San Diego is an easy city to visit, but a few details make it smoother: which airport terminal you’ll use, how much a taxi costs, whether to tip, and how safe the city is. These San Diego travel tips answer the practical questions travelers ask most. See the San Diego weather guide for climate planning before you pack.
San Diego Travel Tips: Getting There and Around
San Diego International Airport (SAN), also called Lindbergh Field, sits 5 km from downtown with two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. A taxi or rideshare to downtown costs $15 to $25 and takes about 10 minutes. The MTS Route 992 bus runs from both terminals to downtown for $2.50. The trolley system has three lines (Blue, Orange, Green) with $2.50 one-way fares and a $6 day pass, and the COASTER train links downtown to North County. The trolley also reaches many of the San Diego neighborhoods covered in this guide.
Do I need a car in San Diego?
You don’t need a car if you stay downtown and use the trolley and buses for Balboa Park and Old Town. But the beaches of La Jolla, Coronado, and Pacific Beach are much easier with a car, and parking at most hotels costs $30 to $50 per night. Many visitors rent a car for beach days and leave it parked at other times. The where to stay in San Diego guide notes which areas have the best transit access.
San Diego Travel Tips: Money, Tipping, and Entry
The US dollar is the currency, and cards are accepted almost everywhere, though a few taco shops and farmers market stalls are cash-only. Tipping runs 15 to 20% at restaurants, $1 to $2 per drink at bars, and $2 to $3 per bag for hotel staff. California sales tax adds about 7.75% to most purchases. No visa is needed for US and Canadian citizens, and most European and Australian visitors enter under the Visa Waiver Program with a valid ESTA.
San Diego Travel Tips: Safety and Health
San Diego is one of the safer large US cities, with a violent crime rate well below the national average. Use normal caution in the Gaslamp Quarter late at night and lock your car at beach parking lots, where break-ins are the most common crime. Tap water is safe to drink. The sun is strong year-round, so use sunscreen even on overcast June Gloom days, and check the San Diego weather by month guide for UV and temperature context.
San Diego Travel Tips: What to Pack
Pack layers rather than heavy coats. A light jacket or hoodie is enough for winter evenings at 9 to 10°C (49 to 50°F), and summer days call for shorts and sunscreen at 24 to 25°C (75 to 77°F). Bring a wetsuit if you plan to surf or swim outside July to September, when the ocean runs 15 to 17°C (59 to 63°F). Comfortable shoes matter for Balboa Park’s hills and the Gaslamp’s grid of blocks.
San Diego Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink the tap water in San Diego?
Yes, San Diego’s tap water meets all federal safety standards and is safe to drink. It has a slightly mineral taste, so many people prefer filtered or bottled water, but there is no health reason to avoid it.
What is the cheapest month to visit San Diego?
January and early February are the cheapest months, with downtown hotel rates 30 to 40% below summer. The trade-off is cooler weather and the chance of rain, though most days stay sunny. The best time to visit San Diego guide breaks down the price calendar in detail.
Is San Diego safe to walk around at night?
Yes, downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and the beach boardwalks are generally safe at night with normal precautions. Stick to well-lit streets, avoid dark stretches of the beach after midnight, and use rideshares for longer trips.
How many days do I need in San Diego?
Three to four days covers the highlights: one day for Balboa Park and the zoo, one for the waterfront and downtown, and one for the beaches and La Jolla. Add a fifth day for a trip to LEGOLAND, Temecula wine country, or the Anza-Borrego Desert, all covered in the things to do in San Diego and San Diego events and festivals guides.
Suggested Hotels in San Diego
Hotel del Coronado
Built in 1888, this National Historic Landmark sits directly on Coronado Beach with multiple pools, beach cabanas, and a spa. Best for couples and families who want an iconic beachfront resort with history. Check rates and availability
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
A 4-star downtown hotel next to the convention center with two outdoor pools, a spa, and sweeping views of San Diego Bay. Best for business travelers and cruise passengers who want a polished waterfront stay. Check rates and availability
Best Western Plus Bayside Inn
A straightforward hotel in Little Italy with a heated outdoor pool and rooms that have balconies facing the downtown skyline, about 3 km from the airport. Best for budget travelers who want a clean base within walking distance of Little Italy restaurants. Check rates and availability
