San Diego City Guide

Local foods include California burritos, fish tacos, and carne asada fries. The city offers diverse international choices and good vegetarian and vegan options. Late-night food spots stay open around Gaslamp Quarter and Pacific Beach.

Nightlife is lively in the Gaslamp Quarter with bars, clubs, and lounges. Pacific Beach and North Park have breweries and live music.

Specialty coffee shops are common, especially in North Park and Little Italy. Quality-focused scene.

Tipping is expected in the US. Restaurants and taxi rides 15-20%. Services and hotel staff $1-$5 per service.

SIM cards are sold at AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon stores. ID is required. eSIMs are available through some carriers.

Streets and public areas are generally clean with regular waste pickup and recycling.

Late-night pharmacies, convenience stores, and some urgent care clinics operate 24/7. Emergency rooms are always open.

Supermarkets are open 7 AM to 10 PM, including Sundays. Popular chains include Ralphs, Vons, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods. Farmers markets are good for fresh produce.

Most places accept cards, so cash isn’t usually needed.

ATMs are common in banks, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Watch out for out-of-network fees of around $2.50-$5.00 per use.

Public schools fall under San Diego Unified School District. International schools include French-American and German-American options. English speaking staff are common.

The city has a growing nomad community with meetups and co-living spaces. Good cafes and social groups exist.

Excellent green spaces like Balboa Park and Mission Bay provide walking and running spots.

Popular routes are around the bay, Balboa Park, and beaches. Running groups are active and routes are mostly safe.

Gyms and boutique fitness studios are widely available for various workouts.

Public and private tennis courts are widespread, with coaching and rental gear available.

Padel is growing but not very common yet, with some courts and coaching options.

Many yoga studios offer different styles and drop-in classes with English-speaking instructors.

Many dojos for BJJ, Muay Thai, Karate, and others, with drop-in and English-speaking instructors.

Skiing isn’t available locally. Nearest resorts are 2-3 hours away.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing are popular, especially in La Jolla Cove and Mission Bay.

Surf spots include La Jolla Shores and Pacific Beach. Good schools and rentals are available. Best surf season is fall and winter for bigger waves.

Diving spots around La Jolla Cove offer kelp forests and marine life. Good for beginners and advanced divers.

Hospitals like UC San Diego Health and Sharp HealthCare have English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common and well stocked.

Tap water meets all state and federal standards and is safe to drink.

Many playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants. Attractions include San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park museums, and LEGOLAND nearby.

Strong LGBTQ+ acceptance, especially in Hillcrest. Pride events and community groups are active.

Very pet-friendly with many parks and pet services. Accommodations and restaurants often welcome pets.