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San Diego

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

4.2 /5

Based on 4 travel experiences

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.3 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

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How safe is San Diego?

Safety at night:Safe

San Diego is generally a safe city, even at night, especially in the popular tourist areas downtown and lie Balboa Park, which are well-lit and patrolled. However, like any major city, there are areas, such as some parts of downtown and the East Village, where you need to be more cautious after dark. Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone late at night and use a reputable taxi service when needed.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in San Diego, including the trolleys, ferries, and buses, is generally safe and well-managed. It is usually punctual, clean, and fairly reliable. There are transit police who patrol the areas regularly for added safety. However, like in any city, it's important to stay alert especially during late at night or in less crowded areas.

Street harassment:Low

San Diego is generally considered safe and welcoming for solo female travelers. Like any large city, there can be areas where unwanted attention is more likely, especially during evening hours. However, it's relatively infrequent and typically mild. Remember to appear confident, avoid less-populated areas at night, and always maintain awareness of your surroundings for the best experience.

Petty crimes:Low

San Diego is generally considered a safe city, especially for a big urban area. That said, incidents of petty crimes like pickpocketing, bag snatching, or car break-ins do occur, particularly in crowded tourist locations and at beaches. It's necessary to remain aware, but as long as you exercise basic precautions such as not leaving belongings unattended and not flashing expensive items in public, these risks can be minimized.

Tap water:Very safe

The tap water in San Diego is perfectly safe to drink. The City of San Diego Public Utilities Department tests the drinking water quality regularly throughout the year to ensure it meets Safe Drinking Water Act standards. It is continuously treated and purified in local treatment plants. However, as with many palces, the taste of the tap water may vary.

Is San Diego safe to travel?

4.2 /5

Based on 4 experiences

No travel experience found

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Is San Diego safe for women?

Safety rating

3.3 /5

Based on 5 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.5 /5

Based on 5 experiences

Yarrow

When I walk at night, I do feel safer when I’m with my large dog. My neighborhood (North Park) has a lot of homeless people, and they’re not always in their right minds. So it’s a little scary, even though I’ve never been attacked or heard of anyone getting attacked. People do steal packages that have been delivered.

Posted: July 12, 2024

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San Diego is very safe for travelers from all over the world. We do have a minor (relative to 3rd world countries) homeless problem so you may encounter some unsafe feeling characters if walking around alone at night, especially downtown, but they are generally harmless. Stay closer to the beach areas and you won’t experience this as much.

Posted: April 28, 2024

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Is San Diego safe right now?

Before your visit to San Diego, it's essential to check travel advisories for United States, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian government advises taking normal security precautions in the United States. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: July 25, 2024

🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises to exercise normal safety precautions in the United States of America. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: April 2, 2024

Is San Diego worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.7 /5

based on 4 experiences

Solo travel experience

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

Things to do: 4/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5

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Family travel experience

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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 1/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet locals in San Diego

Meet local women in San Diego who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Aviva

About Me

Hi friends! I’m a digital nomad currently on the road in Chicago looking to meet new friends!

Speaking

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Louise

About Me

Former couchsurfer looking for a new community. I am a dedicated Ashtanga yoga practitioner and freediver.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in San Diego

Stay with local women in San Diego who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Pamela

San Diego

Can host for:

3 days

About me

My name is Pam, Im from Mexico City and live in San Diego CA, with my 5 yo son Tao I host airbnb in other place in San Diego and work as a petsitter from home, my passion is enjoying nature, art and discover places with my son. We love animals, go out or stay in home enjoying what he can do here, I paint and do electronic music too. If you come to San Diego I will love to share local things to do here so you can have a little taste of why I love to live here with Tao.

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Yarrow

San Diego

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello! I am a mother of 2 teenage girls. I am a photographer and modern dancer and I love to travel, read, sew, and crochet.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to San Diego

Connect with upcoming visitors to San Diego who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.

Maria

About Me

I'm Maria, an avid traveler and food enthusiast. I have a deep passion for exploring new places and immersing myself in different cultures. I’m always on the lookout for unique culinary experiences and love cooking up a storm in my own kitchen. This September, I’m embarking on an exciting journey through California. Join me on my adventures for a taste of travel and cuisine!

Speaking

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Dineke

About Me

Hi! I am Dineke and I loveee to travel and meet new people. In 2017 I quit my then job to travel the world and take a sabbatical. This took around 4 years (even during covid when I stayed in Portugal as this was the first country to go green in Europe back then). I have been to the south of Europe, starting in Paris, then off to Spain, Portugal and Italy before heading to Colombia. Here I did voluntary work at hostels to provide for room and board. After I went to the US and New Zealand, then Israel and finally 1 year in Portugal. Truly an adventure of a lifetime. However I also longed for some more solid ground under my feet and because of this I returned to my home country and got a steady position as a psychology teacher at university while also being the CEO of my own business Happiness First.