Iggy
Well-known member
I've spent about a month and a half down here, and am liking it more all the time. Spent some time here last winter too. I drive the typical white Ford cargo van and practice stealth parking techniques to lessen my chances of being bothered by police, nearby residents, or criminals. I know some of you say stealth is unnecessary but it eases my mind to do it.
I like the Poway area. It's ritzy, has great hiking at the reservoir, has an Anytime Fitness for showers, and I found a couple great places to overnight.
Imperial Beach is upscale too and easy to find parking near the beach during the week. No other vandwellers there or much for homeless folk either. Best to be quite discrete, the people and police don't want freeloaders in their neighborhood. But seems friendly otherwise.
San Ysidero , by the border, has plenty of places to park next to motels and apartments. But it is more of a poor area, so crime is something to be aware of. I had no problems and like it there. It's real handy if you are going to Tijuana for the day. But I wouldn't leave my van unattended in some spots. I park at a paid parking lot when walking across the border. $7 is worth the peace of mind.
My favorite area of San Diego is Ocean Beach. It's grungy, lots of homeless, and crowded. But it is a laid back neighborhood with many people living in their vehicles openly. The police don't ticket you for overnight camping, even if you are driving a filthy old motorhome or sleeping in the back of your pickup. Parking can be difficult to find at times, especially weekends or late in the evenings. I find it easiest to park in the streets next to Dog Beach Park and just stay put for several days. I can walk everywhere that I want to go.
The Episcopal Church has free showers and suppers on Wednesdays. Several other churches have free meals too if you are in need. They have food pantries too.
I love the weather here! I'm making friends. My expenses are minimal. And it's on the beach. As long as the Big Quake doesn't hit, this is paradise to me!
I like the Poway area. It's ritzy, has great hiking at the reservoir, has an Anytime Fitness for showers, and I found a couple great places to overnight.
Imperial Beach is upscale too and easy to find parking near the beach during the week. No other vandwellers there or much for homeless folk either. Best to be quite discrete, the people and police don't want freeloaders in their neighborhood. But seems friendly otherwise.
San Ysidero , by the border, has plenty of places to park next to motels and apartments. But it is more of a poor area, so crime is something to be aware of. I had no problems and like it there. It's real handy if you are going to Tijuana for the day. But I wouldn't leave my van unattended in some spots. I park at a paid parking lot when walking across the border. $7 is worth the peace of mind.
My favorite area of San Diego is Ocean Beach. It's grungy, lots of homeless, and crowded. But it is a laid back neighborhood with many people living in their vehicles openly. The police don't ticket you for overnight camping, even if you are driving a filthy old motorhome or sleeping in the back of your pickup. Parking can be difficult to find at times, especially weekends or late in the evenings. I find it easiest to park in the streets next to Dog Beach Park and just stay put for several days. I can walk everywhere that I want to go.
The Episcopal Church has free showers and suppers on Wednesdays. Several other churches have free meals too if you are in need. They have food pantries too.
I love the weather here! I'm making friends. My expenses are minimal. And it's on the beach. As long as the Big Quake doesn't hit, this is paradise to me!
