About San Diego
Sandy beaches, beautiful parks, and perfect weather all describe San Diego, California, a city on the Mexican border and in the Pacific Ocean in the southernmost part of the state. With around 1.4 million residents, it’s second to Los Angeles in population and home to vibrant business and military communities and tourism.
San Diego Harbor is deep, which means the Navy and Marines have an active presence here. San Diego is also a great location for retirees, young couples starting a family, professionals, and others. Since the weather is lovely, the job and career opportunities and views make it a great place to work and live.
San Diego CA, is also known for its incredible filming locations, video shoots, and music videos. It has some iconic landmarks and unique filming locations like the Convention Center, Little Italy, Downtown San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and more, where filmmakers can take advantage of the locations for a film shoot. Production gear for videography, light, event rentals, and more are also available at almost all shoot locations across the city. These vendors are well-versed in multiple venues where movies were filmed in the past.
Since San Diego, CA, is not too far from Las Vegas (approximately a 5-hour driving distance), many production companies prefer to find filming locations in this city to save the rent per hour at expensive venues and locations in Las Vegas.
Video Shoot Locations in San Diego
Professionals have long known that video shoot locations in San Diego are second to none. Movies that have used this as filming locations include Top Gun, Stepbrothers, Pearl Harbor, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The businesses in the city make it easy to complete a video shoot or film to the highest standards, with a fantastic atmosphere for the crew to enjoy in their downtime.
- Catering
Catering companies in San Diego are top-notch. Of course, you may want to give a nod to the Spanish heritage of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who originally landed in the city and claimed it for Spain in the 1500s. Or some Mexican cuisine from the neighbor to the south. Many other cuisines are available from caterers throughout the city that can provide everything needed to sustain your cast and crew throughout the filming. You may also find some caterers downtown who can deliver quick meals as you need them.
- Furniture Rentals
Your filming or video shoot needs the perfect furniture, light, and equipment to complete the project, and the furniture and equipment rental companies in San Diego can help. They’ve worked on filming projects of all sizes, from small one-person productions to blockbuster hits and multilayer shots, and can help secure whatever is needed. You should hire them early so you don’t miss out on great offers and discounts.
- Transportation
Travel is a breeze when you’re headed to San Diego. The city's airport is one of the busiest single-runway airports in the country, and various other transportation methods in and out of the city are available. Private transportation options are more abundant than public transportation.
Video Shoot Companies in San Diego
These video shoot location companies in San Diego will ensure your filming project doesn’t become a maverick. They offer the highest level of professionalism and attention to detail that you’ve come to expect.
- The Wild Thyme Company
The Wild Thyme Company believes in delicious cuisine without global boundaries. They offer custom orders based on clients’ requests and specialize in Mediterranean and coastal California cuisine. Their food is fresh, seasonal, local, and trendsetting. They also provide bar food on request in case you need some finger foods for the day.
- AFR Furniture Rental
AFR Furniture Rental has everything you need for a home, office, or video shoot. They also offer collections for special events. Their sophisticated style and beautiful items will elevate your video shoot to the exact set you dreamed of.
- PTK Auto
PTK Auto offers luxury vehicles with chauffeur service. They are great for airport transfers, special events, film and video shoots, and corporate travel. Their usual prices cover your luggage transfer and a free wi-fi for everyone.
Pros and Cons of Video Shoot Locations in San Diego
As hard as it is to believe, there are pros and cons to filming in San Diego CA. So, make a list and decide if any of these will sway your decision.
Advantages
- Location is everything
Did we mention the location? San Diego has some ideal filming locations. It has the perfect weather, amenities, ease of access, culture, and nightlife. It’s a diverse city, and people say living, visiting, and working here is “pure bliss.”
- Beaches and the outdoors
The beaches, green spaces, parks, and other outdoor recreation opportunities in San Diego CA, are a huge draw as iconic landmarks. As a filming location, San Diego has it all - filming space, a production studio for rent, the perfect location for a scene, you name it. It’s the stuff of an Instagram influencer’s dreams; many come here to shoot for their accounts. On a serious note, one of the best ways to recharge after a long day on the video shoot is to spend some time away in nature, and San Diego delivers more than just that.
- Foodie delights
The culinary and craft brewery scenes in San Diego are all the rage, and for good reason. Restaurants and catering companies are abundant. One estimate states there are 7,000 restaurants within the city limits - just look at the downtown area! That means you can get whatever you crave, have always wanted to try, or your favorite comfort food. Just head to Little Italy or the Gaslamp Quarter for some delicious delicacies.
Disadvantages
- Must be the money
Well, all those good points have a downside, and that’s the price tag. It’s expensive to live and work in San Diego CA, but as we all know, anything worthwhile usually has a price tag to match it. You won’t be disappointed if you expand your budget to account for the higher costs of a film studio or outdoor scene.
- Transportation woes
There is some public transportation in San Diego, but it’s not abundant. You really will need your car or private transportation to access the city fully. Add to that the fact that traffic is challenging – think congestion and traffic jams – and you’ll be glad to have a driver dealing with it for you.
- Homeless population
San Diego is a city of great contrasts, and unfortunately, the high cost of living and mild climate contribute to the high rate of homelessness. This sad reminder of the disparities in our society is everywhere you go in San Diego.
Famous Locations in San Diego
- Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre park and historic site that offers green space, outdoor recreation, trails, and more in an urban setting. The park is home to sculptures, the San Diego Zoo, museums, and theaters as well. It’s a must-see on any San Diego itinerary.
- South Mission Beach
The beaches in San Diego are famous and South Mission Beach is one of our favorites. It’s the furthest beach out on the Mission Beach Peninsula. The white sand is inviting, and the beaches are wide, so there’s plenty of space for everyone. There are built-in volleyball nets, lifeguards on duty, and a picnic area.
- Cabrillo National Monument
Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the first European to step foot on the west coast in 1542. This national monument recognizes him from its location on Point Loma. It also offers phenomenal views of the city. Tours of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1858, are also available. You can easily spend the day seeing all the features and reading the sign telling the monument's history while you pay your respects and visit the location in peace.