San Diego

San Diego Alerts

Alert

A picture of the San Diego skyline with the letters SAN.

blue

Axios San Diego Partners

Axios San Diego

Standard

A picture of the San Diego skyline with the letters SAN

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting San Diego.

Axios San Diego Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

San Diego Members

Membership

San Diego bases boost security after Iran strikes

Additional force protection measures have followed U.S. strikes on Iran, officials say.

Politics

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. military operation against Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="c5d29639-af92-4532-9a8d-d0a81b5e2b6d" data-vars-headline="San Diego bases boost security after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">U.S. military operation against Iran</a> has led to increased security at military bases in San Diego, potentially causing traffic and other delays at base entrances.Why it matters: San Diego is a military hub with multiple Navy and Marine bases, and those bases have received additional &quot;force protection measures&quot; after the weekend&#x27;s attacks, according to U.S. Northern Command, which oversees all stateside military units.

More free parking for city residents at Balboa Park

City officials modified the new paid parking program following backlash.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Parking rules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/19/san-diego-city-council-new-paid-parking-plan-balboa-park" data-vars-content-id="12a16cf8-b1b1-4476-85d2-5c51856c0a1c" data-vars-headline="More free parking for city residents at Balboa Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/19/san-diego-city-council-new-paid-parking-plan-balboa-park" target="_self">Parking rules</a> are changing again at Balboa Park next week, this time to expand free options.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a small win for San Diego residents navigating the historic and unpopular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shift to paid parking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/05/balboa-park-san-diego-zoo-parking-fees-2025-city-budget" data-vars-content-id="12a16cf8-b1b1-4476-85d2-5c51856c0a1c" data-vars-headline="More free parking for city residents at Balboa Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/05/balboa-park-san-diego-zoo-parking-fees-2025-city-budget" target="_self">shift to paid parking</a>, which city officials are banking on to help close the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s massive budget gap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-crisis-101-ash-inflation-employee-raises-covid-money" data-vars-content-id="12a16cf8-b1b1-4476-85d2-5c51856c0a1c" data-vars-headline="More free parking for city residents at Balboa Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/26/san-diego-budget-crisis-101-ash-inflation-employee-raises-covid-money" target="_self">city&#x27;s massive budget gap</a>.

Most violent crime continues to drop in San Diego

The decrease mirrors what police departments across America's biggest cities reported last year.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/04/cities-homicide-rates-fall-2025" data-vars-content-id="f7d862eb-897b-424f-837b-b4ad738463cc" data-vars-headline="Most violent crime continues to drop in San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/04/cities-homicide-rates-fall-2025" target="_self">Violent crime</a> in San Diego dropped in 2025 in all but one major category, according to new police data reviewed by Axios.The big picture: Crime rates, particularly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homicides" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/18/san-diego-crime-drop-2025-homicide-violent-crime-trends" data-vars-content-id="f7d862eb-897b-424f-837b-b4ad738463cc" data-vars-headline="Most violent crime continues to drop in San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/18/san-diego-crime-drop-2025-homicide-violent-crime-trends" target="_self">homicides</a>, have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dropping locally" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/02/25/san-diego-homicides-robberies-assaults-rapes-decline-2024" data-vars-content-id="f7d862eb-897b-424f-837b-b4ad738463cc" data-vars-headline="Most violent crime continues to drop in San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/02/25/san-diego-homicides-robberies-assaults-rapes-decline-2024" target="_self">dropping locally</a> and across major U.S. cities for years following a COVID-era <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crime wave" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/09/23/rising-crime-rate-anticipated-latest-fbi-report" data-vars-content-id="f7d862eb-897b-424f-837b-b4ad738463cc" data-vars-headline="Most violent crime continues to drop in San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/09/23/rising-crime-rate-anticipated-latest-fbi-report" target="_self">crime wave</a>.

How Carlsbad keeps 80 million flowers blooming

The Flower Fields open Sunday with waves of ranunculus across 55 acres.

Things to Do

The Carlsbad Ranch&#x27;s Flower Fields open Sunday with 80 million blooms, but the work to get them ready hasn&#x27;t stopped since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last Mother&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/05/09/weekend-events-celebrate-mothers-day" data-vars-content-id="53c8e5ce-425c-4f47-8ffe-032364d9dca2" data-vars-headline="How Carlsbad keeps 80 million flowers blooming" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/05/09/weekend-events-celebrate-mothers-day" target="_self">last Mother&#x27;s Day</a>.Why it matters: A team of about 20 works to keep the fields blooming each spring, supporting this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major attraction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/03/01/carlsbad-flower-fields-when-what" data-vars-content-id="53c8e5ce-425c-4f47-8ffe-032364d9dca2" data-vars-headline="How Carlsbad keeps 80 million flowers blooming" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/03/01/carlsbad-flower-fields-when-what" target="_self">major attraction</a> that draws 300,000 visitors from across the country.

