travel advisory san diego california

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San Diego’s Stormwater Crisis— A Costly and Urgent Problem

Understanding the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis – Government Inaction & Community Responses

Understanding the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis – An Overview of Causes and Consequences

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Environmental Groups Sue Federal Government to Spur Action in Tijuana Sewage Crisis

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San Diego Coastkeeper and Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation Put Feds on Legal Notice for Polluted Discharges from Border Wastewater Treatment Plant

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San Diego County Beach Status

Zoom in on the interactive map below and click on each pin to view the status of individual locations. 

Beach Status Legend

Closed or contact advisory issued

This map reflects the current status of San Diego County beaches from Camp Pendleton to the US/Mexico border. San Diego Coastkeeper receives water quality information from the County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health, and uploads it into our Swim Guide. Click on individual placemarks to learn more about each of the 80 San Diego County beaches.

Current Advisories & Closures

The table below ONLY includes beaches that are currently closed or under advisories.

water quality issues that affect beach closures:

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Is San Diego Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

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San Diego, California, is known for its beaches, but there’s so much more to this city in the southernmost part of Southern California.

The city is actually quite large and brings a wonderful blend of mountains and canyons with beautiful beaches and cliffside views.

It’s also a major port and military location for the country’s defense and its watery borders.

The largest naval base in the Western U.S. is here, with 26,000 people – military and civilians – supporting the cause.

If you saw the original Top Gun, you got a glimpse of the military presence here, as it was the original Top Gun training location for the best pilots in the world.

Look on the tourism website for the blog “Top Gun Filming Sites” to see what locations you can still visit.

(In 1996, the Top Gun program moved to NAS Fallon just east of Reno, Nevada.)

History lives in many neighborhoods here, from Old Town with its Spanish influence to Coronado on the peninsula and the globally recognized Hotel del Coronado.

You are one of 35 million people who visit San Diego each year, and many major attractions, like SeaWorld and two major zoos, keep people coming back.

The Gaslamp Quarter is another big draw for daytime shoppers and nightlife lovers.

Whether you want to visit an underground speakeasy or dine at a rooftop bar, this city provides many opportunities with pleasant weather throughout the year.

San Diego is one of my favorite cities to visit, and each time it’s a whole new experience with growth happening and numerous things to see and do.

• Warnings & Dangers in San Diego

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk here, with crime rates bucking the national trend of surging violence. In 2021, all major crime categories were slightly below the national average. That's no small feat in a city of nearly 1.4 million people.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

San Diego has really mastered the art of getting around. There are trolleys in the downtown area to get tourists to the popular districts. Old Town has a trolley too. The "Coaster" train takes people from the busy city areas to the coastal communities, and the sprinter gets you on an east-west route through the nearby cities and back to San Diego. Taxis and rideshares are available and rental cars are plentiful. There is also a ferry that can take tourists to Coronado. You really can't go wrong with any option.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

With nearly 17,000 thefts in San Diego, just 148 of them were pickpockets or purse snatchings in 2021. That's a low risk, but it's still worth the extra attention to limit your risk. Carry small purses and put wallets in front pockets. The bigger risk is your car being "pickpocketed," with 50% of those thefts being related to car break-ins or burglaries.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Ready San Diego shows the biggest risks are wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis, and flooding. SoCal wildfires have been increasing in intensity over the past decade, so you must take those seriously. Earthquakes can happen anytime, but you won't get advance warning, so you should know basic safety before you go. Tsunami risks will come with alerts, and it's critical to heed those warnings.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

About 1/3 of robberies happen on public streets, but the average robbery rate is at the national average. Use extra caution at night because the popular bar scene might make robbers search for crimes of opportunity.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

It's not just the Navy, Marine, Coast Guard, and Department of Defense located here. Several major defense contractors have their headquarters in San Diego. The deepwater port is used for shipbuilding and submarines. All that makes San Diego a sweet target for a potential terrorist attack. It also means there's a lot of security to prevent any attacks. You'll see that level of security if you accidentally enter a military area while walking the piers. Ready San Diego has a whole section about terrorism preparation and prevention.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

You might feel like you're being scammed when visiting San Diego because of the high prices in some popular areas. That can make actually being scammed a lot harder to spot. Here's the best advice. o Hotels and restaurants near the beach are going to cost more. Period. You are paying for the view and the ambiance. Any deal that seems too good to be true - is. o Don't use third-party websites, like Craigslist, to get discount tickets or rentals. Scammers prey on people who use these sites, and you won't always be able to easily distinguish a scammer until you've lost money. o A day of walking can make a Pedi-Cab seem like a lifesaver, but know the price before you get on board. If you don't agree with the price ahead of time, you could face a steep charge just for going a few blocks.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women are statistically less likely to be a victim of violent crime, according to 2021 data. The sexual assault rate is also lower than the national average. I would recommend traveling with a group or a friend while walking around, but solo exploring isn't too risky during the day. At night, the environment can be a little rowdier.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2021 Annual Water Quality Report for San Diego shows full compliance and no violations. It's worth reviewing the conservation information so you can help prevent water overuse. You can also email the water quality department if you have additional questions. That email is [email protected].

• Safest Places to Visit in San Diego

SanDiego.org is run by the San Diego Tourism Authority and should be your starting point for research.

This site provides a secured platform, verified attractions, and links to purchase tickets.

