Pacific Beach is one of the oldest suburbs of San Diego. Established in 1887 with the College of Letters as the focus, however, the College failed due to a lack of students and Pacific Beach remained a sleepy farming community until 1920 with the building of the Crystal Pier. The pier became the main attraction with its grandiose ballroom and amusement center.
The pier soon fell into disrepair until its revival in 1936. Lengthening of the pier, as well as the building of cottages, brought visitors flocking to Pacific Beach, and to this day, visitors still come to watch fabulous sunsets, surfers playing in the waves, and to fish from the pier.
Surfers and sun-worshipers absolutely love Pacific Beach and you can easily spend the day walking the sandy beach or shopping and eating along the boardwalk. Pacific Beach is a great place to stay when you're interested in visiting any of the other major attractions around San Diego, such as historic Old Town, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, or to golf on the beautiful Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla. No matter why you're visiting Pacific Beach, booking the right room is important for an enjoyable and comfortable stay.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Pacific Beach, CA?
Summer is absolutely the best time to visit Pacific Beach. The weather is warm during the day with just a touch of fog in the early mornings. However, summer is also the busiest time of year, as college students and families off from school enjoy staying in this prime area of San Diego. Rates are the highest during the summer and rooms are often difficult to find because people book them well in advance, so don't hesitate to book early.
Spring is a slower season for the San Diego area, except during spring break, when again college students and families come to relax and enjoy all that Pacific Beach has to offer. If you come before or after spring break, the rates are lower and rooms are easier to find. You'll see plenty of greenery and wildflowers in the hills after the winter rains and there are fewer crowds at the attractions.
Winter is the slowest season, except during major winter holidays. The days are short and, even though the area doesn't receive much rain, only around 8-10 inches annually, November through early March is when the rains fall. There are fewer visitors and you can easily find solitude as you walk along the beach. Rooms are easier to find and rates are lower, except during the holidays, so you shouldn't have any trouble scoring a good deal on a room.
Mid-September through mid-November experiences some of the finest weather all year. The fog doesn't roll in, the days are nice and warm, the trees are turning colors, and the college kids and families have left. You'll find lower rates than summer, with plenty of availability during these special months.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Pacific Beach, CA:
Pacific Beach, CA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. rate trends by star rating class in Pacific Beach, CA. Browse these charts to determine the least expensive time to stay in Pacific Beach for any future trips.
Where Are the Best Hotels in Pacific Beach, CA, for a Luxury Stay?
4 Star Average Prices: $215.88
There are several really nice hotels close to the beach. Tower23 is one of Pacific Beach's most popular upscale hotels. This luxury boutique hotel sits with fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean and has a great location right near lifeguard post 23, thus the name of this hip hotel. Each room offers luxurious Tempur-Pedic beds and premium bedding and you can relax on a private balcony or patio.
Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi or watch premium cable channels on the flat-screen TV. Enjoy a full breakfast, for a fee, at the hotels' restaurant or, in the evening, enjoy a drink at the on-site lounge. Note that there is a resort fee to cover certain amenities.
The Blue Sea Beach Hotel is another luxury hotel located steps from the beach. You'll enjoy swimming in the beachfront hotel swimming pool in Pacific Beach with stunning views of the water. The surf-inspired rooms offer guests complimentary Wi-Fi and in-room movies you can watch on a 50-inch flat-screen TV. All rooms have a private balcony where you can sip a cup of coffee you make from your in-room coffee maker. Get a good night's rest on premium bedding so you will feel refreshed the next morning to enjoy playing in Pacific Beach.
Are There Any Budget-Friendly Hotels in Pacific Beach, CA?
3 Star Average Prices: $171.05
When you're looking to save money on lodging and be close to the beach, nothing beats the PB Surf Beachside Inn. After a fun day playing at the beach, shopping, or enjoying the local attractions, relax on your comfortable bed and watch your favorite shows on the flat-screen television while sipping a cold beverage that you can store in your mini fridge.
The rooms have lovely wood tones and blues reminiscent of the nearby ocean. Wi-Fi is available for a small surcharge, but, the continental breakfast is free and you can enjoy swimming in the adjacent property's heated pool.
The Red Roof Inn San Diego Pacific Beach/Seaworld Area is another great budget-friendly hotel. Just a couple of miles from the shoreline, the Red Roof Inn offers guests a microwave, a coffee maker, and a mini fridge for your snacking convenience. Relax on comfortable bedding watching cable channels on your flat-screen TV. Wi-Fi and breakfast are free, and if you're traveling with your furry friend, pets also stay for free. Take a dip in the new pool and, if you want, take advantage of the 24-hour in-room dining delivery.