By Gretchen Pille, Storage.com
Storage.com takes pride in helping people move into their new homes, whether that involves providing a storage unit in between or by helping people discover more about their new city.
Moving to San Diego? Great choice. In fact, moving to San Diego might be the best choice you ever make. Year-round temperate climate, fish tacos, beaches, and a world-renowned arts scene are only a few things that make the first city in California an ideal place to live. But like any city, there are some things you should know before you pick up and move there. Think of this as your ultimate guide for moving to and living in San Diego.
All sections covered in this guide are below. Click the links to skip ahead.
NEIGHBORHOODS
The needs of your family, children, significant other, and even your pets can dictate the home and neighborhood that will best suit your needs. There are over a hundred different neighborhoods in San Diego, each with a different charm and personality. Understanding the layout of a new city – especially one as big as San Diego – can be daunting. To make the transition less stressful, Storage.com has outlined some key areas that may fit your needs when looking for a place to call home in San Diego.
Families with Children
The northern part of San Diego County, commonly called North County, is known for having great schools and an excellent place for children and families. Slightly closer to the ocean is Carmel Valley, a neighborhood within the city that boasts spacious homes and award-winning schools. A community recreation center, neighborhood parks, and a beach-within-reach are only a few amenities that many families find attractive about the area.
Young Professionals
Young professionals looking for an urban environment with ocean views may find the downtown area a good fit. This area of San Diego is growing fast! Living in Downtown San Diego gives you easy access to not just the entertaining Gaslamp Quarter, but all kinds of restaurants, art galleries, and clubs. East Village and Marina are two neighborhoods located downtown that embody the entrepreneurial work-hard-play-hard spirit of the young professional. This area has low crime rates, high community involvement, and great moderate to luxury condos and apartments to live in.
Military Families
The Marine Base Camp Pendleton is just outside of San Diego, so consider looking at homes in Oceanside, a suburb of San Diego that borders the base. Navy families moving to San Diego might be interested in living in Chula Vista (a suburb) or right on Coronado Island, where the Naval Base harbor is located.
Starting Out
If you’re moving to San Diego with a tight budget, consider going inland. Housing becomes more affordable farther from the beach. A great inland neighborhood to check out is Clairemont. Closer to the coast is Hillcrest, a fabulous community neighborhood for young people just out of college, and home to a large portion of San Diego’s LGBT community. Hillcrest hosts many community events throughout the year, including the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party and the street fair City Fest that turns into a dance party after dark. In Hillcrest, there’s always something to do for those fresh college grads accustomed to the fast paced social scene of university life. Post-grads also enjoy Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach for their nightlife, low rent costs, and proximity to the beach.
Walking and Biking Friendly
There are plenty of reasons to ditch your car in California: gas prices, traffic, and better modes of transportation top the list. Living near a bus or trolley stop can make all the difference in your need for a car. Little Italy, near the downtown area may be the best neighborhood for walking in San Diego. With excellent proximity to Trolley stops and bikeable streets, WalkScore.com gave the neighborhood a walking score of 97 out of 100.
Art Scene
Fine and performing arts are a treasure to San Diegans. The Downtown San Diego and Balboa Park areas have an exquisite arts scene: art galleries, museums, and vibrant theaters are not in short supply. Arts of every discipline thrive in La Jolla. This community’s professional symphony and chorus, world-famous La Jolla Playhouse, and the Museum of Contemporary Arts only scratch the surface of the arts La Jolla has to offer.
ESSENTIALS
You’ve picked your neighborhood and house, so now it’s time to make it a home. Get a jump start on the basics by setting up these essentials before you move to San Diego.
Power
Set up your utilities before moving to San Diego with San Diego Gas & Electric to ensure you aren’t left in the dark when you move to San Diego!
Cable & Internet
You will likely have at least two different cable and internet providers to choose from, regardless of where you end up living in San Diego. Allconnect has a handy tool that helps you figure out what companies can give you the best deal to meet all your needs. The main providers in San Diego are Cox, Time Warner Cable, AT&T, DirecTV, and Dish.
