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“Sunny San Diego,” as it is commonly known, is often considered one of the best beach vacations on the West Coast.
Most years it lives up to the hype, but in 2024 even locals (like yours truly) are confused with both old and new frustrations.
Those looking to head west for a beach trip may want to head an hour or so north America’s most beautiful city for a better holiday.
Here are 5 reasons why you should visit Orange County instead of San Diego this year:
Sewage
A lot can be said about California when it comes to the way they handle things.
Beach closures during the pandemic, gas prices the highest in the country, a ban on plastic bags when everything sold in stores is plastic… the list goes on.
One thing California has no control over is the constant sewage that ends up in San Diego’s oceans and seemingly creeps further north year after year.
To that extent, the Port of San Diego has a… local emergency. Normally the southernmost beach town of Imperial Beach is rarely swimmable as it borders ‘The Wall’.
What’s not normal is how far north the unsafe, bacteria-infested waters reach to the point of closing popular beaches, such as Coronadohome to the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
While California says its hands are tied pending funding from Congress, it wouldn’t be fair to throw Mexico’s lack of sufficient infrastructure under the bus since San Diego has had similar incidents that could even amount to a $4 fine .6 million.
At least twice in the past year, the city has sprayed contaminated raw sewage into its own waters, including the highly popular Pacific beach.
The whole situation just stinks.
Welcome to the apocalypse
Welcome to the Apocalypse, it’s all fun and games. Okay, those aren’t quite the lyrics and the truth is San Diego is fun and games…as you can ignore the eyesore.
The popular beach town passed a new law in June 2023, public camping was banned, which was supposed to clear the city’s streets.
The truth is, there was a noticeable difference in the ensuing weeks after the law passed, but it seems city officials and law enforcement have short memories.
Homeless encampments that resemble a zombie invasion still most commonly line the streets of Downtown, but are easily noticeable on beaches, in the suburbs, and during your journey to all of the above, as many overpasses are visible makeshift shelters.
Not so sunny
Ever been to a destination that doesn’t quite live up to its name?
This may be the case if you book a trip to Sunny San Diego this year.
Although it is common for May and June to be a bit moody and locals give these months the names ‘May Grey’ and June Gloom, the remaining ten months have no excuse.
With more and more rainy days resulting in severe flooding and even a tornado warning, vacationers are at risk of spending their days indoors.
The airport is a madhouse
Southern California is used to airport frustrations, as many of us make the dreadful trip to LAX for more and often cheaper flight options.
That said, since San Diego Airport (SAN) is being built for a brand new terminal, traffic can be an absolutely unpredictable nightmare.
The lanes have been narrowed and realigned, causing Harbor Drive to come to a standstill during peak hours.
The good news is that it was recently announced that the project is on time 60 percent completeso this won’t last long.
The OC is a better value and experience
It’s hard to beat San Diego, but travelers should definitely be aware of what they’re signing up for for their vacation here this year.
Just an hour’s drive away, Orange County has clean beaches and a smaller airport new, cheap flightsand let’s be honest: have you ever seen a homeless camp on Laguna Beach?
No. It just doesn’t happen. From San Clemente and Dana Point to the chic resorts of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, vacationing here is a safer bet without the worry of year-round beach closures.
Plus, San Diego sure tries with LEGOLAND, Belmont Park, and Sesame Place, but Disneyland will always trump them all.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
