San Diego earned the name “America’s Finest City” for its world-class beaches, near-perfect weather and plenty of history, dining and entertainment options. From the iconic Coronado Bridge to the stunning panoramas at La Jolla Cove, there’s plenty to explore in California’s second-largest city.
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did you know?
The top employer in San Diego is the United States Navy. In fact, Naval Base San Diego is the principal home port of the Pacific Fleet, which includes more than 50 ships.
QUICK GUIDE
WHEN TO GO
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.
NEED TO KNOW
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: Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should check for vaccination, proof of negative COVID-19 test and face mask requirements, as well as any travel restrictions before planning their trip. 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 AROUND
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 INTEL
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.