Booking a hotel in Feb: GasLamp District or Pacific Beach? (San Diego: renting, hotels)

[MinnesotaDrake]

I'm looking for all of your expert San Diego advice! My buddy and I (30 & 29 - both single) are traveling to San Diego from Feb 12-16th. We can't take this Minnesota weather any more and we love the West Coast.

2 questions:

1) We need to book a hotel and need to find the best area. We love nightlife (clubs/bars) but havn't seen a the beach in months... Is staying in Pacific Beach worthwhile in Feb? How does it differ than gaslamp district? I thought the Hard Rock looked pretty cool....

2) Any bars/club recommendations would be appreciated! My buddy loves rock music (in a band of course lol) and I'd like to get the best San Diego experience since this is my first time.

Thanks again for all your help. I cannot wait to get out of this -5 degree weather...

[Robertfchew]

Gas lamp. Much better selection of hotels and better bars. Cab to the beach if you need to it's not far.

[kettlepot]

I agree with the Gaslamp recommendation, for the following reasons:

1) Better age range for your almost 30 age.
2) More things nearby than just clubs and the beach. Clubs and the beach are really your only entertainment in Pacific Beach.
3) With the Gaslamp you still have access the bay within walking distance. With effort and a ferry ride, you could make it to Coronado beach.
4) With the Gaslamp location it will be easy to make side trips to Balboa Park, Hillcrest, South Park, North Park and Little Italy. You could reach these other locations mostly by walking, renting a bicycle, or using public transportation which is cheaper than taking a cab.