Guide · 13 Places
San Diego
United States
Before You Go
Year-round pleasant weather with temperatures from 18-24°C (64-75°F). May to October offers the warmest weather perfect for beaches. December to March is slightly cooler but still pleasant. San Diego enjoys over 260 sunny days per year. Summer brings marine layer fog in the mornings, clearing by afternoon.
Visa
Check requirementsInternational visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries can stay up to 90 days without a visa (requires ESTA authorization). Citizens of other countries need a B-2 tourist visa. Canadian and Mexican citizens have simplified entry requirements. Check requirements at travel.state.gov.
Getting There
TransportationBy Air: San Diego International Airport (SAN) is just 5km from downtown, one of the closest airports to a city center.
By Train: Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner connects to Los Angeles (2.5 hours) and other coastal cities.
By Car: I-5 runs north-south, connecting to Los Angeles and Mexico border.
Language
CommunicationEnglish is the primary language. Spanish is also widely spoken due to proximity to Mexico and large Hispanic population.
Currency
Money mattersUS Dollar (USD). Credit cards accepted everywhere. ATMs widely available. Tipping is customary: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, $2-5 for rideshare drivers.
Getting Around
Local transportMTS: Trolley (light rail) and buses covering the metro area. Get a Compass Card.
Uber/Lyft: Widely available.
Taxis: Available but less common.
Walking: Downtown, Gaslamp Quarter, and waterfront areas are walkable.
From the Airport
Arrival infoMTS Route 992: Bus to downtown (15 min, $2.50).
Uber/Taxi: $15-25 to downtown (10-15 min).
Rental Car: Available but not necessary for staying downtown.
Accommodations
Hotel del Coronado
Victorian beach resort since 1888 on Coronado Island. Red turrets and white sand beach setting.