TIPS
Local know-how for San Diego — where to go, what it costs, what trips people up — checked against the agency, the dataset or the law that decides it, and dated so you can see how fresh it is.
29 tips · showing 1–15
Why are fish tacos such a San Diego thing?
Because Baja California is next door. Fish tacos came north from the beach stands of Baja, and Ralph Rubio made them famous here after opening the first Rubio's in Pacific Beach in 1983.
OriginBaja California
Can you go metal detecting on San Diego beaches?
On City of San Diego beaches, generally yes: the city's beach rules don't ban detectors. State beaches set rules park by park, so call first, and Cabrillo National Monument bans even carrying one. Fill your holes.
City beachesGenerally OK
Can you smoke weed on the beach or in a park in San Diego?
No. California bans using cannabis in public, and San Diego bans smoking and vaping, cannabis included, on city beaches, parks, boardwalks and piers. Federal land like Cabrillo is off-limits entirely. Legal use means private property.
Beaches & parksBanned
What's a California burrito, and where did it come from?
Carne asada, french fries, cheese, guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo in a flour tortilla. It's San Diego's own invention from the 1980s, though which taco shop made the first one is still argued over.
InsideCarne asada + fries
Why are there so many "-berto's" taco shops in San Diego?
Because they're mostly one family. Roberto's opened in San Diego in the late 1960s, and relatives who opened their own shops were told to change the name — so Alberto's, Filiberto's and dozens more followed.
The originalRoberto's
Why does the sand on Coronado Beach sparkle?
It's mica, a flaky natural mineral that catches the light like gold glitter. It isn't gold, and it isn't pollution — it's part of why Coronado's Central Beach is famously bright.
The sparkleMica
The San Diego museums that close early in the week
Monday is not the trap day — Tuesday and Wednesday are. The Museum of Art closes Wednesdays, Mingei Mondays, the Timken Monday and Tuesday, and MOPA Monday through Wednesday. The big Balboa Park museums are open daily.
Worst day to arriveWednesday
What can you bring back from Mexico through the San Ysidro border?
Up to $800 in goods duty-free, one liter of alcohol (California raises its limit to 6 liters in 2027), and medicine for personal use with a prescription. Whole avocados, citrus, tomatoes and Cuban cigars get taken. Declare everything.
Duty-free goods$800
Can you drink alcohol on the beach in San Diego?
No. Alcohol is prohibited on City of San Diego beaches, the cliffs, walkways, park areas and the adjacent parking lots. Glass containers and smoking are banned in the same areas.
Alcohol on the beachProhibited
Can you sleep in your car or RV overnight in San Diego?
Mostly no. City law bans living in a vehicle from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and near homes or schools, and RVs can't park on public streets from 2 to 6 a.m. A 2024 settlement limits how police enforce the first rule, not the second. Book a campsite.
Vehicle-living ban9 p.m.-6 a.m.
Is your San Diego vacation rental legal? How to check its license before you book
Ask the host for the STRO license number, then look it up on the City's active-license list or map. Mission Beach's whole-home cap is full, so an unlicensed whole house there is a red flag. This applies inside City of San Diego limits only.
Where to checkCity license list & map
Where can you fly a drone in San Diego?
Mostly with FAA permission. Much of coastal San Diego sits in controlled airspace around the airport and military fields, so you need a free LAANC authorization. Cabrillo and the Torrey Pines reserve ban drones outright.
Altitude cap400 ft
Can you scatter ashes at sea off San Diego?
Yes, from a boat or plane, but not from a pier or the beach. State law says at least 500 yards offshore and federal rules say 3 nautical miles, so most boats go 3+ miles out. Then file a county statement and an EPA report.
State minimum500 yards
City of San Diego vs. San Diego County: the difference that trips people up
The City of San Diego is one of 18 cities in San Diego County. The city has about 1.39 million people; the county has 3.3 million. Your address decides your sales tax, minimum wage and who picks up your trash.
Cities in the county18
Have the Padres ever won a World Series?
No. They've reached two — 1984 against Detroit and 1998 against the Yankees — and lost both. The franchise began play in 1969 and is still waiting.
World Series titlesNone