Water
Water is a big deal in San Diego simply because there isn’t much of it. Residents are asked by the city to water lawns only two days a week, take short showers, and report water waste. These kind of water restrictions have inspired a trend in California lawn care called Desert Scaping.
Grocery Stores
Ralphs is a popular chain of grocery stores for people living in San Diego. Ralphs stores often have large kosher food sections that people of all faiths enjoy.
Still too busy moving all that stuff into your new place? You might like Vons. Not only are Vons locations all over San Diego, but they also deliver! You can download an app to your phone or order online. Order early to ensure same-day delivery!
Sprouts is a another popular choice for San Diegans who are serious about their produce and about a healthy lifestyle. With three locations around town, high-quality fruits and veggies are never far from reach.
Hospitals
San Diego is one the healthiest cities in the country, and that’s no coincidence. San Diego living means having access to some of the best healthcare around. A comprehensive list of San Diego hospitals and their services has been provided by the State of California. U.S. News ranked the top San Diego hospitals. Here are the top three:
1. U.C. San Diego Medical Center – 200 W Arbor Dr, San Diego, CA 90215
2. Scripps La Jolla Hospitals and Clinics – 9888 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92037
3. Scripps Mercy Hospital – 4077 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Transportation
Getting around this sprawling city can be a struggle, especially if you haven’t been living in San Diego for long. Most people in San Diego have cars. While having a car is convenient, traffic in San Diego is heavy and gas prices in California are high. Fortunately, there are plenty of options in addition to driving that can ease the transportation headache.
Planes: When you need to travel to or from San Diego, the San Diego Airport is just northwest of Downtown San Diego. Expect a comfortable trip, because the Airports Council International ranked San Diego Airport as the fourth best on the continent.
Trains: With the Coaster and the Trolley, you can go virtually anywhere you want in San Diego. The Coaster is a north-south running train that stops at all the oceanside cities, including San Diego. The Trolley makes stops all over San Diego and can get you to any part of the city.
Automobiles: If trains aren’t your thing, San Diego also has a bus system that is cost effective and easy to navigate.
DINING
You don’t truly know a city until you know the city’s food. San Diego is famous for its fish tacos, burgers, and craft beer. But San Diego’s food is as diverse as its population, so get out there and start exploring!
Mexican
Las Cuatro Milpas – 1857 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
This is one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in San Diego. Their handmade tortillas and famous rolled tacos can’t be beat.
Rubio’s – 4504 East Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92108
Looking for signature San Diego flavor? Nothing says ‘San Diego’ like an authentic fish taco. Rubio’s is a popular coastal Mexican chain that started in San Diego’s Mission Bay. There are many Rubio’s all over San Diego, so great fish tacos are never far.
Asian
Centrally located between the 805, 52, and 163 freeways, the Convoy area is a great place to begin exploring the Asian food of San Diego. You can get everything from pho to sushi and even Korean BBQ.
Lotus Thai – 3761 6th St, San Diego, CA 92103
A great option for its lunch specials in Hillcrest or Downtown San Diego, Lotus Thai gives you lots of savory food for an awesome low price.
Italian
Bencotto – 750 W Fir St Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92101
Try their fresh-made pasta just once and you will become a regular.
Cucina Urbana – 505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101
Just outside of Little Italy in Bankers Hill exists one of the most critically acclaimed Italian restaurants of San Diego. If you want to try their famous Italian cuisine, plan ahead. This place is popular and encourages patrons to book reservations in advance!
Late Night
Brian’s 24 – 828 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
This 24-hour restaurant is located in the Gaslamp District and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at all hours of the day. Oh, and did we mention they have a bar?
Lucha Libre Taco Shop – 1810 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103
Another late-night classic is this vibrant Luchador-themed taco shop. It’s great place to stop by at the end of wild night out, but if you plan ahead you just might get a chance to sit in the coveted Champion’s Booth.
Pizza
Pizzeria Luigi – 1137 25th St, San Diego, CA 92102
If you are near North Park or Golden Hill, treat yourself to Pizzeria Luigi. A featured restaurant on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Pizzeria Luigi has won the approval of Guy Fieri as well as countless San Diegans.
