San Diego, California | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

San Diego is a laid-back coastal city known for sunshine, ocean breezes, and distinct neighborhoods that each offer a different pace of life. For travel healthcare professionals, it’s a popular assignment destination thanks to major hospital systems, outdoor-friendly downtime, and the ability to balance demanding shifts with beach walks, good food, and quick weekend escapes.

🍊 Cost of Living in and near San Diego

• San Diego’s cost of living is well above the U.S. average, with housing being the biggest expense for travelers.

• Furnished one-bedroom apartments typically range from $2,300–$3,200 per month depending on neighborhood and season.

• Coastal and central areas are significantly more expensive than inland neighborhoods like La Mesa or Clairemont.

• Groceries, gas, and parking costs are higher than average, so budgeting ahead is essential for shorter assignments.

Summary: San Diego is a premium destination that often requires higher stipends or careful housing planning to make the assignment financially comfortable.

🌤️ Weather by Month

San Diego has mild, consistent weather year-round with minimal seasonal extremes.

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Description
January	66°F	50°F	Cool mornings, mild afternoons 🌤️
February	66°F	51°F	Occasional rain, coastal breezes 🌦️
March	67°F	54°F	Gradual warm-up, spring feel 🌤️
April	69°F	56°F	Comfortable days, cool nights 🌤️
May	70°F	60°F	“May Gray” marine layer ☁️
June	72°F	63°F	“June Gloom” mornings, sunny afternoons ☀️
July	76°F	67°F	Warm and dry, beach weather 🏖️
August	78°F	68°F	Warmest month, inland heat ☀️
September	77°F	66°F	Ideal weather, fewer crowds 🌞
October	74°F	61°F	Sunny, mild, and dry 🌤️
November	70°F	55°F	Cooler evenings, pleasant days 🍂
December	65°F	49°F	Mild winter, festive coastal vibe 🎄

🏡 Furnished Housing Options

1. Blueground San Diego – Fully furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments with utilities, Wi-Fi, and flexible lease terms in multiple neighborhoods. https://www.theblueground.com/furnished-apartments-san-diego-ca

2. Landing San Diego – Move-in-ready furnished apartments with parking and in-unit laundry, ideal for 13-week assignments. https://www.hellolanding.com/san-diego

3. Kasa San Diego Downtown – Modern furnished apartments with full kitchens, Wi-Fi, and easy access to hospitals and transit. https://kasa.com/properties/san-diego-downtown

Tip: Start housing searches early and consider neighborhoods slightly outside downtown for better availability and pricing.

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

1. Residence Inn San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter – All-suite hotel with full kitchens, breakfast included, and walkable dining options. https://www.marriott.com

2. Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside – Spacious suites with kitchens, waterfront location, and long-stay amenities. https://www.hilton.com

3. Staybridge Suites San Diego Downtown – Designed for extended stays with kitchens, laundry access, and weekly social events. https://www.ihg.com

Tip: Ask directly about travel healthcare or corporate rates, especially for stays over 30 days.

🚐 RV Parks & Campgrounds

1. Campland on the Bay – Full-hookup RV sites on Mission Bay with long-term options and on-site amenities. https://campland.com

2. Mission Bay RV Resort – Waterfront RV resort with full hookups, laundry, and easy city access. https://missionbayrvresort.com

3. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve – Quieter inland RV park with full hookups and monthly stay availability. https://www.santeelakes.com

Tip: Confirm monthly availability early and ask about Wi-Fi strength and electric hookups for extended stays.

🎉 Things to Do

• Walk or bike along Mission Bay or Coronado Beach after shifts

• Explore Balboa Park’s museums and gardens

• Visit local food spots in North Park, Little Italy, or Ocean Beach

• Watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

• Take a harbor cruise or casual whale-watching tour

🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips

• Joshua Tree National Park – about 3 hours

• Temecula Wine Country – about 1 hour

• Palm Springs – about 2.5 hours

• Julian, CA – about 1 hour

• Big Bear Lake – about 3 hours

⏳ Summary

San Diego is a highly desirable assignment location that blends career opportunity with an unbeatable outdoor lifestyle, especially for travelers who plan ahead.

• ✔ Year-round mild weather and outdoor recreation

• ✔ Large healthcare market with diverse hospital systems

• ✔ Endless dining, beach, and neighborhood options

• ✔ Housing costs require early planning and budget awareness

Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.