San Diego Interactive Map
Explore this detailed San Diego map showing beaches, canyons, neighborhoods, and transportation networks. San Diego offers beaches, canyons, military heritage, and a laid‑back coastal lifestyle in Southern California.
This interactive map of San Diego allows you to explore the city's geography, showing mesas and canyons dissecting neighborhoods, with coastal communities along the Pacific and the border crossing at San Ysidro. The trolley network connects Downtown to Mission Valley, South Bay, and La Jolla/UCSD.
About San Diego - America's Finest City
San Diego offers beaches, canyons, military heritage, and a laid‑back coastal lifestyle. Founded in 1769, the city covers 372.4 sq mi with a population of 1,386,932 and features an economy driven by defense, biotech, tourism, and international trade with proximity to the U.S.–Mexico border.
The city's map shows mesas and canyons dissecting neighborhoods, with coastal communities along the Pacific and the border crossing at San Ysidro. The trolley network connects Downtown to Mission Valley, South Bay, and La Jolla/UCSD.
San Diego Quick Facts
- Nickname: America's Finest City
- Population: 1,386,932
- Area: 372.4 sq mi
- Founded: 1769
- Region: West Coast
- Time Zone: Pacific Time (PT)
San Diego Neighborhoods and Districts
San Diego's map showcases diverse communities from coastal beach towns to inland urban villages, each shaped by the region's unique topography of mesas and canyons.
Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter
Urban core featuring historic Gaslamp Quarter, waterfront parks, convention center, and high-rise residential towers.
Balboa Park Area
Cultural heart surrounding the massive Balboa Park, featuring museums, the San Diego Zoo, and historic neighborhoods.
La Jolla
Upscale coastal community known for beaches, UC San Diego, research institutions, and stunning Pacific Ocean views.
Mission Valley
Central corridor featuring shopping centers, stadiums, transit connections, and the San Diego River valley.
San Diego Transportation Networks
MTS trolley & buses; NCTD Coaster/Sprinter commuter lines connect the metropolitan area and provide access to regional attractions and employment centers.
Major Transportation Hubs
- Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Highways: I-5, I-8, I-15, CA-163, CA-52
- Public Transit: MTS trolley system, bus rapid transit
- Regional Rail: Coaster and Sprinter commuter trains
San Diego Landmarks and Attractions
The San Diego map reveals numerous landmarks and attractions that showcase the region's natural beauty, military history, and cultural heritage.
Major Attractions
- Balboa Park - 1,200-acre cultural and recreational complex with museums and gardens
- San Diego Zoo - World-renowned zoo featuring rare and endangered species
- USS Midway Museum - Historic aircraft carrier museum on the downtown waterfront
- La Jolla Cove - Scenic coastal area perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing
- Old Town San Diego - Historic site marking the birthplace of California
San Diego Economy and Industries
Defense, biotech, tourism, and international trade with proximity to the U.S.–Mexico border drive San Diego's economy. The city benefits from strong military presence, world-class research institutions, and innovative biotech companies.
Key Economic Centers
- Downtown - Tourism, hospitality, and financial services
- Sorrento Valley/Torrey Pines - Biotechnology and pharmaceutical research
- Military Installations - Naval bases and defense contractors
- Border Region - International trade and manufacturing
San Diego Climate and Geography
Semi-arid Mediterranean with mild temperatures year-round; coastal marine layer common. The region's unique topography of mesas, canyons, and coastal plains creates diverse microclimates and stunning natural landscapes.
San Diego's geography is defined by its coastal location, with beaches stretching along the Pacific Ocean and inland areas featuring rolling hills, canyons, and desert transitions to the east.
How to Use This San Diego Map
This interactive San Diego map provides multiple ways to explore America's Finest City. Use the zoom controls to focus on specific areas like beach communities or inland neighborhoods, and click on landmarks to access information about attractions, transportation, and local areas.
Whether you're planning a visit to San Diego, studying coastal geography, or researching the city's layout, this map serves as your comprehensive guide. The map includes trolley lines, major highways, and highlights both natural attractions and urban landmarks that define San Diego's character.
For educational purposes, this San Diego map helps students understand coastal development and biodiversity, showing how the region's unique geography supports both urban growth and natural habitats.