If you’re traveling internationally, there’s a section where you can choose your home country and get a website catered to tourists from that area.

Since San Diego is so large, let’s go through the different places you might want to visit.

COASTAL AREAS:

San Diego has an extensive array of beachfront regions.

Some are more crowded, while others are remote.

Some bring history and entertainment districts, while others are more wilderness based.

Coronado, La Jolla, Mission Bay, and Point Loma Peninsula are some of the most popular for tourists.

The districts downtown are a lot of fun (I’ve been there and can vouch for this).

• Downtown is home to the popular Gaslamp Quarter, with charming streets bustling with live music and open-air bars.
• Little Italy is a food lover’s dream, with traditional Italian offerings mixed with high-end cuisine.
• North Park is the neighborhood for beer drinkers, and South Park is a hipster and indie neighborhood with locally owned and farm-to-table offerings.
• This is the most inclusive community in San Diego and is popular with the LGTBQ+ crowd. This is also near the expansive Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.

INLAND: Off the shore, you’ll find Mission Valley and Old Town, where the city’s center was originally located. East County and North County Inland offer mountain and desert adventures with hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and star gazing as main attractions.

With so many major attractions in San Diego, we aren’t going to be able to cover them all.

I would recommend every traveler take the time to visit the USS Midway Museum to step aboard a navy carrier that has been serving the country for more than 60 years.

From climbing into a cockpit to doing a flight simulator, you can truly channel your inner “Maverick.”

Audio tours are available for kids and adults for a more customized experience.

It’s worth noting that the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are two different places and are 30 minutes apart.

San Diego Zoo is in the popular Balboa Park.

Other attractions in Balboa Park include:

• San Diego Natural History Museum
• San Diego Air & Space Museum
• Comic-Con Museum
• The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park

Packages are available through the tourism website to get discounts on the Balboa Park attractions or a price break for those who want to see the zoo and safari park.

If you want to visit Old Town, grab an “Old Town San Diego” guide at the tourism center or download it online.

This area is big enough to have its own strategy session to make the most of your visit.

You can also explore Shelter Island if you want the trip to feel more like a beach getaway while still having the city close by.

It’s touted as a “Polynesian Getaway.”

• Places to Avoid in San Diego

The city’s southeast section has higher crime rates, but there’s a very little risk you’ll end up in a part of town that is too dangerous.

The real risk here is based on your own behavior.

It’s easy in a beach city that’s so beautiful and laid back to relax your personal safety behaviors.

Especially when you’re walking around at night, try to stick with friends or take a rideshare instead of walking back to the hotel.

As a young female, I was there with a group of friends, and two of us wanted to go home.

The third wanted to stay and said she’d walk back by herself.

We didn’t let that happen, but it was more because we are ultra-protective and less because of the risks we saw.

Just because the city is safer than many American cities doesn’t mean there’s no crime.

At night, avoid the marina and pier areas as they are darker, with fewer people around if someone needs help.

Tijuana is just 20 miles from San Diego.

There’s an outlet mall on the American side of the border.

If you want to go to Mexico, you should read the travel warnings from the U.S. State Department, as some parts of Mexico are way too dangerous for tourists.

As of late 2022, the State Department recommends you “Reconsider Travel” to Baja, Mexico, where Tijuana is located.

This is the verbatim reason:

“Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes.

Violent crime and gang activity are common.

Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations.

Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana.

Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.”

• Safety Tips for Traveling to San Diego
• San Diego Police offer crime statistics for the whole city and break down the data by neighborhood. This gives you a much better idea of which sections of town have higher crime rates. You can also use the Crime Mapping function to search certain neighborhoods for types of crime. For example, if you want to know how many assaults have happened within 2 miles of your preferred hotel, you can do that. Plus, you can set up crime alerts to be notified if a certain type of crime happens.
• You can store these numbers in your contact list now, as they are the non-emergency numbers for the police department – (619)531 2000 or (858)484-3154. In an emergency, you can always call 911.
• An average of 18 cars are stolen daily, and half of all thefts are related to car burglaries. Lock your car when you park and roll up the windows. Leave nothing in plain sight. Car thefts are one crime category that shot up during 2021, following a nationwide trend. Being this close to Mexico, there’s a chance your car will cross the border and never be seen again.
• The best thing a tourist can do in the name of safety is report suspicious activity or crimes in progress. If you have information about a crime or suspected drug activity, you can call Crime Stoppers at (888)580-8477 and report information anonymously. Never think you’re being “too cautious” regarding safety concerns.
• There are two great safety apps you might want to download. First, there’s AlertSanDiego, which will send weather, wildfire, or other critical information to your email or mobile device. The other is SD Emergency, which is a planning tool to prepare for the worst and know what to do in case of a disaster or attack.
• 211 San Diego is a tool for residents and tourists to ask about city services. Maybe you want to know about COVID numbers closer to your visit, or you have questions about visiting military locations – this is a great tool. You can call 211 or email [email protected].
• When you’re looking for hotels, you can add the “My Hazards” website to your safety checklist. This website from the California governor’s office allows you to put in your address and then a list of the most likely disaster or risks will show up. You’ll be able to see if you’re in a flood or tsunami zone or where you are located on an evacuation route.
• The Park Smarter app will be your best friend for paying for parking without having to pull out cash in a public place. You’ll also be able to find available parking through the interactive map feature. You’ll even be able to get a notification if you get a ticket.
• San Diego’s Get it Done city app is great for reporting issues like flooding or broken streetlights. This is also a tool for contacting different city departments, like the water quality office.
• You can use the official city website at SanDiego.gov for information about beach safety, but you’ll search for the Lifeguard section. Skip past the actual lifeguard information and go to the different beaches or the downloadable safety guides to learn about rip currents, beach flags, water safety, and scuba guidance.
• So... How Safe Is San Diego Really?

