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Top budget travel picks: Seattle to San Diego

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Published on February 06, 2019
Top budget travel picks: Seattle to San DiegoPhoto: iStock

Have you been craving a California getaway, without the congestion of LA? San Diego offers plenty of sandy beaches and sunny days, with an even more laid-back vibe and the best border town tacos you can find.

The city’s top-rated local craft brewing industry is a major draw, along with the famous San Diego Zoo, other amusement parks and many historic sites from the city’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. San Diego’s deep-water harbor supports a wide range of coastal activities, including sightseeing cruises, whale-watching and Southern California’s largest sport fishing fleet.

Thankfully, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive flights between Seattle and San Diego. We pulled from travel site Skyscanner to provide you with a short list of flights and hotels handpicked with the trendy adventurer in mind.

(Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Cheapest San Diego flights

The cheapest flights between Seattle and San Diego are if you leave on March 5 and return from California on March 7. Alaska Airlines currently has roundtrip tickets for $115.

There are also deals to be had earlier in March. If you fly out of Seattle on March 2 and return from San Diego on March 4, Delta can get you there and back for $125 roundtrip.

Top San Diego hotel

To plan your stay, here is one of San Diego’s top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.

The Hotel del Coronado (1500 Orange Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

For an all-around top recommendation, consider The Hotel del Coronado. The hotel has a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $290.

Top picks for dining and drinking

Don't miss San Diego's food scene, with plenty of popular spots to get your fill of local cuisine. Here are a couple of the top-rated eateries from Skyscanner's listings.

The Prado at Balboa Park (1549 El Prado)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

One of San Diego's most popular restaurants is The Prado at Balboa Park, with 4.6 stars from 133 reviews.

Set in the rich landscape and finely manicured gardens, the Prado Restaurant is located at the historic House of Hospitality in the center of San Diego

"One of our favorites in Balboa Park," wrote reviewer Sandra. "Tip: Go past the reception desk to the outdoor seating. There are a few couches and bar tables that you don't need reservations for. These are almost always available."

Mister A'S (2550 Fifth Ave., 12th Floor)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Next, there's Mister A's, where you will be pampered by an extremely attentive staff and enticed with the finest cuisine. 

"Came here to surprise my brother with a fancy lunch," wrote Makiah."The staff were friendly and excited to help me surprise him after not seeing him for about two years! The place is beautiful, the view is gorgeous and the food is amazing!"

What to see and do in San Diego

Not sure what to do in San Diego, besides eat and drink? Here are a few recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.

The San Diego Zoo (2920 Zoo Drive)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

First up is The San Diego Zoo, one of the most prolific and popular zoos in the world. It houses over 4,000 animals from more than 800 species. 

Balboa Park (1549 El Prado, San Diego)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Balboa Park is another popular destination.

Along with countless green spaces and gardens, the urban park is home to multiple museums, shops, restaurants and, most famously, the San Diego Zoo. 

The Gaslamp Quarter (614 Fifth Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Lastly, spend some time at The Gaslamp Quarter.

The hippest area in San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter is alive with activity almost every day (and night) of the week. From restaurants and bars to fashion and art, this really is the heart of fun in the city. Bordered by the water and downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp is home to some of the nicest hotels and swankiest hot spots San Diego has to offer.