San Diego Travel Essentials
How to get here, getting around, where to stay, weather, budgets, packing tips, and the local knowledge that turns a good trip into a great one.
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I've lived in San Diego for over 15 years and I still discover new favorite spots every month. From the hidden tide pools in Bird Rock to the taco shops locals don't want tourists to find, this guide is everything I tell friends when they visit. San Diego is one of those rare cities where the tourist version and the real version are both excellent — this guide helps you experience both.
— Scott
Getting to San Diego
4 tipsSan Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport — also known as Lindbergh Field — is one of the most conveniently located airports in the country. It sits right on the harbor, just 3 miles from downtown. Direct flights connect San Diego to most major US cities, plus international routes to Mexico, Canada, the UK, and Japan. You can be at your hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter within 15 minutes of landing.
Driving from LA
San Diego is about 120 miles south of Los Angeles — roughly 2 hours on I-5 without traffic. With traffic (and there will be traffic), budget 2.5 to 3 hours, especially on Friday afternoons. The drive is straightforward and scenic along the coast through Camp Pendleton. Alternatively, I-15 is slightly faster but less scenic. If you're flying into LAX to save money, renting a car and driving down is a solid option.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
The Pacific Surfliner runs along the coast from Los Angeles (and as far north as San Luis Obispo) to San Diego. The ride from LA Union Station takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, costs $30-60 one-way, and the ocean views through San Clemente and Del Mar are spectacular. Trains run multiple times daily. The Santa Fe Depot station is right downtown — walk to the Gaslamp in 10 minutes.
Cross-Border from Tijuana (CBX)
If you're flying from Mexico or Latin America, the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) is a game-changer. It's a pedestrian skybridge connecting the Tijuana airport directly to a terminal on the US side. Flights into Tijuana on Volaris or VivaAerobus are often dramatically cheaper than flying into SAN. Walk across the bridge, clear customs, and you're in San Diego in under an hour. The CBX terminal is about 20 minutes from downtown.
Getting Around
5 tipsRental Cars (Recommended)
San Diego is a spread-out city and a rental car gives you the most flexibility. You'll want one for day trips to La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Cabrillo National Monument, and North County beaches. All major rental companies operate from the consolidated Rental Car Center near the airport, connected by a free shuttle. Expect $40-80/day depending on season. Book early for summer and holiday weekends.
MTS Trolley System
The San Diego Trolley covers three lines: Blue (downtown to the Mexican border), Orange (downtown to El Cajon), and Green (downtown to Santee via Old Town). It's clean, affordable ($2.50 per ride), and useful for getting between downtown, Old Town, and the border. Download the PRONTO app for contactless fare payment. The trolley won't get you to the beaches, but it's great for the corridor it covers.
Rideshare (Uber & Lyft)
Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout San Diego and work well for getting around without a rental car. A ride from the airport to downtown runs $12-20, and from downtown to La Jolla about $20-30. Surge pricing applies during Padres games, Comic-Con, and Friday/Saturday nights in the Gaslamp. If you're staying downtown and only doing occasional trips, rideshare plus the trolley can work as a car-free strategy.
Biking
San Diego has excellent biking infrastructure, especially along the coast. The Bayshore Bikeway loops 24 miles around San Diego Bay. The boardwalks in Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are perfect for cruising. Rent bikes from shops along the boardwalk ($10-15/hour, $30-50/day) or use the BCycle bike-share system with stations across the city. E-bikes are everywhere and make the hills manageable.
Parking Tips
Most beaches have free parking, though lots fill up by mid-morning on weekends and summer days — arrive before 10 AM. Downtown meters run $1.25-2.50/hour and are enforced Monday through Saturday. The Gaslamp has several parking garages ($10-20 for an evening). Balboa Park has free lots but they fill up on weekends — try the overflow lot on Presidents Way. Street parking in neighborhoods like North Park and Hillcrest is free but competitive.
Where to Stay
6 tipsGaslamp Quarter
The heart of downtown — blocks of restaurants, rooftop bars, and nightlife within walking distance. Best for first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of everything. The convention center, Petco Park, and the waterfront are all walkable. Hotels range from boutique to chain, $150-400/night. It gets loud on weekends, so ask for a room on a higher floor if you're a light sleeper.
