landmark
San Diego Zoo
World-renowned zoo in Balboa Park home to over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species in naturalistic habitats.
8 km · about 15 min drive
North AmericaUnited StatesCalifornia
National City
California, United States · North America
About National City
National City is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Chula Vista, 8km from San Diego Zoo.
National City is in California, United States, with about 61,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Chula Vista, about 4 km away.
National City is a city in the South Bay region of southwestern San Diego County, California, United States. The population was 56,173 at the 2020 United States census, down from 58,582 at the 2010 census. National City is the second-oldest city in San Diego County, having been incorporated in 1887.
Where to Stay in National City
Compare prices across Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, and more. Select your dates to see availability.
Filter presets
Pick your must-haves once: provider links open pre-filtered. Each filter lists which sites it applies to.
Compare before you book!
Prices can vary significantly between platforms. We recommend checking at least 2-3 sites to find the best deal for your stay in National City.
Explore the Area
Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near National City.
Loading map...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near National City?
Within an hour or so of National City: San Diego Zoo (8 km), SeaWorld San Diego (15 km), San Diego Zoo Safari Park (48 km), LEGOLAND California (54 km).
Are there any good drives near National City?
The nearest famous roads are Tijuana-Ensenada Scenic Highway.
Where is National City?
National City is in California, United States, about 4 km from Chula Vista.
Road trip
Drive to National City
Add it as a stop and the planner works out the driving, the nights and what's worth seeing on the way.
Start planningWhat's nearby?
Swipe through places to go
Places within a drive of National City. Keep the ones you like and add them to your trip.
Explore now
Quick Information
- Population
- 61,060
- Continent
- North America
- Country
- United States
- Region
- California
- Timezone
- America/Los_Angeles
- Coordinates
- 32.6781, -117.0992
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United States
AAA roadside assistance: 1-800-222-4357. Right turn on red is legal in most states unless signed otherwise.
Full driving guide for United StatesTags
Worth the detour from National City
4 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
SeaWorld San Diego
Southern California's marine life park offering animal experiences, aquarium exhibits, and amusement rides.
15 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Expansive wildlife sanctuary in Escondido where animals roam in vast open-range enclosures mimicking their native habitats.
48 km · about 55 min drive
landmark
LEGOLAND California
Carlsbad theme park designed for families with children aged 2–12, featuring over 60 LEGO-themed rides and attractions.
54 km · about 60 min drive
Driving roads near National City
- 69 kmTijuana-Ensenada Scenic HighwayBaja's toll road 1D hugs Pacific cliffs for 100 km between Tijuana and Ensenada, with surf breaks, seafood stops and sweeping ocean panoramas the whole way.
Nearby Destinations
Other places to explore near National City.
Plan a trip around National City
Your trip starts here
Plan a road trip from National City.
Pick the days, drop in the stops, and share it with whoever's coming.