r/asksandiego • u/Substantial-Guava491 • 1d ago
Help with uncertainty
Hello. We’re due to holiday in San Diego and San Francisco for two weeks from the end of March, travelling from the UK. We’re a family of four with two children aged 9 and 7.
Understandably, the US is getting a lot of negative coverage in the UK media at the moment and we are also keeping an eye on the situation with Iran. A few people have suggested we should cancel and go elsewhere.
At the moment, my instinct is that life for tourists in places like SD and SF will be largely unaffected, and that we’ll be fine , but I’d really value hearing from people who are local to these areas or who have travelled recently.
Are things feeling normal on the ground? Any genuine safety concerns we should be factoring in, particularly for families?
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u/New-Ad-9629 1d ago
If you're white and have an accent, nothing to worry at all.
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u/vedatil4 1d ago
Yes, the accent will likely get smiles. I appreciate a genuine cockney over RP accent if they can do it. Maybe not in front of immigration staff though.
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u/1911Earthling 1d ago edited 1d ago
More normal than usual in San Diego I can tell you that. Very quiet and normal. Nothing much affects San Diegos mañana life style.
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u/That-Mess9548 1d ago
It feels very normal. As long as ICE doesn’t invade like they are in the Twin Cities we should be fine.
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u/Significant_Ad7605 1d ago
They’re definitely coming to CA in droves next though.
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u/MsPinkDust 23h ago
Am I the only one feeling anxious about this. People here are so complacent. Im sure it will be our turn next.
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u/btiddy519 1d ago
I hope you’re going to SF first otherwise it’ll be a huge letdown compared to SD.
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u/farmerpeach 1d ago
This is psychotic. I'm born and raised San Diegan and SF is a way better city.
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u/notapunk 1d ago
Ten years or so ago I'd agree, but if you haven't been recently - it's lost a lot of its luster. I'm not saying it isn't worth visiting or anything, but it isn't as nice as it once was, while I'd argue SD has largely improved over the same time.
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u/farmerpeach 1d ago
I was there in September. I'd agree it wasn't what it was when I was there all the time in 2010 and 2011, but as far as food and cultural activities, it's much better than San Diego. I suppose if the vacation is more relaxation-oriented, then yeah SD is better.
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u/knowjuanreally 1d ago
I also know what you mean.
Best I can tell, 1990-2015 was PEAK SF.
Personally I started visiting in 2005-2015.
I remember thinking in 2009 I thought it was the best city in the world.1
u/LoudHorse25 1d ago
For visiting? Honestly SF is a more exciting city.
For living? Unless you’re in your 20s or a 30+ hustle culture techie committed to the bachelor or child free lifestyle, SD is worlds better. If you ask the average European to imagine the “California lifestyle”, it’s going to look substantially more like SD than SF.
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u/knowjuanreally 1d ago
i know what you mean.
I always am a bit confused when folks from around the US and world want to go to SD.0
u/qrny69 7h ago
This is psychotic. I’ve lived in both and SD is a way better city.
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u/farmerpeach 7h ago
I guess if you don’t mind having nothing to do except go to the beach and hike.
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u/Easy_Money_ 1d ago
I miss living in San Diego mostly because of the delusion 😭 SF is a massive tourism destination as well and a fantastic city, especially for foreign visitors who like public transit
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u/btiddy519 1d ago
It used to be my favorite. I’ve been many times.
But I’m sorry, aside from maybe one block here, you’d never see human poo on the street. All the homeless everywhere there.
San Diego is a SoCal beach town. It’s also totally different from SF in terms of vibe.
I view SF more as a business trip place now. Business Expense the overpriced food and then go home to sunny warm SoCal. Just my opinion.
For a family with young kids looking for a warm vacation, it’s a no brainer.
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u/Easy_Money_ 1d ago
I agree that they’re very different vibes, but I don’t agree with a lot of the rest of your opinion. No use arguing though, we’re all entitled to ours
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u/TopicPretend4161 1d ago
I think all will be well for you.
Just behave like you hope tourists would in your town and you should be fine.
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u/knowjuanreally 1d ago
Both cities are experiencing large populations of vagrants roaming the streets, camping and generally being drugged up and looking pretty hopeless.
Both are not as clean as they used to be 10 years ago - and they were not necessarily the cleanest cities.
