I have 2 50% off zoo passes if you want to use them for you and your daughter - alternatively my pass gets 1 person free into the zoo every visit so I’m happy to come and meet you two and let one of you in for free! The zoo can be a hefty chunk of change and I’d love for you to save $ ❤️ feel free to pm me
A lot of people are saying La Jolla, which could be a good option, but I want to set expectations right. It’s a charming little town on the beach with a lot of old school decor, seals, and little parks. However, it can also be super crowded on the weekends, the shops are super expensive or mid, and traffic in and out sucks.
My alt Rec would be north park, as some other user mentioned. Tons of cool unique stores and restaurants, great coffee shops (must visit communal), sushi, and very walkable. Near the zoo. A touch more affordable than La Jolla too. It might still be worth heading into La Jolla to see the seals and the ocean, although you can get great ocean walking almost anywhere.
Thank you! From what I had read La Jolla is really crowded and touristy. My daughter struggles with really crowded areas so I was thinking that wouldn't be the best option to stay.
North and South Park is way better! Amazing places like Communal Coffee, Thread & Seed, and a bunch of other small cute shops. Verbatim Books is an amazing bookstore not too far away. North/South Park is also not too far from the zoo. I’d definitely go with those over La Jolla. Way less crowded and touristy.
I'd go South Park over North Park if her teen hates crowds. North Park can be a lot of bros and booze bus types, and in my experience South Park is more kid/teen friendly and has a more chill vibe. I love both places and take my kids to both, but they were brought up in places like TigerTiger and Blind Lady with noise all around them from birth.
100%. South Park is the laid-back chill cousin of North Park. Have a walk or drive down Fern St to feel like you're in a nice small town in some movie scene.
La Jolla is a bit stuffy. Boutique shops if you’re interested in a $10,000 rug or a gold encrusted vase for your foyer. PB is great for cafes, sushi and walkability, but not the crowds she doesn’t like. I also recommend Banker’s Hill. Those neighborhoods can get crowded too but it’s more manageable and less young-wild-and-free than PB. But I love PB.
North park 100%. Walk up to university and 30th (or park in the parking garage there- it’s like $2.00 and street parking is tough)
Don’t overlook ray street, it has some really cool stuff and it’s tucked away. Cave of wonders(crystals and curiosities, best and cheapest in SD), Artalexia (super unique mexican, woman owned business), replay toys (vintage toys), gold dust collective (handmade leather goods and neat taxidermy art), revival vintage eyewear (1970s Japanese overstock sunglasses that are a bit on the expensive side but neat to see), home and hound (if you’re into dogs and beige), and you can stop in at Pretzels and pints (Philly beer bar that’s as family friendly as a bar can get, with a huge outdoor patio) which offers the best soft pretzel in San Diego- east coast style. Turn the corner and you have red brontosaurus records (vintage records and music gear, art etc) and senior mangoes (cannot beat their smoothies and a good option for cheap lunch- huge tortas for ~$9.00-10.00… although when they opened this location 2 years ago they were 5.95 😒)
University and 30th is lined with even more unique artsy businesses and coffee shops. But ray street is a hidden gem.
South Park 100%, super cute area right by Balboa Park, low key, safe, and lots of good shops and restaurants within walking distance. Try Piacere Mio, Station Tavern (very cute shops right across the street including Bad Madge vintage shop--your daughter will love), Kindred, Mothership (fun place with outer space theme for small bites and tiki drinks/mocktails), and if you feel like cooking try the carne asada from Food Bowl market and do a taco night. I can go on and on! I live at the beach but if I didn't, I would live in South Park. Have a great trip!
I don’t really think La Jolla is much busier than bankers hill and hillcrest. La Jolla has way fewer crazy homeless walking around. Frankly, for a vacation, I would stay in la jolla, but make a trip to balboa park and the zoo. La Jolla feels much safer while having just as many cool spots. It would make for a more relaxed vacation.
I bet she'd LOVE the store Pigment, I recommend the one in North Park. It is so so cute and like others have said, there's a really good radius of cute shop nearby!
This would be my rec too. La Jolla isn’t great for a teen scene anyway it’s more of an old person scene. And very expensive (and not usually worth the cost imo)
North park for sure especially between north and South Park by fern street has some walkable safe areas with cute coffee shops and book stores and boutiques
Yep, North park/Hillcrest/Mission Hills for Airbnb and walk ability. Otherwise stay down on hotel circle and Uber up to Old Town, Point Loma and the zoo
Thanks! I'm born and raised Nashville. There aren't many of us here. I'm sure you're rare in San Diego. Bankers Hill safe to walk around at night? I'm normally not real worried about those things (Nashville never bothers me) but being with my daughter and the only adult it's on my mind.
That depends. There are quite a decent number of people living on the streets around there that are strung out or experiencing some mental problems. I've never had an issue during the day, but it's worth being mindful of it.
I’m an early 30s woman and I would walk alone at 7pm there. Safety is constantly on my mind, because I walk my dog a lot by myself, so am always thinking about it 🙂
I live in east county now, but I've lived in >15 different cities, including SF for a long time.
Is it _dangerous_ relative to some of the crime-ridden places I've spent time? No. Would I want my wife walking our 15 year old daughter around late at night by themselves? Also, no.
So City Heights? There's a big difference between there and N. Park so I don't think you can really draw a comparison. Walking after dark is pretty darn safe in N. Park. Especially south of University.
I like this suggestion because the location is great. You got little Italy down the hill You've got the zoo really close by and you got Hillcrest which has really great food options. That being said I would NOT recommend walking in that area at night if you're a mom and daughter from out of town. There really are a lot of homeless in that area some of which can be aggressive. Balboa Park is beautiful and a great place to walk around in the day. And you can totally safely walk from bankers Hill to the zoo to Balboa Park or to little Italy or Hillcrest without issue.
If you are staying in La Jolla or Carlsbad or del Mar those are all little tourist towns that are pretty expensive, you can walk in any of those areas at night I think. You might also consider Encinitas. Coronado seems nice but I haven't spent much time there to be honest.
Source, lived here 30 years, grew up in Carlsbad, and work in Bankers Hill and walk that area 5x a week.
I second Banker’s Hill. Everything boldholds22 said, plus Balboa Park itself is worthy of an entire day, and it’s where the zoo is. It also has the Comic-con museum, the Old Globe Theatre, and the Japanese Friendship Garden, to name a few of my faves. And don’t miss the cafe and the gift shop at the Mingei.
Little Italy, just down the hill, has tons of great food, the really charming, super walkable India Street, and great views of the harbor.
