The Most Essential Apps for Living in San Diego

Image via Complex Original

Platform: iOS; Free

It's time to hit the tide. With Surf Report, you can check the conditions of the waves, get full reports, videos, and location services that will help you find the best beaches to go to if you're looking to paddle out. 

Platform: iOS; Free

Get the latest Padres news from the team at the San Diego Union-Tribune with the Padres Insider app for iPad. The staff provides exclusive photography, in-depth player profiles, live stats, and breaking stories. It is subscription based, but you can access everything for $19.99 a year.

Platform: iOS, Android; Free

Finding your own special pub might be difficult when there are so many good ones around. With TapHunter, you'll find out what's on tap at the bars and pubs in S.D., so if you have a specific taste in beer, you'll know where to go. 

Platform: Android; $2.99

Travel journalist Alison DaRosa offers tips and information on what to do around the city, from heading to Balboa Park and museums (don't forget about Legoland), to taking your chick whale watching or winding down the day at a local speakeasy. 

Platform: iOS; Free

You're not always going to have good smartphone reception, so it's better to be prepared if you're new to the city. With the Offline Street Map, you'll be able to navigate San Diego's streets without an Internet connection. This is also useful if your smartphone is almost dead and you need to get around: turn on airplane mode to conserve power without worrying about the map killing your battery.

Platform: iOS, Android; Free

It's important to keep up with the only NFL team in Southern California, so why not get your info from the official app? Get the Chargers schedule, standings, injury reports and live play-by-plays all in one place. Now if only LT would come back...

Platform: iOS; Free

You might be new in town, but you still have to catch up with the news. And yeah, we know it's not Ron Burgandy, but this is the next best thing. The NBC 7 app will get you breaking news, local stories, and weather and traffic updates. Never get stuck in traffic again. And most importantly: always know what is going on in your city.

Platform: iOS, Android; Free

While cities like San Francisco and New York have long relied on cab services, places like San Diego still have some catching up to do. Use Yellow Cab to your advantage and spare yourself from taking public transportation when you have to get somewhere fast. Book a cab straight from the app. Easy, breezy. What more could you ask for?

Platform: iOS, Android; Free

Yeah, there are a ton of places to grab a bite to eat in this city. But, you're probably not going to want to drive to a different spot every night (gas in California is expensive.) So, why not get someone else to drive? With GrubHub, you can pick out what type of food you want, choose the restaurant, order instantly, get it delivered to you—and all from the app. This ain't New York, kick back a little.

Platform: iOS; Free

You knew this was coming. The San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular spots to visit in the city, and it's also a great place to take your bae on a sunny afternoon. While the place might seem massive, and planning a day around all of the attractions a massive headache, with the official San Diego Zoo app, you'll be able to tame the wild beast.