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

NASA Artemis II crew lands off San Diego coast

An elite U.S. Navy dive team recovered the four astronauts and the Orion spacecraft.

News

NASA&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis II" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/03/artemis-ii-earth-photo-picture" data-vars-content-id="469def46-a84f-4c5e-bbcc-f5842217dd14" data-vars-headline="NASA Artemis II crew lands off San Diego coast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/03/artemis-ii-earth-photo-picture" target="_self">Artemis II</a> crew is home from their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic spaceflight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/artemis-ii-distance-record-apollo-13" data-vars-content-id="469def46-a84f-4c5e-bbcc-f5842217dd14" data-vars-headline="NASA Artemis II crew lands off San Diego coast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/artemis-ii-distance-record-apollo-13" target="_self">historic spaceflight</a> around the Moon.Why it matters: The astronauts splashed down off the San Diego coast Friday night, completing a 9-day lunar fly-by that took them nearly 250,000 miles from Earth — the farthest humans have ever traveled.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mission was a test flight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/04/01/artemis-nasa-space-moon-huntsville" data-vars-content-id="469def46-a84f-4c5e-bbcc-f5842217dd14" data-vars-headline="NASA Artemis II crew lands off San Diego coast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/04/01/artemis-nasa-space-moon-huntsville" target="_self">mission was a test flight</a> before NASA attempts to land on the Moon in 2028.</li></ul>

California governor race wide open after Swalwell exit

His departure reshuffles the Democratic field, with candidates scrambling to gain momentum.

Politics

Congressman Eric Swalwell&#x27;s abrupt <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="exit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/eric-swalwell-california-governor-campaign" data-vars-content-id="ad322102-00aa-401b-8768-35ece61e5bc7" data-vars-headline="California governor race wide open after Swalwell exit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/eric-swalwell-california-governor-campaign" target="_self">exit</a> from the California governor&#x27;s race during the weekend upends the contest less than two months before the primary.Why it matters: Swalwell <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="led in some polls" data-vars-click-url="https://emersoncollegepolling.com/california-2026-poll-swalwell-takes-lead-in-governor-primary-25-undecided-election-for-la-mayor-wide-open/" data-vars-content-id="ad322102-00aa-401b-8768-35ece61e5bc7" data-vars-headline="California governor race wide open after Swalwell exit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://emersoncollegepolling.com/california-2026-poll-swalwell-takes-lead-in-governor-primary-25-undecided-election-for-la-mayor-wide-open/" target="_blank">led in some polls</a> among his eight Democratic rivals, while nabbing several prominent endorsements.<ul><li>Now, it&#x27;s all up for grabs, and analysts say any middle-of-the-pack Democrat could surge to the front.</li></ul>

Journalist's 1976 killing carries San Diego ties

The historic assassination of an Arizona journalist had numerous connections here.

San Diego was a recurring character in the story of the 1976 assassination of Arizona Republic investigative reporter Don Bolles.The big picture: Bolles&#x27; murder is chronicled in the new book &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Murder in the Fourth Estate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Fourth-Estate-Assassination-Investigative/dp/B0FLV6QSRZ/" data-vars-content-id="925a0d73-eb1b-4cf4-9a3e-69d53ef26619" data-vars-headline="Journalist&#x27;s 1976 killing carries San Diego ties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Fourth-Estate-Assassination-Investigative/dp/B0FLV6QSRZ/" target="_blank">Murder in the Fourth Estate</a>&quot; by Axios Phoenix reporter Jeremy Duda, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="who dives deep" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/01/08/don-bolles-book-murder-in-the-fourth-estate-jeremy-duda" data-vars-content-id="925a0d73-eb1b-4cf4-9a3e-69d53ef26619" data-vars-headline="Journalist&#x27;s 1976 killing carries San Diego ties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/01/08/don-bolles-book-murder-in-the-fourth-estate-jeremy-duda" target="_self">who dives deep</a> into the case for the first time.

What San Diego homeowners do for a living

Even high earners struggle as prices make buying a home challenging.

Real Estate

Business professionals and STEM workers are most likely to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="own homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="eec25da1-7d1f-4d4f-afc2-0ace37039a7e" data-vars-headline="What San Diego homeowners do for a living" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">own homes</a> in San Diego, according to a recent real estate analysis.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="occupations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/ai-job-risk-tool-betting-odds-predictions" data-vars-content-id="eec25da1-7d1f-4d4f-afc2-0ace37039a7e" data-vars-headline="What San Diego homeowners do for a living" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/ai-job-risk-tool-betting-odds-predictions" target="_self">occupations</a> with the highest homeownership rates haven&#x27;t changed much in the past decade, but a few saw notable shifts.

California's national parks draw record crowds in 2025

Yosemite and Redwood National Park saw the biggest boosts in recreational visits.

Nearly 13 million people visited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California&#x27;s national parks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/09/24/california-national-parks-free-entry-joshua-tree" data-vars-content-id="537b6f87-e9a9-4e6a-ada4-47300870c161" data-vars-headline="California&#x27;s national parks draw record crowds in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2024/09/24/california-national-parks-free-entry-joshua-tree" target="_self">California&#x27;s national parks</a> in 2025 — a record high, according to new National Park Service <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/17/national-park-crowds-visitors-2025-busiest" data-vars-content-id="537b6f87-e9a9-4e6a-ada4-47300870c161" data-vars-headline="California&#x27;s national parks draw record crowds in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/17/national-park-crowds-visitors-2025-busiest" target="_self">data</a>.Why it matters: People can&#x27;t get enough of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California&#x27;s great outdoors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/02/03/explore-act-biden-california-outdoor-recreation" data-vars-content-id="537b6f87-e9a9-4e6a-ada4-47300870c161" data-vars-headline="California&#x27;s national parks draw record crowds in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/02/03/explore-act-biden-california-outdoor-recreation" target="_self">California&#x27;s great outdoors</a>, even as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parks faced firings and layoffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/05/california-national-parks-employees-staff-fired-nps" data-vars-content-id="537b6f87-e9a9-4e6a-ada4-47300870c161" data-vars-headline="California&#x27;s national parks draw record crowds in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/03/05/california-national-parks-employees-staff-fired-nps" target="_self">parks faced firings and layoffs</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="price hikes via executive order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/26/national-park-prices-tourists-trump-america-first" data-vars-content-id="537b6f87-e9a9-4e6a-ada4-47300870c161" data-vars-headline="California&#x27;s national parks draw record crowds in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/26/national-park-prices-tourists-trump-america-first" target="_self">price hikes via executive order</a> and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/government-shutdown-2025-national-parks" data-vars-content-id="537b6f87-e9a9-4e6a-ada4-47300870c161" data-vars-headline="California&#x27;s national parks draw record crowds in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/government-shutdown-2025-national-parks" target="_self">federal government shutdown</a>.

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.

Travel

California's national parks draw record crowds in 2025

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