Save Money on Your San Diego Vacation

by Kevin Smith Author

San Diego is a beautiful city in Southern California right along the coast. From the well-known San Diego zoo to the numerous restaurants, art galleries, and museums, there is a lot to see and explore in this city. However, like any vacation, it is easier for costs to get out of hand quickly. Use the tips below when you are planning your next trip to San Diego.

Travel Off-Season

Though the weather is wonderful year-round, San Diego tourism does have its off-season. Hotel rooms, airplane tickets, and attractions are less expensive in January, February, March, October, and November. By traveling during these months, you can spend less on every aspect of your trip.

Rent a Vacation Home

Instead of booking a room in a costly hotel, rent out a home or an apartment instead. There are plenty of San Diego vacation rental properties to choose from. With a vacation rental, you can spend less and decide exactly how long you would like to stay. Plus, you will have much more space than in a hotel room. Additionally, you can take advantage of the kitchen and loads of other amenities, too.

Spend Less on Food

If you do decide to stay in a vacation rental, you can save a lot on food costs. Instead of eating out for every meal, you can prepare meals in the rental and enjoy them there or pack a picnic to go. Of course, eating at local restaurants is a favorite part of vacationing for many. Luckily, there are plenty of medium to low priced restaurants in San Diego. If you do want to eat at an expensive restaurant, go out for lunch. They will serve the same great food at a lower rate.

Look for Discounts

Check the websites of local attractions for perks and discounts. Sometimes big attractions offer discounted tickets or lower prices on specific days of the week. You should also check your membership cards to see if you can get a discount by using any of them. This includes your student ID, AAA card, AARP membership, military identification, and more. You can also find great discounts on websites like Groupon and LivingSocial. These sites are a great tool to browse as they offer discounts on everything from dining to tours.

Buy a Pass

The multi-day Go San Diego Card can get you admission to popular attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, San Diego Safari Park, and more. You can purchase these passes at Costco or online. By planning ahead, scheduling off-season, and staying at one of the many San Diego vacation rental properties, you can save a ton on your next vacation.