San Diego is a vibrant coastal city in Southern California, known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and diverse culture. It offers a unique blend of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Must-See Sights and Travel Essentials
San Diego is a fun and friendly city, perfect for learning English while enjoying everything it offers. You can relax on beautiful beaches, visit popular attractions and explore its lively neighbourhoods. Known for its warm weather, laid-back vibe and cultural diversity, San Diego consistently ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. This unique mix makes the city especially welcoming to international students.
Climate
San Diego has a temperate which is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Average temperatures range from 14°C in Winter to 25°C in Summer. The city enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year. Rainfall is minimal, primarily occurring between November and March.
Money
The currency used in San Diego is the U.S. Dollar (USD).
Closest ATM machines to the school:
Prospect Market (convenience store to the left of the school)
Union Bank (2 blocks from the school by the #30 bus stop)
Chase Bank (2 blocks from the school by the #30 bus stop)
Telephone Country Code
The country code for the United States, including San Diego, is +1.
Electricity
110 V; 60Hz – 2 flat-pin plugs or third round pin are used.
Tap water
Tap water is safe to drink unless there is a sign to the contrary.
Transport
San Diego offers a variety of transportation options for getting around the city. If you are staying near downtown or major attractions, walking and biking are great options, as San Diego is very pedestrian-friendly.
You can buy an online bus pass by downloading the app prior to your arrival online using this link. PRONTO – Reloadable Fare Card | San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (www.sdmts.com) or at a local transit centre. You can keep this pass for the remainder of the day, or you can pay $2.50 one-way fare. Please note that you must have the exact fare; the driver cannot give you change. Bus maps are available on-line.
Rent-a-Car
Southern California is a car-oriented and car-dependent society. Therefore, you may want to consider renting a car during your visit. You can rent a car for a day, a weekend, a week or a month. There are several requirements if you wish to rent a car. You must have a valid driver’s license (from your home country; you do not have to have an international one) and you must have a major credit card or leave a cash deposit.
Taxis
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. You can download their apps on your phone.
Public Transport Info
San Diego’s public transportation system includes buses, trolleys, and trains operated by the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). The trolley is a quick way to get around downtown.
Public holidays falling on a weekday
2025: 1 Jan, 20 Jan, 17 Feb, 31 Mar, 26 May, 19 Jun, 04 Jul, 01 Sept, 13 Oct, 11 Nov, 27 Nov, 28 Nov, 25 Dec.
A visa may be required depending on your nationality and length of stay. For Visa information, please visit our Visa Requirements page
If you are not at school and are in an emergency you can call 911 for an ambulance, fire department or police department from any telephone or call the school’s emergency number 1-858-449-3758.
Call the doctor to make an appointment. It is rare, in the United States, to be able to see a doctor without an appointment. If you feel that you must see a doctor immediately, you can go to an emergency room. However, depending on the seriousness of the illness or injury, you may have to wait in line for many hours at the emergency room.
If you want to consult a doctor when you are in the U.S., first of all please call the toll-free phone number on your insurance card in order to obtain a recommendation for a doctor nearby. Please show the doctor your insurance confirmation card.
If the doctor has any questions about your insurance protection, ask them to call the insurance company directly. Some doctors and hospitals insist on the patient paying the invoice at the time of service. If this is the case for you, please send the original invoice together with the completed claim form to the addresses on the claim form.
If you need immediate emergency services, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency facility.
Legal Driving Age
The minimum driving age is 16 years, but most rental companies require that you be at least 25 years old, have an international driving license, a second form of identity and a major credit card.
Alcohol Age
The legal drinking age in San Diego is 21. You may need to provide a valid ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to purchase alcohol or enter bars.
Smoking Laws
In San Diego, smoking is prohibited in most public places, including restaurants, bars, public parks, and beaches. It is illegal to smoke within 20 feet of doorways or windows of government buildings. It is even illegal to smoke on certain beaches and parks in Southern California – so watch out for signs.
Insurance
All EC students must be covered by health insurance for the entire length of their stay in the U.S.
Cost of Living
Bottle of water / soda (0.33 litre)
$1.50-$3.00
Coffee/Cappuccino (Starbucks)
$4.00-$6.00
Fast-Food combo meal
$8.00-$11.00
Meal, inexpensive restaurant
$18.00-$25.00
Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult)
$30.00-$100.00
Public transport (local transport)
$2.25-$3.00
Public transport (monthly pass)
$70.00-$80.00
Balboa Park is not just home to the the famous San Diego zoo – this sprawling urban park also features gardens, museums, and cultural attractions. You can visit the San Diego Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, or simply enjoy a relaxing day strolling through its beautifully manicured gardens. Balboa Park also hosts various outdoor performances and events
La Jolla Cove is famous for its picturesque coastline and vibrant marine life. You can enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, or relaxing on the beach while watching sea lions bask in the sun or diving into the clear waters.
This historic area is packed with museums, quaint shops, and restaurants, all showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage. Wander through adobe buildings, watch live performances, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the early days of the American West. Old Town is also a great spot for picking up unique souvenirs.
The USS Midway Museum offers a unique glimpse into naval history aboard an aircraft carrier. You can explore restored aircraft, interactive exhibits, and hear stories from veterans, providing a fascinating insight into life at sea.
These boat tours take you past landmarks such as the USS Midway Museum, Coronado Bridge, and Point Loma. Along the way, you might spot sea lions, dolphins, and even whales during migration season.
This coastal park offers miles of trails that wind through rare Torrey pine trees, sandstone cliffs, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Torrey Pines provides a beautiful escape from the city and a chance to connect with nature.
Find out how our international students turned their first steps in language learning into important achievements that changed their lives.
In addition to our General English programme, EC San Diego offers a wide variety of special courses to help you improve your English to succeed at school and in the global workplace. These include English for Work, an intensive English course that helps you develop the skills you need to advance in your career; EC x FutureLearn, which combines immersive English language lessons from EC with specialised online courses from leading universities worldwide. You can also take courses to prepare for the Cambridge Exams.
At EC San Diego, we offer host family or student shared apartment accommodations. If you choose a homestay option, you will live with a family in San Diego. This is a great option if you want to practice your English with a local family over home-cooked meals. If you’re looking for more independence, consider our shared apartments.
With its amazing weather, San Diego is home to incredible outdoor activities. Surf the beaches (you can even take a course that blends English and surfing!). Visit the famous San Diego Zoo. Go sea kayaking. Check out the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Or visit Balboa Park. EC San Diego has a dedicated activities programme to immerse you in all the city has to offer.
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to study in San Diego. Contact us to learn more.
If you’re looking to learn English in a place with an active, outdoor lifestyle and perfect weather, San Diego is for you. Relaxed, easy-going and friendly, this coastal city is home to some of Southern California’s best beaches and fantastic nightlife. Surf the waves by day between English classes and chill out with friends by night. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice your English outside class, while exploring everything this cool city has to offer.
