Words from the San Diego Locals:

Anything near Sea World is close to the Bay. Anything on Hotel Circle Drive is about 15 minutes from beach and a great location if you want to expolore other areas of San Diego.

There is a hotel on the island we are at, Paradise Point..might be pricey though... A couple of other suggestions:

Holiday Inn Express
4610 De Soto Street
San Diego CA 92109

Good Nite Inn
3880 Greenwood Street
San Diego CA 92110

Shelter Pointe Hotel & Marina
1551 Shelter Island Drive
San Diego CA 92106
(This is a pretty nice place)

Town and Country Resort
about 15 minutes from beach (Very central area)
my brother works here and its pretty nice.
500 Hotel Circle North
San Diego CA 92108

Thanks, Red. Are any of these close to the regional event?

Being 'close' to the regional event really isn't very important in this case since it's just a few hours long and all the possible things to do will be away from the regional event.

My suggestion: shop for the best value and drive 15-30 minutes to the regional. I used www.hotels.com the last time I went to San Diego. As with www.priceline.com, you've got to pay up front for your entire stay and I think a refund, if even possible, will take a lot of red tape with these discount services.

With hotels.com you get the price first. With priceline, I think you tell what you are willing to pay, then give them your credit card information and they'll respond if they can get the room. If they can, then you have already paid for it.

Everything in San Diego is within 1/2 hour of everything give or take depending on traffic. I agree with John about Hotels.com. They are a good site.

There aren't many lighthouses to visit in San Diego (just Point Loma and Old Point Loma). Point Loma (often referred to as New Point Loma) recently had its third order Fresnel lens removed and secured by the Coast Guard due to structural problems with the tower. The lens will be on display in the future in the Assistant Keepers quarters that is planned to be built near Old Point Loma.

San Diego does have many great places to visit for those spending a few days in the city.