La Jolla
San Diego's upscale coastal village with stunning cliffs, tide pools, sea lions at La Jolla Cove, and excellent restaurants along Prospect Street. La Jolla Shores has one of the calmest beaches in the city — perfect for kayaking and snorkeling. Hotels here are pricier ($200-500+/night) but the setting is worth it. Great for couples and anyone who wants the scenic, refined side of San Diego.
Pacific Beach
The quintessential SoCal beach neighborhood — casual, young, and lively. The boardwalk stretches for miles with bars, taco shops, and surf rentals. Pacific Beach (PB to locals) is the best area for a laid-back surfer vibe without the luxury price tag. Vacation rentals and mid-range hotels run $120-250/night. Expect some noise from the bar scene on Garnet Avenue, especially on weekends.
Mission Bay
A 4,200-acre aquatic park surrounded by resort hotels, playgrounds, and calm water for kayaking, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. Mission Bay is ideal for families — the water is warm and shallow, and SeaWorld is right there. Hotels like the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay have waterfront pools and fire pits. Rates run $180-350/night. You're also a quick drive to both Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach.
Coronado
Connected to downtown by the iconic Coronado Bridge (or a quick ferry ride), Coronado feels like a separate beach town. The Hotel del Coronado is a landmark — a Victorian resort on one of America's best beaches. The town itself is quiet, walkable, and family-friendly with boutique shops along Orange Avenue. Hotels range from $200-600+/night. It's the most resort-like experience in the San Diego area.
North Park
San Diego's hipster neighborhood — craft breweries (30+ within walking distance), indie coffee shops, vintage stores, and some of the city's best restaurants. North Park is inland, so no beach access without a drive, but the cultural scene and food make up for it. Great for travelers who prioritize eating and drinking over sand. Vacation rentals and boutique stays run $100-200/night.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
5 tipsYear-Round Mild Weather
San Diego has some of the best weather in the United States — average temperatures range from 60 to 80°F throughout the year. Summers (June-September) are warm and dry with highs in the mid-70s to low 80s at the coast and 90s+ inland. Winters are mild with daytime highs in the 60s. You can visit any month and have good weather, which is why San Diego never really has an off-season.
June Gloom
May and June bring a marine layer — locals call it "June Gloom" (or "May Gray"). Mornings are overcast and cool, especially at the coast, with clouds usually burning off by noon or early afternoon. Don't cancel beach plans because of morning fog — it almost always clears. Some visitors actually prefer this time because hotel prices are lower and the afternoons are still beautiful.
Best Months: September through November
The sweet spot for visiting San Diego is September through November. The marine layer is gone, temperatures are the warmest of the year (often 75-85°F at the beach), water temperatures peak at 68-72°F, and summer crowds have thinned. October is arguably the single best month — warm, sunny, and less crowded than summer. Hotel prices also drop after Labor Day.
Winter: Still Great
Even December through February, San Diego stays pleasant — daytime highs in the low to mid 60s with sunshine. You might need a light jacket for evenings, but you can still eat outdoors, hike Torrey Pines, and walk the beaches comfortably. Winter is also whale-watching season (December-April) as gray whales migrate along the coast. Hotel rates are the lowest of the year outside holiday weeks.
Rain: Rare but Real
San Diego averages only about 10 inches of rain per year, almost all of it falling between December and February. When it does rain, the city isn't really built for it — drainage is poor and drivers forget how to handle wet roads. But rain rarely lasts more than a day or two. Pack a light layer just in case during winter months, but don't stress about it. Over 260 days per year are sunny.
Budget & Money
6 tipsDaily Budget: Budget Traveler ($80-120)
Hostels and budget hotels run $40-70/night, tacos and casual eats average $10-15/meal, and many of San Diego's best attractions — beaches, Balboa Park gardens, Torrey Pines, Sunset Cliffs — are completely free. Add in a trolley day pass ($6) or shared rideshare costs and you can have a fantastic day for under $100. San Diego is expensive compared to much of the US, but the free outdoor activities keep costs manageable.
