Stay in the Center of It All: Exploring San Diego from Hotel Circle
One of the best parts about staying in Hotel Circle is that you’re right in the middle of everything. From shopping in Mission Valley and exploring Old Town to beach days, ball games and some of San Diego’s biggest September events, there’s plenty to do within an easy drive of Days Inn Hotel Circle.
That central location is exactly why we love calling Mission Valley home. You can spend the morning exploring one part of San Diego, head somewhere completely different for the afternoon and still make it Downtown for dinner. Here’s how we’d explore the city from our spot in Hotel Circle, starting with the stops closest to us.
1. Fashion Valley & Mission Valley Shopping - Approx. 5-10 minute drive from Hotel
If shopping is on your San Diego itinerary, Fashion Valley Mall is practically next door. You'll find a mix of luxury brands, popular retailers, restaurants and outdoor spaces, with even more shopping and dining options throughout Mission Valley Mall. It's an easy outing when you want to shop, grab a bite or fill a few hours without venturing far from the hotel.
2. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park - Approx. 6 minute drive from Hotel
Head west to Old Town for a little San Diego history, from historic adobe buildings and museums to artisan shops and lively plazas. Spend a few hours exploring the neighborhood, browse local boutiques for handcrafted jewelry, pottery and gifts, and stop for Mexican food and handmade tortillas at Café Coyote or Casa Guadalajara. For panoramic views of Old Town and Mission Valley, make your way up to Presidio Park.
Insider Tip: If you're feeling brave, stop by the Whaley House, one of San Diego's most famously haunted landmarks. It's a fitting stop for a little spooky season fun!
3. Balboa Park & San Diego Zoo - Approx. 10 minute drive from Hotel
Balboa Park is one of San Diego's signature attractions and deserves plenty of time on your itinerary. Explore beautiful gardens, walking trails, historic Spanish colonial architecture and more than a dozen museums. Some favorite museum stops include the Fleet Science Center, San Diego Museum of Art, Natural History Museum, and Museum of Us.
The San Diego Zoo is a must-visit for many travelers, with habitats featuring wildlife from around the world, guided bus tours, aerial tram rides, and walking trails through lush gardens.
Balboa Park is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to spend an entire day exploring.
4. Snapdragon Stadium - Approx. 10 minute drive from Hotel.
Heading to a game, concert or special event? Snapdragon Stadium's Mission Valley location means guests at Days Inn can get to the action without staying Downtown. Hotel Circle also gives you a convenient home base before and after the event.
5. SeaWorld San Diego & Belmont Park - Approx. 10-15 minute drive from Hotel
Two of San Diego's most popular attractions sit just minutes from Hotel Circle.
SeaWorld San Diego
Spend the day exploring marine life exhibits, aquariums, roller coasters and seasonal events at SeaWorld San Diego. Its Mission Bay location makes it an easy addition to your itinerary when you're staying with us in Hotel Circle. Some of our personal favorites are the Penguin habitats and the Dolphin and Sealion encounters!
*Insider tip: If you are visiting this fall, make SeaWorld San Diego's Halloween Spooktacular one of your stops, bring the whole family for trick-or-treating, festive entertainment and family-friendly Halloween fun. Select dates from Sept. 11th - Nov. 1st.
Belmont Park
For classic San Diego beach-day fun, head to Belmont Park in Mission Beach. Ride the historic Giant Dipper, play a round of mini golf, hit the arcade or grab something to eat before heading out to the boardwalk and beach.
Insider tip: Make Belmont part of a full Mission Beach afternoon. You can easily pair the rides and attractions with beach time, a walk along the boardwalk and sunset by the ocean.
6. Mission Beach & Ocean Beach - Approx. 10-15 minute drive from Hotel
Still needing a beach day? September makes a pretty good case for one. The sunshine sticks around, the summer rush starts to ease and some of San Diego’s best-known beach neighborhoods are an easy drive from Hotel Circle.
Mission Beach
Head to Mission Beach for classic San Diego beach time, with a lively boardwalk, Belmont Park, bike rentals, restaurants and plenty of room for a sunset walk. This popular beach area is particularly popular with family visitors.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach has a more laid-back atmosphere with locally owned coffee shops, vintage stores, breweries, and one of San Diego's most iconic piers.
Spend the afternoon browsing Newport Avenue before watching sunset from the beach. *Bonus tip– visit nearby Sunset Cliffs during sunset for stunning, panoramic views of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean.
Downtown San Diego & the Waterfront - Approx. 10-15 minute drive from Hotel
Heading Downtown? Make a night of dinner in Little Italy, catch a Padres game at Petco Park, explore our historic Gaslamp Quarter or spend the afternoon along the Embarcadero. Along the waterfront, you'll find the USS Midway Museum, Waterfront Park, harbor cruises, public art and views across San Diego Bay. Seaport Village is another easy stop for shopping, dining and time by the marina.
Bonus: September Events Near Hotel Circle
September is packed with events that are easy to reach from Days Inn by Wyndham.
Pacific Islander Festival - Sept. 26 to Sept. 27 - Approx. 10-15 minute drive from Hotel
The Pacific Islander Festival celebrates Polynesian cultures through dance, music, food, crafts, and cultural performances. It's another opportunity to experience San Diego's diverse cultural scene along Mission Bay.
CRSSD Festival - Sept. 26 - Sept. 27 - 6.5 miles - Approx. 10-15 minute drive from Hotel
CRSSD Festival is one of Southern California's popular electronic music festivals and takes place at Waterfront Park in Downtown San Diego each September. Expect internationally known DJs, waterfront views, and an energetic weekend atmosphere.
Belmont Park Fall Festival - Sept. 10th - Oct. 30th. - Approx. 10-15 minute drive from Hotel
Belmont Park's Fall Festival brings seasonal decorations, family-friendly activities, specialty treats, live entertainment, and limited-time attractions to Mission Beach.
Make Hotel Circle Your Home Base
Staying at Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle keeps you close to shopping, beaches, family attractions, historic neighborhoods, Downtown San Diego, and Mission Bay without spending your vacation in traffic.
Ready to explore San Diego from the center of it all? Book your stay at Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle and enjoy easy access to the city's top attractions, beaches, shopping, and September events.