SandBox Pizza – 1014 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Order takeout or come on in and enjoy any of the 20+ beers on tap. Come back often, as there is always a new pizza of the month to try.
Burgers
Slater’s 50/50 – 2750 Dewey Rd #193, San Diego, CA 92106
A classic go-to for many San Diegans, but what’s the 50/50 mean? Fifty-percent ground beef, fifty-percent ground bacon – resulting in a 100% chance of drool.
Hodad’s – Petco Park, Ocean Beach, Downtown
Three locations for this one-of-a-kind burger staple make trying one of the best burgers in the country easy for those living in San Diego.
Brunch
Brockton Villa Restaurant – 1235 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Try the famous “Coast Toast” at Brockton, complete with a breathtaking view of La Jolla Cove.
The Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar – 741 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103
This is a Mission Hills brunch favorite for many reasons, one of those reasons being bottomless mimosas.
Nomad Donuts – 4504 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116
These folks put an artisan twist on the classic breakfast staple, the donut. With an ever-changing menu inspired by world travels, this place is popular and closes when they sell out each morning. So get there early!
Coffee
Lestat’s – 3343 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
This is a popular 24-hour coffee shop that regularly holds concerts and stand-up nights.
If you’re ever around Normal Park, North Heights, or Truckee, be sure to get a uniquely brewed coffee from one of their friendly baristas.
Upscale
Addison – 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130
Enjoy French cuisine in a famously decadent yet intimate setting. Addison is an excellent choice for anyone looking for fine dining in the Carmel Valley area.
Juniper and Ivy Left Coast Cookery – 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Try one of the “left coast” dishes made by Top Chef’s Richard Blais at this refined American restaurant.
The Marine Room – 2000 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
The Marine Room was recently voted one of the best restaurants by readers of San Diego Magazine. With stunning ocean views accompanying sensational seafood meals, it’s hard to disagree with the people on this one.
CULTURE
Because it is the oldest city in California, it’s impossible not to be immersed in its rich history from the day you move to San Diego. What’s more, San Diego is famous for its thriving arts scene. And if that’s not enough, living in San Diego gives you easy access to great shopping, professional sporting events, and all the live music anyone could ever want. The culture of San Diego is vast and diverse, and you will always have new things to discover no matter how long you live there.
Missions
Built in the 18th and 19th century, missions are military and religious outposts founded by Spanish settlers. They are some of the first structures built in California and to this day are a sight to see. In San Diego County there are many missions that are still in use and are open for visitors. The largest is Old Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside. The oldest is Mission San Diego de Alcala, located in Mission Valley and is now an active Catholic church.
Museums
Your best bet for museums is Balboa Park. The park houses sixteen museums including San Diego Air & Space Museum, San Diego Museum of Art, Centro Cultural de la Raza, and for you sports fanatics, the Hall of Champions. There are many choices outside Balboa Park as well.
Museum of Making Music – 5790 Armada Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Learn about the evolution of music musical instruments and make some music of your own at this interactive museum dedicated to the creation of music.
Birch Aquarium – 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
With an emphasis on science education and ocean conservation, Scripps Institute of Oceanography makes their research available to the public in an exciting and hands-on environment. A membership to the aquarium is a great investment, as there is so much to see and experience here – not to mention exclusive members-only events!
Libraries
Libraries in San Diego are more than books and free Internet. They are cultural hubs, complete with art galleries and live musical performances. In the city that was home to author Ted Geisel (Dr. Suess), is it any surprise libraries are such a special place?
New San Diego Central Library – 330 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA
Over 30 years in the making, this is one of San Diego’s newest libraries. Relax with a good book and spectacular ocean view in the three-story dome reading room, or attend a free concert in the library’s 350-person auditorium.
Point Loma/Hervey Branch – 3701 Voltaire St San Diego, CA 92107
This nautical themed branch of the San Diego Public Library system is great for kids. It’s the largest children’s library in the city and even has a ship’s hull and periscope.
Sports
Whether you like to watch or play, there are many ways to get your fill of sports in San Diego.
