San Diego Travel Resources

✈️ Getting to San Diego

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

• Location: 3225 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
• Distance to Downtown: 3 miles (10-15 minutes by car)
• Ground Transportation: Uber/Lyft, taxis, rental cars, public transit
• Airport Code: SAN

Alternative Airports

• Los Angeles (LAX): 120 miles north (2-3 hours driving)
• Long Beach (LGB): 95 miles north (1.5-2.5 hours driving)
• Tijuana (TIJ): Cross-border terminal available

Ground Transportation to San Diego

• Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: Beautiful coastal route from LA
• Greyhound Bus: Budget-friendly option from major cities
• Driving: I-5 is the main north-south route

🚗 Getting Around San Diego

Public Transportation

• MTS Trolley System: .50 per ride, day passes available
• Bus Routes: Comprehensive coverage, .25 per ride
• COASTER Train: Connects San Diego to North County
• Compass Card: Reloadable card for all public transit

Rideshare and Taxis

• Uber and Lyft: Widely available throughout the county
• Yellow Cab: (619) 444-4444
• Airport Shuttles: Various companies serve hotels

Car Rentals

• Airport Locations: All major brands at SAN
• Downtown Locations: Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis
• Car Sharing: Car2Go and ReachNow in urban areas

Alternative Transportation

• Bike Rentals: DecoBike stations downtown and beaches
• E-Scooters: Lime, Bird, and other services
• Water Taxi: Ferry service to Coronado

🏨 Accommodation Guide

Luxury Hotels

• Hotel del Coronado: Historic beachfront luxury
• Pendry San Diego: Modern downtown luxury
• La Valencia Hotel: La Jolla Mediterranean elegance
• The Lodge at Torrey Pines: Golf resort luxury

Mid-Range Options

• Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter: Central location
• Hyatt House San Diego/Sorrento Mesa: Extended stay
• Best Western Plus Island Palms: Mission Bay location

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

• HI San Diego Downtown Hostel: Clean, safe budget option
• Motel 6 locations: Basic accommodations throughout county
• Airbnb and VRBO: Vacation rentals in all neighborhoods

Neighborhood Accommodation Guide

• Gaslamp Quarter: Nightlife and dining hub
• Mission Beach/Pacific Beach: Beach and party atmosphere
• La Jolla: Upscale coastal community
• Coronado: Resort island feel
• Balboa Park Area: Cultural attractions nearby

🌤️ Weather and What to Pack

Year-Round Climate

• Average High: 72°F (22°C)
• Average Low: 58°F (14°C)
• Rainfall: Most occurs December-March
• Best Weather: September-November and April-June

Seasonal Packing Guide

Spring (March-May)

• Light layers for variable temperatures
• Light rain jacket for occasional showers
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen and sunglasses

Summer (June-August)

• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Swimwear and beach gear
• Light sweater for evening ocean breeze
• Strong sunscreen (SPF 30+)

Fall (September-November)

• Perfect weather – pack light layers
• Long pants for cooler evenings
• Light jacket or cardigan
• Comfortable shoes for outdoor activities

Winter (December-February)

• Warm layers for cooler temperatures
• Waterproof jacket for rain
• Long pants and closed-toe shoes
• Still pack sunscreen – sunny days common

💰 Budget Planning

Daily Budget Estimates (Per Person)

Budget Travel (-100/day)

• Accommodation: -40 (hostels, budget motels)
• Food: -35 (fast food, grocery stores)
• Transportation: -15 (public transit, walking)
• Activities: -25 (free beaches, parks, some paid attractions)

Mid-Range Travel (-250/day)

• Accommodation: -120 (chain hotels, Airbnb)
• Food: -60 (casual dining, some nice restaurants)
• Transportation: -30 (rideshare, some car rental)
• Activities: -50 (paid attractions, tours)

Luxury Travel (+/day)

• Accommodation: + (luxury hotels, resorts)
• Food: + (fine dining, chef experiences)
• Transportation: + (car rentals, premium services)
• Activities: + (premium tours, experiences)

Money-Saving Tips

• Free Attractions: Beaches, Balboa Park (many museums), Sunset Cliffs
• Happy Hour: Many restaurants offer discounted food/drinks 3-6 PM
• Public Transit: Day passes provide unlimited rides
• Grocery Stores: Stock up on snacks and drinks
• Free Events: Check local calendars for free concerts and festivals

🎯 Top Attractions Admission Costs

Major Paid Attractions

• San Diego Zoo: -68 adults, -58 children
• SeaWorld San Diego: -120 depending on season
• USS Midway Museum: adults, youth, students/seniors
• San Diego Safari Park: -68 adults, -58 children
• Balboa Park Museums: -20 each, multi-museum passes available

Free Attractions

• All beaches (parking may have fees)
• Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
• La Jolla Cove (sea lions and snorkeling)
• Balboa Park gardens and outdoor spaces
• Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
• Mission Trails Regional Park (hiking)

📱 Useful Apps and Websites

Transportation Apps

• MTS App: Real-time public transit information
• Uber/Lyft: Rideshare services
• SpotHero: Parking reservations
• Waze: Traffic and navigation

