San Diego has consistently rated as one of the best big cities to live in within the United States. It’s not hard to see why – from it’s beautiful beaches to the outdoor lifestyle which is supported by its year round temperate climate, San Diego is both a beautiful and welcoming city. I was fortunate enough to live there for most of my life.
Tourism is a major industry owing to the city’s climate, its beaches, and numerous tourist attractions such as Balboa Park, Belmont amusement park, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, and SeaWorld San Diego. San Diego’s Spanish influence is reflected in the many historic sites across the city, such as Mission San Diego de Alcala and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Annual events in San Diego include Comic-Con, the Buick Invitational golf tournament, the San Diego/Del Mar Fair, and Street Scene Music Festival.
While San Diego is a wonderful place to visit year round, keep the following in mind. The Spring months are generally cool and “foggy” in the morning. Locally referred to as the marine layer, the beaches will generally stay cloudy until around 11-1, at which time the sun comes out for a few hours, and subsequently replaced by the thick cloud bank that’s generated by the cool Pacific waters. It’s referred to as “May Gray” or “June Gloom”. While many tourists are disappointed by this cooler weather, I enjoyed it. It provided a cozy atmosphere for locals to get out early, get a few hours of surfing in at the beach, and then a wonderfully warm cup of coffee at one of the local surf shacks that dot the countless beaches of San Diego county.
August, September and October are generally the warmest times of the year, with Santa Ana winds driving the warm air from the nearby deserts toward the beaches. Not only does this provide warm temperatures and clear skies, it helps hold up the waves, creating optimal surf conditions.
So whether you’re coming to San Diego for the wonderful museums, zoos, and amusement parks, or just for some surf/sand and relaxation – you’ll enjoy your time here. Just remember, life in San Diego is a little different, so try and fit in. Slow down, and take it all in.