What to Wear in San Diego: The Ultimate Packing Guide from a Local

Are you heading to San Diego soon and wondering what to wear? Well, you’re in luck because your girl has lived in San Diego for 14+ years, and am ready to share all the best San Diego packing advice. Whether you plan on visiting the world-famous San Diego Zoo, one of the 30 miles of beaches, visiting the famous Balboa Park, or just relaxing and hanging by the pool, I’m here to curate your San Diego vacation wardrobe.

When visiting San Diego, you want to emulate the San Diego style which is effortlessly cool. San Diego is the ultimate beach town so most everything is casual. However, San Diego has some of the most expensive zip codes in the country so certain parts of town can be more elevated in fashion (La Jolla mainly). The perfect southern California uniform is denim shorts, sandals, a white button-down, and a fedora. For a night out, a nice dress, neutral heels, and

San Diego Weather

Since San Diego is a coastal city you want to remember to always pack a light jacket year-round. The temperature always drops at night and a jacket always comes in handy. Along with that, you don’t have to worry about humid temperates in the summer (aside from 1-2 weeks in August). However, in San Diego, we do have something the locals call “May Gray” and “June Gloom”. Many tourists believe that those are great months to visit and while they can be, both of those months are very overcast. Keep that in mind when planning your trip.

For the best times to visit, I would choose September/October or April/November. Finally, if you want to experience a quiet and empty San Diego visit in January-February. It’s a bit cold but never really drops below 50.

San Diego Packing List

One of my organization tips when it comes to packing is to categorize your clothes beforehand. For example, put all your shorts in one pile, all your dresses in one pile, etc. This makes it easy to eliminate and add to your packing list. Along with that, packing cubes are a lifesaver! This helps to keep your items together and you can easily pop them into the hotel dresser drawer when you arrive. Unpacking has never been easier!

Clothing to Pack

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I’ve curated this packing list for a 3/4 day trip. If you plan on staying longer, increase the quantity of clothing.

• 2 pairs of shorts
  • these levis are my go-to and are so classic
  • I also love these curve love shorts because they fit so many body types well
• 1 mini or maxi skirt
• 1 maxi dress
• 2-3 casual day dresses
• 2 bathing suits
  • I always find the best bathing suits from Revolve and Summersalt
  • This Hunza G one-piece has an incredible fit
• 1-2 bathing suit cover ups
• 1-2 nice dresses for dinner downtown
• 1 pair of wide-legged beige pants
• 1 nice blouse
• 1 white button-down shirt
• 2-3 basic tees/tanks
• 1 light jacket
• 1 chic blazer
• 1 pair of jeans for the evenings
• 2 workout outfits for hikes (Torrey Pines State Park is a must when visiting).
  • my go-to for activewear is lululemon because they last me YEARS. If you’re on a budget consider the Amazon dupes.
• don’t forget your underwear, bras, and socks!

San Diego Accessories to Pack

• a few pairs of sunglasses
  • these amazon sunnies are my go-to
  • if you’re looking for a more elevated pair consider these le specs that I own in 3 colors
• large beach tote
• belt crossbody bag
  • I have this in two colors and fit so many things in this small bag
• evening bag
• neutral slide sandals
• 1 pair of heels
• a pair of flip flops – those are the favorites that I always travel with and sometimes hike in them in the summer
• wide-brimmed sun hat
• baseball cap
• simple earrings and a necklace
• workout sneakers
• casual cool sneakers for sightseeing

Make sure to check out my Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide to help you with your trip itinerary

Miscellaneous Items Packing List Items

• sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! I can’t stress this enough
• a water bottle
• sun visor for outdoor activities
• power bank charger

I always find fashionable pieces without breaking the bank at Zara, H&M, and Abercrombie. Below are San Diego essentials that are available now!

I hope you enjoyed my “What to Wear in San Diego” packing guide and it gave you all the inspiration you need to be the most stylish one on your trip! Don’t forget to check out all of my San Diego guides and The Best Restaurants in San Diego.

Enjoy America’s Finest City!

XO,

Courtney