San Diego is a laid-back coastal city of beaches, canyons, a major naval base and a strong craft-beer and Mexican food culture, just 15 miles from the Mexican border. It has a mild climate, miles of beaches, Balboa Park's museums and the zoo, and distinct neighborhoods from La Jolla to Coronado.

Come for the weather, the beaches and the food, and plan by neighborhood. It's less intense than Los Angeles and easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace.

Spring (March to May) is mild and sunny, though "May Gray" can mean cloudy mornings at the coast.

Summer (June to August) brings warm, dry days and the biggest crowds, with "June Gloom" marine layer early on. Comic-Con in July fills downtown.

Fall (September to November) has the warmest ocean and clearest skies. One of the best times to visit.

Winter (December to February) is mild, with occasional rain. Gray whales migrate past in winter, and prices are lower.

Check the events calendar. Comic-Con, holiday weekends, big sporting events and festivals raise hotel prices.

2 days covers Balboa Park, the beach and the Gaslamp Quarter.

3 days (recommended) adds La Jolla, Coronado and a harbor activity.

4 to 5 days adds the Safari Park, Legoland, Torrey Pines or a Tijuana day trip.

Day 1, Balboa Park and downtown: morning in Balboa Park (museums, gardens and the San Diego Zoo, which needs several hours). Afternoon at the USS Midway Museum and the Embarcadero. Evening dinner in Little Italy or the Gaslamp Quarter.

Day 2, La Jolla and the coast: morning at La Jolla Cove to see sea lions and seals (keep a respectful distance) and snorkel or kayak in the ecological reserve. Afternoon at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve or Windansea Beach. Evening in Pacific Beach or Ocean Beach.

Day 3, Coronado and Point Loma: morning ferry or drive to Coronado, with the Hotel del Coronado and the wide beach. Afternoon at Cabrillo National Monument for harbor views and tide pools. Sunset at Sunset Cliffs, then dinner in Point Loma or Liberty Station.

Downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter suit first-timers: walkable, close to the trolley and the harbor.

Little Italy and the Embarcadero suit restaurants and waterfront walks.

La Jolla suits upscale beach stays and coastal scenery.

Coronado suits a resort feel and the Hotel del Coronado.

Pacific Beach and Mission Beach suit a lively beach scene.

Old Town and Point Loma suit a quieter, more local feel.

Downtown and nearby areas connect by walking and the MTS Trolley (Blue, Orange and Green lines), which also reaches Old Town and the Mexican border. The Coaster commuter train and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner serve the coast north. Rideshare and scooters are common. Check current fares and use a PRONTO card or contactless payment.

For La Jolla, the Safari Park, Legoland and Torrey Pines, a car or rideshare is easiest. Parking near beaches can be limited on weekends.

From the airport, rideshare, taxis and a bus connect to downtown in minutes.

Beaches: swim near lifeguards, check for rip-current warnings and respect posted advisories. Don't stand near sea cliff edges, which can collapse.

Wildlife: stay well away from sea lions and seals, and don't touch them.

Border: a trip to Tijuana requires a passport, and wait times to return to the U.S. can be long. Check current requirements.

Food: fish tacos, California burritos, craft beer (the city is known for it), Mexican food, fresh seafood and Mexican-Asian fusion.

Last call is 2 a.m. Tipping 18 to 20% is standard.

San Diego is a generally safe, relaxed city. Car break-ins are common, especially near beaches and trailheads: never leave valuables visible. Downtown and the Gaslamp can get rowdy at night; stay aware and use rideshare late.

Ocean hazards are the biggest risk: rip currents, large waves and cold water. Sunburn is easy to get on cloudy days. Wildfire smoke and Santa Ana winds can affect fall and winter days.

Emergencies: dial 911. San Diego has major hospitals and many urgent-care clinics and pharmacies. If you take prescription medications, bring a buffer supply.

Layers (mornings and evenings are cool), sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket and a hat.