San Diego attracts travelers from all over the world looking to experience the stunning beaches, delicious food, and laid-back California vibes that can only be found in America’s Finest City. What many visitors don’t realize is that this California destination has one of the country's most centrally located and convenient international airports. San Diego International Airport is close to all of the city's best attractions. It’s only 3.4 miles from the nearest beach, and less than a 15-minute drive from downtown San Diego.
Whether you’re traveling to San Diego for a relaxing vacation, or you’re a business traveler on a short layover, you’ll never have to compromise quality for convenience when choosing a hotel near the airport. San Diego’s compact layout allows you to experience all the best San Diego activities while remaining close enough to catch your next flight with ease.
From San Diego International Airport, you can reach the artsy neighborhood of Ocean Beach in just 10 minutes, Mission Beach is only 13 minutes away, and Pacific Beach can be reached in 15-17 minutes depending on traffic. San Diego’s world-famous Balboa Park, which is the home of the internationally recognized San Diego Zoo, is a quick 10-minute jaunt from the airport.
Even if you’re only in San Diego for a short layover, there is no reason why you shouldn't experience some of the gorgeous coastal neighborhoods, lively downtown areas, and exciting nightlife. No need to worry about a long commute – you can be back at the airport for your flight in under a half hour from almost all of San Diego’s best destinations.
If you’re looking for the top hotels near San Diego Airport, you’ll have tons of options to choose from. Vacationers, business travelers, and budget travelers looking to save money on a layover will all find plenty of options to suit their needs.
With convenient airport access from many of the city’s best neighborhoods, there is no excuse not to get out and explore all that San Diego has to offer. The best part of all is that due to San Diego's ideal layout, you won't be limited to the standard chains of airport hotels - there are endless varieties of great hotels to fit every traveler's taste.
Best areas to stay near San Diego International Airport
When choosing a hotel near San Diego International Airport, it’s best to focus on the neighborhood that you’d like to explore. If you're hoping to explore Balboa Park, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, or Little Italy a hotel near downtown San Diego is ideal.
Most of the hotels that offer airport shuttle services are located near Liberty Station, Harbor Island, Little Italy, or San Diego Bay, so you can't go wrong when choosing any of those areas - as an added bonus they're some of the coolest places to explore!
Best hotels near San Diego Airport
Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina
1380 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, you'll love a stay at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. The hotel is located on the San Diego harbor waterfront, and it's super close to downtown San Diego. The resort hotel is just a few minutes from San Diego Airport and offers a free airport shuttle to all guests.
Other amenities include an onsite bar, a restaurant, an outdoor pool, free wifi, a fitness center, a business center, and multiple meeting rooms. If you're feeling a little jet-lagged after your flight, enjoy an indulgent visit to the hotel's full-service spa.
Rooms at Sheraton San Diego Hotel start at around $180 dollars a night, and many of the chic guest rooms feature balconies with gorgeous views of the San Diego Bay. It's certainly one of the best hotels near San Diego airport.
Intercontinental San Diego
901 Bayfront Court San Diego, CA 92101
Intercontinental San Diego is a sophisticated choice for luxury travelers located right on San Diego Bay. The five-star hotel is close to the city center and downtown San Diego attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter, and plenty of nightlife options. You'll be within walking distance of the USS Midway Museum, the BRIC shopping district, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Hotel amenities include a fitness center, free wifi, valet parking, self-parking, room service, a business center, and more. ClubIntercontinetal will receive daily hot breakfast and complimentary beer and wine throughout their stay. Relax at the rooftop pool as you take in views of the San Diego Bay, sip a cocktail at one of the three bars, or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the two on-site restaurants that serve up tasty Southern California coastal cuisine.
400 guestrooms are decorated with elegant modern decor and equipped with every possible comfort, and there are pet-friendly rooms available on the property. The hotel is near San Diego airport and can be reached in under 10 minutes.
Rooms at the Intercontinental San Diego start at around $300 per night.
Hilton San Diego Airport
1960 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island provides all of the amenities that travelers expect from a great airport hotel. It's less than two miles from San Diego Airport and is located right on San Diego Bay. The hotel is less than 10 minutes from attractions like PETCO park, San Diego Zoo, and Seaport Village. It's just a few miles from the San Diego Convention Center, Seaport Village, and Sea World.
Waterfront views, comfortable rooms, and a complimentary shuttle service to San Diego Airport make this airport hotel a convenient choice. Hilton San Diego Airport Harbor Island amenities include an outdoor pool, bike rentals, a fitness center, room service, a business center, an onsite restaurant, and free wifi.
Hilton San Diego Airport is one of the more affordable San Diego airport hotels, with rooms starting at around $160 per night.
Homewood Suites
2137 Pacific Highway Suite B, San Diego, CA 92101
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside is only two blocks from the San Diego airport in the Little Italy neighborhood. The downtown location means it is close to all of the best San Diego attractions like Gaslamp Quater and Balboa Park. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a free shuttle service to San Diego airport, free breakfast, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and free wifi.
