Overview
National City is a city in San Diego County in Southern California.
7 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 2 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 77°F; winter lows dip to about 50°F. Wettest: Feb and Jan. (climate data from nearby San Diego)
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 — 7 mi away (major hub). Directions
- CLD McClellan-Palomar Airport, Carlsbad — 33 mi away. Directions
Interstate 5 passes through National City.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $55–$55 a night (typical $65), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$100, mid-range ~$140, comfortable ~$220.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
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
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Interstate 5 passes through National City.
By trolley
National City has two stops on the San Diego Trolley: 8th Street and 24th Street.
Buy
Eat
Eat In-N-Out Burger
If you're looking for your In-N-Out fix, this is one of the two most accessible from downtown (the other is near Old Town to the north).
Eat Roberto's Taco Shop
Opened in 1964. The first location of a national chain of Mexican restaurants.
Eat Cafe La Maze
Originally located in Hollywood. This location was opened in 1940.
Eat Tita's Kitchenette
Filipino point-point joint serving large portions. Featured on Travel Channel.
Eat Royal Mandarin
Chinese restaurant locally renown for its Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings.
Eat Jollibee
Oldest continuously operating location, within San Diego County, of this international Filipino fast food chain.
Eat Napoleone's Pizza House
Opened in 1958, along what was originally the Mile-of-Bars area of National City. Previous employer of Singer/Actor Tom Waits.
Drink
Drink Aja Lounge
Dive bar with liquor and beer.
Drink Hannegan’s House Beer Co & Creamery
Drink Machete Beer House
A bar serving craft beer and a good place to watch soccer and other sports.
Sleep
Go next
Nearby
San Diego
City / town · 25 listings · 4 mi away
Chula Vista
City / town · 43 listings · 5 mi away
Coronado
City / town · 30 listings · 5 mi away
Imperial Beach
City / town · 11 listings · 7 mi away
La Mesa
City / town · 10 listings · 8 mi away
El Cajon
City / town · 17 listings · 12 mi away
Poway
City / town · 4 listings · 20 mi away
Del Mar
City / town · 13 listings · 21 mi away
My experience
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