San Diego is a beautiful city flooded with tourists and world-famous attractions for the whole family. The city is known for its incredible climates and white sandy beaches across the coast. From Balboa Park to Sea World, you’ll find yourself immersed in the entertaining culture found throughout the city. The San Diego Airport is right at the center of it all, located uniquely close to skyscrapers and offering an abundance of hotels near and around the hub. For a luxurious stay, book a night or two at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, located less than a mile away from the airport.
Know Before You Go: San Diego International Airport
- Do you need a little bit of stress relief? Be on the lookout for a friendly pup to pet. Ready, Pet, Go is a program that aims to enhance the passenger experience by looking for passengers who would like to interact with the dogs. Each dog interacts with nearly 200 passengers during their 2 hour shifts!
- Hungry? Try a made-to-order burger at The Counter: Custom Built Burgers. Hormone and antibiotic free beef, 100% natural turkey, and vegetarian burger options mean that there is something for everyone. Located in Terminal 1 East, Floor 2 near Gate 4.
- Shop without the tax! Stop by Duty Free Americas in Terminal 2 near Gate 21 for tax-free shopping for international passengers and duty-paid shopping for all other travelers.
- If you love BBQ, then you'll definitely love Phil's B.B.Q. located in Terminal 2 near Gate 46. Treat yourself to mesquite grilled baby back and beef ribs, chicken and delicious sandwiches. Yum!
- If you are headed to the beach, you'll want to make sure you have all the beach gear you need! Stop by The Beach House in Terminal 1 for beach clothes, sandals, sun hats, bags, sunglasses - you name it! All your beach needs!
- Several hotels are near the San Diego Airport, including a Sheraton and Hilton.
- If you are interested in seeing the inner-workings of the San Diego Airport, then take a tour! Free tours are available of the airport and airfield and are two hours long. They are offered on Thursdays at 1:00 PM and Fridays at 10:00 AM.
- Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the airport in 30 minute sessions.
- United States troops and their families can take a rest in the USO lounge located in Terminal 2 East. Open 6:00 AM- 11:59 PM daily.
- Don't go on your flight hungry. Stop by California Pizza Kitchen to have some delicious California-style pizzas. Fire-crusted bread and fresh toppings make for a delicious pre-flight meal. Try the original BBQ chicken pizza. Located in Terminal 2, Floor 2 near Gate 26.
- Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the airport by stopping by Airspace Lounge. An array of amenities includes a food and beverage service, a full bar, restrooms, shower, and a large seating area. Located in Terminal 2, near gate 23 & 33.
- Visit the official San Diego Airport page for more tips!
Whether you're visiting San Diego for business or leisure, you won't be at a lack of exciting things to do. Lazing on the beach is one of the main pastimes for locals, and many head to Mission Beach, a popular gathering spot that has a bustling boardwalk with the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster. Other top waterfronts include Imperial, Pacific and Coronado beaches. Water sports are also big here, and you'll find a thriving surf scene as well as plenty of people sailing, kite surfing and kayaking.