The all-suite hotel has rooms with fully equipped kitchens, making this a great option for business travelers or extended stays in San Diego. You'll be within walking distance of all of Little Italy's delicious restaurants and bars.
Rooms at Homewood Suites start at around $200 per night.
Hampton Inn
1531 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that is close to the airport and all of San Diego's many attractions, head to the Hampton Inn San Diego - Downtown. The hotel offers fewer of the luxurious amenities of some of our other picks, but guests love the waterfront views and the prime location.
Amenities at Hampton Inn include free breakfast, free wifi, a free airport shuttle, a business center, a fitness center, and meeting rooms that are great for business travelers. Rooms start at about $170 per night.
Pearl Hotel
1410 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106
If boutique hotels are more your style, head to Pearl Hotel. The trendy hotel is only three minutes from San Diego Airport and features gorgeous mid-century-inspired architecture and chic contemporary interior decor. Located in the Point Loma neighborhood, the Pearl Hotel has a beautiful vintage swimming pool shaped like an oyster at its center, and plenty of 1960's inspired glamour throughout.
Charles + Dinorah is a posh restaurant located at the hotel that serves up Southern California cuisine. Its name honors the original married couple who owned Pearl Hotel. With a stay at Pearl Hotel, you'll be near San Diego Airpot and within walking distance of some of the best surfing and swimming beaches in the city. Nightly rates start around $170.
Courtyard Marriot San Diego Airport
2592 Laning Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Courtyard Marriot San Diego Airport is located in the Liberty Station area on the waterfront of San Diego Bay, about a mile and a half from the airport. A free airport shuttle is available upon request. The hotel features modern rooms, free wifi, and balconies with views of downtown San Diego.
The Liberty Station area is full of shopping and dining options and is only a few minutes away from the vibrant Ocean Beach neighborhood, which is known for its laid-back bohemian vibes. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool, firepits, and bike paths, and sits right next to a massive 48-acre park. If you're looking for a serene setting that's near San Diego Intl Airpot, this is the spot. Guests can even rent paddleboards and kayaks! An onsite cafe serves Starbucks coffee, and guests can grab a bite at the onsite bar and restaurant after a fun-filled day exploring the nearby attractions.
The nightly rates at Courtyard Marriot San Diego Airpot start at about $215.
La Pensione Hotel
606 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101
La Pensione Hotel is a gorgeous boutique hotel option located in the heart of Little Italy - one of the most charming neighborhoods in San Diego. It's one of the best hotels in the city, and an architectural icon within the Little Italy area. The decor is chic and the rooms are comfortably luxurious with every modern convenience.
Hotel amenities include free wifi, a fitness center, an Italian-style courtyard, meeting rooms, and a spa. Enjoy a tasty meal at the onsite restaurant Caffe Italia, before heading out to explore the streets of Little Italy, and all of the nearby San Diego attractions. Rates start at around $180 per night.
Westin San Diego Bayview
Address: 400 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
If you're looking for a luxurious stay in the heart of downtown San Diego, head to Westin San Diego Bayview. You'll be in the center of all of the downtown action at one of the best hotels in the city yet still within 10 minutes of the airport. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service, in-room coffee and tea, free wifi, and free continental breakfast.
Upscale additions include a rooftop pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and a beautiful restaurant and bar with an outdoor patio. Best of all, you'll be within walking distance of plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops. Rates start at about $190 per night.
Kona Kai Resort
1551 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
If you're looking for the full beach vacation experience, but want to stay near San Diego Airport, head to Kona Kai Resort. This massive resort complex has recently undergone extensive renovations and expansions, making it one of the best places to stay in San Diego.
Rooms feature vibrant colors and spacious balconies overlooking San Diego Bay. The entire property gives off the energy of a glamorous island retreat and the decor blends traditional Spanish colonial elements with modern luxury. Guests love the waterfront views, sipping cocktails by the pool, relaxing in the lush gardens, and the convenient location. Relax on the hotel's private beach and soak up the sun, or head to the onsite spa for a rejuvenating facial.
Kona Kai Resort is the perfect choice for travelers looking for a seaside retreat that is close to major attractions like Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Convention Center. You can reach the city center in less than a 20-minute drive. Rates start at about $310 per night.
TownePlace Suites San Diego Airport/Liberty Station
2311 Lee Ct, San Diego, CA 92101
TownePlace Suites is an excellent all-suite hotel that is perfect for extended stays. It's only 1 mile from the airport, and you can hope on the free airport shuttle and be at the hotel in around 5-minutes - perfect for when you're ready for a good nights sleep after a long flight.
Ammenities include a complimentary hot breakfast, an outdoor pool, free WiF, a fitness center, business center, and large meeting rooms. Each spacious suite has a full-size kitchen, living rooms, and work spaces. If you need extra room there are also two-bedroom suites available. If you're looking for comfort and convenience near the airport, TownePlace is a great mid-range option. Rooms start at around $190 per night.