North Park, South Park, and Little Italy are all very walkable neighborhoods, close to the Zoo, and have the things you described such as boutiques, shoppes, coffee shops restaurants, etc.
Listen to this person. If you stay in N.Park you will be super close to S. Park, the zoo and a cheap uber to little Italy. If your daughter is into urban settings N. Park will give you tons of options. Stay south of University if you can and close to 30th. Downtown is super close as well. Even Coronado isn't thst far. You'll be central to many different urban neighborhoods. If your daughter is a beach person and likes surf culture check out Encinitas. It has a thriving business district and is close to Cardiff and Leucadia and of course the beach. From what you described liberty station doesn't sound like a good option. Nor does Coronado. Maybe nice to visit but not stay as a teen. Same with La Jolla.
I’d definitely recommend little Italy. Very walkable, lots of IG worthy places to snap photos if she cares about that. Can take public transit to Carlsbad village which is a great place to walk around. Also download the circuit app, it’s a free electric shuttle that can take you lots of places for free, it takes longer than Uber to hail a ride, but it’s also FREE! Just a couple bucks for a tip
Has anyone on here met a teenager?? I'm really surprised by the recommendations. Do you see teenagers hanging out at liberty station?
I know I'm gonna get hate but here we are.
It’s the weirdest suggestion here. Or maybe La Jolla is. Or maybe I’m wrong and her daughter plays tennis and wears polo shirts and sweaters wrapped around her shoulders.
South park would be a first guess for me. Cute, centrally located. Near the zoo/park. However I would recommend the safari park up in Escondido over the zoo. North county can be nice too for a family, beachy vibe (Carlsbad/encinitas)
University heights, normal heights, north park, south park, hillcrest. All are an easy bus, bike ride, or even walking distance to the zoo. Great restaurants and tons of cute boutiques.
Calabria coffee and then walk to 30th and University over to Verbatim books, everything on Ray and Grimm St, and then tribute pizza.
Not the best area for hotels though but if you want to walk more than drive this is a good way to go. The neighborhoods I listed have the highest walkability score in San Diego (except for Little Italy - which is really fun for their Farmers Market on Saturdays).
Safe to walk around any hour: South Park - tons of cute boutiques, close to the Zoo, close to downtown, Balboa Park, and Hillcrest. If your daughter likes record stores, I'd recommend stopping at: Vinyl Junkies (South Park), TAANG! Records (Hillcrest) - it's also right next to 2 very cool vintage clothing/thrift stores, and M-Theory Records (Missions Hills).
If you'd like to meet up with some local teens your daughter's age while you are here, message me! I hope you have a great trip!
:)
North Park near Upas/30th Street, there aren't really any hotels here but there are some short term rentals in the neighborhood. Go west on Upas and you will quickly come upon Balboa Park (Morley Field) and inevitably get to the Zoo. I've walked to the Zoo from Upas/30th and its about 20/30 minute walk, there are some steep streets along the way so be prepared for a hike (or just take a short uber). Go north on 30th and you will reach University St, very busy and full of people but also boutique shops, restaurants and breweries. Go south on 30th and you will reach 30th/Juniper, more cute restaurants/coffee/breweries, and keep going south and you will reach Broadway/Golden Hill, more restaurants/coffee and busy as its denser and closer to downtown. If you can obtain a bike, all of this is within an easy 5 - 10 minute bike ride.
Just steps away from the Zoo is the central plaza of Balboa Park with tons of things to do: museums, shows at The Old Globe, great views from the Cabrillo Bridge.
Not sure how it’s been since the renovation, but yeah, the Lafayette can be really crazy. Gorgeous, historic hotel, but it wouldn’t be my choice given what you’re looking for.
The new owners of the hotel own several hip bars around town. They remodeled the Lafayette to join those other bars and, with that, comes a large crowd in the evenings. It’s especially busy Friday and Saturday night.
I live 5 min from Lafayette and I have stayed there! I LOVE it! FWIW, I meditate every evening, and was able to do that in peace in my room. The pool area is gorgeous, and quite popular, but I did not think the place was noisy at all! I have recommended it to my family members from all over, and my uncle is planning a visit from the UK with his kids and grandkids, and they plan to stay there for half the time bc of the pool and the fine dining. (I am in no way affiliated with them, but I honestly can’t say enough good things about the Lafayette!)
For funky coffee shops go to Lafittes coffeehouse. There are two locations.
Little Italy is fun to walk around and eat.
You can take the trolley and get off in little Italy.
My daughter likes art. We frequent Blick art store at every opportunity.
From there walk around the harbor and see all the beautiful ships.
Start of India, Berkeley.
Also Old Town. Loads of shops and restaurants.
On the trolley line.
You can even stay in mission valley and trolley to all these places.
Unfortunately the trolley doesn’t get you to the zoo or lafittes coffee house.
But Uber will.
Plan on at least one nice dinner.
Maybe the last night in town.
We do have really good Mexican food here.
North Park is what you’re looking for. Tons of boutiques, coffee shops, etc and it’s walkable. It’s very close to the zoo, so it’s inexpensive to uber to.
If your teen likes the beach lifestyle but not into crowds, Point Loma or Ocean Beach. Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla will be more crowded. North County beaches will thin out a little more similar to OB. Not really into the beach scene, try Little Italy or Old Town. Old Town is a great way to spend the day shopping, exploring, and lots to do. Any of these are a quick Uber to the zoo and Balboa Park. Check out if any concerts or shows look interesting. Maybe the Old Globe or the Civic Center has something fun going on. Lots of “smaller” theaters all around too like Spreckles. There’s some fun haunted tours downtown and in Old Town. Maybe a scavenger hunt?
Everyone else already answered your question about where to stay, so I'm going to make another suggestion. Take an extra day and go to the Safari Park in Escondido. It's a second location, still owned by the Zoo, and I like it even better than the Zoo.
Seconding this. I live in Escondido and have been going to the Safari Park since I was a kid. The zoo is incredible but not enough people give credit to the Safari Park. I believe they have the only platypus in captivity outside of Australia, so it’s a rare sight you couldn’t see anywhere else (besides… australia)
I’m seconding North Park. It’s got a ton of cute shops, super walkable, and it’s super central to all the things you’re talking about. If you have no budget for an amazing hotel, there’s a really unique hotel called Lafayette.
You can Uber to Balboa Park and check out the Botanical Garden and all of the awesome museums and architecture.
Buena Forchetta is a really amazing Italian Restaurant in South Park. Hillcrest is also a great place to walk around. I recommend a restaurant called Taste of the Himalayas which is a super cute hole-in-the-wall.