While San Diego leaders and law enforcement are doing a good job keeping crime at lower-than-average levels, the drug problem here is growing.

About half of the violent crime that happens here is against strangers, which is a little higher than in other major cities in America.

30% of violent crimes happen in public streets, sidewalks, and parking areas.

Being so close to the border, San Diego is considered “Ground Zero” for the drug trade.

While record seizures and arrests are happening in 2022, the overdose numbers eclipsed 2021 in the first six months of 2022.

While illegal drugs are a problem in any capacity, the growing problem in America is that drugs are being cut with cheap Fentanyl – an opioid exponentially more dangerous than heroin.

Fentanyl can’t be seen, tasted, or smelled when cut into other opioids, marijuana, or meth – and a lethal dose is just a few grains of salt-sized material.

I saw all of that for a reason.

Some of these drugs are made to look like candy and seem harmless at first glance.

Some people want to go on vacation and “let loose, ” which might mean experimenting with drugs.

This isn’t a warning about illegal drug use – you know that’s wrong – this is a warning that you might be taking a lethal dose of a drug without even knowing it.

You could think someone is selling you a Xanax, which, in turn, could kill you.

You should also use all that caution we talked about with your vehicle.

Even if you go to the beach, don’t leave a bunch of stuff in the car.

If you are going to store things in the trunk, load it up before you get to the beach so a thief can’t see you stashing the goods.

As far as big cities in America, San Diego is among the safest while still having an insane number of things to do.

• How Does San Diego Compare?
• Useful Information

Whether you're crossing the border or flying into San Diego, you'll need a U.S. Visa and Passport. The State Department handles the Visa process but offers a simple Visa Wizard module so you can get the right Visa for your trip. Start planning this process months ahead of time because it can be arduous.

Even though it's close to Mexico, you can still only use the U.S. Dollar here. Don't use public ATMs, and try to keep all purchases on a credit card. Even the pedicabs and vendors have mobile card payment options.

San Diego will have the same temperatures throughout the year, and it doesn't get overly hot or chillingly cold. Bring a mix of clothing, as the evening breeze can be cool. You'll want comfortable walking shoes and plenty of sunscreen.

San Diego International Airport is right on the water near the heart of downtown. You might see this referred to as Lindberg Field, but that's an old name. This airport is large and has enough direct flights that you won't need to consider any other options.

Travel Insurance

You should seriously consider travel insurance for your flights and also make sure you have health coverage. Whether a hiking accident or jellyfish sting happens, you'll pay a lot out of pocket at a local urgent care center if you don't have insurance.

San Diego Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

California - Safety by City

Explore san diego.

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• Where to Next?

13 Reviews on San Diego

Not safe in mexico.

The city of San Diego is safe. The beaches are safe. The only area where we questioned our safety was near the Mexico Border. There were a few unsavory characters near the border. We will not go back to Mexico.

I am never going back!

San Diego is a DUMP that is overrun by crime and poverty. The only place that I would say is worse in the state is San Fran or LA. All these city areas are loaded with homeless people. I went here to visit a friend last month and holy crap, I am never going back. I told her she has to get out of there. Even the safest parts of San Diego have high rates of crime. She said she has witnessed people walking into the stores this past year and just walking out, not paying for anything on a weekly basis. The last day I had a homeless man following me around the corner when I was walking to get coffee and he was grabbing himself! It was disgusting and no one did ANYTHING!!

I’m sorry you had a negative experience in San Diego, Carly. I’m visiting from Michigan currently and have experienced only positive interactions with the people who live here. I had a conversation about the homeless with a police officer just yesterday. He was telling me about the difficulty of helping these unfortunate people.

Like any city, there are missions, hotels, and government agencies that reach out with offers of help. However, in America, we have the freedom of choice and that applies to the homeless. They cannot be forced by local, state, or federal governments to seek assistance, nor can they be forced to work, go to school, or live in ways they do not choose. Additionally, they cannot be arrested nor incarcerated unless they are caught breaking the law.

While San Diego has its share of the homeless, I have found it comparable to the cities of Florida, Illinois, and Texas.

I’ve been to San Diego & several cities in California and have been overwhelmed by the natural beauty of the state and the friendliness of residents and visitors, alike. I hope you’ll give it another chance, and keep an open mind about the plight of the homeless & the difficulties they, & those who are trying to help, face.

San Diego is AWESOME!

San Diego is AWESOME! I am a bit biased because I live here, but seriously, it’s a good city to live in. Quality of life here is superb and there many things to do.

Many people come here and travel to Mexico and to theme parks as well such as Disney.

There are bad areas but every place does, most of it is clean and people are doing ok.

Come visit, it’s safe to travel to San Diego!

SD was a great adventure for us

The vibrant nightlife, wonderful beaches or the laid back attitude of most people living here makes San Diego a great place to visit. It’s generally safe here but you do have to take precautions during the night and also not leave your goods unguarded.

