Escape from San Jose to San Diego on a budget

Escape from San Jose to San Diego on a budgetPhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on March 05, 2019

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. And 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.

Using travel site Skyscanner, we’ve sifted through the cheapest flights between San Jose and San Diego in the next few months, including some top-rated hotel options and beloved local attractions.

(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

Currently, the cheapest flights between San Jose and San Diego are if you leave on March 19 and return from California on March 21. Alaska Airlines currently has roundtrip tickets for $94.

Alaska Airlines also has tickets at that price point in May. If you fly out of San Jose on May 2 and return from San Diego on May 6, Alaska Airlines can get you there and back for $94 roundtrip.

Top San Diego hotels

To plan your stay, here are some of San Diego’s top-rated hotels, according to Skyscanner, that we selected based on price, proximity to things to do and customer satisfaction.

The Hotel del Coronado (1500 Orange Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking to treat yourself, consider The Hotel del Coronado. The hotel has a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $290.

The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows (2223 El Cajon Blvd.)

Another 4.6-star option is The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows. Rooms are currently set at $79/night.

The U.S. Grant (326 Broadway)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

A third option is The U.S. Grant. The 4.7-star hotel has rooms for $159/night. Set in the heart of San Diego, this hotel is close to the Westfield Horton Plaza, Petco Park, as well as the San Diego Convention Center. Other attractions include the San Diego Zoo.

Local restaurant picks

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

Extraordinary Desserts (2929 Fifth Ave.)

Let's start with the essentials: where to satisfy your sweet tooth. For a popular option, check out Extraordinary Desserts, which has an average of 4.7 stars out of 160 reviews on Skyscanner. 

Visitor Roque wrote, "I loved the fresh fruit tartlets. They're so delicious and beautiful to see that you will never want to eat them!"

The Prado at Balboa Park (1549 El Prado)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for a local favorite restaurant pick, head to The Prado at Balboa Park, with 4.6 stars from 133 reviews.

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

Mister A's (2550 Fifth Ave., 12th floor)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Also worth considering is Mister A's.

With the most spectacular views in San Diego, Mr. A's is just minutes from downtown and an eternity from the ordinary dining experience. See the beautiful San Diego skyline, with views of San Diego Bay, Balboa Park, Coronado, Point Loma and even the world famous San Diego Zoo.

"The place is beautiful, the view is gorgeous and the food is amazing," wrote Makiah. 

Top San Diego attractions

To round out your trip, San Diego offers plenty of popular attractions worth visiting. Here are some top recommendations, based on Skyscanner's descriptions and reviews.

The San Diego Zoo (2920 Zoo Drive)

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. At over 100 acres, the zoo offers exhibits that run the gamut of the world’s ecosystems such as the rainforest, savannah, desert and more. 

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 park is home to multiple museums, shops, restaurants and, most famously, the San Diego Zoo. Many of the buildings within the park were built for California expos in the early 20th century and are now protected as prime examples of architecture from that period.

"Balboa Park is a lush 1,200-acre park and home to more than 17 museums, multiple performing arts venues, lovely gardens, trails and many other creative and recreational attractions," wrote visitor Ryan.

The Gaslamp Quarter (614 Fifth Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Finally, 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 to bars to fashion to art to movies to playhouses and other fun activities, this really is the heart of fun in the city.

This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.