San Diego, year-round sun by the border
Sea lion coves in La Jolla, golden Coronado Beach, museums in Balboa Park and nights in the Gaslamp, just half an hour from Tijuana.
Find your flight to San Diego
Find low fares and travel to your ideal destination.
San Diego hotels right now
Live rates for 3 nights and 2 adults, from the Gaslamp Quarter to the northern beaches.
What to see in San Diego
Ocean, parks and lively neighborhoods: five places that sum up California's southernmost big city.
- ≈66–77 °FAverage highs through the year
- Dec–AprGray whale season
- ≈10 minFrom SAN airport to downtown
- ≈30 minDrive to the San Ysidro crossing
San Diego in photos
Sandstone cliffs, turquoise water and the city's most photographed corners.
- La Jolla Cove on a sunny day · Stephen Bay (CC BY 4.0)
- Cliff jumping into the Pacific · Jarek Tuszyński (CC BY 4.0)
- Sunset over the La Jolla coast · FASTILY (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Sea lions at La Jolla Cove · Rhododendrites (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Hotel del Coronado by the beach · KMPhotoLA1 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- El Cid statue in Balboa Park · Christian David (CC BY-SA 4.0)
San Diego travel FAQ
Weather, the border, airports and where to stay in San Diego.
When is the best time to visit San Diego?
San Diego is mild all year. September and October are often the warmest months, with the most pleasant ocean. May and June bring a morning marine layer locals call May Gray and June Gloom. From December to April, gray whales migrate past the coast.
Which airport should I fly into?
San Diego International (SAN) is about 10 minutes from downtown. Another popular option for Mexican travelers is flying into Tijuana (TIJ) and walking across the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) bridge, which links the terminal to the U.S. side; you need a CBX ticket and a boarding pass for a TIJ flight.
What documents do I need to enter San Diego?
Mexican citizens need a valid passport and a valid U.S. visa, whether arriving by air or crossing by land at San Ysidro, Otay Mesa or CBX. Keep your documents handy, and expect border wait times to vary a lot by day and hour.
How many days do I need in San Diego?
Three or four days covers the essentials: La Jolla, Coronado, Balboa Park, the zoo and the Gaslamp. With five or more you can add Old Town, the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum, a whale-watching trip in season or a day at the zoo's Safari Park in Escondido.
Where should I stay?
The Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy downtown keep you close to restaurants, nightlife and the trolley. La Jolla is upscale and right on the water. Coronado is quiet, great for families and beach days. Pacific Beach and Mission Beach have a younger, beachy vibe.
What is there to do in San Diego?
Watch sea lions and seals in La Jolla, kayak or snorkel its sea caves, wander the museums and gardens of Balboa Park, visit the zoo, tour the Hotel del Coronado, have dinner in the Gaslamp and explore Old Town, where the city's Mexican history is preserved.
How do I get around?
A rental car is the most practical choice, since beaches and neighborhoods are spread out. The trolley links downtown, Old Town and the San Ysidro border, and you can reach Coronado by ferry from downtown or by car over the bridge. Downtown and the Gaslamp are easy on foot.
What is the ocean like for swimming?
The Pacific off San Diego is cool: the water is warmest from July to September and fairly cold in winter. Coronado and Mission Beach have gentle surf for swimming, while La Jolla Cove has clear water that is good for snorkeling. Swim near lifeguards and heed rip current signs.
What food should I try?
Baja-style fish tacos are practically a local emblem, as is the California burrito with fries inside. The harbor has excellent fresh seafood, and the craft brewery scene is one of the biggest in the country. Little Italy is a great area for dinner.
Can I combine San Diego with Tijuana or Baja California?
Yes. The San Ysidro crossing is about 30 minutes by car from downtown and also reachable by trolley. Many travelers pair San Diego with Tijuana, Rosarito or the Valle de Guadalupe. Factor in wait times to re-enter the U.S. and check whether your rental car insurance covers Mexico.
Keep your San Diego flight and hotel on your phone, ready to show when you cross the border.