Hey sorry but I’ve been looking for an apartment relentlessly.. pet friendly. My bf and I r moving there next month and I kinda wanna have a place before we get there…. do u have any suggestions of anywhere in a decent neighborhood for under 2 grand?

In general, the neighborhoods and areas north of Interstate 8 are good, and the areas south of Interstate 8 are bad.

There are many homeless in San Diego.

Overall, San Diego is safer than Los Angeles, but that’s not saying much.

HOMELESS EVERWHERE- DO NOT VISIT

Horrible! Homeless everywhere. Felt unsafe.

Safe and a great family destination

I’ve been to San Diego for a lot of business trips only to fall in love with the place and book a two-week getaway there. I would rate it safer than LA IMHO.

So yes, it’s safe but this doesn’t mean that you should explore it alone at night, even more so if you’re a tourist. Have common sense, don’t explore areas you’re unfamiliar with and make sure to let someone know where you’re going.

Some of the areas you must check:

The all-so-popular La Jolla, which is San Diego’s tourist Hotspot with 5 star hotels and fine dining. Its gorgeous coastline will provide lots of activities and if you’re big on hiking this is a must visit spot.

Black Mountain Ranch is your classic suburb with a high diversity rating and the place you would book if you’re like me and tend to avoid crowds when you’re on holiday. It’s more secluded and quiet despite it being a famous family destination.

East Village, Horton Plaza and The Marina. These places have higher crime rates and in general don’t offer enough rewards to add them to your list. I would also add Downtown SD to these three, just the same as with any other big cities. Pickpockets or scammers are attracted to tourist hotspots as usual so beware of any elbow rubbing or deals that sound too good to be true.

My own concern would be regarding hate crimes, which are less and less frequent but still present. No, I’m not referring to people attacking you in crowds but isolated events do happen.

Homeless people are a problem but if you’re from the US you might have gotten used to them by now, unfortunately. Don’t engage, if you see a fight and want to help, just call the police, it’s best not to get involved.

Smaller version of L.A.

“Will’s” posting is a disservice to this forum. Downtown San Diego is downright dangerous, with drug addicts, criminals, and thugs preying on unsuspecting tourists. Balboa Park is nice during the day, but I avoid it at night, again because of the criminal elements. San Diego zoo is pleasant to visit, although most of the locals consider it overpriced if one doesn’t get a season pass.

You’ve really got to be careful going into the ocean, as Tijuana sends it sewage into the San Diego River, which empties into the Pacific.

Also try to avoid east San Diego (such as the areas of City Heights). That area is very dangerous, as the gangs run that part of town.

We used to in the city limits of San Diego, but moved into a nearby inland mountain town to avoid the gangs, predators, and drug dealers.

Need to be careful in SD

Answer: Not as safe as it used to be. Avoid all of Balboa Park after dusk. Also, panhandlers, homeless and drug addicts are in every part of San Diego; they are usually (but not always) harmless, but they create uncomfortable situations. For that reason, downtown San Diego is not recommended, particularly with a family. Be careful in parking lots and watch out for thieves, carjackers, hustlers, etc. Like many big cities, the police force has been decimated, and you’ll rarely see a police car on patrol. Never leave anything of value in your car where it can be seen.

I tell visitors to stay in the North County or anywhere on the coast, from LaJolla on north. Those are the nicer areas, and they do a better job of keeping riff-raff out.

And in general, try to avoid areas south of Interstate 8, as that is the lower-income and lower class area of the San Diego area.

San Diego’s weather can’t be beat. But it was a much nicer place when I moved here in the early 1980s.

The place is crowded with both locals and tourists but I can say it is safe as long as you avoid the crowded and drunk streets in the area.

I’ve been traveling here back and forth because of work and I never encountered such crimes or suspicious scenes. Plus, the food here is so gooood!

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Article Contents

• San Diego : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Tap Water Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Coronavirus Information

Protecting the health of all San Diegans is our top priority. The City of San Diego is taking measures in consultation with, and at the direction of, County public health officials to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

On this page:

About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Vaccination information, use of face coverings.

• Business Reopening and Relief

Status of City Services & Facilities

City updates, homeless services, rent relief program and residential eviction moratoriums, public transit, additional resources, stay informed.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is emphasizing that while the current COVID-19 poses a potentially serious public health threat, the risk to individuals is dependent on exposure.

Most common symptoms include:

• Cough or shortness of breath

COVID-19 is most likely spread from droplets from coughing and sneezing, and symptoms may appear in as few as two days, or as long as 14 days, after exposure.

There is currently no specific treatment for COVID-19, however, most people with this infection will recover on their own. For patients who are more severely ill, hospitals can provide supportive care.

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your health care provider immediately.

To learn more about the phased vaccination process and how you can get vaccinated, visit the City of San Diego COVID-19 Vaccination Program page or the County of San Diego COVID-19 page .

Beginning Tuesday, March 22, 2022, facial coverings will be optional forallCity employees, contractors, volunteers, vendors and visitors while working or on City property. This change is in accordance with Cal/OSHA and County of San Diego requirements.

Please note: COVID-19 positive or exposed employees who meet early return to work criteria, must wear a facial covering for a total of 10-14 days after exposure, date of positive test or date of first symptoms. For COVID-19 return to work criteria clickhere.

For additionalinformation, please contact the HR COVID-19 Team at [email protected] .