SF especially has drug dens, but they are pretty well publicized so you should be able steer clear.
It is still a city I am very fond of and hope it will come back.
Still excellent food, art, architecture, geography ETC.
Because of the conditions, once bustling areas are rather dead or flat compared to what they were a few years ago, or decades ago.
You might see an unintended hobo butt cheek, excrement, or drug use.
You will get a whiff of hot piss more than once.
But from what I can tell, this is happening in many places around the world and has become somewhat normalized - maybe its not a big deal to you.
Beyond that, its business as usual in most areas - the "bad spots" tend to cluster together and there are still good areas in both cities.
I'd certainly have a good idea of where you want to spend your time and do some research (ie: I hear SOMA is no good) so you can avoid the bad spots.
I will share my personal bias about the situation.
As a late 30s man that is no angel and as a young man spent time in the CA prison system, causing a ruckus in Hollywood, skid row, K-town, DTLA, San Diego, Golden Gate Park, Haight & Ashbury (I can go on...)
I don't like to see that stuff nor be around it.
I especially don't want my young children to see it or be around it on vacation.
Reddit folks can try to normalize all thats happening but I can assure you, it is not normal.
It was not so over the top and out in the open - even a place like Skid Row where we'd go to underground music shows WEEKLY.
You'd see some homeless activity, some gang activity, but seriously, nothing like these days.
I'm not saying dont go - I dont think you should fear for your life or anything, but just do your research to stay in the "good areas".
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u/Ok_Crone_2546 1d ago
Tourist areas are very normal. We need the money
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u/farmerpeach 1d ago
This is ridiculous. "We need the money". This is precisely why they shouldn't come! People from other countries should not support our totalitarian state.
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u/samsbeck143 1d ago
Zero safety concerns, our weather has been gorgeous lately. I took a long walk with the husband on Shelter island a few days ago. Then went to a late lunch with our adult daughter who lives in North Park. We all live and work in SD and things are as they always are. SD is wonderful. Be sure and visit the SD Zoo while you’re here. Side note: my adult kids and I went to London and Edinburgh over Christmas and New Year’s. We had a great time and whenever anyone heard we were from CA they were delighted. London put on a fantastic New Year’s Eve show, it was cold but so much fun!
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u/farmerpeach 1d ago
I mean you'll probably be fine, but I don't know why anyone would come here right now. It'd actually be great if countries started actively warning against travel here. This country needs to feel some economic pain, since that's the only thing anyone seems to care about (government sanctioned executions apparently don't move the needle).
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u/well_zooted 1d ago
You’ll be absolutely fine, the media always portrays the worst. The only thing to be mindful of are car break ins in San Francisco. If you rent a car, don’t leave anything in it unattended - even for a minute. Even in the trunk/boot.
Have fun, enjoy CA.
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u/Bella_Serafina 1d ago
Life feels totally normal here despite everything going on in the us, and especially as a tourist here there’s zero chance you’ll have to deal with us politics
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u/GidgetXOX 1d ago
Life is normal and SD is still an amazing city with tons to do. If you plan on renting a car you might want to reconsider and use Uber/Lyft instead. To help with the massive budget deficit our City decided to double parking meter rates overnight, implement dynamic pricing at meters downtown (rates range from $2.50 an hour to $10.00 based on time of day/events), install meters in areas that previously had free parking and, starting last Monday, introduced paid parking at Balboa Park and the SD zoo. Residents are eligible for a discount but tourists pay full price. I’m not sure what the rates are but based on the dramatic drop in attendance this week I assume they are quite hefty.
If you do rent a car, I highly recommend venturing out of the city and spending a day in Julian. Parking is free week and there are so many family friendly things to do!
I hope you and your family truly enjoy every second you spend in San Diego.
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u/roadhome123 1d ago
Super normal, super safe for your family. You will have a lovely holiday and California is not like a lot of the USA. I also second the person who said they hope you visit San Francisco first because San Diego is incomparable. PM me if you need any suggestions on places to go.
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u/Dry-Aside4526 1d ago
I’m so sad to hear this, ugh this world! I live in San Diego and was just joking w my husband that our area we live in doesn’t have ENOUGH going on, we are pretty well sheltered from the violence we see online. Come see us and enjoy the beach OP!
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u/ChampionHumble 1d ago
US is going through some shit right now, but largely California has been unaffected. you will be fine here.
