San Diego is one of those cities that seems straightforward until you start planning. Then the questions pile up. Here are the honest answers to the 15 questions I get asked most.
A: Absurdly close. SAN is 3 miles from downtown — one of the closest major airports to a city center in the US. An Uber runs $10-15 and takes 10 minutes. Bus Route 992 is $2.50 if you're budget-minded. You'll barely have time to check your phone before you're there.
A: It depends. For downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Balboa Park — no. Everything is walkable or a short trolley ride. But La Jolla is 20 minutes north, Coronado is across the bay, and the beach towns (Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Mission Beach) are spread out.
My recommendation: skip the car for the first 2-3 days if you're staying downtown. Rent one for a day or two when you want to explore La Jolla, North County beaches, or Sunset Cliffs. Parking downtown costs $15-30/day and isn't worth the hassle.
A: The Blue Line trolley connects downtown to the US-Mexico border at San Ysidro ($2.50, 40 minutes). It's useful for a Tijuana day trip but doesn't reach La Jolla, the beaches, or Coronado. The bus system fills some gaps, but San Diego's public transit isn't on par with SF or NYC.
A: Yes. Unequivocally yes. The San Diego Zoo is one of the best in the world — 100 acres, 3,700+ animals, and exhibits that don't feel like cages. The Africa Rocks section is incredible. The guided bus tour (included with admission) gives you a full overview in 35 minutes.
Budget 4-6 hours. Arrive at 9AM opening to avoid crowds. The Skyfari aerial tram is included and gives great park views.
If $67 stings, the zoo offers discounted tickets online and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (45 minutes north, separate ticket) is an alternative with more open-range exhibits.
A: Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre cultural park with 17 museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo all in one place. The park itself and the gardens are free. Individual museum tickets run $12-20, or you can get a combo pass ($67 for 5 museums).
Don't try to do everything in one day. My picks: the San Diego Museum of Art ($18), the Japanese Friendship Garden ($14), and the Botanical Building (free — one of the largest lath structures in the world). The Spanish Colonial Revival architecture alone is worth an hour of walking.
A: If you have even a passing interest in military history, naval aviation, or engineering — absolutely. $26 gets you onto the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. The audio tour narrated by actual Midway sailors is excellent. Over 30 restored aircraft on deck, flight simulators ($10 extra), and the engine room tour goes deep into the ship.
Budget 3-4 hours. Most people underestimate how long they'll spend here.
A: Depends on what you want:
A: That's Mexico (Riviera Maya). But La Jolla Cove has excellent snorkeling — crystal-clear water with garibaldi fish, leopard sharks (harmless, they're chill), and kelp forests. Free to enter. Best June-September. Bring your own gear or rent from La Jolla Kayak ($15).
For the real sea life experience, do the kayak tour through the La Jolla sea caves ($40-60/person, 2 hours). You paddle into actual caves and see leopard sharks from above.
A: Respect them. The Pacific is colder and rougher than most people expect. Rip currents are the primary danger — if caught, swim parallel to shore, never fight the current. Water temperature ranges from 15°C in winter to 21°C in summer. A wetsuit is recommended outside July-September.
Always swim near lifeguard stations. San Diego staffs them year-round at major beaches.
A: This is the question. San Diego invented the California fish taco and takes it very seriously.
Oscar's Mexican Seafood (North Park) — The local consensus pick. Beer-battered or grilled, $4-5 each. Cash only. Tiny hole-in-the-wall. Go.
Mariscos German — The food truck that started San Diego's fish taco culture. Fried fish tacos, $3 each. Find their current location on Instagram. Cash only.
TJ Oyster Bar — Tijuana-style seafood in a no-frills setting. Ceviche is also excellent.
The Taco Stand (La Jolla, North Park) — Tijuana-style street tacos with a slightly more polished setup. Adobada taco ($3.75), birria quesotaco ($4.50).
Skip Rubio's. It's fine, but locals don't go there.
A: San Diego has 150+ craft breweries. That's not a typo. The 30th Street Beer Mile in North Park has 10+ taprooms within walking distance.
Start with:
Flights of 4 tasters run $10-15 everywhere. Many breweries have food trucks on-site.
A: Yes. Take the Blue Line trolley from downtown to San Ysidro ($2.50, 40 minutes), walk across the border with your passport. Getting INTO Mexico takes 5 minutes. Getting BACK into the US takes 1-3 hours in line.
In Tijuana, Avenida Revolucion has the tourist shops and bars. But Zona Rio is where locals eat — genuinely excellent tacos and seafood at a fraction of San Diego prices. Leave your car in the US.
A: San Diego has near-perfect weather year-round. But for the best experience:
A: Four days is the minimum to hit the highlights: zoo, Balboa Park, La Jolla, Gaslamp/Coronado. A week lets you add beach time, craft beer crawl, USS Midway, and a Tijuana day trip.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Airport to downtown (Uber) | $10-15 |
| San Diego Zoo | $67 adult |
| USS Midway | $26 adult |
| Fish taco (street) | $3-5 |
| Craft beer flight | $10-15 |
| Coronado Ferry | $7 one way |
| La Jolla kayak tour | $40-60 |
| Parking (downtown) | $15-30/day |
| Average mid-range dinner | $25-45/person |
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