Business Reopeningand Relief

The coronavirus pandemichasshut downor significantly altered most oftheeconomy, testingthe resiliency of all San Diegans.Necessary public health measures to prevent the spread of the virus havehalted tourism,shuttered restaurants and bars,forced many to work from home,severely limited most businesses from interacting with their customers,andcaused unemployment and uncertainty fortens ofthousandsin the San Diego region.

As a result of state restrictions on indoor activities, the City of San Diego created a temporary program to allow restaurants, retail shops, gyms and fitness centers, barbershops, hair and nail salons and places of worship to operate in outdoor settings adjacent to their businesses including on-street parking, sidewalks, private parking lots and in City parks. 

• Proposals for outdoor dining can be submitted on the Development Services Department Temporary Outdoor Business Operation Permit Page . Here applicants can receive technical assistance and more information. 
• To learn more about eligibility and apply for a permit  to operate in one of the City's many parks visit:  Park Permitting for Gyms and Religious Institutions . 

Safe Reopening

Details on what's currently allowed can be found on the County's Safe Reopening page .

See what's open

Small Business Relief Fund (SBRF)

To ensure the resiliency of local businesses and assist in job retention, the City of San Diego has established a Small Business Relief Fund (SBRF) to provide grants and forgivable or low- to zero-interest-rate loans to eligible small businesses for working capital. Visit the Economic Development Department Business Relief and Support page .

View Status of City Services & Facilities

• The City of San Diego has begun toreopensome of its public buildings to the general public.
• The City is enforcing all parking regulations effective Monday, Feb. 8. Citations with corresponding fines will be issued to vehicles violating street sweeping parking restrictions, metered parking, time limits and yellow commercial zones. Street sweeping restrictions will also be enforced in areas with parking spaces designated for restaurant pick-up orders.
• Boards and Commissions: All City Board and Commission meetings are virtual and can be watched live during their scheduled meeting time or archivedon the City of San Diego's Youtube Public Meetings Channel .To provide public comment prior to an upcoming meeting, and in lieu of in-person meeting attendance, members of the public may submit their comments using the response webform by indicating the board or commission meeting and the agenda item number they wish to comment on.
• Community Planning Groups: Please see memo from Planning Department Director regarding Community Planning Group meetings .
• Office of the City Clerk: Please see the update regarding City Council meetings .

The following is a list of recent updates from the City of San Diego. For information regarding cases, information and directives from the County of San Diego, please visit www.coronavirus-sd.com .

Watch Past Announcements

• Mayoral Executive Order COVID-19 10/22/20
• Mayoral Executive Order COVID-19 8/18/20
• Mayoral Executive Order COVID-19 7/20/20
• Mayoral Executive Order COVID-19 7/7/20
• Mayoral Executive Order COVID-19 6/30/20
• Mayoral Executive Order COVID-19 4/30/20
• Mayoral Executive Order COVID-19 3/30/20
• Mayoral Executive Order COVID-19 3/16/20

Early on, the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, Regional Task Force on the Homeless and San Diego Housing Commission came together to establish a Homeless Operations Branch under the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate the needs, resources and logistics of homeless service operations. This team makes key decisions to protect this at-risk population. Learn more about homeless services and resources during COVID-19 .

Operation Shelter to Home in the San Diego Convention Center

Operation Shelter to Home launched on April 1, 2020, by moving individuals already in shelters into the San Diego Convention Center to allow for proper physical distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19. On March 5, 2021, Mayor Todd Gloria announced that residents of the operation at the San Diego Convention Center would be safely relocated back to the Citys reconfigured shelters, where they will continue to receive shelter and services. Learn more about the transition and the operation

Rent Relief

COVID-19 Housing Stability Assistance Program and Additional Rental Assistance for Residents

Residential and Commercial Eviction Moratorium

The State of California and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have enacted temporary bans on residential evictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These temporary eviction bans apply to landlords and tenants in the City of San Diego.

TheCDCs federal temporary eviction banis effective from September 4, 2020, through December 31, 2020.

Governor Gavin Newsom has extended the eviction moratorium until Sept.30, 2021, by signing into law Assembly Bill(AB) 832. The State's initial temporary eviction ban, Assembly Bill (AB)3088 which prohibited evictions of most rental housing tenants expired on February 1, 2021 .

MTS is restoring many services that were reduced in April, in order to increase the amount of space available for distancing on board. There will be no timetables printed for these revised services, but schedules will be posted on the MTS website.

For updates on COVID-19 impacts on MTS service, and MTS responses, please visit: sdmts.com/schedules-real-time/alerts-and-detours

The City of San Diego has received generous contributions from local businesses and residents to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Additional resources are still greatly needed. Please review the list of current needs or fill out the form for other types of items you are able to give. 

Many San Diegans are in need during this time. Please see a list of organizations below seeking volunteers. You can also visit 211sandiego.org for more opportunities.