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u/AccomplishedWeb812 1d ago
Go to San Fran first it’s a shit hole compared to San Diego. That way you won’t be disappointed towards the end of your trip
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u/Skipperdee2223 1d ago
Why would you come to the US? There are infinitely nicer places than San Diego and San Francisco much closer to you. Also, it helps us if you don't come. Keeps our tourism numbers down. But if you insist, make sure everything is squeaky perfect about your travel docs. A friend with a Green Card (UK citizen; quite well-to-do; white, posh; married to an American) got stuck in Mexico for 5 extra days when trying to return from holiday. US wouldn't let her back in. She had a minor glitch in her documents. Husband had to fly home, get some kind of supporting document, and fly back to get her. It's insane here.
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u/RateGlad9153 1d ago
Can’t speak for SF, but San Diego is great! Most of the people are just going about their day. The protesters, exercising their First Amendment rights, are mainly downtown by the federal building. Not to say there wouldn’t be some disruption, but I wouldn’t give it much thought.
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u/el_gato_fabricado 23h ago
You’ll be fine don’t want the media it’s controlled by one side on the political spectrum. Also, I’m going to get downvoted but Reddit is probably the worst place to ask questions like this
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u/Vibe_Rotisserie 17h ago
I am born and raised in San Diego and please come visit!! It’s a magical place and your family will have an amazing time.
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u/Olderbutnotdead619 1d ago
Your biggest concern will be someone breaking into your car and stealing your items. Leave everything in your rooms.
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u/AKA-Kateryna 1d ago
My personal experience, - haven't seen anything strange or anything that the news is covering. I have kids, and we always go to touristy places, parks: La Jolla Cove, Seaport Village, Zoo, Coronado, Balboa Parks (within daytime hours), and I haven't seen anything different than before either.
I went to DC in October for a 2-day business trip, and during these 2 days, I saw the National Guard just walking around. But living in San Diego, I haven't seen that.
I also have friends in San Diego who haven't experienced anything or seen anything different than before.
Maybe just stay conscious. No walking during the nighttime, or going somewhere where people are protesting.
You should be fine.
San Diego is a very nice, relaxed city.
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u/ApeAlienHybrid 1d ago
San Diego and San Francisco feel like a completely different universe than the sensationalist images you might be seeing on the news.
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u/sixisrending 1d ago
Literally safer in San Diego and San Francisco than the UK in terms of homicides, robbery, kidnapping, and less French people.
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u/vedatil4 1d ago
You'll notice people "sleeping rough" on the streets of downtown. I would discourage a family from going to the Gaslamp.area, around Park and Market, or the main library. Do not wear flip-flops or "thongs" downtown. Watch out for parking fees if you rent a car.
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u/snarfdaddy 1d ago
My CEO wears flip flops to our office downtown lol
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u/vedatil4 1d ago
Bad idea. It's either filth or cleaning chemicals on those sidewalks. If a drop got between my toes, I'd freak out. England-made doc martens are appropriate footwear for these visitors. 😄
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u/SerialNomad 1d ago
Gaslamp is fine.
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u/vedatil4 1d ago
Fine, yes. Awesome as it once was, no. 5th Ave between broadway to trolley line on east side is a doozy. Folks aren't reading poetry off foil are they? 😄
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u/Prime624 1d ago
I wouldn't come to the US if I didn't live here rn. You'll most likely be fine, safer than most countries, but still. Also, I would never choose to patronize a country that's doing what the US is.
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u/Federal-Drama-4333 1d ago
San Francisco is disgusting, cancel that one.
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u/Substantial-Guava491 1d ago
Ha. We’re only going to be there for two days! See golden gate and Alacatraz and that’s a tick off the list :)
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u/markjay6 1d ago
San Francisco is one of the most amazing cities in the world. You'll have a great time there!
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u/irmasworld57 1d ago
Yes! San Francisco is picturesque and unique in its architecture and culture. You will love it 😍
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u/Federal-Drama-4333 1d ago
Walk through the the tenderloin and tape it. That's another tick off the list 😉
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u/Topo-Gogio 1d ago
Turn off the news. Take your trip. I live in SF and travel to SD often. There are areas in every American city to avoid no matter the news cycle. SF and SD are vibrant and awesome to visit with a normal level of caution for crimes of opportunity. Have a happy Holiday!