Taking a trip to San Diego is never a bad idea. It’s one of those destinations that is always in style with something unique and special to offer anytime you visit. The weather is perfect, the experiences are amazing, and the food is always memorable. When planning your getaway to San Diego for a weekend or extended stay, the age-old question of what to pack always comes to mind. If you’re wondering what exactly to pack that will help you enjoy your visit to the fullest, then this is the blog for you. Consider this your travel checklist with everything you should pack for a San Diego getaway. We’ll cover clothing, personal items, helpful objects to pack along with how choosing accommodations from Vacation Rentals by Kimberly can help you pack smarter and lighter.
What Are Your Plans?
Naturally, when choosing a place to vacation, you do your research on must-see attractions, activities, and restaurants to try. So, ask yourself, what’s on my travel itinerary? What are you most excited to see and do in San Diego? Are you planning on taking surf lessons at Coronado Beach? Is a San Diego food and brewery tour on the agenda? Will you be spending time exploring on foot, hiking, or maybe even visiting Balboa Park? Once you narrow down what you’ll be doing and when, it will get easier to pack clothing and additional items.
Clothing Essentials
Even during the cooler months, the weather in San Diego is ideal. You can bring a selection of light layers to add on or take off depending on the temperature. If beach or pool days are in your future, be sure to pack a couple of swimsuits, and light clothing that will keep you from overheating when the sun is at its highest.
Maybe you’re wanting to stay active and enjoy some seaside hikes or walks around town. Active wear that’s functional and can be dressed up for spontaneous plans will be helpful. A few pairs of shorts, dresses, or lightweight pants make perfect ensembles for daytime adventures. A light sweater or jean jacket will keep you comfortable at night.
Essential footwear that should be packed are sandals for the beach, casual tennis shoes for exploring around town, and maybe a nice pair of easy shoes that can accentuate your outfit for a special occasion or date night. Comfy walking shoes are a must if you plan on exploring attractions like the San Diego Zoo or Balboa Park.
Everyday Essentials
Next up are your everyday essentials. Don’t forget your travel sized skincare to keep you looking and feeling fresh as you explore San Diego. We don’t want any sunburn or dry skin to ruin our plans (or pictures!) Pack a good sunscreen along with adequate sun protection like shades and a hat. If your moisturizer already has SPF in it, that’s even better! Things like contact solution, your toothbrush and paste, shampoo, conditioner, and hair products should be gathered first and placed in your suitcase to avoid making runs to Target.
Consider bringing a crossbody bag or daypack to hold things like a reusable water bottle, phone charger, wallet, phone and other essentials you might need when you’re out and about.
Outdoor Gear
Are you planning to get some golf in at Torrey Pines? Lounge by the beach? You’ll need the proper outdoor gear. For golfing, bring the appropriate golf apparel along with your clubs and cleats. You also have the option to rent gear.
Beach days call for flip flops, beach towels, a collapsible cooler for your snacks and drinks, and water shoes if you want to go kayaking. Don’t stress about hauling around bulky gear for your excursions.
Many San Diego rentals from Vacation Rentals by Kimberly include beach chairs, boogie boards, and other essentials right at your property. That means you can pack less and leave more room for all the goodies you can find during your visit.
Tips for Packing Efficiently
Roll your clothes instead of folding to save space. Using packing cubes can help keep your suitcase organized while utilizing the space efficiently. Create a vacation capsule wardrobe of sorts composed with versatile pieces you can mix and match.
Neutral sandals or sneakers go with almost everything, and lightweight/moisture-wicking fabrics will dry quickly if you get splashed at the beach. This might sound like a no-brainer, but make a list. As you think about what your plans are, you can focus on the items you’ll really need and use instead of haphazardly throwing pieces in your suitcase that will weigh you down (and might incur heavy suitcase fees at the airport.)
If you decide to stay in a rental from Vacation Rentals by Kimberly, you can choose a rental with in-unit laundry. Pack lighter and wash what you need during your trip. No need to live out of a suitcase when you stay in a space that features laundry, spacious closets and dressers.
Book a Stay with Vacation Rentals by Kimberly
Follow these tips and start packing those essentials for an unforgettable trip to San Diego. If you pack for comfort, ease, and a little room for spontaneity, then you’ll be ready for anything! Secure a reservation in a San Diego vacation rental from Vacation Rentals by Kimberly and you’ll have the perfect home base for all your San Diego adventures.