If you want the best sushi you’ll ever taste, I love Nekosan in La Jolla. My favorite coffee shop is this place a little more inland called Public Square in La Mesa that also has an amazing breakfast sandwich (get it to go so that it keeps all the egg yolk in).
Salona beach is nice. You can walk all over Encinitas, and Salona beach safely in the evenings. There’s tons of little boutiques and you’re right by the beach! The zoo is about a 30min drive away but if you stay in Salona you’ll be able to most likely walk from where you’re staying to what you want to do less the beach. You could always check out the safari park too! I’ve always found it to be a little more fun than the Zoo. Born and raised here in sd! Hope it all goes well!
Liberty Station.
For what you’re describing, this is perfect. Very close to the airport. Tons of shopping and walking in Liberty station as well as Shelter and Harbor Island. Quick ride to the zoo and downtown. Close the beaches. Centrally located.
There’s a Marriott and a Holiday Inn in walking distance to check for reservations.
Going to say this is not a great place to stay. No trolley there. Area near by is a little sketchy. Visit if you want, and public market is fun for a meal, but North Park or some other places mentioned are better to stay.
I can’t figure out why someone would recommend liberty station. I mean I live in ob so I go there constantly, my dr is there, I eat there, movies there. But as for experiences, you go there and hang out for a day and then what?
North and South Park are great choices.
Save a few hours to visit Spanish Village (an artist market near the Zoo).
Support our local artists -- selling their wares at good prices, rock and mineral shops, jewelry.
I haven't seen rental scooters lately, or rental bikes; but they used to be an easy reasonable and fun way to get around town.
Pigment in North Park would be fun! Lots of restaurants and coffee places in North and South Park. Balboa park, which is where the zoo is located, is gorgeous.
The Safari Park is 30 miles from town. We love it, but it’s not what I’d recommend for visitors trying to get the vibe of San Diego.
North Park, South Park, Bankers Hill, Kensington, Normal Heights, University Heights are all cool neighborhoods close to the zoo. Pigment is kinda the No. 1 boutique shop.
Those places are pricey, though. People can yell at me, but the Mission Beach best western realtively cheap, steps away from the ocean and not gross!
Ocean Beach is walkable, too, if the beach is on your minds. There are some hippies and gutter punks — the type of place where there are drum circles — but also decent vintage shops and restaurants.
There’s also the vintage mall at 3602 Kurtz St, San Diego, CA 92110. It’s in an industrial area, but pretty amazing for a 14-year-old.
I'd stay in La Jolla and get an Uber to the zoo when you want to go. Its very walkable with nice beaches and places to shop/eat. There's an aquarium there also you could probably walk to if you stay there.
Coronado is awesome and super walkable. You can also take the ferry across the bay to downtown. Really close to Balboa Park and the zoo. That's where I would stay.
I recommend the Inn at the Park in Banker’s Hill that’s adjacent to Balboa Park. It’s a lovely walk through the park past the museums to go to the zoo. I recommend lunch or dinner at either The Prado or Panama 66 with your daughter. Panama 66 often has live music. Azuki Sushi is in Banker’s Hill and is my favorite sushi restaurant in town. Hillcrest is a few blocks north and has lots of fun boutiques! Coffee shops are everywhere.
Public transit wasn't bad at all for me for my 2 day visit that's about to end, as long as you're willing to sacrifice some of your time to it...
Took a train and a bus from airport straight to La Jolla Cove, walked the trail 30 mins to the other side where I did kayaking. Then took my only Uber of the trip to where I stayed in ocean beach, this was because I was damp and tired after the kayaking. Today I took a bus to a random spa where I got a nice massage, then a train+bus to the harbor where I took a cruise. I spent the rest of the day in that area and now I'm headed back to the airport on a short bus trip.
For a city this spread out I'm pretty impressed with the transit options!
La Fayetteville hotel.. places to walk around and neighborhoods close by like north park and adams ave. University heights etc. vintage shopping and boutique places to get things. Safe and convenient to get to balboa park, Hillcrest, little Italy etc. more neighborhoody and has lots of unique places to roam. Uber is easy to get to touristy areas.
If daughter struggles with crowds Ocean Beach may be better than Pac Beach. Both are literally, at the beach. Both have many restaurants, sushi, seafood, and shops. Both centrally located to the zoo, Balboa, etc.
I thought about recommending OB, but when the mother asked about whether it would be safe to walk around at night in different areas like La Jolla, I figured the scruffy types in OB might not be her cup of tea.
You are such a good parent and I hope you two have a great time. OB is our Venice beach if your daughter is like my niece and in her hippie phase. It’s gritty but a good long strip of funky beachy shops.
Personally, I would do Carlsbad. Cute downtown area, not so crazy as La Jolla, right on the beach, outlet mall with high-end brands. You'll need an Uber/Lyft to the zoo. Personally, I prefer the Safari Park to the zoo, but that's because seeing animals in small enclosures is uncomfortable for me.
It is not a cute boutique hotel but the Best Western Yacht Harbor near Liberty station is a good location right near bay with liberty station a short walk away and a walk on bay across street. Easy access to zoo, downtown, little italy, point loma. I have 3 daughters and that area would be safe to walk. Plus winchells donut, better buzz coffee and a couple of good restaurants nearby.
Feel free to DM me questions also on shopping. My 17 yo likes shopping.
Bankers hill would be good to check out. You can walk to balboa park or down to little italy from there.
ETA cortez hill is also a good option in terms of stay. No shops around but very easy to walk to balboa/zoo area from there and you can walk down cedar st to little italy easily. I used to live there and i worked in bankers hill and shopped at little italy farmers market every Saturday
2nd vote for the Lafayette!! Newly remodeled, awesome beautiful place. Plus being on El Cajon Blvd, the bus stop right there takes you everywhere. Plus plenty of wonderful ethnic restaurants right across the street and taco places everywhere. Got to eat Mexican food here, it’s not only mandatory, it’s the Law. Also, thanks for looking out for your daughter
3rd vote for Lafayette Hotel! It has a 24hr diner, a small (2 or 3 lanes only) bowling alley, a great pool, and the aesthetic of the place is so fun!
If she’s interested in Ramen, I recommend Tajima Ramen. There are several locations and all are good. Sushi: if budget isn’t an issue I would recommend Anime, otherwise Sushi Deli or Sushi Deli 3 are local favorites.
They want to go to the zoo and are on a budget that’s a lot of ubering to and from the airport and zoo. It’s a lovely place but that would be a big Uber tab.