Daily Budget: Mid-Range ($150-250)
A solid mid-range hotel or vacation rental runs $150-250/night for two people. Restaurants in the Gaslamp or La Jolla average $20-40/entree. Budget for one or two paid activities per day: a harbor cruise ($30), the zoo ($70), or a surf lesson ($80). Most visitors fall into this range and eat very well — San Diego has exceptional Mexican food, seafood, and craft beer at reasonable prices.
Daily Budget: Luxury ($300+)
Luxury hotels in La Jolla, Coronado, or along the waterfront start at $300-500+/night. Fine dining runs $50-100+ per person. Add private sailing charters, spa treatments, exclusive wine tours in Temecula, or VIP experiences. San Diego's luxury scene is more relaxed than LA — you'll find world-class quality without the pretension.
Tipping Norms
Standard US tipping applies: 15-20% at sit-down restaurants (20% is the norm in San Diego), $1-2 per drink at bars, 15-20% for rideshare and taxis, $2-5/night for hotel housekeeping. For tours and activities, $5-10 per person is appreciated. Tipping is expected, not optional — service workers in California rely on tips despite the higher minimum wage.
Free Activities
San Diego has more free things to do than almost any city in the US. All beaches are free, always. Balboa Park has 17 museums — many offer free admission on rotating Tuesdays (residents) and one free Saturday each month. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of the best hikes in Southern California (free with paid parking). Old Town State Historic Park is free. Sunset Cliffs at golden hour costs nothing and is unforgettable.
Happy Hour Culture
San Diego takes happy hour seriously. Most restaurants in the Gaslamp, Little Italy, North Park, and Pacific Beach run happy hours from 3-6 PM (some until 7 PM) with discounted drinks and appetizers — often 30-50% off. Some of the best deals: $5 craft beers, $8 fish tacos, $6 margaritas. If you time your dining around happy hour, you can eat and drink incredibly well for half the regular price.
Packing Essentials
5 tipsSunscreen — Essential Year-Round
The Southern California sun is strong, even on overcast days. UV rays cut through the marine layer, and visitors underestimate how quickly they'll burn — especially at the beach or on the water. Bring SPF 50+ and reapply every two hours. Reef-safe sunscreen is encouraged at La Jolla Cove and other marine areas. You can buy sunscreen everywhere, but bringing your own saves a premium markup at beach shops.
Layers for Marine Layer Mornings
Mornings can be surprisingly cool, especially May through July. Temperatures at the coast start in the low 60s and can feel cooler with the marine layer fog. Bring a light hoodie or jacket for early morning walks and evening bonfires. By afternoon you'll be in a t-shirt, but you'll want that layer in the morning and again after sunset. The inland areas (Balboa Park, North Park) warm up faster than the coast.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
San Diego is a walking city in the best areas — the Gaslamp, Balboa Park, La Jolla village, and the beach boardwalks all reward exploration on foot. Bring comfortable sneakers or walking shoes for daytime exploring. You'll also want shoes that can handle uneven terrain if you're hiking Torrey Pines, Cabrillo, or the Sunset Cliffs trails. Flip-flops for the beach, real shoes for everything else.
Swimsuit
This is San Diego — you'll be near water every single day. Pack at least two swimsuits so one can dry while you wear the other. The ocean is swimmable year-round for the brave (water temperatures range from 57°F in winter to 72°F in late summer), and many hotels have pools. Even if you don't plan on swimming, you'll end up wading in at some point. It happens to everyone.
Casual Dress Code Everywhere
San Diego is one of the most casual cities in the US. Shorts, t-shirts, and sandals are appropriate almost everywhere — even at nice restaurants, most people are in smart casual at most. Very few places have a dress code beyond "wear shoes and a shirt." Pack light, pack casual, and don't overthink it. A pair of jeans or chinos and a decent shirt covers you for the nicest dinner you'll have.
Local Tips & Culture
6 tipsSoCal Casual Vibe
San Diego is laid-back even by California standards. People are friendly, unhurried, and genuinely helpful. Nobody honks in traffic (it's considered rude here). Service is warm but not rushed — your waiter will let you linger, which is the point. Don't mistake the casual attitude for apathy — San Diegans love their city and will go out of their way to help you enjoy it. Just match the energy: relax, slow down, and enjoy yourself.
