National City Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and more in National City, Southern California. Plan your trip with our week-long itinerary, transportation options, and safety tips.


Introduction to National City

Located in South Bay, San Diego County, Southern California, National City is a bustling city filled with history and culture. The city is home to several museums, parks, and historic sites, making it an attractive destination for travelers interested in exploring the region’s heritage. Additionally, National City offers a variety of outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, and scenic views. In this guide, we’ll take you around the city to show you the best places to visit, eat, stay, and more, making your trip to National City an unforgettable experience.

List of Places to Visit in National City

Here’s a list of places you must visit on your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. National City Depot Museum - A railway station turned museum, the National City Depot Museum showcases the history of the Pacific Southwest Railway and the role of the railway industry in National City’s growth.

  2. Heritage Square Park - A collection of six historic homes, Heritage Square Park, is an excellent place to admire the Victorian architecture of National City.

  3. Brick Row Historic District - Once an early 20th-century residence for National City’s wealthier residents, Brick Row Historic District now is an architectural landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Natural Attractions of National City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - An oasis of freshwater marsh and mudflats, Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is home to dozens of bird species and is perfect for bird-watching and photography.

  2. Pepper Park - A 5-acre waterfront park, Pepper Park offers great views of San Diego Bay and the Coronado Bridge. The park is perfect for picnics, fishing, and boating.

  3. Chula Vista Bayfront Park - A beautiful park with a playground, picnic tables, and walking trails. Chula Vista Bayfront Park sits on the waterfront, offering panoramic views of the San Diego Bay.

Hiking/Biking Routes of National City

National City offers several routes for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  1. Florida Canyon Trail - Located in the Florida Canyon Natural Park, the Florida Canyon Trail is ideal for hikers of all skill levels. The trail offers beautiful views of the city and has several benches along the way to sit and enjoy the nature.

  2. Bayshore Bikeway - A 24-mile scenic bike trail, Bayshore Bikeway, goes from Coronado to National City, connecting several parks and attractions along the way.

  3. Marina Way Trail - This beautiful waterfront trail is perfect for bike rides, jogs, and dog walks. The trail is stroller-friendly and a great way to enjoy the stunning views of San Diego Bay.

Best Things to Do in National City: Activities and Tours

  1. Taste of National City - A food tour that lets you sample the flavors of National City, Taste of National City is a self-guided tour that takes you around the city’s best food spots, including Mexican, Filipino, and American cuisine.

  2. National City Farmers Market - Held every Tuesday, the National City Farmers Market offers visitors an opportunity to sample delicious farmers market fare, enjoy live music performances, and shop for local produce and crafts.

  3. National City Car Show - Taking place every summer, the National City Car Show is a must-visit event for all car enthusiasts. The event showcases vintage and modern cars from across the region, making it a great opportunity to admire the best in the business.

Week-Long Itinerary for National City

Day 1 – Visit the Museums and Historical Places

Start your trip with a visit the National City Depot Museum and Heritage Square Park. After a tour of the museums, head to Brick Row Historic District and marvel at the architecture of the stunning Victorian homes.

Day 2 – Outdoor Adventures

Spend a day exploring the natural attractions of National City. Start your day with a hike on the Florida Canyon Trail, followed by a visit to the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. In the evening, enjoy a beautiful sunset at Pepper Park.

Day 3 – Bike Ride

Take a bike ride along the Bayshore Bikeway, stopping to visit several parks and attractions along the way.

Day 4 – Food Tour

Experience the vibrant culture of National City by going on a self-guided food tour, Taste of National City. Sample some of the best local cuisine while exploring the city’s neighborhoods.

Day 5 – National City Farmers Market

Visit the National City Farmers Market to enjoy live music, sample local produce and crafts, and get a taste of the community’s unique culture.

Day 6 – Car Show

Wrap up your trip with a visit to National City’s annual car show. Take in all the sights and sounds of the event, featuring a stunning collection of vintage, classic, and modern cars.

Food and Drink Scene of National City

National City has a thriving food and drinks scene, featuring a wide range of cuisines and establishments. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Taco al Pastor - A popular dish in National City, tacos al pastor are made of marinated pork grilled on a rotating spit and served with onions, cilantro, and lime.

