15 MOST Common San Diego Tourist Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them!)

We'll share what not to do on your next trip to San Diego, 15 common tourist mistakes to avoid!
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San Diego Common Tourist Mistakes Chapter Guide:
0:00- Intro
0:26- 1) Not Leaving Downtown
1:11- 2) Not Renting a Car
2:07- 3) Assuming Downtown is NEAR the beach
3:03- 4) Not Crossing the Border to Mexico
4:07- 5) Not Visiting North County San Diego
4:48- 6) Visiting on a holiday weekend
5:34- 7) Not going east county
6:14- 8) Doing TOO MUCH in one day
7:00- 9) Not trying Mexican Food
7:54- 10) Not packing a light jacket or layers
8:54- 11) Not taking advantage of free things to do
9:48- 12) Not being prepared for the beach
10:44- 13) Bars & Clubs close at 2am
11:39- 14) Not taking advantage of Happy Hour Specials
12:36- 15) Eating Theme Park Food
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[@philjorgensen1950]

Respectfully Jay, I vacation in San Diego frequently (6x in the last 18 months) and I never rent a car. With the Coaster that serves North County so well, great vacations await in Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Solana Beach. Around the city too, the light rail helps for Old Town to Downtown, Mission Valley, UTC, etc. Cars are too expensive. Plant yourself in a hotel by the beach, the bus can help too.

[@sunnflowerr11]

I rented a car on my last trip to SD. Went to LaJolla beach & Cabrillo Monument. Good advice given Jay.

[@Jaycation]

La Jolla is definitely a MUST! Thanks for watching

[@TheGypsyGirl77]

Native San Diegan here…don’t forget Point Loma sunset cliffs and then have dinner at liberty station. That is a great place too! It is an old marine corp barracks. So much good food. They even have a mess hall to eat in with different booths of food options. The lighthouse at the end of Point Loma is beautiful place to stop and watch the boats go in and out.

[@Jaycation]

All great recommendations. Thanks Dana!

[@c.m.169]

Correction: Liberty Station was the Naval Training Center for the West Coast which was closed in the mid 90's to consolidate all Navy training into one base in Michigan for the whole country (dumb move - big mistake). The Marine Corp Recruit Depot - MCRD, is next door and is still the only Marine Corp boot camp training center on the West Coast for over 100 years now. The East Coast MCRD is still at Parris Island, SC.

[@wavesinthe5112]

Amen

[@WildEvents522]

GREAT Video!!! 🔥I love the way you put it together!! I think this is one of the best ones yet !! ❤ Looking forward to your next one! It's awesome!! Keep up the Good work!!!!!

[@HereBeBarr]

#1 is a big one, yep. Especially with no car.

[@Jaycation]

Yup! Downtown is just a small part of SD

[@marykeiber7161]

Such great tips, Jay! We have definitely made some of those mistakes! 😂 Thanks for the great content, as always! Have a wonderful weekend Jay Jay! 😎

[@Jaycation]

I appreciate you Mary! Yeah hopefully people watch this and dont make those mistakes again or ever! lol

[@monica-NJ-123]

Jaycation I finally made it to SD , will watch this later , so far all your SD videos are so helpful , Flower Fields was amazing ❤❤❤

[@Jaycation]

Hi Monica! Glad you enjoyed the flower fields. Enjoy SD!

[@momcation9786]

Very informative vlog Jaycation! Thank you for your awesome work! Here’s to 100k subscribers!❤️

[@Jaycation]

salamat po

[@HanaHana-sg2ng]

Thank you man. Great info.

[@thomaskindlund410]

Superbly, well done tour of SD,, couldn't be better. : )

[@heidi1897]

Brilliant video. Thank you 👍👍

[@Christian-fo7nf]

Great vid! Very helpful.

[@Jaycation]

Thanks man!

[@miarjay]

Great video thank you!!!

[@FirstLast-cb2jr]

Also, if you do rent a car, are staying at the Grand Hyatt or one of the other hotels near the convention center, freight trains at night aren’t your friend: they’re very long and travel slowly. If you’re driving from the north, make sure you find a spot to cross under the tracks before you get downtown. If you’re stuck waiting late at night (11 pm or later) expect a 20 to 40 minute wait for the train to pass!

[@belindabitzer6304]

Thanks for sharing. Alot of good tips 👌

[@Jaycation]

Thanks Belinda has a great week!