Beach Etiquette
No glass containers on any San Diego beach — it's a city ordinance and they enforce it. Bonfires are allowed only at designated fire rings (Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, La Jolla Shores, and Coronado have them) — arrive early on weekends to claim one. Alcohol is technically banned on all San Diego beaches, though enforcement varies. Dogs are allowed off-leash at Dog Beach in Ocean Beach and Fiesta Island. Clean up after yourself — locals take beach cleanliness seriously.
Taco Tuesday Is a Real Thing
San Diego has some of the best Mexican food in the United States, and Taco Tuesday is an institution. Nearly every taco shop and Mexican restaurant runs specials — often $1-2 tacos that are legitimately excellent. Fish tacos were essentially invented here (credit goes to Rubio's, though the debate is endless). For the real experience, skip the chains and hit up taco shops in Barrio Logan, National City, or South Park. You won't be disappointed.
Craft Beer Culture
San Diego is one of the craft beer capitals of the world, with 150+ breweries across the county. North Park, Miramar (the "Beeramar" industrial area), and downtown are the main brewery clusters. Must-visit breweries: Stone, Societe, Modern Times, Pure Project, and AleSmith. Most breweries welcome families during daytime hours and many have food trucks on-site. A brewery crawl through North Park is one of the best afternoons you can have in San Diego.
Cross-Border to Tijuana
Tijuana is a 20-minute trolley ride from downtown San Diego on the Blue Line to San Ysidro. Walk across the border (bring your passport — you'll need it to re-enter the US) and explore Avenida Revolucion, the food scene in Zona Rio, and the craft beer and wine movement that's exploding in TJ. Coming back, SENTRI or Global Entry saves you from the 1-3 hour pedestrian line. Go on a weekday if possible — weekends are significantly more crowded at the crossing.
Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
Beyond the tourist highlights, spend time in the neighborhoods. Little Italy has incredible restaurants and a Saturday farmers market. Barrio Logan has murals, Chicano art, and authentic Mexican food. Hillcrest is vibrant with cafes and shops. Ocean Beach has a funky, retro beach-town feel — start at the pier and walk up Newport Avenue. Each neighborhood has its own personality, and hopping between them is one of the best ways to experience the real San Diego.
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San Diego is great year-round thanks to its mild climate. The best weather is September through November — warm, sunny, and less crowded than summer. Summer (June-August) is peak season with the highest hotel prices. Winter is still pleasant (60s during the day) and has the lowest prices. May-June brings morning marine layer fog ('June Gloom') that usually burns off by afternoon.
A rental car is recommended for the full San Diego experience, especially if you want to visit La Jolla, Torrey Pines, North County beaches, or take day trips. However, if you're staying downtown, you can get by with the trolley, Uber/Lyft, and walking — the Gaslamp, Little Italy, and Balboa Park are all accessible without a car. The trolley runs from downtown to Old Town and the border.
It depends on your travel style. Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife and walkability, La Jolla for upscale coastal scenery, Pacific Beach for a casual surfer vibe, Mission Bay for families, Coronado for resort luxury, and North Park for craft beer and food culture. First-time visitors usually love staying in the Gaslamp or La Jolla.
Budget travelers can manage on $80-120/day with hostels and casual dining. Mid-range visitors should budget $150-250/day for a good hotel, restaurants, and activities. Luxury travelers will spend $300+/day for top-tier hotels and experiences. Many of San Diego's best attractions — beaches, Balboa Park gardens, Sunset Cliffs, Torrey Pines — are free.
San Diego is one of the best family destinations in the US. The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are world-class, LEGOLAND is in nearby Carlsbad, SeaWorld is on Mission Bay, and the beaches are clean and safe. Mission Bay is especially great for young kids with its calm, shallow water. Balboa Park has multiple kid-friendly museums, and Coronado Beach is consistently ranked among America's best.
Yes. Take the Blue Line trolley to San Ysidro ($2.50, about 40 minutes from downtown) and walk across the pedestrian border crossing. Bring your passport — you'll need it to re-enter the US. The crossing into Mexico is quick; coming back can take 1-3 hours on weekends. SENTRI or Global Entry cardholders get a dedicated fast lane. Weekday mornings are the least crowded times to cross.