Cheap flights from Portland to San Diego, and what to do once you're there

Cheap flights from Portland to San Diego, and what to do once you're therePhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on May 30, 2019

Have you been craving a California getaway, without the congestion of Los Angeles? 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.

Fortunately, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive flights between Portland and San Diego, at least according to travel site Skyscanner.

Here’s a list of flights, hotels, restaurants and local attractions in San Diego to get you started. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)

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Cheapest San Diego flights

Currently, the cheapest flights between Portland and San Diego are if you leave on Aug. 23 and return from California on Aug. 26. Spirit Airlines currently has tickets for $154, roundtrip.

There are also deals to be had later in August. If you fly out of Portland on Aug. 24 and return from San Diego on Aug. 27, Alaska Airlines can get you there and back for $210 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 splurge on top quality, consider The Hotel del Coronado. The hotel has a 4.6-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $290.

"History and elegance describes it best. Some of the best flora in the San Diego area. A must see on any visit," wrote visitor Jack.

The Omni La Costa Resort and Spa (2100 Costa Del Mar Road)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

There's also the 4.7-star rated The Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. Rooms are currently set at $249/night.

"There are shops and restaurants in the resort's very own on-site plaza, as well as plenty of dining options and bars inside the lobby and other buildings," wrote Becky.

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 Westfield Horton Plaza, Petco Park as well as the San Diego Convention Center and San Diego Zoo.

Top picks for dining and drinking

If you're looking to snag a bite at one of San Diego's many quality eateries, here are a few popular culinary destinations from Skyscanner's listings that will help keep you satiated.

The Prado at Balboa Park (1549 El Prado)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for a local favorite, head to The Prado at Balboa Park, which has an average of 4.6 stars out of 133 reviews on Skyscanner. 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.

In-N-Out Burger (2005 Camino Del Este)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Another popular dining destination is In-N-Out Burger, with 4.6 stars from 98 reviews.

"Favorite place to grab a burger, and it is so cheap," wrote reviewer Kim. "Freshly made fries and milkshakes made with real ice cream round out a great meal."

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (1999 Citracado Parkway)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Finally, there's Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (Escondido).

"I'm so glad to live near this amazing brewery," wrote Hillary."Take a tour! Their brew tours are a lot of fun and at the end, you get your own tasting glass and you get to taste test four of their beers. Everyone is welcome. I always see families with little ones there."

What to see and do in San Diego

San Diego is also full of sites to visit and explore. Here are some popular attractions to round out your trip, again from Skyscanner's listings.

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

Balboa Park (1549 El Prado, San Diego)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Then, there's Balboa Park. 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.

The Gaslamp Quarter (614 Fifth Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Finally, consider checking out 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, 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, including the Planet Hollywood concert venue and Nobu Sushi restaurant. 


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.