[@HanaHana-sg2ng]

I just subscribed. Love your info.

[@lysaallman-baldwin7171]

Great video! Thanks!

[@Jaycation]

thanks for watching!

[@CurtisSimpson]

Excellent video. I just returned from a 5 day trip there from Tucson where it is 110 deg. One additional tip I can give is: I stayed downtown near the Marina and I had access to an eBike every day. I rode it everywhere... to a dispensary, to Balboa Park, up and down the boardwalk and even took it on the ferry to Coronado Island where it was super helpful to ride to the beaches and not deal with cars and parking there. This allowed me to leave my car in the parking lot and not use it during my stay. That was actually super relaxing for me to not worry about driving around. The only think I'll say negative about biking around is that there seems to be not alot of bike paths around downtown SD. I rode alot on the roads in traffic and I'm not super keen on that. However, I was there on July 4 and since it's a holiday there were not many people driving around downtown so I was able to ride the streets all over and see alot in that area. It was great. And the 4th of July fireworks were the best I've ever seen!! Highly recommended.

[@SwirlKitty51015]

That is helpful! Although personally coming from AZ I want nothing to do with desert and mountains-I get plenty of that now 😂 love your videos! It’s helping plan my Wife’s upcoming birthday vacation !

[@Jaycation]

Glad these tips help. Have an amazing time here and Happy Birthday to your wife!

[@PhillipG34]

Gonna be there soon from Texas. I'll definitely keep these in mind

[@TRAVELLORABROAD]

Thanks for these tips on what not to do ! So looking forward to visiting in 2024

[@dannyparkman9583]

Your the man Jaycation!

[@Tommy1234ing]

This video was really helpful. I will be coming to SD in early January and was wondering if there are tips for travelling then?

[@NeilMacedo]

Thanks for the tips Jay, it’s good to know 😊

[@Jaycation]

i appreciate it Neil! take care man

[@NeilMacedo]

@@Jaycation you’re welcome bro, have a wonderful day

[@jaednamu8562]

Thank you!

[@vistaxp2600]

Saying that it’s better to rent a car than take public transportation puts into perspective how bad our public transportation is

[@Caesarlivenloud]

I'm going to make that mistake since I don't drive... :(

[@elcajondavid1]

Going East to West or West to East are great for public transportation, but North to South or South to North is a major problem with public transportation. You would have thought San Deigo would have fixed that problem long ago.

[@hudsonjamesc]

Its not safe

[@vistaxp2600]

@@hudsonjamesc imma disagree, i rode transit in san diego yesterday and it was completely fine. i rode it the whole afternoon and experienced nothing wrong. i think the problem is that transit is stigmatized here to be not safe

[@stevegiblin270]

Thanks for the tips when I go there I am going to try the happy hour! Plus I am going to take public transportation anyway’😊😅 wow’

[@TravelAdventureswithEricB]

Great info,hope to see San Diego again soon,haven't been since 09.

[@Jaycation]

Thanks! Yes its time for a return trip!

[@CindaMurphyRealEstate]

Love this! Wish you talked more about where to park. My GPS takes me to the point of interest or the location but doesn’t always tell you where the parking is and it can be stressful and hectic to try to find it.

[@manamedia]

Very good advice in this entire video. For someone who has been going to SD for 30 years from New Zealand, every point Jay makes definitely should be paid attention to.

[@TRAVELLORABROAD]

Any tips on best places to say that aren’t super expensive? Single traveller, so any tips greatly appreciated

[@manamedia]

@@TRAVELLORABROAD Depends on your Budget. There is Motel 6: 1546 2nd Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 with an average room rate of $130.00 USD per night, or ITH Adventure Hostel: 230 W Cedar St, San Diego, CA 92101 which have dorms from $110 USD per night; by world standards - these are expensive but they are at least close to Gas Lamp district (roughly a 15 to 20 minute walk) and easy access from the I5. I usually stay at Wyndham San Diego Bayside (Average RR $350 USD PN) or down at the Marriot Maquis (Average RR of $500 USD PN) both of which are expensive by world hotel standards considering what you get for that rate.

[@Jestice4all]

YOUR ARE THE BEST MAN!

