Stay

Getting There

For those traveling from out of town, San Diego International airport (SAN) is the most convenient. If you find a killer deal into LAX, remember to factor in the two hour drive (without traffic!).

You will need to have a car as there’s not a whole lot of reliable public transport in San Diego. Alternatively budget for a lot of Uber’ing (if you don’t know Uber, check them out!).

Map

Staying There

As you can see on the map, there is not one central spot to be. So depending on what you like… an urban escape, an ocean front villa, or something cheap and cheerful… you can really stay anywhere! Here are our recommendations.

1. Airbnb – $39 /night – $500+ /night

The adventurous and value for money option. This is our top recommendation, especially if you’re coming with more than two people as you most likely will get the best value for money. Maybe stay in a boat or a house or a treehouse? Or an RV like Carson did? Maybe a luxury beachfront condo? If you don’t know much about the service, check out their promo video, but basically you rent accommodation through a private owner. We’re a big fan of Airbnb and have traveled using their service with all good experiences. We’d recommend booking with someone with good reviews and we’re happy to give some advice if you need.

2. Pacific Terrace Hotel – Mon-Thur $199-229 /night, Fri-Sun $314-399 /night
610 Diamond Street, San Diego, CA 92109, United States

The splurge oceanfront option. They gave us a small discount from their website rates, so call them directly (1-800-344-3370) and quote Olson/Roen wedding to get the above prices (which vary by room view). There is a three night minimum and an additional $14/night charge resort fee which gives you access to WiFi, beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, bike rentals, and a discounted breakfast. Parking is an additional $25/night.

All rooms reserved for the Olson/Roen Wedding will be released by the 21st of April, so book before then!

3. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay – $199/night
1441 Quivira Road, San Diego, CA 92109, United States

The bayside option, slightly quieter and less expensive than ocean front option. Follow this link to secure the special $199/night rate for our wedding. There is an additional $19/night resort fee which gives you access to high-speed WiFi, the pool, bike rentals and the fitness and business center. Parking is an additional $20/night.

All rooms reserved for the Olson/Roen Wedding will be released by the 25th of March, so book fast!

4. Best Western – Sun-Thur $139 /night, Fri-Sat $159 /night
7830 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States

The no frills 2 miles from the wedding venue option. Call the them directly on 1-800-526-4545 and quote Olson/Roen Wedding to get our special group rate. Your room comes with one king or two queen beds, free continental breakfast, free parking and free WiFi. The hotel is just a few blocks from the beach and has an outdoor heated pool.

All rooms reserved will be released by the 21st of April, so book before then!

Or maybe you prefer to do your own research, there are a lot of hotels in San Diego.

Seeing There

1. Sunset Cliffs (map)

The name really says it all. If you’re looking for a nice sunset, come here.

2. Giant Dipper (map)

This is a fun area to surf, people watch, dine and a great starting point for a stroll on the Mission and Pacific Beach boardwalks. The Giant Dipper is a roller coaster built in 1925 and is an iconic scene in Mission Beach.

3. Casa Beach (aka Seal Beach or La Jolla Children’s pool) (map)

Here you can see the harbor seals, and in May it’s pupping season, so the new babies will be out! There is free parking along Coast Blvd and is also accessible from nearby paid lots. After visiting the seals, you can walk up the road to La Jolla Cove Beach where you can relax without the seal soundtrack.

4. Coronado (map)

Coronado is a small island community with expansive beaches and up market dining and shopping. The historic Hotel Del Coronado is the most notable building on Coronado and worth the trip itself. Fun fact… Thomas Edison himself did the final inspection on the electrics! This hotel isn’t in our recommended places to stay because of it’s price tag and out of the way location, but don’t let us stop you from staying here.

5. Old Town (map)

Old Town is a historic park commemorating the early days of San Diego with buildings dating back to the late 1800’s. They now have cute shops and LOTS of Mexican restaurants.

6. San Diego Zoo Safari Park (map)

This is one of our favorite attractions in San Diego. It’s uniquely known for their African exhibits where you take a tram ride through the animal enclosures making you feel like you’re on the Serengeti. It’s a 30-40 min drive outside of San Diego, but a great day out if you have the time.

7. San Diego Zoo (map)

Arguably one of the best zoos in the country with countless animal exhibits and experiences. Conveniently located in Balboa Park (1,200-acre urban cultural park), you could make a day of seeing the animals, visiting one of their 17 museums, 9 preforming arts centers, 19 gardens and much more.

8. SeaWorld (map)

To Free Willy or not to Free Willy… we’ll leave that debate for another forum, but Sea World does exist in San Diego and you can check out the Shamu show (and other cetacea) if that interests you.

9. University of San Diego (map)

Ashley’s Alma Mater…. GooooOO Toreros! It typically ranks in the top 50 most beautiful college campuses in the US, so check it out if you have time.

10. Padres Baseball (map)

If you’re in town a little early, you can catch a Padres game. They’re playing at home on the 19th and 20th of May. There are great value tickets to “The Beach” in the outfield, or you can chose to sit in the stands. Either way, a hot dog and a beer are a must! Tickets and details here.

Eating There

1. Mamma Mia (map) $$

A favorite of ours in College. Try the Gnocchi Lollo!

2. Old Town Mexican Cafe (map) $$

If you’re in old town, this is a great place to stop for a margarita, a snack, or a whole meal. They’re known for their fresh tortillas which you can see them making as you walk by.

3. Blue Water Seafood and Market Grill (map) $$

If you’re a fish lover, go here! Awesome fish tacos, oysters and much much more.

4. Georges at the Cove (map) $$$

California modern fine dining with incredible views. Rated top 100 restaurants in the US and top 25 in southern California (www.opinionatedaboutdining.com).

5. Filippi’s Pizza Grotto (map) $$

An iconic Italian gathering place that has been around for ages.

6. Brooklyn Girl (map)$$

American restaurant offering a fresh seasonal menu that changes daily. You’ll find good eats here.

7. Chick-fil-A (map) $

Eat more chicken is right. We’ll probably be eating most of our meals here, so if you want extra time with the bride and groom, come find us here during the lunch hour. That’s a joke, but it is a favorite from the good old college days.

8. Pick-up-stix (map) $

Before Ashley introduced Carson to pick-up-stix, pizza, chicken fingers and fettuccine Alfredo were the predominate staples on his menu. One bite of their Orange chicken made him become more adventurous with food.

Stay • See • Eat