Fee for not using Real ID coming in February

The $45 fee is the same as the cost of upgrading your California license to a Real ID.

Travel

Travelers without a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Real ID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/01/real-id-license-fee-tsa-flying-travel" data-vars-content-id="ed07110f-f5e8-4e2e-8b22-34e4350c9bb7" data-vars-headline="Fee for not using Real ID coming in February" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/01/real-id-license-fee-tsa-flying-travel" target="_self">Real ID</a> will face a $45 fee and lengthy screening before they can fly domestically beginning in February, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).Why it matters: The new charge is more than double what was previously announced, and the same cost of upgrading your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California license to a Real ID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/05/05/real-id-enforcement-california-san-diego-airport" data-vars-content-id="ed07110f-f5e8-4e2e-8b22-34e4350c9bb7" data-vars-headline="Fee for not using Real ID coming in February" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/05/05/real-id-enforcement-california-san-diego-airport" target="_self">California license to a Real ID</a>.

Town and Country: Where dad jokes go to check in

Town and Country's rotating sign isn't just funny — it helped reshape the resort's identity.

The cheesiest billboard in the city is alive and well at Town and Country Resort in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mission Valley." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/12/san-diego-best-froyo-ranked-yogurt-mill-golden-spoon" data-vars-content-id="1f519ba3-f81b-4e50-b3d5-2699c6f69cbe" data-vars-headline="Town and Country: Where dad jokes go to check in" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/12/san-diego-best-froyo-ranked-yogurt-mill-golden-spoon" target="_self">Mission Valley.</a>The big picture: The old school resort used to display its dad jokes to cars on I-8, but after its renovation moved the sign to the lobby. There, the tradition lives on.

Reasons to visit San Diego Airport without a flight

Here are a few reasons to take advantage of SAN's new perk.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/09/new-terminal-1-upgrades-san-diego-airport-open-september-2025" data-vars-content-id="ca5933ee-f21f-4b3e-97ae-f3680aa36251" data-vars-headline="Reasons to visit San Diego Airport without a flight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/09/new-terminal-1-upgrades-san-diego-airport-open-september-2025" target="_self">San Diego International Airport</a> recently joined the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="group of 17 airports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/02/12/san-antonio-airport-visitor-tsa-program-apply" data-vars-content-id="ca5933ee-f21f-4b3e-97ae-f3680aa36251" data-vars-headline="Reasons to visit San Diego Airport without a flight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/02/12/san-antonio-airport-visitor-tsa-program-apply" target="_self">group of 17 airports</a> that let people hang out, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/09/new-local-restaurants-san-diego-airport-terminal-1" data-vars-content-id="ca5933ee-f21f-4b3e-97ae-f3680aa36251" data-vars-headline="Reasons to visit San Diego Airport without a flight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/09/new-local-restaurants-san-diego-airport-terminal-1" target="_self">eat</a> and peruse the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="art" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/09/san-diego-airport-adds-massive-public-art-pieces-to-new-terminal" data-vars-content-id="ca5933ee-f21f-4b3e-97ae-f3680aa36251" data-vars-headline="Reasons to visit San Diego Airport without a flight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/09/san-diego-airport-adds-massive-public-art-pieces-to-new-terminal" target="_self">art</a> in the terminals without a plane ticket.We asked you how and why you&#x27;d use <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SAN Pass" data-vars-click-url="https://www.san.org/relax-before-you-fly/san-pass-program/" data-vars-content-id="ca5933ee-f21f-4b3e-97ae-f3680aa36251" data-vars-headline="Reasons to visit San Diego Airport without a flight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.san.org/relax-before-you-fly/san-pass-program/" target="_blank">SAN Pass</a>, and you gave us some insight into how you&#x27;d spend your time at an airport when not flying.

The best and worst times for San Diego Thanksgiving 2025 travel

Wednesday evening traffic and Sunday airport crowds will be the worst — plan ahead and pack patience.