211 San Diego

Phone: 211 211 San Diego Website

Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank

Phone: 866-350-FOOD Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank Website

San Diego Blood Bank

Phone: 619-326-4926 San Diego Blood Bank Website

Serving Seniors

Phone: 619-235-6572 Serving Seniors Website

Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties

Phone: 1-800-RED-CROSS Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties Website

Feeding San Diego

Phone: 858-452-3663 Feeding San Diego Website

Meals on Wheels San Diego County

Phone: 619-260-6110 Meals on Wheels San Diego County Website

• Join the California Health Corps - California is preparing for an increase in the number of people who urgently need health care in our communities during the COVID-19 outbreak. To ensure adequate staff for health care sites throughout California, the state is calling on healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, and health care administrators to register today.
• Mental Health Resources -The outbreak of infectious diseases such as the recent Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) can be a stressful time for individuals and communities. It is not uncommon to feel anxious or worried while listening, reading or watching the news. While its necessary to keep up-to-date and make changes to daily life in order to help control the spread of COVID-19, the constant news cycle coupled with social distancing measures can have a real impact on mental health. Find resources to manage your mental health at coronavirus-sd.com
• AgeWell Social Calls - For many older adults, a compassionate voice in their lives can make a powerful difference especially during these unprecedented times. The City of San Diego Parks & Recreation AgeWell Services staff will call you, FREE, Monday - Friday, between 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. just to check in and say "Hello".

Stay informed on COVID-19 by visiting the Center for Disease Control website , and the County of San Diego Health and Human Services website.

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COVID-19 Response and Recovery Committee Meeting Monday, July26, 2021 at 9 a.m.

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Things to do | Warnings and safety tips you need to know for…

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Things to do

Things to do | warnings and safety tips you need to know for this weekend’s storm in san diego county, heavy snow and rain are expected with a winter storm hitting san diego county this weekend. here’s advice from officials and what to know to keep safe..

Here are some weather warnings and safety and travel tips, along with what to expect and where to go for the latest information about the storm.

What will this storm bring?

Severe weather conditions are expected, including major wind gusts, possible damage to trees and power lines, and heavy snow. Conditions are expected to take a “ turn for the worse ” Friday afternoon. Widespread rainfall is predicted and a flood watch is in effect through Saturday evening.

Palomar Mountain and Mount Laguna could get 3 to 4 feet of snow, according to forecasters. This storm is also expected to drop 2 to 2.5 inches of rain along the San Diego County coast and valleys and up to 3 to 4 inches across some inland foothills.

Avoid rivers, creeks and streams and surrounding areas

Forecasters are expecting a downpour as the storm system pushes south and taps into moisture from an atmospheric river. Be mindful of possible street flooding throughout the county, and watch for rivers, creeks and streams to rise quickly.

Prepare for the San Diego River in Mission Valley to overflow into streets and neighboring roadways, as it often does during heavy rains.

Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas

This year in January, swift-water crews rescued 11 people from flooded areas. The rescues took place in Mission Valley near the San Diego River, in the Otay Lakes area of east Chula Vista and other areas in the county.

Even a few inches of rainwater can sweep away a car or truck, according to a recent warning from county officials.

Heed travel warnings for San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange counties

If you were thinking of leaving town this weekend, look closely at forecasts in neighboring counties and consider staying home.

Heavier rain and snow are expected in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties. The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning from 4 a.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Saturday and as much as 5 feet of snow could fall in the San Bernardino Mountains. The weather service warns everyone that “travel will be very difficult to impossible” and that hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening traffic on Friday and Saturday, with near-zero visibility.

Orange County coastal areas are on flood watch Friday afternoon through Saturday evening with 3 to 4 inches of rain expected, and a wind advisory is in place from Friday at 6 a.m. to Saturday at 6 a.m.

Do not drive to the mountains and avoid hiking trails

Heavy snow and wind gusts are expected to lead to dangerous conditions in the mountains. Officials are asking the public to postpone any non-essential or non-emergency travel during the storm, especially through the snowy mountain areas.

“We cannot stress enough how unsafe it will be to travel Friday afternoon through Saturday morning,” said a tweet from the National Weather Service in San Diego on Thursday. “Four-wheel-drive and snow chains will not help you with blizzard conditions and near-zero visibility!”

Snow reports Thursday evening listed 22 inches of snow at Mount Laguna, 12 inches at Palomar Mountain and 10 inches in Julian with more snow on the way.

Thursday evening , San Diego announced the closure of Maple Canyon, Chollas Lake, Los Peñasquitos Preserve and Mission Trails Regional Park.

Be careful or avoid the beach and coastal bluffs

The National Weather Service predicts strong winds and hazardous seas along the coast. High surf is expected to impact local beaches, along with a high rip-current risk — meaning life-threatening rip currents are likely. Surf up to 6 feet is expected through Saturday.

How to prepare

Consider charging devices and preparing flashlights in case of a power outage. Secure any outdoor furniture or other items that could be impacted by wind gusts. San Diego Gas & Electric says to assume any downed power line or damaged electrical equipment is energized. The electricity company also advises to call 911 and SDG&E at 800-411-7343 to report it.

Where to go for the latest information

Get traffic and road closure and safety information from California Department of Transportation District 11:

• Online at dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-11
• On Twitter @SDCaltrans
• On Facebook at facebook.com/sdcaltrans

See the latest weather forecasts, rain and snowfall totals and more from the National Weather Service in San Diego:

• Online at weather.gov/sgx
• On Twitter @NWSSanDiego
• On Facebook facebook.com/NWSSanDiego

For information on the storm from the county of San Diego:

• Visit the San Diego County Emergency Site at sdcountyemergency.com

In case of a power outage, check SDG&E’s outage map:

• Visit sdge.com/outages for updates

Gary Robbins contributed to this report.

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International Travel Advisory Clinic

Personalized advice from our travel health care experts..