Food and Dining Apps

• OpenTable: Restaurant reservations
• Yelp: Reviews and recommendations
• DoorDash/Uber Eats: Food delivery
• HappyHour.com: Find happy hour deals

Activity and Event Apps

• Eventbrite: Find local events and activities
• Groupon: Discounts on attractions and restaurants
• San Diego Tourism App: Official visitor guide
• AllTrails: Hiking trail maps and reviews

🏖️ Beach Guide and Ocean Safety

Popular Beaches

• La Jolla Cove: Snorkeling, sea lions, upscale area
• Mission Beach: Boardwalk, amusement park, party atmosphere
• Pacific Beach: Nightlife, young crowd, volleyball
• Coronado Beach: Wide sandy beach, family-friendly
• Ocean Beach: Hippie vibe, dog beach, local feel

Ocean Safety Tips

• Swim Near Lifeguards: Staffed beaches are safer
• Check Conditions: Rip currents and surf reports
• Sun Protection: UV rays are strong year-round
• Marine Life: Respect seals, sea lions, and other wildlife

Beach Amenities

• Restrooms and Showers: Available at most major beaches
• Parking: Varies by location, some beaches charge fees
• Equipment Rentals: Surfboards, umbrellas, chairs available
• Food and Drinks: Boardwalk vendors and nearby restaurants

🍽️ Dining and Food Scene

Must-Try San Diego Foods

• California Burrito: Carne asada with french fries inside
• Fish Tacos: San Diego invention, available everywhere
• Craft Beer: Over 150 breweries in the county
• Acai Bowls: Healthy beach breakfast option

Dining Neighborhoods

• Gaslamp Quarter: Upscale dining and nightlife
• Little Italy: Authentic Italian and trendy restaurants
• North Park: Hip, diverse food scene
• La Jolla: Fine dining with ocean views

Food Safety and Tipping

• Tipping Standard: 18-22% at restaurants, 15% minimum
• Water: Tap water is safe to drink throughout San Diego
• Food Trucks: Generally safe and offer great value
• Happy Hour: Typically 3-6 PM at most establishments

🛍️ Shopping Guide

Shopping Districts

• Gaslamp Quarter: Boutiques and souvenir shops
• Seaport Village: Waterfront shopping and dining
• La Jolla: Upscale boutiques and galleries
• Old Town: Mexican crafts and souvenirs

Malls and Centers

• Westfield UTC: Luxury shopping in La Jolla
• Fashion Valley: Major department stores and brands
• Horton Plaza: Downtown urban shopping
• Outlets at the Border: Discount brand shopping

🎭 Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs

San Diego Culture

• Laid-Back Attitude: “San Diego Nice” – friendly, relaxed people
• Outdoor Lifestyle: Active, health-conscious culture
• Military Respect: Large military presence, show appreciation
• Environmental Awareness: Recycling and sustainability important

Social Norms

• Dress Code: Casual is acceptable almost everywhere
• Personal Space: Americans prefer more personal space
• Punctuality: Arrive on time for reservations and appointments
• Tipping: Expected in restaurants, bars, and service industries

🚨 Safety and Health Information

General Safety

• Overall Safety: San Diego is considered very safe for tourists
• Emergency Services: 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies
• Tourist Police: Available in major tourist areas
• Safe Areas: Most tourist areas are well-patrolled and safe

Health Considerations

• Sun Exposure: UV rays are strong year-round, use sunscreen
• Dehydration: Drink plenty of water, especially when active
• Air Quality: Generally excellent throughout the county
• Prescription Medications: Bring sufficient supplies

📶 Internet and Communication

WiFi Access

• Free WiFi: Available at most restaurants, cafes, and hotels
• Public WiFi: Libraries, some parks, and tourist areas
• Cell Coverage: Excellent throughout most of San Diego County
• Internet Cafes: Available but less common due to smartphone prevalence

Communication Tips

• Language: English primary, Spanish widely spoken
• International Plans: Check with your provider for roaming charges
• Emergency Translation: Google Translate app works offline

📝 Pre-Trip Planning Checklist

2-3 Months Before

• Book flights and accommodation
• Research activities and make wish list
• Check passport expiration (international visitors)
• Consider travel insurance

1 Month Before

• Make restaurant reservations for special meals
• Book popular attractions and tours
• Check weather forecast and adjust packing
• Arrange airport transportation

1 Week Before

• Confirm all reservations
• Download helpful apps
• Check in for flights
• Pack according to weather forecast
• Notify banks of travel plans

🌟 Final Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Don’t Overplan: Leave time for spontaneous discoveries
• Embrace the Outdoor Lifestyle: San Diego is meant to be experienced outside
• Try Local Specialties: Fish tacos and craft beer are must-tries
• Talk to Locals: San Diegans are friendly and love sharing recommendations
• Take Photos: The natural beauty provides endless photo opportunities
• Stay Flexible: Perfect weather means you can adjust plans easily

This resource page will be updated regularly with new information and seasonal updates. Bookmark this page for easy access to all your San Diego travel needs!