San Diego county has grown to be a sprawling metropolitan area, stretching from the Mexican border at Tijuana, to the Orange County line, some 60 miles north. However, some of San Diego’s favorite vacation destinations are within just a few miles of one another, and minutes away from San Diego’s most affordable hotel rooms.
Mission Valley, located in the heart of San Diego just ten minutes north of the airport, offers tourists hundreds of inexpensive hotel rooms, on Hotel Circle, which lines both sides of Interstate 8, the city’s main east/west artery.
If you’re staying in “the Valley”, you’re an easy five-minute drive from the world famous San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, Sea World or Qualcomm Stadium. Five more minutes in the car, and you’ll arrive at some of San Diego’s most spectacular beaches and Mission Bay Park, where boaters, rollerbladers, bicyclists and picnickers all come to play.
Old Town, on the western edge of Mission Valley, is another inexpensive choice for travelers. All within easy walking distance of a number of affordable hotels, you’ll find dozens of small art, pottery and jewelry shops in Old Town.
