Crystal Pier Hotel
San Diego: Top 5 Hotels
This unique seaside property at Pacific Beach is not really a hotel but a collection of quaint wooden cottages. Dating back to the 1930s, the cottages, built on a pier that extends out over sand and surf just north of Mission Bay, are nothing fancy, but there's no better way to experience California beach life than sleeping right over shoreline.
Each of the one- and two-bedroom units has its own kitchenette, living room and ocean-view deck, with free parking for one vehicle. A few of the cottages are actually on dry land, so if you want to stay on the pier, be sure to make your wishes known when you call for reservations. The best units are the six cottages lettered A through F at the far end of the pier, which offer greater privacy and an angled view of the water.
Whichever unit you choose, bear in mind that this is not the quietest place to stay, with cars thumping along the deck and day-trippers strolling outside from morning to night. The pier is open to the public during daylight hours, and even at night when the gates are locked, the sound of the surf pounding below can be quite loud. Bookings should be made well in advance for this popular spot, though you can sometimes find space available on short notice for off-season or weekday stays.
The Crystal Pier Hotel
4500 Ocean Blvd.
San Diego, Calif.
800-748-5894
www.crystalpier.com
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