Football fans moving to San Diego will enjoy taking in Charger’s games at Qualcomm Stadium. With SeatGeek, you can find tickets starting at reasonable prices.
The baseball fans who live in San Diego head to Petco Park to cheer on the San Diego Padres. You can even visit the park on an off-day for a tour of the facility.
Cheer on the Aztecs at San Diego State University, as they are NCAA Division 1 athletes in baseball, soccer, basketball, football, gymnastics, rowing, softball, tennis, track, swimming, diving, women’s volleyball, and water polo.
The University of San Diego sponsors 17 different successful men’s and women’s athletic teams. San Diegans enjoy cheering on their Toreros at all different sporting events. USD also has a competitive rugby club that plays their cross-town rivals, the SDSU Aztecs.
Torrey Pines – 11480 Torrey Pines Park Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
If you want to get in the game, tee time at Torrey Pines is a must. This famous golf course is home to the PGA’s Farmers Insurance Open.
Shopping
Because each neighborhood has its own unique local shops, there is always a new boutique or quaint antique store to discover right where you live.
Fashion Valley – 7007 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
If you’re looking for something on a little larger scale, immerse yourself in the ‘coastal chic’ lifestyle by checking out Fashion Valley. A mix of designer, high-end, trendy, and budget-friendly stores, this mall will have you looking like a local in no time.
Las Americas Premium Outlets – 4211 Camino De La Plaza, San Ysidro, CA 92173
This popular outlet mall boasts 125 stores housed in Spanish colonial-inspired architecture.
Music
Take in the sounds of San Diego by visiting one (or all!) of the famous and often historic music venues in the city.
The Casbah – 2501 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Discover your new favorite band in this indie venue famous for hosting up-and-comers. An intimate setting and low ticket prices make for a great night of new music.
San Diego Symphony – 750 B St, San Diego, CA 92101
One of the greatest orchestras in the country, the San Diego Symphony puts on around 135 performances a year in Jacobs Music Center. In the last few years they have expanded their performances to include an outdoor ‘Summer Pops’ concert series at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Dizzy’s – 4275 Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
This iconic jazz hub currently operates out of SD Jet Ski Rentals after regular business hours. For 13 years Chuck Perrin has brought only the highest caliber of jazz musicians into his club.
San Diego Opera – 237 A St, Center City Building, San Diego, CA 92101
One of the ten best opera companies in the country, San Diego Opera has been drawing crowds since 1965. A wealth of school and community engagement programs make tickets to the opera accessible to all. Check out their 2015-2016 season, which will include Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Great Scott.
Theaters
Some of Broadway’s most famous shows were first developed in San Diego, and that’s no coincidence. An evening spent at a theater in San Diego is always time well-spent.
La Jolla Playhouse – 2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
La Jolla Playhouse consistently produces new and artistic works as well as terrific renditions of classic shows. What’s more, the Playhouse is committed to enriching the lives of San Diego residents not only through performance, but through educational as well.
Old Globe – 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
This Tony-Award winning theatre produces 15 shows each year and is famous for developing some of the most famous Broadway-bound premiers and revivals in the United States.
San Diego Civic Theater – 1100 3rd Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
If you’re hoping to catch some off Broadway’s hottest shows, the Civic Theater is the place to be. The Civic Theater is also a performance space for the world-famous San Diego Opera.
Cinemas
Once you’ve unpacked that last box in your new San Diego home, relax by heading out to see a movie. Find any of the seven AMC theaters near you to catch the latest and greatest blockbusters. But for a truly unique movie-watching experience, see what some of these theaters are all about.
Landmark Ken Theatre – 4601 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
The last single screen theatre in San Diego, The Ken is located in the Kensington neighborhood, and play everything from obscure to restored classics, and even foreign films.
Cinema Under the Stars – 4040 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103
Take advantage of San Diego’s year-round magnificent weather by watching a movie on the patio of Cinema Under the Stars. Unexpected weather? Not a problem! This theater has a retractable covering, blankets, and space heaters to ensure that your outdoor evening is completely comfortable.
FAMILY
For many reasons, San Diego is a family-friendly city. San Diegans strongly value education, history, and culture. And in such a busy city, there’s always something new to discover and explore.