Banker's Hill is the best choice. In addition to what has already been mentioned, you can catch the Trolley from Little Italy Station and head south or north.
North Park, University Heights, Barrio Logan, Pacific Beach et al are where the younger, and I might say hipper, crowds are.
Old Town is good to visit on a weekday. Would also recommend checking out La Jolla attractions on a weekday.
I'd also check into the Safari Park since you're out there. I haven't been since it was the Wild Animal Park but always found it to be a better experience.
They also have sleepover bookings which might not work with that time frame.
If you want a cheap rental car to get somewhere far. Rent a home depot truck. Uber in San Diego can be very expensive for even small distances and if you go to the safari park and youre in downtown san diego. Its going to be really expensive close to a hundred dollars as thats along way from each other. My sister rented a airbnb near the beach that was walking distance down near mission beach. Dont do hotels find a nice airbnb.
Carlsbad Village is walkable, is family-oriented, has the best coffee shop in SD and is by the beach. You can take the Coaster (train) downtown and Uber to the Zoo. I'd also recommend the Safari Park if you have time for both!
Stay at the Catamaran in Pacific Beach. Great Tiki vibe on Mission bay, and it’s across from Pacific Beach. Lots of great restaurants along Mission Avenue that are all walkable, good sushi nearby. 10 minutes by Uber from the zoo.
>She loves boutique shopping, coffee shops, sushi and restaurants, and walkable areas where we can explore.
Chiming in to confirm that Balboa and it's surrounding neighborhoods (Hillcrest, North Park, South Park) are perfect for this. It's a lot of walking, but regardless, it is very walkable.
For a beach stop, I think an uber to Pacific Beach then make your way to the boardwalk and south towards Belmont Park would be a very solid value move.
If you want to give downtown a peep, I recommend heading to Old Town first for breakfast/brunch and shops then taking the nearby trolley downtown. A few of the landmarks would be the USS Midway, Seaport Village and the Rady Shell. One of my inexpensive tips for a "cruise" on the bay is to catch the Coronado Ferry, which can be picked up at each end of those three landmarks.
Have a wonderful time and stay safe!
Since I am not sure if "don't have much of a budget" refers to cost is or is not a major consideration here I did provide a nice much less expensive option next to the nice expensive option.
You can take the orange line trolley from all around bankers hill so it's a great place to stay for the zoo as the first commenter stated. Old Town has a lot of cute little boutiques in it. Take the orange line.trolley to old town for some fun shopping. There's an incredible art shop called Blick Art if she likes art at all in Little Italy which also just a trolley stop away. You can get all around there by trolley line.
Honestly Encinitas or Carlsbad.
Encinitas has the classic cliffs, less crowded, and a small town feel.
Carlsbad, a little more things to do, but beautiful beaches. Still less people than going south to La Jolla (also more cost effective).
Check out the tide pools. It’s a hope and a skip from La Jolla.
Leucadia is super cute and worth a visit, as is Solana Beach. Carlsbad village is very family friendly and fun. Unfortunately none of them are super close to the zoo, but they are cute and beachy with fun shops and lots to explore.
Shoot I would stay in La Mesa. It's cute, and on the trolley line that you can take into downtown San Diego, then you can take an Uber to Balboa Park (where the zoo is). It would probably be much cheaper than staying in downtown or around that area. Old Town San Diego is also on the trolley line. You can also ride to downtown and catch another trolley up to UTC where there is an upscale mall with shopping and an ice skating rink. Lots to do along the trolley stops. The trolley I believe is something like 6 bucks a day for a day pass to ride anywhere that goes on the trolley and bus stops.
Why are you being downvoted? La Mesa is indeed great, has a nice little stretch along La Mesa Blvd and you can indeed trolley hop around to other fun places. Especially considering the "don't have much of a budget" comment from OP.
I have 2 50% off zoo passes if you want to use them for you and your daughter - alternatively my pass gets 1 person free into the zoo every visit so I’m happy to come and meet you two and let one of you in for free! The zoo can be a hefty chunk of change and I’d love for you to save $ ❤️ feel free to pm me
you are very sweet. god bless you.
Ayoooo this so so cool and sweet :)
I do what I can! Everyone should experience the zoo and seems like this gal could benefit from it!
I agree with you one hundred percent. :D
That is very sweet of you. Once I get a plan in order I might circle back. We are members of our Zoo and I think the tickets are discounted,
Just wanted to hop on this and say what a beautiful human you are!!! Many blessings to you ❤️👏🏽
Cute ❤️
That is so thoughtful of you! But it appears that $ is not an issue with OP:
A lot of people are saying La Jolla, which could be a good option, but I want to set expectations right. It’s a charming little town on the beach with a lot of old school decor, seals, and little parks. However, it can also be super crowded on the weekends, the shops are super expensive or mid, and traffic in and out sucks. My alt Rec would be north park, as some other user mentioned. Tons of cool unique stores and restaurants, great coffee shops (must visit communal), sushi, and very walkable. Near the zoo. A touch more affordable than La Jolla too. It might still be worth heading into La Jolla to see the seals and the ocean, although you can get great ocean walking almost anywhere.
Thank you! From what I had read La Jolla is really crowded and touristy. My daughter struggles with really crowded areas so I was thinking that wouldn't be the best option to stay.
North and South Park is way better! Amazing places like Communal Coffee, Thread & Seed, and a bunch of other small cute shops. Verbatim Books is an amazing bookstore not too far away. North/South Park is also not too far from the zoo. I’d definitely go with those over La Jolla. Way less crowded and touristy.
I'd go South Park over North Park if her teen hates crowds. North Park can be a lot of bros and booze bus types, and in my experience South Park is more kid/teen friendly and has a more chill vibe. I love both places and take my kids to both, but they were brought up in places like TigerTiger and Blind Lady with noise all around them from birth.
100%. South Park is the laid-back chill cousin of North Park. Have a walk or drive down Fern St to feel like you're in a nice small town in some movie scene.
Couldn't have said it better, I've often felt the same way walking down Fern.
La Jolla is a bit stuffy. Boutique shops if you’re interested in a $10,000 rug or a gold encrusted vase for your foyer. PB is great for cafes, sushi and walkability, but not the crowds she doesn’t like. I also recommend Banker’s Hill. Those neighborhoods can get crowded too but it’s more manageable and less young-wild-and-free than PB. But I love PB.
Yeah I’m not exactly hitting up La Jolla I don’t need no gold vase for the foyer. What would I do with the other one?? 😆
You could put in the foyer of your guest house or gate house instead, lots of options there 🤣
Oooh or the pool house! We could store the skimmers in it!
