Is San Diego safe for solo female travelers?

San Diego is generally very safe for solo female travelers. The city is clean, locals are friendly, and it's known for its relaxed southern California vibe. Like any place, caution is advised to maintain safety -- travel in well-lit and populated areas, and be aware of your surroundings. Downtown and popular tourist areas can get crowded, which can pose a risk for theft, so it's recommended to keep your personal belongings secure. Public transportation and ride-sharing services are easy to use and are generally safe. However, always trust your instinct. If a situation or a person makes you uncomfortable, there's no harm in removing yourself from that scenario. With the right precautions, a solo trip to San Diego can be a safe and memorable experience.

Safety rating

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How safe is San Diego for female travelers?

Travel safety index

4.2 /5

based on 4 experiences from female travelers

Solo travel

I had a great time visiting the old town area. Lots of free museums and markets to check out and close to public transit. There was a lot of mexican souvenir shops and artisans, as well as niche shops including a mineral/gem store.

Posted: June 29, 2024
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Family travel

The beaches, parks, San Diego Zoo, and art museum, were all incredible! So was Coronado Island, where we rented bikes to see the sights. Great, reasonably priced food is everywhere, as long as you know how to look. We used a rental car to get around town, and were able to drive around downtown during Comic Con. A truly incredible experience, so glad I got to spend it with my sister and father!

Posted: June 1, 2024
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Family travel

I really enjoyed my time we stayed in an air bnb in sunset cliffs the running was awesome along the ocean the weather was perfect I loved loved it With the exchange things cost about the same Oscillato desert was so hot and fun of roading was the best, the Mexican food so good

Posted: December 27, 2023
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How safe is San Diego for women?

Local safety index

4 /5

Based on 18 local experiences

Local crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 18 local experiences

Xandria

Xandria

As a young woman, because there are so many young women everywhere- at the beach, downtown, etc. it makes it safer for us. I can wear outfits in San Diego (e.g. bikini top and little shorts) that no one would do double take at that I can not even attempt to wear in many other safe and developed countries. As a California girl often in beach and warm weather clothes I really appreciate this aspect of San Diego. The public transit it also good but since most people have cars it can sometimes get empty in weekday late evenings so doesn’t feel as safe (can just be in a trolley car with a few other men) so best to uber if you’re going out/ coming home late especially alone as a woman. With friends you should be fine. Just don’t respond when people say or ask weird things and don’t sit next to random men!!! They will take it as an opportunity.

Posted: August 17, 2025
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Overall I would say San Diego is very women and LGBTQ+ friendly!! Most parts of the city are up to standards and safe but there are nooks to look out for in the downtown area. North county is fancier and full of rich people, Coronado is full of military people, and the rest is a melting pot so everyone you meet is most likely not a local. SD is a college town to expect most places to be kid and per friendly!

Posted: August 5, 2025
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San Diego (Bay Park) is generally a very safe area. I feel safe walking alone at night in my neighborhood. Other neighborhoods not so much. Beach communities I feel pretty safe in also but I do not recommend being out solo at night in bars.

Posted: July 6, 2025
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Ryan

Ryan

San Diego is generally really safe, unless you’re in Gaslamp district or downtown in general alone. I’d recommend not not being alone at night in downtown SD. I’ve gone other places alone at night and it was definitely a little weary at times but not bad at all.

Posted: June 26, 2025
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Christine

Christine

San Diego is a safe city. There are parts where I can recommend not to go to, or to be a little more alert, but overall I find it a very safe place. I can recommend how to be when you go out at night.

Posted: June 8, 2025
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Safety in United States