  2. Filipino Pancit - A traditional Filipino dish made of thin noodles stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and meat, pancit is a must-try dish in National City’s Filipino community.

  3. Seafood Tacos - National City is known for its delicious seafood tacos, served with fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, and a squeeze of lime.

Local Beverages

  1. Mexican Horchata - A classic Mexican drink made from rice milk, sugar, and cinnamon, Horchata is a refreshing drink that pairs well with spicy foods.

  2. San Diego Craft Beer - National City is home to several craft breweries, such as 3 Punk Ales and Thr3e Punk Ales. Enjoy a pint of locally brewed beer while enjoying National City’s vibrant nightlife.

Where to Stay in National City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

National City offers various options for travelers, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some highly rated options:

  1. Holiday Inn Express San Diego South - National City - A contemporary hotel with a hot tub, fitness center, and free breakfast buffet.

  2. Howard Johnson by Wyndham National City San Diego South - A comfortable and affordable hotel with an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.

  3. Harbor View Hostel - A budget-friendly hostel with a mix of private and shared rooms, Harbor View Hostel offers stunning views of the San Diego Bay.

What to Buy in National City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

National City has several unique items that make great souvenirs, including:

  1. Mexican Pottery - National City has a vibrant Mexican community that sells beautiful Mexican pottery in various designs and colors, perfect for adding a Mexican touch to your home decor.

  2. Filipino Products - The Filipino community in National City sells a variety of Filipino products, such as balikbayan boxes, Filipino fashion, and authentic Filipino cuisine.

  3. San Diego Craft Beer - Bring back a San Diego craft beer to relive the memories of your trip and treat your taste buds to the unique flavors of the region.

Local Culture and Customs of National City

National City is a melting pot of different cultures, featuring Mexican, Filipino, and American communities. Visitors should respect the local customs and take note of the different cultural influences found throughout the city.

Best Time to Visit National City

The best time to visit National City is during the spring and fall seasons, when the temperatures are mild, and the crowds are thinner. Summer can be very crowded and hot, while winters can be rainy and chilly.

Do’s and Don’ts of National City

Do:

  1. Respect the local cultures and customs of National City.

  2. Visit the local parks and wildlife reserves to enjoy the natural beauty of the city.

  3. Try the local cuisine and beverages to experience the flavors of National City.

Don’t:

  1. Leave your valuables unattended in public places.

  2. Litter in the parks or wildlife reserves.

  3. Ignore the safety guidelines while hiking or biking in National City’s outdoor areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in National City

National City is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas. It is not recommended to wander around alone or in isolated areas at night.

Health in National City

National City has several hospitals and medical facilities, such as Paradise Valley Hospital and Scripps Mercy Hospital, providing health care and emergency services to visitors.

Getting to National City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near National City

The closest airport to National City is the San Diego International Airport, which is approximately 15 miles away from the city.

Bus Stations Near National City

The National City Transit Center is the hub for several bus lines, connecting National City to San Diego and other cities in the region.

Other Options

National City is accessible by car through Interstate 5 and Interstate 805. Visitors can also take the trolley to National City from Downtown San Diego, which stops at several points of interest throughout the city.

How to Get Around in National City

National City is easily accessible on foot, but visitors can also rent bikes or use public transportation to travel around the city. The city also has several taxi and ride-sharing options for easy transportation.

Where to Go Next from National City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

National City is an excellent starting point for exploring Southern California’s other popular destinations, such as:

  1. San Diego – A vibrant coastal city filled with attractions, such as Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and Seaport Village.

  2. Coronado Island - A picturesque island city with beautiful beaches, shops, and eateries.

  3. La Jolla - A coastal community known for its stunning coastline, upscale shops, and locally sourced cuisine.

Conclusion

National City is a hidden gem in Southern California, offering visitors a diverse array of attractions, outdoor adventures, and authentic cultural experiences. We hope this guide has inspired you to plan a trip to National City and given you the information you need to make the most out of your visit.

House in the historic district of National City House in the historic district of National City