Office space to rent San Diego, CA: Overview and history
People have chosen this area of California for a long time, San Diego is home to the oldest known human archaeological site in the Americas, dating back 130,000 years ago. This coastal city's development has more recently been tied to the military, tourism, and trade.
Today San Diego is known for its beaches and outdoors life, military presence, and mild weather. Established in 1769 as a Spanish mission, it became California's first European settlement. Balboa Park, on El Prado, houses historic buildings like the 1915 California Tower, a landmark from the Panama-California Exposition. The Gaslamp Quarter (Fourth and Fifth Avenue), developed in the mid 19th century, is filled with Victorian-era buildings and serves as the city's nightlife hub.
More recently, the life-affirming California Burrito originated here, best bought from a local food truck. In 1974, Mission Bay hosted the world's first modern triathlon, which has since grown into a global phenomenon.
Large companies that have chosen San Diego office space
San Diego hosts major companies in biotech, telecom, and defense that own or lease offices here. Qualcomm, a global leader in telecommunications, is headquartered in Sorrento Valley. Illumina, a top biotech firm, also operates here, along with General Atomics, which focuses on defense technologies. Many of these companies lease offices in areas like La Jolla and Sorrento Valley, both hubs for research and technology.
Office and business districts in San Diego, CA
San Diego’s business districts include Downtown, with government offices and a growing tech scene. Telecoms and biotech companies cluster in the University City and Sorrento Valley areas. La Jolla also attracts companies in health and research, due to its proximity to UC San Diego and research institutes. An office lease here puts you close to a young and highly educated talent pool.
Cost comparison of renting an office in San Diego
Compared to other large cities, San Diego’s office rental and living costs are high, but less than in San Francisco or Los Angeles. The cost of doing business is relatively affordable, attracting tech and biotech companies.
Office space in San Diego: Transport and infrastructure
Public transit includes the San Diego Trolley light rail and bus services by MTS. Cycling and walking are popular downtown and along the coast, with designated bike lanes. Major highways include I-5 from Los Angeles and I-8 from Arizona, both connecting the city.
San Diego International Airport (SAN), only 3 miles from downtown, is the main airport, offering domestic and international flights. Regional airports, like McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) in Carlsbad, serve smaller flights and private planes within 40 miles of San Diego.The Port of San Diego handles shipping and cruise travel, supporting trade and tourism along the coast.