Whether it’s your first time traveling internationally or you’re a seasoned traveler, there’s a lot to do to prepare for your upcoming trip. Let our team of health care travel experts help you to stay healthy while traveling.

Do I need a travel nurse appointment? Are there countries for which an appointment is not necessary?

If you’re traveling within the United States or on a domestic cruise ship, you do not need a travel nurse appointment. In addition, you do not need an appointment if you’re traveling to any of the following countries:

• New Zealand
• Western Europe: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Switzerland
• Northern Europe: Aland Islands, Channel Islands, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Southern Europe: Andorra, Gibraltar, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Mareno, Spain

How far ahead of my trip should I schedule my travel appointment?

It’s best to have your consultation with a Nurse Travel Specialist about 6 to 8 weeks before you plan to leave. This amount of time gives your body time to develop immunity should you need immunizations.

If you plan to leave before that – even if you’re leaving next week – it’s still worth setting up a consultation.  

What is the difference between recommended and required vaccines?

There are some countries that require proof of vaccination for diseases (such as yellow fever or polio) prior to entrance. The travel nurse can tell you which vaccines will be required for you and your family, based on your travel plans. We will also tell you which vaccines are recommended or suggested, based on your travel plans and health history.

How do I schedule my travel nurse appointment?

Travel consults are completed over the phone and while you will need to come to a nursing clinic and/or pharmacy to complete the process, the appointment itself will be a telephone appointment.

San Diego members can call the Appointment Call Center at 800-290-5000 to schedule a telephone consultation with one of our Nurse Travel Specialists.

What is a travel nurse appointment?

It is a telephone consultation with a Kaiser Permanente registered nurse who is an expert in travel medicine. The travel nurse will ask you a series of questions about your travel plans and review your medical record. Based on that information, the travel nurse will advise you about immunizations, medications, and other precautionary measures you can take to ensure that you stay healthy while traveling. The travel nurse specialist can also answer any questions you might have about health issues for your trip.

Following the appointment, your information and the nurse’s recommendations are reviewed by a travel physician specialist, who provides final approval for your travel health guidance, including medications and immunizations. Medications and immunizations will be available to you at a nurses’ clinic or pharmacy of your choice typically one to two days after your travel consult.

I am new to Kaiser Permanente and haven’t seen a primary care physician. When can I schedule a travel nurse appointment?

If you are new to Kaiser Permanente you will need to see your primary care physician before you can be scheduled to talk to the travel nurse. New member information for getting started can be found here .

What information do I need to have ready for the travel nurse appointment?

Please have ready for your appointment:

• a copy of your itinerary, including dates of travel
• activities you have planned
• information about vaccines received from non-Kaiser Permanente facilities
• current weight for any travelers under 16 years old

If you have set up access to act on behalf of another family member at Kaiser Permanente, you will be able to speak with the nurse for your family member, otherwise that person will need to talk directly with the nurse.  If you’re not already registered to act for a family member, you can sign up online .

My partner or adult child who is traveling with me can’t make the appointment time. Can I participate on his or her behalf?

Each traveler over the age of 18 needs to participate in a consultation to receive vaccinations or medicine.

How long will the appointment last?

For a travel consultation for 1 person, your phone appointment will take about 15 to 25 minutes. For 2 to 3 family members on the same consultation, your phone appointment will take 20-40 minutes. For 3 or more family members on the same consultation, your phone appointment will take about an hour.

I have a health condition. Is it safe for me to receive medications or immunizations?

During your telephone consultation, the travel nurse will have access to your medical record, and will use that information to provide recommendations. If you have specific concerns, be sure to tell the travel nurse about them and talk with your primary care physician.

What should I do if I get sick while traveling?

If you have questions about your Kaiser Permanente coverage while traveling, call 951-268-3900 (right number for San Diego webpage?) for 24/7 travel support.

If you are traveling and think you have a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911, local emergency services, or go to the nearest hospital.

How do I prevent jet lag while traveling?

Jet lag is extreme tiredness or other physical effects experienced when you fly across 3 or more time zones. It is usually worse when flying east (from the United States to Europe) than west (from the United States to China).

With appropriately timed light exposure, melatonin, and shifting your sleep time a few days prior to travel, jet lag symptoms can be improved.

When possible, choose daytime flights to minimize fatigue and sleep loss. You should also:

• Drink lots of water.
• Avoid large, heavy meals, fatty foods, and caffeine and alcohol, especially during the flight.

If flying east:

• Begin to reset the body clock by shifting the timing of sleep 1 to 2 hours earlier for a few days before traveling eastward.
• Expose yourself to light (sunlight, room light, or light box) for several hours after local wakeup time at your destination.
• Take 3 mg melatonin 1 hour before bed time at your destination for the next 4 days.

If flying west:

• Begin to reset the body clock by shifting the timing of sleep 1 to 2 hours later for a few days before traveling westward.
• Minimize exposure to light several hours before going to sleep at your destination.
• Studies have not shown melatonin to be necessary when travelling west.

The safety and effectiveness of melatonin has not been thoroughly tested. Taking large doses of it may disrupt your sleep and make you very tired during the day. Avoid using if you are planning to drive or need to be alert within 8 hours after taking it.

How do I know if I need a yellow fever vaccine waiver? 

The travel nurse will let you know if you are visiting a country that requires a yellow fever vaccine. If you cannot receive the vaccine, you will need an official exemption letter called a “waiver,” as a well as a yellow International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis Card (ICVP), to enter the destination country.

