San Diego Packing List

The first time I visited San Diego was back in 2017, and I instantly fell in love with the charming coastal town. From the food to the weather to the incredible beaches, I can safely say that it’s one of my favorite cities in the U.S. and one of my favorite places to create a packing list for. 

Now that I live in Los Angeles, San Diego is only 2 hours away in light traffic. We have a couple of good friends who live in town, so there’s even more incentive for T and I to make the trip down often.

If you’re headed down to San Diego soon, here are a few clothing items I’d recommend packing.

San Diego Packing List: What You Need to Know

If you’re visiting pretty much anywhere in California, one thing is certain: you’re going to want to pack layers.

May and June are typically the coldest months of the year in San Diego — you can expect cloudy weather and high temperatures in the ’60s. Even when it does get into the 80s later on in the summer, at night, it cools down pretty quickly, so always make sure you’ve got an extra layer or two to bundle up!

San Diego is a super, super casual town. Even when I’ve gone to high-end restaurants in San Diego, I’ve seen folks wearing jeans and sandals. Heels and dresses aren’t necessary (I know, my cover photo is deceiving!), but honestly? Dress up if you want to. Be a unicorn in a sea of folks in casual attire if that suits you!

San Diego Packing List

 

Swimsuits

This one is a no-brainer: if you’re headed to a beach town, you’re going to want to pack a swimsuit or two! If you’ve never been in the Pacific Ocean before, the water is pretty cold. However, I love laying out on the beach and visiting a pool or two whenever I’m in town.

 

Shackets

One of my favorite layers to pack when I visit San Diego is the shacket (AKA a shirt jacket). I find that it’s a little warmer than your average jacket, and it’s super on-trend as well. It can get down in the 50s at night in San Diego, so it’s always good to pack a lightweight but warm layer.

 

Denim Jackets

Denim jackets are a savior in San Diego. If you like to wear dresses like me, they’re so easy to slip on and off throughout the day. Plus, they’re great to dress any look down!

 

Mom Jeans

Mom jeans and baggy jeans are all the rage in San Diego at the moment. Plus, they come in handy when it’s cool out. If you want to mimic the local’s style, packing a pair of mom jeans will do the trick.

 

Graphic Tees

I love how versatile a good graphic tee is. Pair it with jeans, a skirt, or layer it under a shacket; the possibilities here really are endless.

 

MISC Items

Some other items that I always pack with me to San Diego? A good sunscreen (this Supergoop one is my favorite), multiple pairs of sunglasses, flip flops for the beach, and a pair of white sneakers so I can explore the city in style and comfort.

Have you ever visited San Diego before? What would you put on your packing list? Let me know in the comments below!

Photos by Tom McGovern