When you’re searching for your next vacation spot but your budget won’t let you travel too far, have no fear because you can enjoy a staycation close to home. If you’re in San Diego, enjoying a staycation is easy thanks to all of the city’s vibrant and beautiful neighborhoods. So the next time you need a day to relax, don’t worry about packing your bags for a long flight. Plan your San Diego staycation in these great neighborhoods.

Downtown

San Diego's Balboa Park photo by Shutterstock

Downtown San Diego is home to numerous attractions and activities including several museums, natural horticultural sites, and places to eat and drink. Exploring this vibrant neighborhood will keep you busy all day long, so wear your comfy shoes for a lot of walking. Balboa Park is the neighborhood’s crown jewel, offering about 1,200 acres of urban green space including 16 museums and 65 miles of trails. It’s also home to the famous San Diego Zoo. Stroll through Balboa Park’s native plants and cultivated gardens at the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden or the Japanese Friendship Garden. If you’re not into the horticulture scene, then check out the park’s multiple museums including the Natural History Museum, The San Diego Model Railroad Museum, and The San Diego Air & Space Museum. If you’re looking for live performances nearby, you’ll find the San Diego Junior Theatre as well as The Old Globe.

Old Town

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park sign photo by Shutterstock

Old Town is popular for its distinct culture and historic roots. Here, you’ll find colorful galleries, festive theaters, charming boutiques, lively mariachis, and traditional folkloric dancers. The neighborhood features an eclectic mix of restaurants ranging from burger joints and authentic Mexican cuisine to fast-food staples and BBQ fare. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Old Town State Park, which offers 12 acres of Mexican lore and historical sites. There’s also quite a bit of haunted history in Old Town as well. The Whaley House has been revered as one of the most haunted places in America, so if the paranormal facinates you, add these ghost tours to your staycation itinerary.

Marina District

Maritime Museum of San Diego photo by Shutterstock

If you’d rather view a museum on water than on land, head to the Marina District. The Marina District has several museums including The Star of India, the oldest active sailing ship and one of the several boats available to view via the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The Maritime Museum and the USS Midway Museum are the city’s most popular attractions. San Diego is known as a military town at heart, and the ship tours allow visitors to check out the inside of the vessel as well as see what life aboard these ships is like. The Marina District is also home to the San Diego Convention Center which hosts the wildly popular Comic-Con, so if you’re in town during that time, it’s worth checking out.

Gaslamp Quarter

Photo courtesy of Gaslamp Artisan Market

For those wanting a taste of the San Diego nightlife, the Gaslamp Quarter is where you want to go to. This neighborhood is the city’s premier entertainment district where you can dine, eat, or just have some fun. Nestled within the 16 blocks of this urban city center, you’ll find a diverse selection of world-class restaurants, bars, dance clubs, and entertainment, all within walking distance. So if you want to dance the night away or have a few drinks with friends, just walk down Market Street or Fifth Avenue to find your place of choice. But if you want to enjoy this neighborhood during daylight hours, you can also check out the Gaslamp Artisan Market that’s held every Sunday at 10 a.m. along Fifth Avenue and between Market Street and Island Avenue. You’ll find a variety of local artisans, homemade products, and local goods.

North Park

Photo courtesy of Mike Hess Brewing

The urban and hip neighborhood of North Park lies just northeast of downtown San Diego. Along University Avenue and 30th Street, you’ll find a myriad of bars, independent shops, restaurants, and events all within walking distance. Stop by some of the breweries like Mike Hess Brewing or North Park Beer Co. to try some locally crafted beers. And if you’re a foodie, you can enjoy brunch on a Sunday morning at Urban Solace or a late-night snack at West Coast Tavern.