Overview
La Mesa is a city in San Diego County in Southern California.
4 places to eat · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 46°F. Wettest: Jan and Feb.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SAN San Diego International Airport, San Diego — 10 mi away (major hub). Directions
- CLD McClellan-Palomar Airport, Carlsbad — 29 mi away. Directions
The local San Diego Trolley light rail system serves La Mesa with two lines: the Orange Line travels through much of La Mesa, heading south through Lemon Grove and on to Downtown San Diego. The Green Line travels through the northern part of La Mesa, going west past SDSU and through Mission Valley to San Diego's Old Town and Downtown. La Mesa has four trolley stations: Spring Street (Orange Line only), La Mesa Blvd (Orange Line only), Grossmont Transit Center (Orange and Green Lines) and Amaya Drive (Orange and Green Lines).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
The local San Diego Trolley light rail system serves La Mesa with two lines: the Orange Line travels through much of La Mesa, heading south through Lemon Grove and on to Downtown San Diego. The Green Line travels through the northern part of La Mesa, going west past SDSU and through Mission Valley to San Diego's Old Town and Downtown. La Mesa has four trolley stations: Spring Street (Orange Line only), La Mesa Blvd (Orange Line only), Grossmont Transit Center (Orange and Green Lines) and Amaya Drive (Orange and Green Lines).
See
- Mt. Helix Park, 4901 Mt Helix Dr, hilltop park affording 360° views including mountains and ocean and sunrise and sunset. Daily 5:30AM-7PM, free.
Do
- Christmas in the Village
- Walkway of the Stars
- Antique in the Street
Buy
Shop La Mesa Antiques Mall
Eat
Eat The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli
Sleep
Nearby
El Cajon
City / town · 17 listings · 4 mi away
National City
City / town · 13 listings · 8 mi away
San Diego
City / town · 25 listings · 9 mi away
Chula Vista
City / town · 43 listings · 10 mi away
Coronado
City / town · 30 listings · 11 mi away
Poway
City / town · 4 listings · 13 mi away
Imperial Beach
City / town · 11 listings · 14 mi away
Del Mar
City / town · 13 listings · 19 mi away
My experience
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