How can I enjoy vacation in San Diego in a tight budget?

Stay high on crack.

Coming from where?

What time of year?

How long will you be there? It is quite possible that if you are going for a month or more you may find a short term rental, possibly with someone whose roomie moved or is gone for awhile. My brother owns rentals in Carlsbad, Temecula and San Diego and says this is somewhat common occurance. Check craigslist.com/sandiego. If you have a few more bucks to spend, go during the slow season (read: NOW) and find a nice mom&pop hotel. When you say San Diego I assume you mean the general area. I would search north of the city for some great buys. Even La Jolla has deals around this time. Try the Travelodge only $79 for Ocean in October. Rent a bicycle when you are there and you can get anywhere pretty easily.

And don’t miss the Green Flash at Sunset. Amazing sight.

Eat at Roberto’s. Or Alberto’s. Or Adalberto’s, or any of the “ends in…to’s” ilk. And sleep on the beach- Pacific Beach is great for sleeping. I’ve done it inadvertently a few times.