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 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.9 /5

Based on 12 experiences from local women

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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.

Is San Diego worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.7 /5

based on 4 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

3.1/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5

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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Is San Diego safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 12 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 12 local experiences

Livia

I believe San Diego is relatively safe. there is very little crime for a big city, and most of the danger is closer to the US-Mex border. People who are visiting usually stick to the nicer areas anyway like La Jolla, Pacific Beach, etc. People visiting may be thrown off by the amount of homeless people but they are almost completely harmless and usually don’t want any issues.

Posted: February 27, 2025

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We go here on vacation about every other year. We usually bike or walk everywhere while we are there and I have felt safe biking around in my swimsuit. And going out alone all the time. I have had some guys flirt but nothing creepy or pushy. Beaches are especially safe in my experience. Have gone there alone all the time and never had an issue taking a nap or leaving my stuff unattended while I surf for hours. This isn't an invitation to leave your $500 camera in plain sight, but I've never had anyone touch my backpack. There is a bit of a homeless population but from what I've seen they are not on anything or aggressive like they are where I live. After dark, it can be a little less safe. On the weekends lots of people are bar hopping or clubbing which leaves a lot of drunk guys wandering the streets. But when I went with my cousin, the bars seemed pretty safe. It was more when we were walking back to the car in the dark streets that we had some uncomfortable exchanges. Overall, pretty safe and relaxing.

Posted: February 3, 2025

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Meet locals in San Diego

Shelly

About Me

Hi!! Well at any given time you will probably find me laughing at something! I'm an interior designer by trade, and I enjoy Southern California so very much. I originally came from Sacramento in Northern California and it took me 30 years to move here. I enjoy everything about being near the ocean and I really have no reason to leave, however I am obsessed with travel and would rather buy trips than things any day. I love architecture, art meeting people from around the world, and just immersing myself in the local scene. I have a son in his twenties and a little doggy named Sugar.

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About Me

Hiiiiiiii! Lifelong learner that has been working in schools for over 20 years. Love to travel and explore the best the world has to offer. Hopefully taking a Leave of Absence and moving to Mexico City this (2025) summer!!! Detailed plans still to come. Doing all the things with my remaining time here in SD. I've been here for 25 years, 14 of which were in North Park, so ask away!