Schools
If you’re moving to San Diego with children, you will find that you have a lot of educational options when picking a school. There are many different types of schools and school districts to choose from, and finding the right one for your kids can get confusing. The Mom’s Guide to San Diego is a great resource for navigating San Diego schools. GreatSchools.org is another helpful tool in figuring out your options.
Colleges
Ever wanted to study by the sea? You’re not alone. The people in San Diego are a well-educated bunch. Over 40 percent of the San Diego adult population have a bachelor’s degree. With 20 colleges in the city, you’ve got your pick of schools for an oceanside education. A complete list of colleges is available, but here are some of the most popular picks.
University of California at San Diego – 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093
Consistently recognized as a top-performing research school, UCSD is a great place in San Diego for both graduate and undergraduate students. Each of the six colleges within the university has their own residence hall, allowing students to have a close-knit bond among students while reaping the benefits and opportunities of a large public university. UCSD is also home to the Geisel Library, which holds the world’s largest collection of Ted Geisel’s (Dr. Suess’s) work.
San Diego State University – 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182
SDSU puts a strong emphasis on leadership, and it’s paying off. The school is ranked in the top 80 public universities in the country by U.S. News. The programs of strength at San Diego State are business, rehabilitation counseling, speech language pathology, public health, and nursing midwifery.
University of San Diego – 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110
This private Catholic school has received a lot of recognition by U.S. News and World Report for its law school. Fun fact: Famous alums include “Big Bang Theory” actor Jim Parsons.
San Diego Mesa College – 7250 Mesa College Dr, San Diego, CA 92111
This school offers more 110 different academic programs and is the largest community college in San Diego. Popular areas of study at this 2-year public institution are biology, business, and psychology.
Community Pools
Need a break from sand and saltwater? Visit one of the many community pools located around the city. San Diego residents have access to great public aquatics programs through the City of San Diego at incredibly affordable prices!
Country Clubs
Joining a country club is a great way to meet people and get active in your new city. When you move to San Diego, you will have plenty of great clubs to choose from.
Stoneridge Country Club – 17166 Stoneridge Country Club Ln, Poway, CA 92064
This is a popular choice for families, as they have great youth tennis and golf programs and leagues, as well as a variety of membership levels to fit your needs.
Youth Sports
Sports are a great way for your child to make new friends in a new city. San Diego YMCAs have all kinds of sports and programs to get your child active and involved. If your family is into rugby, San Diego is going to be a great fit. Get your child involved with the increasingly popular Youth Rugby Club. There are also many surf and skate camps to look into as well.
Dog Parks
If you’re moving to San Diego with a dog, you’re in luck. Dogs are welcome just about everywhere in San Diego. You can join a community of dog owners called San Diego Happy Dogs. Not only are there ample dog parks in this city, but moving to San Diego gives you access to dog beaches. Consider getting a place by the shore to take advantage of these leash-free beaches, including the original Dog Beach of Ocean Beach and Fiesta Island at Mission Bay.
NIGHTLIFE
Breweries
San Diego is a city known for its breweries. Think Silicon Valley, but for beer. Here are just a few of the 70+ breweries making beer industry waves in San Diego County. Take a tour of their facilities, or find their product at local San Diego bars.
Coronado Brewing Co. – 170 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118
Winner of the 2014 World Beer Cup for Mid-size Brewing Companies, this brewery is a great stop at the end of a day trip to Coronado Island. Coronado Island brews just about every style of beer, so there is sure to be a brew for every kind of beer drinker in your group!
Saint Archer Brewing Co. – 9550 Distribution Ave, San Diego, CA 92121
Film maker turned beer-brewing entrepreneur Josh Landon puts his own spin on classic brews and gives us a story to go with them. This beer is only available in California right now. Try Saint Archer’s exclusive brews in-store or in their tasting room which is open seven days a week.
Green Flash – 6550 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92121
Green Flash is constantly experimenting and creating seasonal brews, so you won’t run out of beers to try. Between their rotating and year-round brews, the folks at Green Flash encourage customers to experience true “taste enlightenment” with their famous beer.