[@goodcalivibes5972]

Whoo Hoo thanks for shouting out Julian ⛰ and Borrego Springs 🌵

[@Wilma.Flintstone]

I definitely did #8 (doing too much in one day)! I really thought San Diego didn't have much to do besides the beaches and, boy, was I wrong, LOL. I needed 1 day just for Balboa Park alone! I was there for about 3 days and didn't do nearly all that I wanted. But, I guess that just gives me a reason to come back 🥰

[@Nancy-dz9vy]

Can you please give me some recomendations? I will be there 4dayas an 3 nights Please and thanks

[@MikePhoTravelVlogs]

Food and weather is Amazing 🤩💯💯💯

[@derrickmiyao7014]

Thanks!

[@hydrationangel2851]

SD cruising San Diego looks nice ❤

[@bloom67]

This was so helpful😃thank you👍

[@billcoleman7316]

Hi Jaycation, do I really have to hit the like button? LOL Great video and very informative for those who have never been there.

[@Jaycation]

Yes, Please GOAT! It helps with the discoverability haha

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job jay keep it up my partner

[@Jaycation]

my dude!

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

My parter .

[@Jeff-S-Grimes]

I live here, this is SO spot on If you hike or bike Mt. Laguna is epic, the meadows for fun and Noble Canyon for time of your life

[@flynhawaiian3187]

🌺 Aloha, coming in the fall for a few days, including north SD county… thanks for the hints 🌺

[@chetarobuns]

Great video! I highly recommend the casinos. Barona, Viejas, Sycuan etc. I also recommend going to Kearny Mesa area by Convoy st and Balboa ave. I don't think the spot has an official name but there are a few huge Asian markets like Mitsuwa and 99 ranch, A bunch of restaurant's(Ramen, korean bbq etc) Book off, Daiso and Karaoke! My favorite spot is the Kura revolving sushi.

[@yzkid100]

I like you mention North County all the way out to Ocotillo, Julian, etc. People should know how diverse SoCal is from the forest to huge deserts to beaches

[@JoeRamirez]

Hi Jay!! Can you do tips for solo travelers?

[@Jaycation]

great idea! one of these days i will

[@xgallentius2622]

#1 Visiting during "May Gray" or "June Gloom" :D

[@alopezjr]

Nice video. I usually travel to pacific beach when I’m down there. I want to explore more of S.D. Btw, nice shades. What brand/style name are they?

[@Jaycation]

Nice! Check out Encinitas next time youre around. Thanks they're Quay Australia shades

[@wonderboyfromsss]

Can't wait to be back in SD

[@Jaycation]

Hope its an amazing time!

[@edskins420]

Jay #8 was for me! I always try to do too much! Going to Padres-Dbacks June 7th! Let’s meet up!!

[@PJWorthy]

Nice job. Thanks! Heading there in three weeks.

[@jennwilliams1885]

My husband and I will be there for our anniversary and my bday Sept 1. We already have our Airbnb booked on mission beach. The down side is I broke my ankle 4 weeks ago hiking and I’m in an boot cast. I’m hoping to be in an air cast by the time of our trip. We’re driving from AZ. Thanks for the tips

[@markinopea7548]

Didn't think I hear about Temecula in this video lol but he's right bout wine country!

[@Jaycation]

Great spot for weekend trips!

[@shygorilla8082]

Mom's in Julian for apple pie and coffee. YES!!!

[@chac65]

Going to San Diego expecting sunny weather in May, June, or July. There is a reason we call it May gray and June Gloom.

[@Jaycation]

yup so many are disappointed by the grayness

[@techzodia4117]

@@Jaycation so when is the best time to go?

[@newjerseyan]

but anyway thx for the video it was helpful!

[@karylyon1132]

Great video! Do you recommend whale watching excursions?

[@HereBeBarr]

#9 is a mortal sin!

[@pixychx2418]

after living there almost a decade, I can't eat Mexican food anywhere else and be happy.. Its like, why is my taco cruncy? Why is there cheese? 😅

[@Jaycation]

haha were definitely spoiled

[@Jaycation]

yessir!

[@BRATASAURUS]

2 in the car wash absolute classic !

[@Jaycation]

figured why not? lol

[@joanevanbergen1151]

go to La Jolla to see seals and hike beautiful Torrey Pines

[@WilsonMourino]

How about a video about where to go to volunteer? I just did a clean-up in rose Creek last week, for example.

