The National City center is about 1 mile southeast of Southcrest.
Before you embark on your trip to National City, there are several things to keep in mind, including the time of year you pick to travel to this exciting city. If you're an experienced traveler, then you know the season you pick for your trip will have a direct impact on your hotel room rates and the activities that you'll be able to enjoy. Researching the most popular travel seasons in National City should help you pick the most enjoyable, affordable time of year to visit.
The great thing about traveling to the South Bay area is that you'll enjoy fantastic weather regardless of the season in which you visit. Between March and May, which is the best travel season in this area, you'll enjoy temperatures in the 70s and will have access to extremely competitive rates, as the peak travel season will not yet have arrived. These months also bring several popular events, including the Mission Federal ArtWalk, the Coronado Flower Show, and the Fiesta Cinco de Mayo.
Visiting National City between September and November, just after peak travel season, can also be a great choice. The weather will still be very pleasant and rates will be significantly lower because the summer tourists will have returned home. Choosing to visit National City during this time of year will help you save a great deal of money and will also allow you to enjoy annual events such as Fleet Week and the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival.
Winter is also an enticing time of the year to visit National City. Because there will be very few travelers, you can often find impressive deals on hotel rooms, and the high temperatures will be in the 60s, which means you can easily spend time outdoors without getting chilly. Popular wintertime events in the National City area include the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights and Balboa Park December Nights.
By doing the right research, you can save even more money while you're enjoying the sights and sounds in National City. This popular tourist destination features several hotels that offer discounts to AAA and military members, and if you belong to one of these groups, you can lower your vacation costs to a surprising, exciting degree.
A great hotel in the National City area for travelers looking for a discounted rate is the Quality Inn San Diego, which offers savings up to 9% for AAA members. At this hotel, AAA members can receive discounts on rooms with either a single king or two queen beds, each of which provide 42-inch televisions, a desk with an ergonomic chair in case you need to get any work done, and premium channels such as HBO. You can also choose either a smoking or non-smoking room. Guests will also receive a free buffet breakfast and access to fitness facilities.
For government or military members, the top hotel in National City is the Ramada San Diego National City. If you book a room at this hotel as a government/military member, you can receive discounts up to 18%, a truly impressive level of savings. Rooms at this hotel offer either city or ocean views, and there are exciting amenities such as a hotel bar, an outdoor pool, an available hot breakfast, and complimentary Wi-Fi access. This hotel is also pet friendly, so be sure to bring along your four-legged friends.
If you're the type of traveler looking for the ideal combination of affordability and comfort, then you should consider booking a room at one of the many midrange hotels in National City. Staying at a midrange hotel will give you access to interesting amenities without forcing you to break the bank for your trip.
A top midrange hotel in this area is the Holiday Inn Express San Diego South-National City. The 24-hour fitness facilities provided by this hotel will ensure that you can get your heart pumping on your vacation, and there is also an outdoor pool if you're in the mood for a relaxing swim. Free breakfast is available, allowing you to fuel up before you go exploring in the city. Rooms feature new and comfortable bedding, 370-inch flat screen televisions, and refrigerators and microwaves so that you can save money by bringing your own food.
Those looking for a midrange hotel in National City should also consider the Best Western Plus Marina Gateway. Only 1.4 miles from the National City downtown area, this hotel will provide a relaxing stay near all the best activities that this thrilling city offers its residents and visitors. Features of this hotel include an outdoor heated pool, a cocktail lounge, an onsite restaurant, and a universal gym. In the guest rooms, you'll find an easy chair, cable television, and free local phone calls.
While vacationing in National City, you want to make sure that you fill your trip with as much excitement as possible, which means you need to learn about the best activities in the city.
The best spot in this city is the San Diego Bay, where you can go fishing, take a leisurely boat ride, and even do a little whale watching. If you're looking for a fun, memorable family activity, you should take a drive to the San Diego Zoo, where you can view over 3,700 animals up close and personal. Another great place to visit is the Imperial Beach Pier, where you can go on a leisurely beachfront stroll or enjoy a meal at the convenient seafood restaurant.
Below are reviews of the city of National City, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Great city, lots to do.
Lots of good restaurants.
Lots of good restaurants.
The pizza place (Napolians) was awesome. At Barbers Studio I got a great haircut, and it is a killer barbershop!!! Big Ben Market is across the street too, get anything you want.
Didn't go around the city I was there for a Navy retirement.
Central location for my needs.
Coronado Island & Coronado Bridge views are excellent.
Location is perfect... accessible to the freeway, and all restaurants and shopping center.... parking is GREAT.. compare to others in Downtown.
People were friendly and very helpful.
The city of National City is a very beautiful city and I recommend anybody to come to it.