San Diego Travel FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Picture this: you’re sipping coffee by the bay, the sun is shining, and your hardest decision is whether to hit the beach or explore a museum first. That’s life in San Diego. But before you get here, you might have a few questions about our little slice of coastal heaven.
That’s where this San Diego FAQ comes in — consider it your personal welcome guide to America’s Finest City.
Q: What’s the weather like in San Diego?
A: We’re glad you asked. The weather in San Diego is legendarily mild and comfortable, with temperatures typically ranging from 60°F – 80°F all year. There are usually warm sea breezes well into evening, and the city receives around 266 days of sunshine per year (well above the national average). Here in San Diego, locals refer to our spring with the terms, May Gray and June Gloom. For some reason, although temps hover around the 68 °F – 70 °F average in May, we often have cloudy skies, so pack light jackets in addition to your beachwear in these two months!
Q: When is the best time to visit San Diego?
A: Well that depends on what criteria you are looking for.
Best Weather: Our best weather is mid-summer to early fall. Our warmest time of year is usually August to October, which is great for heading to the beach or bay!
Looking to Avoid Crowds: Summer crowds usually depart after Labor Day as school is back in session, making early October a great time to visit. You can still enjoy the warm summer-like weather, but with less lines at local attractions and quieter beaches!
Activities & Events: While these things happen year-round, summer tends to be peak season for major events like San Diego Pride Festival, Comic-Con, the County Fair, and numerous festivals. Winter is also a fun time as Christmas celebrations pop up all over town, such as Balboa Park’s December Nights, Liberty Station’s Holiday pop-up, ice-skating by the beach in Coronado, and many others!
In short, there’s simply never a bad time to visit.
Q: What type of clothing should I pack?
A: When deciding what to pack to wear in San Diego, that somewhat depends on where you’re from and what time of year you plan to be here. Admittedly, while many Southern Californians might consider a 65°F December day to be a bit chilly, a guest from Minnesota might be tempted to break out shorts and sandals. Overall, it’s probably a good idea to pack for spring or summer temperatures. Just be sure to bring a hoodie or sweater in case the mercury dips with the sun.
Q: What should I know about San Diego’s beaches?
A: San Diego’s beaches are known for their soft sand, stunning sunsets, and diverse coastal experiences. From family-friendly shores like La Jolla Shores and Mission Beach to world-class surf spots like Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach, there’s a stretch of sand for every style. Many beaches offer lifeguard services, restrooms, and nearby dining, making them perfect for a full day of fun. Whether you’re looking to swim, surf, sunbathe, or simply stroll along the shoreline, San Diego’s beaches deliver some of the best coastal scenery in California.
Q: I won’t have a car when I visit. Will that be a problem?
A: Traveling to San Diego without a vehicle? No car, no problem! There are many ways to get around San Diego without a car, including rideshare services, bike and scooter rentals, and the city’s convenient public transportation system. The San Diego Trolley connects major attractions like Downtown, Old Town, and Mission Valley, while buses and shuttles offer access to popular neighborhoods and beaches. Many areas, especially along the waterfront, are also very walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. With so many transportation options, you can enjoy all that San Diego has to offer without the hassle of parking or driving. Looking to dive deeper into these options? Check out our handy guide to getting around San Diego without a car!
Q: What’s the restaurant scene like in San Diego?
A: The dining scene in San Diego is one of the very best in the country! As both a coastal city with an active port and a border town with a strong sense of international identity, San Diego has long been a rich blend of global cultures. Not only does that make its residents some of the most diverse in the nation, but it also means that our world cuisines are incredibly varied, deeply authentic, and nothing short of mind-blowingly delicious. No matter what you’re in the mood for — Asian, Mediterranean, Italian, Indian, or some of the best Mexican food anywhere in the U.S. — San Diego has you covered. Make sure to also check out our onsite restaurant, Bunz, for the best burger in town! Take a look at our previous post “Guide to San Diego’s Best World Cuisines,” for other delicious options.
Q: Is San Diego an expensive city to visit?
(Photo: @lucasfonesca)
A: San Diego can be as budget-friendly or as luxurious as you make it. To be fair, while the cost of living in any coastal town is going to be noticeably higher than the national average, San Diego visitors and residents alike are often surprised at how reasonable San Diego can be — especially in contrast to some other California cities which shall remain nameless. We feel as though our museums, restaurants, theme parks, and other attractions are very fairly priced, especially given the quality of life you’ll experience in a world-class beach city with such a pleasant climate. In fact, if you’re looking for some low-cost things to do while here, check out our recent post, “Fun and Free Things to Do in San Diego,” for some inspo.
Q: What attractions are close to Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle?
A: Days Inn By Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle is conveniently located to many of the theme parks, museums, beaches, and other unique area attractions many visitors hope to experience during their stay. Here’s a quick breakdown of how close you’ll be to some of the most popular:
- Old Town: 4002 Wallace St San Diego, CA 92110 — 2.2 miles
- San Diego Museum of Art: 1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92102 — 3.3 miles
- Balboa Park: 1549 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101 — 4.5 miles
- Petco Park: 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 — 4.6 miles
- San Diego Natural History Museum: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 – 4.6 miles
- Fleet Science Center: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 — 4.7 miles
- San Diego Zoo: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 — 4.9 miles
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SeaWorld San Diego: 500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 — 5.3 miles
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USS Midway Museum: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 — 5.4 miles
- Barrio Logan: Cesar Chavez Pkwy & Main St, San Diego — 5.6 miles
- Seaport Village: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 — 5.8 miles
- Belmont Park: 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 — 5.8 miles
- Gaslamp Quarter: 199 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 — 6.4 miles
- Cabrillo National Monument: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106 — 10.7 miles
- Scripps Pier: 8650 Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037 — 10.9 miles
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Birch Aquarium: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037 — 12.3 miles
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Torrey Pines State Reserve: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 — 17.3 miles
Q: Is Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle Near Sea World pet-friendly?
A: We are proud to be a pet-friendly San Diego hotel. Bring your four-legged buddies with you on your next San Diego adventure! Upon check-in, your furry friend will be greeted with a welcome bag, complete with “Dog in Room” door hanger, all natural dog bones, and doggie waste bags. Check out our pet policy!
Q: Do you offer meeting space or group rates in San Diego?
Yes! We offer both meeting space and group rates in San Diego, making us an ideal choice for corporate events, sports teams, family reunions, and group getaways. Our team can coordinate room blocks, catering, and event details to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. Ready to get started? Reach out to our lovely Sales Team to learn more or start planning today!
Q: Any tips on where I should stay during my trip to San Diego?
A: Well, this is an easy one! Again, perhaps our bias is showing a bit, but Days Inn By Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle is a fantastic choice for accommodations during your visit to “America’s Finest City.” Not only are we a centrally located hotel in San Diego and just minutes from everywhere you want to be, but thanks to guest-first services and amenities like our complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness center, heated pool, hot tub, and on-site eatery Bunz: A Burger Joint, our Mission Valley hotel is a destination unto itself. So if you’re planning a trip to our city, don’t miss your chance to check out our Special Offers page and choose the money-saving travel deal that’s right for you.