[@91MIJA]

Going December 3-6 how is the weather there? I’m excited but want to dress for the weather.

[@rodytabagan142]

I know what else you missed? DEEZNUTS --I am just Joking--- i love how you point out places to go in san diego

[@RA-hx9uc]

I live in L.A. so only drive, but if you're flying to SD, consider flying into Tijuana instead. It is likely cheaper and you can exit the airport in SD, not in Mexico. You just walk through a covered bridge. It's called the CBX location and has a rental car location inside.

[@Jaycation]

Good call!

[@joelincolnlincoln6315]

You can not fly to Tijuana from usa or other countries. Only if flying from within mexixo already to Tijuana

[@stevegiblin270]

I don’t drive and can I still get around on public transportation sometimes and are the 😈 trolly tours ok?

[@shaag92]

I'm going to see USWNT on Sunday October 27, arriving on Friday night and leaving Monday night, I only want to eat walk and drink before the game daye, is downtown a good spot?

[@cleoarmijo9844]

Little Italy.go to Filippi Pizza Grotto. Old fashioned Italian restaurant in the back of a market

[@ericrypt]

As a San Diegan, I feel like you nailed it nice shout out to North Park :)

[@user-mt4wd6zx7w]

Don’t forget the Air & Space museum. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Xintheclouds]

10:42 alcohol is banned at the beaches, especially glass bottles!

[@GhostyMist]

I’m using Uber currently. Figured might as well since this ND boy isn’t used to the hectic traffic.

[@davidhoffmann6771]

Going to Tijuana take the train from Old Town (below Hillcrest) to border then easy short walk to downtown Tijuana

[@kari8187]

Mission Beach Ocean Beach Pacific Beach are all within distance of downtown

[@stephaniem8927]

In one video you suggested helpful apps to use in San Diego. I can’t find it.

[@aimeeolivia2382]

I am no tourist lol I used to lived in San Diego. I stayed at Holiday Innacross from San Diego Union Tribune and BOA . I don’t want to pay parking lot when I use a rental car. I miss driving around SD during my teen years. I will be back soon and use a rental car little bit to driving around SD.♥️

[@Jaycation]

hope u get to visit soon!

[@breakrodo]

Hi! Been so close to Tijuana... Have you think in making a video from the best spots there? Not just the turist tramps please 🙏

[@Jaycation]

i do want to make a trip to TJ but with someone who knows the area. One of these days!

[@aquilifergroup]

In Tijuana it’s probably best to stick to the tourist areas, they are policed and there’s an unofficial mandate for cartels to not kill each other in those areas (scares away tourists). Also, if you’re coming back expect about a two hour wait (on foot) more if you’re silly enough to drive there. Oh yeah, bring your passport otherwise you’re going to be stuck for a few hours at the port of entry while US customs verifies your citizenship

[@RA-hx9uc]

Also, perhaps plan a day or activity around an already happening unique festival or live music. You can find live music 365 days a year and festivals or events every single weekend and many weekdays.

[@Jaycation]

The wonderfront festival is a fun one to check out!

[@jedli1400]

Watch out for the common scams in downtown. If someone hands you a CD, dont take it or give them your name.

[@Jaycation]

yup! talked about it in my scams video!

[@RA-hx9uc]

Who the hell buys a CD anymore? Those guys are disappearing fast. Although I will say, they are not slammer. They are legitimately selling a product. You don't have to buy it.

[@Skater21Loverboyz]

@@RA-hx9uc I buy CDs! Just not from strangers

[@brandcoachtoni]

Anything happening in December?

[@boombapdoom493]

Armando’s taco shop on palm near IB 🔥

[@lynneshapiro4179]

Also they shouldn't come in May or June when it is foggy a lot.

[@tlo867]

Take off your glasses or get a neck holder mabobber if you plan on playing in the ocean. Last trip there and my husband lost his glasses in the ocean. Had to cut our beach day short and look for an optical store that was open on the Sunday before Labor Day.

[@connormcnamara1727]

The main reason I am going out there in July is for San Diego Comic-Con

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Heh jay I found an awesome Airbnb is named aunt Chris if I m staying San Diego for work plus It be few months

[@Jaycation]

hope its an awesome stay in SD!

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Yeah man I hope to I will let know jay.