Holidays

If you&#x27;re <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traveling for Thanksgiving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/24/thanksgiving-travel-delays-weather" data-vars-content-id="a4e6200c-e4c1-4eef-85cc-71aaaa4283f8" data-vars-headline="The best and worst times for San Diego Thanksgiving 2025 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/24/thanksgiving-travel-delays-weather" target="_self">traveling for Thanksgiving</a> this year, remember to pack your patience.Why it matters: There&#x27;ll be a record-breaking 81.8 million Americans leaving town for Thanksgiving this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/11/aaa-thanksgiving-travel-forecast-2025/" data-vars-content-id="a4e6200c-e4c1-4eef-85cc-71aaaa4283f8" data-vars-headline="The best and worst times for San Diego Thanksgiving 2025 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/11/aaa-thanksgiving-travel-forecast-2025/" target="_blank">AAA</a> predicts.<ul><li>About 90% of them will be driving, 7% will fly and everyone else will take trains, buses, or cruise ships.</li></ul>

Brace for potential pain flying to and from San Diego

Flight reductions are expected to begin Friday at SAN and other major U.S. hubs facing controller staffing shortages.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/09/new-terminal-1-upgrades-san-diego-airport-open-september-2025" data-vars-content-id="32f75c50-0307-4801-a417-c23e81510f4f" data-vars-headline="Brace for potential pain flying to and from San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/09/new-terminal-1-upgrades-san-diego-airport-open-september-2025" target="_self">San Diego International Airport</a> is one of 40 major U.S. airports expecting to cut daily flights by up to 10% starting Friday.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Air traffic controller shortages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/shutdown-air-traffic-controllers-delays-sick-outs" data-vars-content-id="32f75c50-0307-4801-a417-c23e81510f4f" data-vars-headline="Brace for potential pain flying to and from San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/shutdown-air-traffic-controllers-delays-sick-outs" target="_self">Air traffic controller shortages</a> linked to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longest-ever government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/government-shutdown-length-days-record-trump" data-vars-content-id="32f75c50-0307-4801-a417-c23e81510f4f" data-vars-headline="Brace for potential pain flying to and from San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/government-shutdown-length-days-record-trump" target="_self">longest-ever government shutdown</a> are already delaying or canceling flights for San Diego travelers and thousands of others <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/02/flight-delays-staffing-shortages-government-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="32f75c50-0307-4801-a417-c23e81510f4f" data-vars-headline="Brace for potential pain flying to and from San Diego" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/02/flight-delays-staffing-shortages-government-shutdown" target="_self">nationwide</a>.

Noem's government shutdown video not airing at SAN

SAN says its messaging is focused on making the customer experience "easy and efficient."

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/09/new-terminal-1-upgrades-san-diego-airport-open-september-2025" data-vars-content-id="bdd665a6-58ed-4f60-a462-e54f10b85332" data-vars-headline="Noem&#x27;s government shutdown video not airing at SAN" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/09/new-terminal-1-upgrades-san-diego-airport-open-september-2025" target="_self">San Diego International Airport</a> is one of many across the country refusing to air a video of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/trump-immigration-homeland-security-noem-cities" data-vars-content-id="bdd665a6-58ed-4f60-a462-e54f10b85332" data-vars-headline="Noem&#x27;s government shutdown video not airing at SAN" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/trump-immigration-homeland-security-noem-cities" target="_self">Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem</a> blaming the ongoing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/10/01/government-shutdown-affect-military-federal-workers-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="bdd665a6-58ed-4f60-a462-e54f10b85332" data-vars-headline="Noem&#x27;s government shutdown video not airing at SAN" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/10/01/government-shutdown-affect-military-federal-workers-san-diego" target="_self">government shutdown</a> on congressional Democrats.Why it matters: The Trump administration released the video for TSA checkpoints earlier this month, but some transportation authorities have pulled it, citing concerns that it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violates the Hatch Act" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/42018987.20/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMTAvMDEvZ292ZXJubWVudC1zaHV0ZG93bi1yZXB1YmxpY2Fucy10cnVtcC1hZG1pbmlzdHJhdGlvbi1odWQ_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/64428ea07086b06634c240ffB0423f055" data-vars-content-id="bdd665a6-58ed-4f60-a462-e54f10b85332" data-vars-headline="Noem&#x27;s government shutdown video not airing at SAN" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/42018987.20/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMTAvMDEvZ292ZXJubWVudC1zaHV0ZG93bi1yZXB1YmxpY2Fucy10cnVtcC1hZG1pbmlzdHJhdGlvbi1odWQ_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/64428ea07086b06634c240ffB0423f055" target="_self">violates the Hatch Act</a>.

San Diego airport's passenger satisfaction improves

The new Terminal 1 could push SAN's ranking even higher with more space and local flavor.