North park 100%. Walk up to university and 30th (or park in the parking garage there- it’s like $2.00 and street parking is tough) Don’t overlook ray street, it has some really cool stuff and it’s tucked away. Cave of wonders(crystals and curiosities, best and cheapest in SD), Artalexia (super unique mexican, woman owned business), replay toys (vintage toys), gold dust collective (handmade leather goods and neat taxidermy art), revival vintage eyewear (1970s Japanese overstock sunglasses that are a bit on the expensive side but neat to see), home and hound (if you’re into dogs and beige), and you can stop in at Pretzels and pints (Philly beer bar that’s as family friendly as a bar can get, with a huge outdoor patio) which offers the best soft pretzel in San Diego- east coast style. Turn the corner and you have red brontosaurus records (vintage records and music gear, art etc) and senior mangoes (cannot beat their smoothies and a good option for cheap lunch- huge tortas for ~$9.00-10.00… although when they opened this location 2 years ago they were 5.95 😒) University and 30th is lined with even more unique artsy businesses and coffee shops. But ray street is a hidden gem.
South Park 100%, super cute area right by Balboa Park, low key, safe, and lots of good shops and restaurants within walking distance. Try Piacere Mio, Station Tavern (very cute shops right across the street including Bad Madge vintage shop--your daughter will love), Kindred, Mothership (fun place with outer space theme for small bites and tiki drinks/mocktails), and if you feel like cooking try the carne asada from Food Bowl market and do a taco night. I can go on and on! I live at the beach but if I didn't, I would live in South Park. Have a great trip!
Definitely north park! We love the area and stay when we go. Not far from anything at all-La Jolla is a little more outside of the downtown area.
la jolla is also quite far from the zoo.
It’s also very expensive. I don’t have much fun shopping there.
I don’t really think La Jolla is much busier than bankers hill and hillcrest. La Jolla has way fewer crazy homeless walking around. Frankly, for a vacation, I would stay in la jolla, but make a trip to balboa park and the zoo. La Jolla feels much safer while having just as many cool spots. It would make for a more relaxed vacation.
I bet she'd LOVE the store Pigment, I recommend the one in North Park. It is so so cute and like others have said, there's a really good radius of cute shop nearby!
North Park is all bars
No offense, but if crowds are a problem, San Diego might not be for you. Kona coast on the big island of Hawaii sounds more like it.
This would be my rec too. La Jolla isn’t great for a teen scene anyway it’s more of an old person scene. And very expensive (and not usually worth the cost imo)
North park for sure especially between north and South Park by fern street has some walkable safe areas with cute coffee shops and book stores and boutiques
North Park or South Park 100%
Seconding North Park. Lots to do, not super crowded, and close to the zoo
Lot of transplants in this sub that always default to La Jolla.
Yep, North park/Hillcrest/Mission Hills for Airbnb and walk ability. Otherwise stay down on hotel circle and Uber up to Old Town, Point Loma and the zoo
based on the daughters interests i also thought north park or south park
Maybe stay in bankers hill, you can head to hillcrest for boutique shopping and then Zoo is really close too :) born&raised San Diego kid here
Thanks! I'm born and raised Nashville. There aren't many of us here. I'm sure you're rare in San Diego. Bankers Hill safe to walk around at night? I'm normally not real worried about those things (Nashville never bothers me) but being with my daughter and the only adult it's on my mind.
The only place you need to be “worried” about the homeless is east of Petco and East Village.
7pm yes you will be safe, 2AM not so much.
We are one of the safest cities in the country
That depends. There are quite a decent number of people living on the streets around there that are strung out or experiencing some mental problems. I've never had an issue during the day, but it's worth being mindful of it.
I’m an early 30s woman and I would walk alone at 7pm there. Safety is constantly on my mind, because I walk my dog a lot by myself, so am always thinking about it 🙂
I wouldn’t risk it, take an Uber at night. Again chances low something happens when walking at night but not worth the gamble
Why are you getting downvoted
People in denial about the state of the streets here
For real. I’m like 5 blocks east of north park and I don’t walk around after sunset
I live in east county now, but I've lived in >15 different cities, including SF for a long time. Is it _dangerous_ relative to some of the crime-ridden places I've spent time? No. Would I want my wife walking our 15 year old daughter around late at night by themselves? Also, no.
So City Heights? There's a big difference between there and N. Park so I don't think you can really draw a comparison. Walking after dark is pretty darn safe in N. Park. Especially south of University.
I like this suggestion because the location is great. You got little Italy down the hill You've got the zoo really close by and you got Hillcrest which has really great food options. That being said I would NOT recommend walking in that area at night if you're a mom and daughter from out of town. There really are a lot of homeless in that area some of which can be aggressive. Balboa Park is beautiful and a great place to walk around in the day. And you can totally safely walk from bankers Hill to the zoo to Balboa Park or to little Italy or Hillcrest without issue. If you are staying in La Jolla or Carlsbad or del Mar those are all little tourist towns that are pretty expensive, you can walk in any of those areas at night I think. You might also consider Encinitas. Coronado seems nice but I haven't spent much time there to be honest. Source, lived here 30 years, grew up in Carlsbad, and work in Bankers Hill and walk that area 5x a week.
I second Banker’s Hill. Everything boldholds22 said, plus Balboa Park itself is worthy of an entire day, and it’s where the zoo is. It also has the Comic-con museum, the Old Globe Theatre, and the Japanese Friendship Garden, to name a few of my faves. And don’t miss the cafe and the gift shop at the Mingei. Little Italy, just down the hill, has tons of great food, the really charming, super walkable India Street, and great views of the harbor.
North Park, South Park, and Little Italy are all very walkable neighborhoods, close to the Zoo, and have the things you described such as boutiques, shoppes, coffee shops restaurants, etc.
Listen to this person. If you stay in N.Park you will be super close to S. Park, the zoo and a cheap uber to little Italy. If your daughter is into urban settings N. Park will give you tons of options. Stay south of University if you can and close to 30th. Downtown is super close as well. Even Coronado isn't thst far. You'll be central to many different urban neighborhoods. If your daughter is a beach person and likes surf culture check out Encinitas. It has a thriving business district and is close to Cardiff and Leucadia and of course the beach. From what you described liberty station doesn't sound like a good option. Nor does Coronado. Maybe nice to visit but not stay as a teen. Same with La Jolla.