[@MouseRants]

Coming from NYC, we don't even have a license as everything here is accessible by public transpo (or rideshare). We've been hearing a lot of warnings about not having a car, but I've been mapping out places i we want to go on Google maps and it seems like the bus and trolleys are viable options for pretty much anything. am i wrong? should i choose a different destination since driving is not an option for us?

[@nelsonhill4625]

It's like he said: if you're fine with just sticking to downtown or visiting the string of towns the trolley stops at, you won't need a car. But if you want to see everything San Diego county has to offer, you'll need a car.

[@bebsilog]

Hi, what would be a doable must see/do there, on a cruise stop.

[@Dctosd]

Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum is docked just steps from the Cruise Ship Terminal.

[@TinyFlav]

Wear sunblock even when overcast. You can still get burnt.

[@Jaycation]

exactly! sunblock all day

[@vex6543]

*laughs in southern californian*

[@smashedbread]

Where is the basketball courts at 6:37 at?

[@Jaycation]

somewhere in coronado near silver strand

[@jp6378]

dont forget to visit Mission San Luis Rey...offer a candle or say a prayer in the old mission; freddy's smash burgers in san marcos; gaja korean bbq ayce with robots serving your food in carlsbad; ice skating rink in la jolla; historic whaley house in old town; julian for apple pies...

[@c.m.169]

Believe it or not, I moved to SD in '77 and have never been to Carlsbad, drove through, but not stopped. What in the world is there that you need to go to as I never hear anybody say - gotta go to Carlsbad for?

[@wildwildItaly]

I'm from San Diego ❤️💯👍

[@cmmolthr]

Nailed it on the MX food, we in San Diego havethe*****BEST carne asada ...BAR NONE

[@MZ-uv3sr]

Re #2 - Just how crazy is the parking situation? I'm from the MidWest, near a major but not huge city, and parking isn't too bad. Is the traffic nuts? How is lyft and uber?

[@Jaycation]

It really depends on the part of san diego you live in

[@KingofHappyHour]

Thanks for the shoutout! We need to connect!

[@Jaycation]

Yes! Do u live in SD?

[@KingofHappyHour]

@@Jaycation I sure do! My wife and I were watching and she said, he needs to know about our website, and then you mentioned it. We proceeded to jump around the living room.

[@kaylinde2321]

Common mistake: not planning your day around rush hour. Nothing can dull your vacation like our traffic 😞

[@Jaycation]

nice one!

[@Fredo702]

@@Jaycationwhat time is rush hour I am going for vacation in a couple of weeks

[@shaybapple]

What?!?! You don't like sitting on the 805 south at 4 pm?

[@MikePhoTravelVlogs]

lol #Facts

[@patrickdietze70]

I have one day in SD and I'm NOT spending it on the tourist traps: if you have limited time in town and limited money, I think it's smarter to stay NEAR town. I have USS Midway, The Maritime Museum, and Old Town on my agenda-all hidden gems! Dinner is going to be at the Famous Old Town Mexican Cafe followed by an evening tour of the Whaley House (another hidden gem). Does anyone have a recommendation though for some good fish and chips near the Midway and Maritime Museum?

[@yuseftarzi9084]

Go to Blue Water on India St.

[@johndavis6535]

Not sure crossing over to Tijuana is the best advice for most tourists to the USA.

[@adamsabidemi959]

Where is the best area to get an hotel to help move around everywhere

[@user-sg1mm3gl4f]

mission bay area resorts.

[@jasondunn49]

@Jaycation Any chance you can get me a discount I’m going to Sea World in June? Thanks!

[@ThinkerWen]

Our mistake was that we parked our car in a parking lot, we didn't pay attention to the streets. That day a Padres game gas going on so many streets were closed and we were looking for our car for a while😅 It was a dumb mistake, but hope doesn't happen to any of you

[@MALICKLIFESTYLE]

Bro what’s the name of the company again

[@jeffcleavinger3651]

Jaycation. Bernardo Winery is a must visit in Rancho Bernardo. It’s the oldest winery in Southern California

[@Jaycation]

thats a great winery not too far out! Ramona has a few as well

[@jeffcleavinger3651]

@@Jaycation what’s up my brother!

[@davidwright873]

With Internet access, there is no reason to be bored in ANY city in any country....It's a total life saver...

[@tawnie619]

Not once have I ever, or anyone ive ever known, needed a passport to go to TJ. I don’t think they care.