The city spreads along beaches and mesas—traffic clusters on I-5 near downtown and on beach weekends. The trolley and Coaster help if you are staying north or near the border corridor.
Marine layer mornings often burn off by afternoon; pack a light jacket for evenings on the water. Mexican food and seafood are daily culture, not only tourist menus.
Balboa Park, the Zoo, and La Jolla coves anchor many itineraries; our lists also cover employers and neighborhoods if you are comparing a move. Pace yourself—sun and hills dehydrate faster than visitors expect.