San Diego sounds good to me ... lots of military bases!
Sailors! Marines! Hunks. Hooo-Ahhhh
OK! OK! -- like the man said "just because you're on a diet doesn't mean you can't read the menu!"
Alternately : Even if you aren't going anywhere it's nice to hear the train whistle!

There was a motel near the beach, the Zoo and half a block from the bus terminus...Roberts-At-The-Beach. Oldder, clean, pleasant people Rate was about $69 a night.
Found a listing at :
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60713-d119632-Reviews-Roberts_At_The_Beach_Motel-San_Francisco_California.html#Guidebook
Sorry, that shorter link never works for me.
Page lists other venues and there is a link to economy places.
Whatever.