under eat lunch or dinner for free with every adult meal.
Tip: Definitely ask for a table near the firepits if you can.
Summer at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront
There are so many ways to enjoy Hilton San Diego Bayfront during the summer months. You can relax by the pool, have drinks on the bay, walk to a Padres game, explore downtown, or even take the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to Coronado Beach. Not having to worry about parking or getting everyone organized to enjoy the sand and water is definitely a huge perk of this place.
Easy Things To Do In San Diego
One of the nice things about staying at Hilton San Diego Bayfront is that you don’t have to work hard to fill a weekend. Here are a few other San Diego options:
San Diego Harbor Cruise
A classic if you want to see the skyline, Coronado Bridge, naval ships, and sea lions from the water. It’s easy, scenic, and very San Diego.
Book here
Small-Group San Diego Sailing Excursion
A relaxed option if you want to be out on the bay without a big tourist production. Small group, harbor views, and a pretty way to see the city from the water.
Book here
San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure
A fun one if you want something a little more active. You cruise around the harbor with views of the USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, Seaport Village, and the downtown skyline.
Book here
Private Coronado Tour
Great if you want to see Coronado without having to figure it out yourself. It includes classic Coronado stops, Hotel del Coronado, and skyline views.
Book here
San Diego Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
Perfect if you want to see more of the city without driving yourself around. It stops near major San Diego spots like the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, the USS Midway, Old Town, and Balboa Park.
Book here
San Diego Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
A fun option if you want to get out on the water and make the weekend feel a little more special. You’ll cruise along the San Diego coast looking for whales, dolphins, sea lions, and those big bay views that make you remember why San Diego is such an easy yes.
Book here
The Easiest San Diego Getaway
What I liked most about our stay at Hilton San Diego Bayfront was how relaxing it all felt. We drove down from Los Angeles, checked in quickly, and pretty much went straight into vacation mode.
Sometimes even a short trip can feel like too much effort, but this one didn’t. The hotel is easy to get to, the location makes San Diego easy to enjoy, and there’s enough nearby that you don’t need to plan a huge itinerary.
I’d definitely recommend this for a couple’s weekend, a family stay, a Padres game, or just a quick change of scenery when you want to get away without getting on a plane.
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
Book the hotel here.
Other Easy Weekend Getaways From Los Angeles
If you’re looking for more staycations and easy weekend getaways from Los Angeles, you may also enjoy these articles:
Hotel Dena: Ideal Staycation in Pasadena
Terranea Resort: Best Place for a 36 Hour Getaway in Los Angeles
7 Reasons to Visit Montecito, California
Girls Weekend Away: A Visit to Foxen Winery
Passport to Wellness: Girlfriend Getaway at Glen Ivy Spa
**This stay was hosted by Hilton San Diego Bayfront, but as always, all opinions are my own.**
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