Safety in San Diego

San Diego is one of the country’s best destinations; it’s nicknamed America’s Finest City, after all, but if you’re paying it a visit you need to play it smart. While it’s an incredibly safe place to be it’s still a city so you should always be aware of your surroundings.

Driving

Southern Californians have, shall we say, a “unique” way of driving compared to other parts of the country. Traffic here moves quickly and your defensive driving skills will be put to the test. If you don’t feel comfortable with that, the public transport is excellent and will get you anywhere you need to go.

Homeless

Like most large cities, San Diego has a homeless population that is mostly harmless. They congregate downtown near Petco Park Stadium, where you’ll find tents and something of a community set up. You might want to avoid walking around the area alone at night.

Beaches

All of the beaches are safe to enjoy with the family (except for the nudist Black’s Beach), but it’s important to pay attention to currents and tides. Sometimes the water gets rough here so you’ll want to stay close to shore. Check with local lifeguards to know when is a good time to enter the water.

Mexico

Most people who visit San Diego hop across the border for a quick trip to Tijuana. It’s a fun place to be, but it can be hectic and dangerous if you’re not aware of your surroundings. Watch for pickpockets and be sure to have your travel documents on hand at all times.