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San Diego’s most distinctive visitor hazards are often environmental. Stay back from unstable sandstone cliffs, obey closure signs and avoid standing beneath eroding bluffs. At beaches, swim near lifeguards, read posted warnings and respect rip-current guidance. Water quality can worsen after rain, so consult official county advisories before entering the ocean or bay. Heat and limited shade matter on inland trails, while tide timing changes access around coastal rocks and pools. In urban areas, use normal large-city precautions and keep valuables out of parked vehicles. Emergency information, beach closures and trail conditions should come from current official sources. A cautious route can still be enjoyable: the aim is to respond to real conditions, not to treat every coast or neighborhood as equally risky.