Practical information for visiting San Diego

San Diego International Airport sits close to downtown. MTS Route 992 serves both terminals and connects with the Trolley, COASTER, Amtrak and local buses at or near Santa Fe Depot. The free San Diego Flyer provides another connection to Old Town Transit Center.

The Trolley's Blue Line reaches San Ysidro near the busiest urban crossing into Tijuana. Crossing the border is an international journey: carry the required documents, check current entry rules in both directions and allow time for queues.

Intercity rail follows the coast north from Santa Fe Depot, while long-distance buses and highways connect Los Angeles, inland California, Arizona and Mexico. Coastal rail can face service changes after erosion or track work, so confirm close to departure.

Cell service is generally strong in urban areas but can weaken in canyons, on trails and at the Point Loma tide pools. Download maps and arrange return transport before entering a low-signal area.

Use ordinary city precautions around nightlife, transit hubs and busy visitor areas. Keep valuables out of sight, stay aware after dark and do not leave anything visible in a parked vehicle. Choose well-used routes rather than following the shortest map line through an unfamiliar canyon or industrial edge.

The coast creates more distinctive risks. Rip currents cause most lifeguard rescues, cliffs can collapse and waves can sweep people from rocks. Swim near a lifeguard, obey closures and never turn your back on the ocean at exposed points.

Wildfire, extreme heat, high surf and winter flooding can change plans quickly. Enable location-based alerts through Genasys Protect or AlertSanDiego and check National Weather Service warnings before canyon, inland or beach outings.

At the border, use official crossings and keep travel documents secure. Rules, queues and transport services can change; verify them with the relevant government and operator on the day.

Visitors from outside the United States should carry insurance that covers local treatment. Emergency care is available, but costs can be high. Bring necessary prescriptions in original packaging and know how your insurer wants urgent claims handled.

Ocean water is cool and moving even in summer. Swim near lifeguards, stay within your ability and move parallel to shore if caught in a rip current. Do not dive into unfamiliar water, and keep back from unstable bluffs.

Sun, dehydration and heat remain concerns when a sea breeze makes the air feel gentle. Carry water for exposed walks and reduce exertion during heat advisories. Inland canyons can be much hotter than the waterfront.

Check AirNow during smoke or ozone episodes and the local beach or health authority after storm runoff. People with respiratory conditions should be particularly cautious during wildfire smoke and poor-air alerts.

Immediate police, fire, lifeguard or medical emergency: call 911.

Information and non-emergency resources: call 211 for regional services. Use official city channels and the San Diego Emergency Dashboard for incidents; follow evacuation orders without waiting to see the hazard yourself.

At the beach: alert the nearest lifeguard. If none is present, call 911 and ask for lifeguards. Do not enter the water to rescue someone unless trained; throw a flotation object if it is safe to do so.

During an earthquake: drop, cover and hold on. Near the coast, follow official tsunami instructions once shaking stops. For wildfire or flooding, leave by the directed route and never drive through water or around a road closure.