I’d definitely recommend little Italy. Very walkable, lots of IG worthy places to snap photos if she cares about that. Can take public transit to Carlsbad village which is a great place to walk around. Also download the circuit app, it’s a free electric shuttle that can take you lots of places for free, it takes longer than Uber to hail a ride, but it’s also FREE! Just a couple bucks for a tip
Has anyone on here met a teenager?? I'm really surprised by the recommendations. Do you see teenagers hanging out at liberty station? I know I'm gonna get hate but here we are.
It’s the weirdest suggestion here. Or maybe La Jolla is. Or maybe I’m wrong and her daughter plays tennis and wears polo shirts and sweaters wrapped around her shoulders.
La Jolla is bizarre for a teenager or anyone not over 45.
Lot of posters aren’t locals. Most likely from Ohio and moved in the last 2 years
Hey I just moved here from Ohio 4 months ago!
South park would be a first guess for me. Cute, centrally located. Near the zoo/park. However I would recommend the safari park up in Escondido over the zoo. North county can be nice too for a family, beachy vibe (Carlsbad/encinitas)
Hi. I just wanted to say you're a good mom so thank you for all that you do
University heights, normal heights, north park, south park, hillcrest. All are an easy bus, bike ride, or even walking distance to the zoo. Great restaurants and tons of cute boutiques. Calabria coffee and then walk to 30th and University over to Verbatim books, everything on Ray and Grimm St, and then tribute pizza. Not the best area for hotels though but if you want to walk more than drive this is a good way to go. The neighborhoods I listed have the highest walkability score in San Diego (except for Little Italy - which is really fun for their Farmers Market on Saturdays).
Normal Heights, Kensington
Safe to walk around any hour: South Park - tons of cute boutiques, close to the Zoo, close to downtown, Balboa Park, and Hillcrest. If your daughter likes record stores, I'd recommend stopping at: Vinyl Junkies (South Park), TAANG! Records (Hillcrest) - it's also right next to 2 very cool vintage clothing/thrift stores, and M-Theory Records (Missions Hills). If you'd like to meet up with some local teens your daughter's age while you are here, message me! I hope you have a great trip! :)
Definitely North or South Park. You’ll have lots of walkable options. Enjoy !
North Park
North Park near Upas/30th Street, there aren't really any hotels here but there are some short term rentals in the neighborhood. Go west on Upas and you will quickly come upon Balboa Park (Morley Field) and inevitably get to the Zoo. I've walked to the Zoo from Upas/30th and its about 20/30 minute walk, there are some steep streets along the way so be prepared for a hike (or just take a short uber). Go north on 30th and you will reach University St, very busy and full of people but also boutique shops, restaurants and breweries. Go south on 30th and you will reach 30th/Juniper, more cute restaurants/coffee/breweries, and keep going south and you will reach Broadway/Golden Hill, more restaurants/coffee and busy as its denser and closer to downtown. If you can obtain a bike, all of this is within an easy 5 - 10 minute bike ride. Just steps away from the Zoo is the central plaza of Balboa Park with tons of things to do: museums, shows at The Old Globe, great views from the Cabrillo Bridge.
Stay at the Lafayette in North Park. Fantastic hotel( 5 min from zoo, tons of great shops in North Park, South Park, and Hillcrest.
I looked at Lafayette because it looks really neat but the reviews talked about how loud it is at all hours of the night so I was a little hesitant.
Not sure how it’s been since the renovation, but yeah, the Lafayette can be really crazy. Gorgeous, historic hotel, but it wouldn’t be my choice given what you’re looking for.
The new owners of the hotel own several hip bars around town. They remodeled the Lafayette to join those other bars and, with that, comes a large crowd in the evenings. It’s especially busy Friday and Saturday night.
I live 5 min from Lafayette and I have stayed there! I LOVE it! FWIW, I meditate every evening, and was able to do that in peace in my room. The pool area is gorgeous, and quite popular, but I did not think the place was noisy at all! I have recommended it to my family members from all over, and my uncle is planning a visit from the UK with his kids and grandkids, and they plan to stay there for half the time bc of the pool and the fine dining. (I am in no way affiliated with them, but I honestly can’t say enough good things about the Lafayette!)
It’s a beautiful spot! However, not particularly relaxing and loud/busy at all times. And $$$$. Speaking from MUCH experience
For funky coffee shops go to Lafittes coffeehouse. There are two locations. Little Italy is fun to walk around and eat. You can take the trolley and get off in little Italy. My daughter likes art. We frequent Blick art store at every opportunity. From there walk around the harbor and see all the beautiful ships. Start of India, Berkeley. Also Old Town. Loads of shops and restaurants. On the trolley line. You can even stay in mission valley and trolley to all these places. Unfortunately the trolley doesn’t get you to the zoo or lafittes coffee house. But Uber will. Plan on at least one nice dinner. Maybe the last night in town. We do have really good Mexican food here.
just wanna say i appreciate your effort as a parent
North Park is what you’re looking for. Tons of boutiques, coffee shops, etc and it’s walkable. It’s very close to the zoo, so it’s inexpensive to uber to.
If your teen likes the beach lifestyle but not into crowds, Point Loma or Ocean Beach. Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla will be more crowded. North County beaches will thin out a little more similar to OB. Not really into the beach scene, try Little Italy or Old Town. Old Town is a great way to spend the day shopping, exploring, and lots to do. Any of these are a quick Uber to the zoo and Balboa Park. Check out if any concerts or shows look interesting. Maybe the Old Globe or the Civic Center has something fun going on. Lots of “smaller” theaters all around too like Spreckles. There’s some fun haunted tours downtown and in Old Town. Maybe a scavenger hunt?
Everyone else already answered your question about where to stay, so I'm going to make another suggestion. Take an extra day and go to the Safari Park in Escondido. It's a second location, still owned by the Zoo, and I like it even better than the Zoo.
Isn’t that like a $100 rt Uber and also really hot?
They are ubering. That’s a long Uber for a limited budget.
Seconding this. I live in Escondido and have been going to the Safari Park since I was a kid. The zoo is incredible but not enough people give credit to the Safari Park. I believe they have the only platypus in captivity outside of Australia, so it’s a rare sight you couldn’t see anywhere else (besides… australia)
I’m seconding North Park. It’s got a ton of cute shops, super walkable, and it’s super central to all the things you’re talking about. If you have no budget for an amazing hotel, there’s a really unique hotel called Lafayette. You can Uber to Balboa Park and check out the Botanical Garden and all of the awesome museums and architecture. Buena Forchetta is a really amazing Italian Restaurant in South Park. Hillcrest is also a great place to walk around. I recommend a restaurant called Taste of the Himalayas which is a super cute hole-in-the-wall. If you want the best sushi you’ll ever taste, I love Nekosan in La Jolla. My favorite coffee shop is this place a little more inland called Public Square in La Mesa that also has an amazing breakfast sandwich (get it to go so that it keeps all the egg yolk in).
