A Romantic Getaway on a Budget
San Diego, known for its craft beers and unmatched fish taco scene, has been on my list of must-see West Coast destinations for years, and the Wyndham San Diego Bayside made that dream a reality.
Dubbed “America’s Finest City,” San Diego comes with rich culture, a vibrant nightlife, and a pretty hefty price tag. So, when my boyfriend and I wanted to plan a quick trip on a budget, I didn’t think we could pull it off – that is, until I found the Wyndham San Diego Bayside.
Like a beacon to New York City suburbanites, San Diego was calling, and we answered with sunscreen, stretchy pants (for fish tacos, obviously), and a centrally located home base: the Wyndham San Diego Bayside. It turned out to be exactly what we needed: comfy, clean, budget-friendly, and, most importantly, perfectly placed in the heart of it all. We had a packed itinerary, so finding a place close to everything the city had to offer was key. The Wyndham did not disappoint.
Comfy Rooms and Prime Location
Let’s talk first impressions. We were greeted immediately upon entering the hotel. The staff was attentive and super friendly, even giving us recommendations for nearby spots to eat. We upgraded to the King room with a bay-facing balcony, which was 100% the right move. It was bright and airy, and while it wasn’t dripping in luxury, the bed and balcony chairs were super comfortable, and the place was spotless. Think: lots of natural light, crisp sheets, and a view that made morning coffee feel a little fancy. It was exactly what we were looking for. Every room at the hotel has a balcony, so whether you pick the standard or the King, you can’t go wrong in my opinion.
The hotel had free Wi-Fi, which kept us connected (a.k.a. allowed our TikTok obsession to vacation with us), and the outdoor pool and fitness room were solid for keeping our active-ish vacation goals alive. I loved that Wyndham San Diego Bayside offers free airport shuttle service to and from the airport – it’s a small thing that made a big difference after our six-hour flight and was one less thing we had to plan for.
There’s a restaurant on-site where you can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but we were usually out and about most of the day, so we never ate there. It’s a nice feature though, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just need that first cup of coffee pronto.
But honestly? The biggest win was the location. Did I mention we had a His and Hers itinerary loaded to the max for a 5-day stay? This hotel was the perfect hub. It was close to everything you’d come to San Diego to see – whether you’re there for romance, family bonding, or just a really good taco crawl, you’re no more than 30 minutes away from the furthest attraction. And speaking of the itinerary…
Here’s A Peek At Our His/Hers San Diego Trip Itinerary:
Hers (aka mine):
>>See the Seals and Sea Lions: La Jolla Cove was my seal paradise. Watching hundreds of seals napping dramatically on the rocks was truly a main character moment. I could not take my eyes off those guys. (17-min taxi ride from the hotel)
>>Go to Balboa Park: I’d heard so much about the park grounds, which include the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. I absolutely fell in love with the Japanese Garden – we even sat for tea afterward. (13-min bus ride)
>>Visit the Gaslamp Quarter: This was date night done right! The lively energy, cool bars, and endless charm. We ended up at The Shout! House, a dueling piano bar that was pure chaotic joy. Great drinks, lively crowd, and two guys battling it out on pianos like it was life or death. 10/10 would recommend for couples who like to laugh and sing-scream. (20-min walk)
His:
>>See the USS Midway: This museum was a must for my boyfriend, who was basically ready to enlist by the end of the tour. Best part? It was right by the hotel. We then strolled along the harbor to Seaport Village where we grabbed an early lunch – beer in one hand, fish taco in the other. (5-min walk)
>>Go Ocean Kayaking: Yup, we tried couples ocean kayaking, which, after some chaotic paddling and accidental drifting (I really thought we were headed to China), turned out to be one of our favorite (and funniest) memories. (20-min taxi ride)
>>Fish Taco Challenge: A must-do in San Diego, and let me tell you, we were determined to win. Oscar’s came out on top, but every taco stop was a win. (15-min walk)