Happy Hour
In a huge city like San Diego, finding the best happy hour specials in your area can be a daunting (but necessary) task. Fortunately, the San Diego Reader has compiled a comprehensive list in San Diego, organized by neighborhood.
Waterfront Bar and Grill – 2044 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
If you find yourself on the northern end of Little Italy between 3-6 p.m. on a weekday, stop by for some cheap drinks and free appetizers. It’s also worth noting that these guys serve cookies at last call.
Bars
Like the individual neighborhoods of San Diego, each bar has a unique personality and ought to be explored.
Small Bar – 4628 Park Blvd, San Diego CA 92116
Small Bar is, unsurprisingly, a rather small bar with a neighborhood feel. Their killer Bloody Mary and insane list of beers on tap are only a few of the reasons you should visit this bar again and again.
Home & Away – 2222 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
After a long day in historic Old Town, stop by the neighborhood’s only craft beer bar. They host comedy nights, game nights, trivia nights, and even live musicians on Fridays!
Urban MO’s – 308 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
One of the most popular gay bars in San Diego, Urban MO’s is a go-to for San Diegans of all persuasions. This bar prides itself on its all-new patio, dance floor, and Blackout Lemonade. Visit Urban MO’s to see for yourself!
Clubs
When you’re ready to party like a VIP, head downtown to the Gaslamp Quarter, home to the newest and greatest clubs in San Diego.
Fluxx – 500 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
One of San Diego’s hottest clubs, Fluxx is the club of choice for celebs visiting San Diego. A 5,000 square foot dance floor and unmatched VIP and bottle service make it easy to see why.
The American Comedy Co. – 818 B 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
This award-winning comedy club brings in the funniest acts of southern California. Think you can hang with these comedy all-stars? Test your material on a live audience at the weekly open-mic nights.
Onyx Bar – 852 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Onyx is a nightclub that has something for everyone in your group. Some nights it’s hip-hop, some nights it’s top 40, and some nights you may even get to hear some reggae. If you’re up for anything, Onyx is your kind of place.
NATURE
Parks
Hiking, camping, and outdoor exploration are low-cost, family-friendly ways to truly connect with all the natural beauty San Diego has to offer. State parks, beaches, and reservations are a great place to start. Find your happy place at the state parks and beaches of San Diego.
County of San Diego Waterfront Park – 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
This aqua playground has it all! Water slides, splash pads, picnic spots, garden rooms, and so much more – not to mention spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean!
San Elijo State Beach – 2050 South Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007
A visit to San Elijo is a must for those looking to knock beach camping off their bucket list. Bring your own camping supplies and enjoy a night off the grid and under the stars.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park – 3051 Canon St, San Diego, CA 92106
The park’s name does not lie! Sunset Cliffs is perhaps the most ideal spot in San Diego to take in an unforgettable sunset. Sunset Cliffs is also a popular destination for small weddings, as the park limits gatherings to 50 people or less.
Animal Attractions
The San Diego Zoo – 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
When you live in San Diego, be sure to get a zoo pass. The San Diego Zoo is recognized as one the best zoos in the world. Don’t forget to explore the new 5 acre Tiger Trail at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
California Wolf Center – K Q Ranch Rd, Julian, CA 92036
The California Wolf Center aims to conserve wild wolves and their habitats through research and education. Taking a tour of their facilities is the safest way to get an up-close and personal look at Californian wolves.
Hiking Trails
Marvel at the natural beauty of San Diego on some of the most scenic hiking trails in the country.
Mission Trails Regional Park – 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119
Sixty eight miles of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking make for one spectacular excursion into California nature. Spend the day or make a camping trip of it!
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve – 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Located just above the beach, this protected area has 1,750 acres of California wildlife, hiking trails, and stunning views of the Pacific ocean.
What would you add to this ultimate guide for moving to San Diego? Let us know in the comments!
***
If you’re moving to San Diego and need storage space to help with the transition, view Storage.com’s directory for self storage in San Diego.
All images have either been provided by a listed organization or are licensed under the Creative Commons.
