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Driving gives the greatest flexibility across San Diego’s separated coastal, central and inland clusters, but it is least helpful when a day stays entirely Downtown. Parking rules vary by neighborhood, beach and attraction, and event traffic can change access around Petco Park, the convention center or Balboa Park. Read posted signs rather than relying on a general rule. For La Jolla, Mission Beach, Sunset Cliffs and Torrey Pines, arrive with a backup lot or route in mind because popular spaces fill. Keep valuables out of sight and never leave a vehicle in an unmarked coastal area. A sensible plan groups nearby stops, parks once where possible and avoids crossing the city repeatedly for attractions that could be placed on separate days.