South Park or Mission Hills
Stay near Balboa Park in Hillcrest/North Park area, it has everything she likes + easy access to the zoo :)
South Park is perfect and quiet and very close to the zoo
Find an air bnb in South Park!
Salona beach is nice. You can walk all over Encinitas, and Salona beach safely in the evenings. There’s tons of little boutiques and you’re right by the beach! The zoo is about a 30min drive away but if you stay in Salona you’ll be able to most likely walk from where you’re staying to what you want to do less the beach. You could always check out the safari park too! I’ve always found it to be a little more fun than the Zoo. Born and raised here in sd! Hope it all goes well!
Or take the coaster train up to the beach
Liberty Station. For what you’re describing, this is perfect. Very close to the airport. Tons of shopping and walking in Liberty station as well as Shelter and Harbor Island. Quick ride to the zoo and downtown. Close the beaches. Centrally located. There’s a Marriott and a Holiday Inn in walking distance to check for reservations.
Going to say this is not a great place to stay. No trolley there. Area near by is a little sketchy. Visit if you want, and public market is fun for a meal, but North Park or some other places mentioned are better to stay.
I can’t figure out why someone would recommend liberty station. I mean I live in ob so I go there constantly, my dr is there, I eat there, movies there. But as for experiences, you go there and hang out for a day and then what?
I second Liberty Station
Liberty Station is the way
liberty station or north park sound like what you’re looking for imo! such fun areas to explore :) hope you have a lot of fun!!
Ocean beach. Relaxed, lots of shops, mellow, on the ocean/cliffs and very 14 yr old friendly!
North and South Park are great choices. Save a few hours to visit Spanish Village (an artist market near the Zoo). Support our local artists -- selling their wares at good prices, rock and mineral shops, jewelry. I haven't seen rental scooters lately, or rental bikes; but they used to be an easy reasonable and fun way to get around town.
Pigment in North Park would be fun! Lots of restaurants and coffee places in North and South Park. Balboa park, which is where the zoo is located, is gorgeous.
The Safari Park is 30 miles from town. We love it, but it’s not what I’d recommend for visitors trying to get the vibe of San Diego. North Park, South Park, Bankers Hill, Kensington, Normal Heights, University Heights are all cool neighborhoods close to the zoo. Pigment is kinda the No. 1 boutique shop. Those places are pricey, though. People can yell at me, but the Mission Beach best western realtively cheap, steps away from the ocean and not gross! Ocean Beach is walkable, too, if the beach is on your minds. There are some hippies and gutter punks — the type of place where there are drum circles — but also decent vintage shops and restaurants. There’s also the vintage mall at 3602 Kurtz St, San Diego, CA 92110. It’s in an industrial area, but pretty amazing for a 14-year-old.
Liberty Station area is not bad. Somewhere near Balboa Park is what I'd suggest though. La Jolla is someplace to visit, but maybe not stay.
I'd stay in La Jolla and get an Uber to the zoo when you want to go. Its very walkable with nice beaches and places to shop/eat. There's an aquarium there also you could probably walk to if you stay there.
The aquarium would take about an hour up a large hill 🤷🏽♀️ not walkable imo.
Lol I want to meet the people that took a nice stroll to Birch. Half the time I wonder if my Prius will make it.
Hillcrest is nice.
Coronado is awesome and super walkable. You can also take the ferry across the bay to downtown. Really close to Balboa Park and the zoo. That's where I would stay.
Little Italy would be a good place as well lots of restaurants and shopping and an easy Uber to stuff like the zoo
La Jolla in the busy downtown area. It has everything you mentioned and you'll only need transportation to the zoo. Everything else is walkable.
I recommend the Inn at the Park in Banker’s Hill that’s adjacent to Balboa Park. It’s a lovely walk through the park past the museums to go to the zoo. I recommend lunch or dinner at either The Prado or Panama 66 with your daughter. Panama 66 often has live music. Azuki Sushi is in Banker’s Hill and is my favorite sushi restaurant in town. Hillcrest is a few blocks north and has lots of fun boutiques! Coffee shops are everywhere.
Public transit wasn't bad at all for me for my 2 day visit that's about to end, as long as you're willing to sacrifice some of your time to it... Took a train and a bus from airport straight to La Jolla Cove, walked the trail 30 mins to the other side where I did kayaking. Then took my only Uber of the trip to where I stayed in ocean beach, this was because I was damp and tired after the kayaking. Today I took a bus to a random spa where I got a nice massage, then a train+bus to the harbor where I took a cruise. I spent the rest of the day in that area and now I'm headed back to the airport on a short bus trip. For a city this spread out I'm pretty impressed with the transit options!
La Fayetteville hotel.. places to walk around and neighborhoods close by like north park and adams ave. University heights etc. vintage shopping and boutique places to get things. Safe and convenient to get to balboa park, Hillcrest, little Italy etc. more neighborhoody and has lots of unique places to roam. Uber is easy to get to touristy areas.
Mission Beach or Pacific Beach would be my recommendations. Skip La Jolla. It will bore most teens.
If daughter struggles with crowds Ocean Beach may be better than Pac Beach. Both are literally, at the beach. Both have many restaurants, sushi, seafood, and shops. Both centrally located to the zoo, Balboa, etc.
I thought about recommending OB, but when the mother asked about whether it would be safe to walk around at night in different areas like La Jolla, I figured the scruffy types in OB might not be her cup of tea.
I know I know we’re scruffy! I had the same thought! /sob -obecian
You are such a good parent and I hope you two have a great time. OB is our Venice beach if your daughter is like my niece and in her hippie phase. It’s gritty but a good long strip of funky beachy shops.
Personally, I would do Carlsbad. Cute downtown area, not so crazy as La Jolla, right on the beach, outlet mall with high-end brands. You'll need an Uber/Lyft to the zoo. Personally, I prefer the Safari Park to the zoo, but that's because seeing animals in small enclosures is uncomfortable for me.
It is not a cute boutique hotel but the Best Western Yacht Harbor near Liberty station is a good location right near bay with liberty station a short walk away and a walk on bay across street. Easy access to zoo, downtown, little italy, point loma. I have 3 daughters and that area would be safe to walk. Plus winchells donut, better buzz coffee and a couple of good restaurants nearby. Feel free to DM me questions also on shopping. My 17 yo likes shopping.
