Living Here
May Gray and June Gloom: San Diego's Marine Layer Explained
What causes May Gray and June Gloom in San Diego, when the marine layer burns off, why it can last into July, and how to plan beach days around it.
All articles
Every guide published on San Diego Informer, newest first.
Getting Around
SENTRI Explained: Crossing the San Diego Border Faster
How SENTRI works at San Ysidro and Otay Mesa: the $120 five-year fee, the online application, the interview, vehicle registration and lane rules.
Outdoors
Tide Pools in San Diego: Where, When and How to Visit
Where to find tide pools in San Diego, from Cabrillo National Monument to La Jolla, how to time a low tide, what the protected-area rules say and how to stay safe.
Neighborhoods
Pacific Beach: What It's Like to Visit and Live There
A practical guide to Pacific Beach in San Diego: the boardwalk, Crystal Pier, Garnet Avenue, the bay side, beach rules and what it is like to live in PB.
Things to Do
San Diego Farmers Markets: How to Shop Them Well
How to find and shop San Diego farmers markets: the County's official list, what certified means, using CalFresh and Market Match, and timing tips.
Living Here
Earthquakes in San Diego: Faults, Risk and How to Prepare
San Diego earthquake guide: the Rose Canyon fault and inland faults, early-warning apps, Drop, Cover and Hold On, and a practical home preparedness checklist.
Getting Around
COASTER Train: Riding the Coast from Oceanside to Downtown
How to ride the COASTER train: its eight stations from Oceanside to Santa Fe Depot, the flat fare since October 2026, tickets, Rail2Rail and weekend tips.
Outdoors
Whale Watching in San Diego: Seasons, Species and Spots
Whale watching in San Diego: gray whale season from December into spring, blue whales in summer, the best land spots and NOAA's 100-yard distance rule.
Neighborhoods
Chula Vista: A Guide to San Diego County's Second-Largest City
Chula Vista explained: its place in San Diego County, older west side vs. planned east side, the bayfront, Otay Lakes, trolley stations and getting around.
Living Here
Raising a Family in San Diego: The Real Budget Lines
What raising a child in San Diego costs: housing, child care, free transitional kindergarten, transit, tax credits and health coverage, with official sources.
Outdoors
Potato Chip Rock: The Mt. Woodson Hike Explained
How to hike to Potato Chip Rock on Mt. Woodson: Lake Poway vs. Highway 67 routes, parking, heat closures, water, and how the photo line works.
Getting Around
San Diego Airport Parking: Your Options Compared
Compare San Diego airport parking: the Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 plazas, the cell phone lot, off-airport lots, MTS Route 992 and the free San Diego Flyer.
Things to Do
Old Town San Diego: History, Sights and Practical Tips
Plan a visit to Old Town San Diego: the 1769 founding story, the state historic park's free museums, the Whaley House, transit options and timing tips.
Outdoors
Cowles Mountain: Trailheads, Parking and What to Expect
Hiking Cowles Mountain in Mission Trails: the Golfcrest, Barker Way and Santee trailheads compared, parking, dog rules, heat and the best time to go.
Living Here
Voting by Mail in San Diego County: How It Works
How voting by mail works in San Diego County: registering, signing and returning your ballot postage-free, drop boxes, deadlines and ballot tracking.
Neighborhoods
Ocean Beach, San Diego: A Local Guide
Ocean Beach, San Diego explained: Newport Avenue, Dog Beach, the closed pier, the Wednesday farmers market, beach rules and how to get there and park.
Living Here
Santa Ana Winds: What They Are and How to Prepare
What Santa Ana winds are, when they hit San Diego County, what Red Flag Warnings and power shutoffs mean, and a step-by-step way to prepare before the season.
Things to Do
USS Midway Museum: How to Plan Your Visit
Plan a USS Midway Museum visit: how long to allow, parking on Navy Pier, getting there by trolley, a route through the decks and accessibility tips.
Outdoors
Sunset Cliffs: Where to Go and How to Stay Safe on the Bluffs
Sunset Cliffs in San Diego: the park's two sections, where to watch the sunset, parking and closures, tides, and how to stay safe on unstable bluffs.
Living Here
Cost of Living in San Diego: Where the Money Goes
What living in San Diego costs, using BLS spending data and Census figures: housing, transportation, food, health care, utilities and how to plan around them.
Things to Do
Best Spots to Watch Ships on San Diego Bay
Where to watch ships on San Diego Bay from shore, how a short bay boat tour compares, and how to plan around a tall ship parade on the Embarcadero.
Outdoors
La Jolla Cove: Sea Lions, Snorkeling and Visiting Responsibly
Plan a La Jolla Cove visit: where the sea lions are, which areas are closed, how snorkeling works in the marine reserve and how far to stay from wildlife.
Neighborhoods
Little Italy, San Diego: What to Know Before You Go
A practical guide to Little Italy, San Diego: its tuna-fishing history, the Saturday Mercato, the trolley stop, parking tips and how to plan a relaxed visit.
Getting Around
San Diego Trolley: Lines, Fares and How to Ride
How the San Diego Trolley works: the Blue, Orange, Green, Copper and Silver lines, PRONTO fares and day caps, free youth rides, bikes and boarding tips.
Living Here
Formosan Termites in San Diego County: How to Spot Them and What to Do
How to recognize Formosan termites in San Diego County, when they swarm, how they differ from local species, and how to get a licensed inspection.
Outdoors
Torrey Pines Hike: Trails, Rules and Timing
Plan a Torrey Pines hike: trail lengths from the official map, reserve rules on food and dogs, the 2026-27 construction closure and the best times to go.
Things to Do
Balboa Park: How to Plan a Visit Without Missing the Best Parts
Plan a Balboa Park visit: how parking works since 2026, resident free Tuesdays, the free tram, the Sunday organ concert and how to split the park into zones.
Living Here
Water-Use Rules in San Diego County: What Applies and Where to Check
San Diego water restrictions explained: the permanent year-round rules, how shortage levels work, the new turf law and how to check your own water agency.
Neighborhoods
North Park, San Diego: A Neighborhood Guide
North Park, San Diego explained: where it sits, its Craftsman streets and historic district, the main corridors, bus lines and parking tips.
Outdoors
San Diego Beaches: How to Pick the Right One for Your Day
How to choose among San Diego beaches by what you want to do, with city beach rules, water-quality checks, lifeguard coverage and rip current basics.