My travel nurse said I need a yellow fever vaccine waiver. What do I do now?

All yellow fever waivers must contain your name exactly as it appears on your passport. In addition, it should be dated, signed, and stamped with an official stamp that is only available at some of our facilities.

The travel nurse will let you know where and when to pick up your letter and your yellow International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis Card (ICVP). Please allow for extra time to get your waiver when you arrive at the facility. The waiver and the ICVP will be prepared while you wait.

I recently got back from a trip and think I might be sick. Do I need to contact Travel Services?

If you have recently traveled and are not feeling well, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor, go to Urgent Care or the Emergency Department depending on the severity of your symptoms . You do not need to contact the Travel Advisory Service, because it is primarily only for pre-travel counseling. However, be sure to tell your doctor where you have recently traveled.

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Here's the best time of year to visit San Diego, plus other helpful things to know from a long-time local

• If you're planning a trip to San Diego, be aware of COVID-19 and weather-related advisories.
• Keep reading for important details as you prepare to explore San Diego, California.
• Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations .

Though it's always a good time to visit San Diego, there are a few key times of the year, and local regulations to consider, which may impact your trip. As a local resident for the past 25 years, I'm clued in to the latest regulations regarding the pandemic and know first-hand when you'll experience the best weather and fewest crowds. Keep reading for my tips to help plan a seamless trip to San Diego.

What to know about COVID-19

San Diego follows standard US/CDC guidelines for COVID-19. If you're traveling here (or anywhere in the United States) internationally, you will need to be tested within 24 hours before your flight and show proof of a negative result before boarding. You can find all requirements here .

For the most up-to-date information on local mask mandates, restrictions, and testing/vaccine sites, the San Diego County COVID-19 website has everything you need to know.

Related stories

The best time to visit San Diego

We do have a "rainy season" that runs from about November through March. Even then, the rain is usually light, and we welcome it because San Diego, like most of California, is in moderate drought status.

While our air temperature is mild most of the year, the Pacific Ocean is not, averaging temperatures in the 50s and low 60s Fahrenheit. You'll find obsessed surfers catching waves even in the middle of winter, but swimming is best left for the summer months when the water temperature reaches 68 or 69 degrees.

Know that if you come in late spring, you may experience what locals call "May gray" or "June gloom." That's when a marine layer is caused by the differences in ocean water and air temperatures, resulting in overcast skies along the coast. The sun may not be shining, but, as I've discovered the hard way, you still need to wear sunscreen.

View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting San Diego .

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Traveling Abroad? US Warns Against These Countries

U.S. travel advisories are issued in four levels: exercise normal precautions, exercise increased caution, reconsider travel, and do not travel.

By NBC New York Staff • Published May 9, 2023 • Updated on May 10, 2023 at 7:53 am

What to know.

The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries -- continually updating them.

Drug trafficking, crime, terrorist threats and civil uprisings are some of the factors behind the travel advisory levels given to the countries on the list.

Are you planning a trip abroad? Do you wonder if your destination is safe?

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With the recent deaths of a 9-year-old New York City boy who was shot and killed less than an hour after arriving in the Dominican Republic for a spring break family trip and the discovery of a missing man from Indiana who was found dead in a clandestine burial pit in Mexico after a traffic accident led to his alleged murder are just some of the recent headlines that has caused pause for some people to travel abroad.

However, the safest way to travel, is to be aware ahead of time of where one is going and the precautions one should take.

U.S. & World

Kindergarten teacher begs parents: ‘Please don't bring cupcakes' on birthdays

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As of Tuesday, May 9, there are 18 countries that were issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory by the State Department. Level 4 is the highest level in the advisory system due to the likelihood that travelers may encounter life-threatening risks.

"This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time," according to the State Department .    

The countries under the Level 4 advisory (and the dates when there listings were updated) are:

Meanwhile, 29 other countries are at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. This level, according to the State Department, encourages travelers to avoid certain places due to safety and security risks.

When it comes to this level, the State Department says: "Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time."

The countries under a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory (and the dates when their listings were updated) are: 

The rest of the countries on the list are at a Level 2 and Level 1.

According to the State Department, a country with a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory warns travelers to aware of their surroundings and also to be cognizant that conditions could change at any time.

"Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time," the description for Level 2 reads.

Meanwhile, places with a Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions advisory have the lowest advisory level when it comes to security risk.

"This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time, the State Department's website says when it comes to Level 1.

However, there are two countries on the list, as of Tuesday, that have a travel advisory that is out of the ordinary: Israel, the West Bank and Gaza as well as Mexico. These two countries have an "Other" advisory level and were given that level within the past year in October and March.

In the instance of Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, its travel advisory reads , that there are terrorist groups, lone-wolf terrorists and other extremists plotting possible attacks, with some areas having more risk than others.

The State Department warns travelers not to travel to "Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict." It also warns travelers to "exercise increased caution when traveling to: Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest" as well as "West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest."

Mexico's travel advisory warns of "violent crime -- such as homicide kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery," which according to the State Department is both widespread and common in the country.

Mexico's warning is broken down specifically by region, as follows, as outlined by the U.S. State Department :

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala stat e due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

For additional information the countries listed, or those in Level 1 or 2, visit the U.S. Department of State's website, or click here.

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San Diego, CA Warnings, Watches and Advisories

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