San Diego- sunny and feels like seventy thousand degrees. Raise your hand if your residence does not have A/C. Yep, I literally feel that. It’s sweat.
BUT, it doesn’t have to be! As lifelong natives, we are here to share how do you stay cool in California heat.
Table of Contents
Have a Staycation
Hotels are not just for zonies! In our Best Hotels in San Diego, we feature some of our favorite hotels with spas like Pendry and Hotel Del Coronado. Both have phenomenal pools as well.
It’s called amenities. Beat the heat with a nice cooling massage and stay the rest of the day! Enjoy pool access and get an ice cold frozen margarita to top it off.
Hit the Beach for a Swim
You are cooler by the water, so pack the ice chest and hit the beach. While we list the best beaches in San Diego, at this time any beach but Coronado or Imperial Beach is our official rec. With locals at both beach towns fighting pollution, the only thing worse than dying of heat is, well, dying.
Check out Beach Advisories – San Diego Coastkeeper which reflects the current status of San Diego County beaches from Camp Pendleton to the US/Mexico border. San Diego Coastkeeper receives water quality information from the County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health, and uploads it into their Swim Guide.
Go Out for a Marg
Can you be too hot when you are drinking? Not in PB. Stay cool in San Diego by checking out the best bars in Pacific Beach. Located on the boardwalk, Waterbar offers ocean-front views, great seafood, and drinks. Our favorite is the margarita since Waterbar uses fresh ingredients without any of the ‘sour mixes’ you get in most bars. Oh, also you should be drinking water too. Stay hydrated, folks.
Get Naked
First, close your blinds to block out the sun and peeping Toms. Then rip off your shoes and unpeel your socks. Wiggle your toes. Ahhh, already better. Continue taking off your clothes layer by layer until you reach a point you feel most comfortable at. Do a jig and collapse on the couch with a comfort show until the sun goes down. If you want to do this in public, head to Blacks Beach in La Jolla.
Walk the Plaza Bonita Mall
As an indoor mall, Plaza Bonita is primed to beat the heat. From Hot Topic to Hollister, to Target and Nordstrom Rack, there’s something for everyone to do while hiding from the sun. Extend your mall rat stay with bottomless fries at Red Robin, YUM.
Or just spend literally all day there and play at Round 1 Bowling and Arcade, conveniently open from 10AM – 2AM. This is a way to stay cool in San Diego early into the morning.
Bonita Cove
With absolutely no relationship to Plaza Bonita mall is Bonita Cove, located near South Mission Beach at 1100 West Mission Bay Drive. Why is San Diego so cool in the summer?
Because of places like Bonita Cove. This site has a large playground with a tot lot and there is access to the water with a lifeguard on duty. Fire rings, picnic tables and barbecue grills are also located at this park. There is a comfort station with a beach rinse-off shower.
Go to the Movies
Hit the A/C HARD at the movies. Get your popcorn, toss in some m&ms and make it a group date or a party of one. It’s too dark to see anyone else so don’t be nervous to go by yourself. For book lovers, check out the screen adaptation of It Ends with Us.
If you are someone who likes to laugh (if you are reading this I can only assume that’s you) then Deadpool & Wolverine needs to be on your watch list. Or find a friend with A/C and bring back Netflix and chill.
Rent a Pool
If you have a pool, be a good person and host all your friends, families, coworkers, and your local barista for a BBQ. If you don’t have a pool, rent one! Swimply pool rentals start at $25 per hour in San Diego but the price will vary based on space, number of guests, and additional amenities added.
Visit a Museum
A heat wave is a perfect excuse to go educate yourself! The San Diego Museum of Art is open every day except for Wednesdays and costs $20/ adult. Admission to the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court and Garden is free. You can also check out the San Diego Natural History Museum where there’s always something new when you visit. Come face-to-face with Huxley the hawk, get crafty in Nature Studio, keep children busy with Storytime, and learn about their new garden with volunteer naturalists.
Play Some Games
Now is the time to check out one of San Diego’s casinos: Sycuan, Barona and Viejas. All offer an air-conditioned experience. Try your hand at the slots, play some poker, or even check out a Bingo game. If you are into games but not Casinos, Dave & Buster’s offers arcade games, tabletop, air hockey, ping pong, and billiards.
Splash at Sesame Place
Maybe you know it as Aquatica, maybe you remember it as Knott’s Soak City. Currently, you can find the Chula Vista water park listed on the map as Sesame Place San Diego.
While the name sounds geared to kids, don’t let them have all the fun! There are still the same 90s water slides that have been loved by San Diegans for decades. Take a ride on the body slides, tube slides, a family raft slide, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Pro tip – get a churro on the way out. You earned it.
Cool Zones
If all else fails, follow the city’s lead on how to stay cool in San Diego. During periods of extreme heat, City of San Diego designates certain recreation centers, libraries and other public buildings as places for San Diegans to seek relief from warmer weather.
These locations will be open on identified days, and additional locations may be added, and dates extended depending on the severity and duration of the heatwave. Good luck San Diego! You are paying for this sunshine tax, and not the A/C.
How to Stay Cool in Your Apartment Without AC
Use Fans Strategically
Position fans in windows or doorways to create cross-breezes and circulate air throughout your home, which can help draw in cooler air and push out warmer air.
Blackout Curtains or Blinds
Blocking out direct sunlight by using thick curtains or blackout blinds can help keep indoor temperatures down, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Hydrate Frequently
Staying hydrated is essential for regulating body temperature. Drink plenty of water, electrolyte-rich beverages, or add ice cubes to your water to help stay cool.
Freeze Water Bottles
Placing water bottles in the freezer and then using them to keep yourself cool, either by holding them or placing them on pulse points, can provide a refreshing chill.
Use Wet Towels or Washcloths
Draping cool, wet towels or washcloths around your neck or over your head can help lower your body temperature.
Take Cool Showers or Baths
Taking frequent cool showers or baths, especially before bedtime, can help you cool down.
Avoid Cooking Indoors
Cooking on the stove or oven can significantly heat up your living space. Consider using a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or outdoor grill to avoid adding extra heat indoors.
Spend Time in Cooler Locations
Visit libraries, malls, or other air-conditioned public spaces to get a break from the heat at home.
