A classically configured location, San Diego was spread out along Interstate 8 in a nearly 6 acre site. Opened in 1969, the complex was like several others that were opened in the Golden State during the same year. Featuring a signature A-frame Gate Lodge and West-style restaurant, the site's guest buildings offered lodgers full balconies and patios.

Surviving long enough into the modern Howard Johnson era to have had its Gate Lodge squared off, San Diego sported the Good Nite Inn brand by the 2000s. Good Nite is a small but growing chain of affordable lodging facilities in California.