What to Expect On Your San Diego Visit
Ask any local, or even anyone who’s ever visited — there’s something genuinely special about San Diego. It’s known to many as “America’s Finest City,” and there are countless reasons it’s earned that title. There’s truly something for everyone here, from incredible surfing, to world-class food, to a vibrant culture. Maybe that’s why San Diego draws more than 35 million visitors per year.
But with health and safety protocols impacting nearly every facet of our daily lives, things have changed in San Diego, too. Thankfully, there’s still plenty you can enjoy during your San Diego stay, and a bit of sunshine and sea breeze would probably do you good. Below we’ve broken down the things you can still look forward to during your SoCal stay.
What’s Open?
As of August 1, 2020, the following are closed throughout California:
- Dine-in restaurants
- Wineries and tasting rooms
- Movie theaters
- Family entertainment centers (for example: bowling alleys, miniature golf, batting cages, and arcades)
- Zoos and museums
- Cardrooms
The good news is that restaurants with outdoor seating are open, as well as bars, brewpubs, breweries, and pubs that offer outdoor seating. And to be honest, if you’re not dining outdoors when you’re in San Diego, you’re doing something wrong. Retail stores are also open and operating at limited capacity. This means you’ll still be able to enjoy some shopping or grab whatever essentials or souvenirs you need.
Of course, if you plan to visit a specific attraction, it’s best to first check online and make sure they’re open.
The Weather Is Still Perfect
Okay, we know — discussing the weather is classic “small talk.” But when the conditions outdoors are as consistently beautiful as they are here, it’s impossible not to brag a little. And considering the fact that it’s safer to be outside right now, the weather here is a huge plus. San Diego benefits from both the classic “Mediterranean”-style SoCal climate and an ideal oceanside location. Together, they combine to all but guarantee gorgeous days full of warmth and sun. The year-round average temperature in the city hovers at near 70°F (21°C). San Diego also typically enjoys about 266 days of sunshine per year and fewer than 12 inches of rain. Can you blame us if we’re a little smug?
Get Active Outdoors
The aforementioned amazing weather we have here has many benefits, and thankfully there are many scenic spots where you can enjoy it. San Diego is home to countless hiking trails, bike paths, and green park spaces for you to explore. The warm waters of the Pacific also ensure that we’re one of the most lauded surfing capitals on the planet, as well as a popular spot for fishing, whale-watching, and day cruises. We’ve got several year-round golf courses, too, which are currently open. No matter what outdoor adventures you like to embark on, you’ll find lots to love about San Diego.
A Bounty of Beauty
It’s no secret that San Diego is one of the most beautiful cities in North America. In fact, we were recently named one of the “25 Most Beautiful Cities in the World” for visitors. The natural beauty of the city is certainly considerable, given the undeniable coastal charm of areas like Mission Beach, Point Loma, and La Jolla Cove. But San Diego also puts on an architecturally impressive show. The Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and Downtown are filled with human-crafted wonders large, small, and everywhere in between. So even when the city’s tourist attractions are closed, there are plenty of gorgeous areas to explore.
COVID-19 has been difficult for everyone, and it certainly affects our travel plans and what we can do. Thankfully, nothing can take away our city’s steady sunshine, fresh air, and natural beauty. For more information about the current state of travel in California, please visit the state’s COVID-19 information site.