Cat Mayhew is a travel advisor and content creator who loves to share her best hotel recommendations, and she's linked up with Safara to share her wishlist for her upcoming trip to San Diego.

These hotels have been recommended by industry-leaders including but not limited to Condé Nast, Goop, Travel + Leisure, and more, and have been featured in "Best of Lists" by travel experts we trust.

La Valencia Hotel

La Jolla Shores is a destination for both adrenaline seekers diving into the kelp forest abyss and little ones splashing in gentle waves...At dusk, La Jolla Shores comes alive with bonfires dotting the sand, inviting beachgoers to gather and savor the glow of day's end—first dibs on fire pits, so arrive early and linger late.

In addition to its postcard-perfect coastlines, this seaside village is brimming with high-end boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants. Although it’s one of the most affluent neighborhoods in San Diego, everyone still shows up in T-shirts and flip-flops, ensuring the area retains its relaxed beach town charm.

La Jolla offers beautiful beaches, outdoor recreation, luxury hotels, and outdoor recreation. La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve thrives with marine life, and in Torrey Pines, there's hiking and an array of native wildlife. Internationally recognized Torrey Pines Golf Course is nearby.

La Jolla

These hotels are the top recommendations from the Safarist community and have been personally vetted and endorsed by our team of hospitality experts.

Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a Hyatt Luxury Resort

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Palihotel San Diego

Historic Gaslamp Quarter, with its Victorian-style flickering streetlights, is the city’s nightlife hub. Dance to hip-hop and electronica at Bloom or soak up the views of the bay from Altitude Sky Lounge.

Gaslamp Quarter is a 16-block area in the historic heart of downtown San Diego, a lively dining, entertainment, and shopping district. More than 100 restaurants, 40 bars and nightclubs, theaters, art galleries, and shops as well as luxury hotels make it a popular destination."

Named after the lanterns that once lit the streets, this energetic, eclectic neighborhood is best known for its fine dining and trendy nightlife...preserved Victorian-era landmarks and other historic buildings (nearly 100 of them!)... lend architectural charm to this bustling urban stretch.