San Diego International Airport moved up in the rankings of this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="airport satisfaction survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-north-america-airport-satisfaction-study" data-vars-content-id="1f3ee01a-7a17-4f82-866c-539dd25bcbe3" data-vars-headline="San Diego airport&#x27;s passenger satisfaction improves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-north-america-airport-satisfaction-study" target="_blank">airport satisfaction survey</a> by J.D. Power.The big picture: With <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ease of travel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/08/tsa-shoes-off-on-airport-security-checkpoint" data-vars-content-id="1f3ee01a-7a17-4f82-866c-539dd25bcbe3" data-vars-headline="San Diego airport&#x27;s passenger satisfaction improves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/08/tsa-shoes-off-on-airport-security-checkpoint" target="_self">ease of travel</a> driving passenger experience, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly opened Terminal 1" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/09/new-terminal-1-upgrades-san-diego-airport-open-september-2025" data-vars-content-id="1f3ee01a-7a17-4f82-866c-539dd25bcbe3" data-vars-headline="San Diego airport&#x27;s passenger satisfaction improves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/09/new-terminal-1-upgrades-san-diego-airport-open-september-2025" target="_self">newly opened Terminal 1</a> could push that even higher in the future.

San Diego Airport adds massive public art pieces to new terminal

Travelers can see a giant pink jellyfish, mosaic sunsets, golden Torrey pine trees and more.

The San Diego International Airport already doubles as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public art museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/28/how-san-diego-airport-embraces-contemporary-art-museum" data-vars-content-id="6768063b-0643-427d-9566-5d5d5ccd1900" data-vars-headline="San Diego Airport adds massive public art pieces to new terminal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/28/how-san-diego-airport-embraces-contemporary-art-museum" target="_self">public art museum</a>, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="five new exhibits" data-vars-click-url="https://newt1.com/art/" data-vars-content-id="6768063b-0643-427d-9566-5d5d5ccd1900" data-vars-headline="San Diego Airport adds massive public art pieces to new terminal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newt1.com/art/" target="_blank">five new exhibits</a> will debut with the new Terminal 1.The big picture: For decades, SAN&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="arts program" data-vars-click-url="https://arts.san.org/arts-program/" data-vars-content-id="6768063b-0643-427d-9566-5d5d5ccd1900" data-vars-headline="San Diego Airport adds massive public art pieces to new terminal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arts.san.org/arts-program/" target="_blank">arts program</a> has introduced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="travelers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/21/san-diego-airport-digital-id-tsa-security-checkpoints" data-vars-content-id="6768063b-0643-427d-9566-5d5d5ccd1900" data-vars-headline="San Diego Airport adds massive public art pieces to new terminal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/21/san-diego-airport-digital-id-tsa-security-checkpoints" target="_self">travelers</a> to the city&#x27;s culture and history with installations by local artists that also make terminals more interesting and easy to navigate.

What to eat at San Diego Airport's new Terminal 1

Several additional food options will make the new space more appealing for pre-flight bites.

With limited seating and food options, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego Airport&#x27;s Terminal 1" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/09/new-terminal-1-upgrades-san-diego-airport-open-september-2025" data-vars-content-id="64764739-be5e-45ef-a01d-726d23779d09" data-vars-headline="What to eat at San Diego Airport&#x27;s new Terminal 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/09/09/new-terminal-1-upgrades-san-diego-airport-open-september-2025" target="_self">San Diego Airport&#x27;s Terminal 1</a> was never an appealing place to kill time or wait through delays. But with the upgrades, the new terminal will be a great spot to have a meal or a drink before your flight.Dig in: Several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/09/08/food-in-san-diego-airports-new-terminal-is-local-local-local-although-there-is-one-mcdonalds/" data-vars-content-id="64764739-be5e-45ef-a01d-726d23779d09" data-vars-headline="What to eat at San Diego Airport&#x27;s new Terminal 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/09/08/food-in-san-diego-airports-new-terminal-is-local-local-local-although-there-is-one-mcdonalds/" target="_blank">local restaurants</a>, coffee shops, and a new concept by Tony Hawk and San Diego chef Claudette Zepeda are opening with the new terminal on Sept. 23.

What to expect at San Diego Airport's new Terminal 1

The major expansion and airy design will transform the traveler experience.

San Diego Airport&#x27;s Terminal 1 makeover is almost complete.Why it matters: The $3.8 billion project that&#x27;s kept the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/08/tsa-shoes-off-on-airport-security-checkpoint" data-vars-content-id="595a95f7-772e-4200-bcef-79814e22a68a" data-vars-headline="What to expect at San Diego Airport&#x27;s new Terminal 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/08/tsa-shoes-off-on-airport-security-checkpoint" target="_self">airport</a> under construction for the past four years is a major expansion that will transform the traveler experience.

Travel

Fee for not using Real ID coming in February

Town and Country: Where dad jokes go to check in

AAA expecting a record-setting year for holiday travel

Reasons to visit San Diego Airport without a flight

The best and worst times for San Diego Thanksgiving 2025 travel