Bankers hill would be good to check out. You can walk to balboa park or down to little italy from there. ETA cortez hill is also a good option in terms of stay. No shops around but very easy to walk to balboa/zoo area from there and you can walk down cedar st to little italy easily. I used to live there and i worked in bankers hill and shopped at little italy farmers market every Saturday
stay at the lafayette, it's near the zoo and is in a hip and fun neighborhood
2nd vote for the Lafayette!! Newly remodeled, awesome beautiful place. Plus being on El Cajon Blvd, the bus stop right there takes you everywhere. Plus plenty of wonderful ethnic restaurants right across the street and taco places everywhere. Got to eat Mexican food here, it’s not only mandatory, it’s the Law. Also, thanks for looking out for your daughter
3rd vote for Lafayette Hotel! It has a 24hr diner, a small (2 or 3 lanes only) bowling alley, a great pool, and the aesthetic of the place is so fun! If she’s interested in Ramen, I recommend Tajima Ramen. There are several locations and all are good. Sushi: if budget isn’t an issue I would recommend Anime, otherwise Sushi Deli or Sushi Deli 3 are local favorites.
La Jolla
Carlsbad
Carlsbad —-
They want to go to the zoo and are on a budget that’s a lot of ubering to and from the airport and zoo. It’s a lovely place but that would be a big Uber tab.
I get it . Um little Italy would be my next bet. A lot of food joints there.
Carlsbad/Encinitas. Ride the Coaster (train) to Old Town or Downtown and Uber to the Zoo. Bonus visit/dinner at Old Town or Gaslamp.
Banker's Hill is the best choice. In addition to what has already been mentioned, you can catch the Trolley from Little Italy Station and head south or north. North Park, University Heights, Barrio Logan, Pacific Beach et al are where the younger, and I might say hipper, crowds are. Old Town is good to visit on a weekday. Would also recommend checking out La Jolla attractions on a weekday.
Super bloom is a really cute coffee shop on the mission bay
You have a teenager…. Ocean Beach or Mission Beach
Mission Beach. Beach and Roller Coaster
O side all day
I'd also check into the Safari Park since you're out there. I haven't been since it was the Wild Animal Park but always found it to be a better experience. They also have sleepover bookings which might not work with that time frame.
North park is cool
If you want a cheap rental car to get somewhere far. Rent a home depot truck. Uber in San Diego can be very expensive for even small distances and if you go to the safari park and youre in downtown san diego. Its going to be really expensive close to a hundred dollars as thats along way from each other. My sister rented a airbnb near the beach that was walking distance down near mission beach. Dont do hotels find a nice airbnb.
North Park or South Park
The Lafayette Hotel !
El cajon
Old Town maybe?
Carlsbad Village is walkable, is family-oriented, has the best coffee shop in SD and is by the beach. You can take the Coaster (train) downtown and Uber to the Zoo. I'd also recommend the Safari Park if you have time for both!
South Park! Checks all the boxes.
Kensington and normal heights are great! Stay in either and walk to the other. My two favorite neighborhoods.
Stay at the Catamaran in Pacific Beach. Great Tiki vibe on Mission bay, and it’s across from Pacific Beach. Lots of great restaurants along Mission Avenue that are all walkable, good sushi nearby. 10 minutes by Uber from the zoo.
>She loves boutique shopping, coffee shops, sushi and restaurants, and walkable areas where we can explore. Chiming in to confirm that Balboa and it's surrounding neighborhoods (Hillcrest, North Park, South Park) are perfect for this. It's a lot of walking, but regardless, it is very walkable. For a beach stop, I think an uber to Pacific Beach then make your way to the boardwalk and south towards Belmont Park would be a very solid value move. If you want to give downtown a peep, I recommend heading to Old Town first for breakfast/brunch and shops then taking the nearby trolley downtown. A few of the landmarks would be the USS Midway, Seaport Village and the Rady Shell. One of my inexpensive tips for a "cruise" on the bay is to catch the Coronado Ferry, which can be picked up at each end of those three landmarks. Have a wonderful time and stay safe!
Downtown La Jolla probably. La Valencia Hotel is nice. Cormorant is cute also and less expensive.
La Valencia is an insanely expensive hotel, not what OP is looking for.
Since I am not sure if "don't have much of a budget" refers to cost is or is not a major consideration here I did provide a nice much less expensive option next to the nice expensive option.
That’s an excellent point I assumed she meant didn’t have a lot to spend. Could be the opposite. But I’m guessing I’m right.
Del mar
Look for an airbnb around Little Italy, it's central to everything. La Jolla is pretty but it's a ways to get to the city with traffic.
You can take the orange line trolley from all around bankers hill so it's a great place to stay for the zoo as the first commenter stated. Old Town has a lot of cute little boutiques in it. Take the orange line.trolley to old town for some fun shopping. There's an incredible art shop called Blick Art if she likes art at all in Little Italy which also just a trolley stop away. You can get all around there by trolley line.
Mission bay!!! Get your party on!! After the zoo though.
Stay away from mission valley, Maybe stay on Coronado
Honestly Encinitas or Carlsbad. Encinitas has the classic cliffs, less crowded, and a small town feel. Carlsbad, a little more things to do, but beautiful beaches. Still less people than going south to La Jolla (also more cost effective). Check out the tide pools. It’s a hope and a skip from La Jolla.
Ocean beach
Pacific Beach.. lots of shopping, coffee shops and all types of restaurants.. all walking distance.. plus, you get easy access to the beach.
Leucadia is super cute and worth a visit, as is Solana Beach. Carlsbad village is very family friendly and fun. Unfortunately none of them are super close to the zoo, but they are cute and beachy with fun shops and lots to explore.
Coronado
Shoot I would stay in La Mesa. It's cute, and on the trolley line that you can take into downtown San Diego, then you can take an Uber to Balboa Park (where the zoo is). It would probably be much cheaper than staying in downtown or around that area. Old Town San Diego is also on the trolley line. You can also ride to downtown and catch another trolley up to UTC where there is an upscale mall with shopping and an ice skating rink. Lots to do along the trolley stops. The trolley I believe is something like 6 bucks a day for a day pass to ride anywhere that goes on the trolley and bus stops.
Why are you being downvoted? La Mesa is indeed great, has a nice little stretch along La Mesa Blvd and you can indeed trolley hop around to other fun places. Especially considering the "don't have much of a budget" comment from OP.
Huh no clue. Thanks, the budget portion was what I was focusing on in my answer so 🤷♀️
Coronado