Quick Guide

San Diego is a pleasure to visit any time of year; low humidity and comfortable temperatures mean it’s lovely to explore during every season. For travelers looking to score travel deals, rates tend to be lower during the off-season months: March – May and September – November.

Visas

Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.

Money

Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available.

Travel Health

Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away. For the latest health safety guidelines, as well as info on what’s currently open, check out the Official California State Government Website.

Getting Here

San Diego is served by San Diego International Airport (SAN).

Getting Around

The most convenient way to explore San Diego is by car, though if a rental isn’t within your budget, the city also has an easy-to-use public transportation network of buses, trolleys and a commuter rail service. Taxis and ride shares are also easy to secure. A bike rental is also an enjoyable way to explore the mostly flat areas of Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Mission Bay and Coronado.

Local Lingo

Brush up on your surfer speak while in Southern California (or SoCal, to locals). PB, OB, IB: Common abbreviations for areas around the city, including Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach and Imperial Beach. Gnarly: Amazing, epic. Stoked: Excited. The 101: The 101 Freeway.

Must-Have Apps

Uber; Little Italy San Diego; Geotourist for the Gaslamp Quarter

Insider Tips:

No trip to the San Diego Zoo is complete without a visit to the Safari Park, comprised of eight different safari preserves and 13 camps sprawling across 1,800 acres.

San Diego is a pleasure to visit any time of year; low humidity and comfortable temperatures mean it’s lovely to explore during every season. For travelers looking to score travel deals, rates tend to be lower during the off-season months: March – May and September – November.

Visas

Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.

Money

Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available.

Travel Health

Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away. For the latest health safety guidelines, as well as info on what’s currently open, check out the Official California State Government Website.

Getting Here

San Diego is served by San Diego International Airport (SAN).

Getting Around

The most convenient way to explore San Diego is by car, though if a rental isn’t within your budget, the city also has an easy-to-use public transportation network of buses, trolleys and a commuter rail service. Taxis and ride shares are also easy to secure. A bike rental is also an enjoyable way to explore the mostly flat areas of Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Mission Bay and Coronado.

Local Lingo

Brush up on your surfer speak while in Southern California (or SoCal, to locals). PB, OB, IB: Common abbreviations for areas around the city, including Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach and Imperial Beach. Gnarly: Amazing, epic. Stoked: Excited. The 101: The 101 Freeway.

Must-Have Apps

Uber; Little Italy San Diego; Geotourist for the Gaslamp Quarter

Insider Tips:

No trip to the San Diego Zoo is complete without a visit to the Safari Park, comprised of eight different safari preserves and 13 camps sprawling across 1,800 acres.