Welcome once again to our Destination Deep Dive series. This edition focuses on the City of San Diego and the surrounding county as a whole: why travel physical therapists choose this area, what daily life looks like, and where clinicians go on assignments in the region.
Why Take Physical Therapist Jobs in San Diego?
If you are exploring physical therapy travel assignments in San Diego or surrounding San Diego County cities, you will find an exceptional blend of steady clinical demand, outdoor living, and year-round sunshine. Hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies across the county frequently hire for PT positions in orthopedics, acute care, neurological rehab, pediatrics, and sports medicine. Per diem and PRN roles are also common, creating appealing opportunities for clinicians who want flexibility alongside lifestyle perks.
San Diego County attracts physical therapy professionals for three core reasons: clinical opportunity, career development, and quality of life. Clinically, the region offers large health systems, specialty rehab centers, military and VA facilities, and high-volume outpatient practices. Professionally, PT clinicians benefit from diverse caseloads, exposure to sports and performance rehab, and opportunities to work with active populations. From a lifestyle perspective, few regions match San Diego’s ability to combine beaches, urban neighborhoods, and outdoor recreation into daily life.
San Diego County at a Glance
The totality of San Diego County spans wide variety of coastal cities, inland suburbs, and mountain and desert regions, giving travel rehab therapists a wide range of environments to choose from. The following highlights help explain why many clinicians actively seek out physical therapy jobs in San Diego:
- Iconic beaches and coastline: La Jolla Cove, Coronado Beach, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, and Imperial Beach offer surfing, swimming, coastal trails, and sunset views.
- Major attractions and landmarks: Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Old Town San Diego, Seaport Village, Cabrillo National Monument, and the USS Midway Museum.
- Professional sports and event medicine: Home to the San Diego Padres, major college athletic programs like SDSU and USD, marathons, and endurance events that support sports medicine and performance-focused PT roles.
- Outdoor recreation: Torrey Pines State Reserve, Mission Trails Regional Park, Lake Hodges, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and easy access to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
- Food, culture, and neighborhoods: Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter, North Park, Barrio Logan, and a strong craft brewery and taco culture throughout the county.
- Military and veteran healthcare: Naval Base San Diego, MCAS Miramar, Camp Pendleton, and VA facilities create unique clinical settings and steady demand for PTs.
- Day trips and weekend escapes: Relatively short drives to Julian, Temecula wine country, Palm Springs, and Baja California for extended exploration.
- Year-round mild climate: Consistently moderate weather supports active patient populations and an outdoor-focused lifestyle not as common in most U.S. markets.
This combination of clinical diversity and lifestyle appeal allows physical therapists to grow professionally while enjoying one of the most desirable regions in the country. For many clinicians, taking a travel assignment in San Diego County is not just a measured contract choice but instead a treasured career highlight.
San Diego County City-by-City Summaries
City of San Diego
Overview: San Diego city proper is the county’s largest employment center and a frequent destination for travel PTs. Major health systems such as UC San Diego Health, Scripps Health, Sharp HealthCare, and several VA facilities provide steady hiring for inpatient, outpatient, and specialty rehab therapy roles. If you are searching for physical therapist jobs in San Diego, the city itself will have the broadest selection of high-complexity roles and PRN opportunities.
Lifestyle and attractions: Coined “America’s Finest City,” San Diego has a famously mild climate and a coastline that runs from La Jolla to Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma. Near downtown, you can enjoy Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, and Little Italy. Sports fans can catch Padres baseball at Petco Park or watch college and amateur events across the region. Surfing, sailing, and beach workouts are part of the local culture. Food and nightlife are diverse, with seafood, Mexican cuisine, and farm-to-table restaurants highly rated.
Clinical angle: Clinically, the city offers a wide range of caseloads: high-volume orthopedic outpatient clinics, acute care in busy hospitals, neurological rehab, pediatric therapy, and robust home health programs. UC San Diego and Scripps often recruit for travel PTs for specialized units and research-informed practices. Expect competitive pay and possibly options for PRN scheduling.
La Jolla: The Jewel
Overview: While technically not its own city, the community of La Jolla is one of the region’s medical and research corridors. Home to UC San Diego Health, Scripps Health, and several specialty clinics, La Jolla is a magnet for rehab therapists who enjoy working in high-acuity and research-aligned environments.
Lifestyle and attractions: La Jolla has dramatic coastline, tide pools, and famous beaches like La Jolla Cove and Windansea. The village area offers upscale dining, boutique shopping, and oceanfront parks. Kayaking, snorkeling, and seaside walking paths are local favorites. The area’s natural beauty and tranquil neighborhoods make it a popular choice for physical therapy clinicians who want proximity to top hospitals and a refined coastal lifestyle.
Clinical angle: La Jolla clinics often focus on specialty care such as neurological rehab, oncology rehab, vestibular treatment, and advanced orthopedic caseloads. Travel therapists in La Jolla frequently work with interdisciplinary teams and can find opportunities tied to research and specialty certification.
Encinitas, Cardiff, and Leucadia
Overview: Moving up the coast, Encinitas has a reputation as a laid-back surf town with a strong wellness culture and a growing demand for physical therapy services. Along with its seaside neighborhoods of Cardiff and Leucadia, this beachside community often attract rehab clinicians who value holistic health, community engagement, and proximity to the coast.
Lifestyle and attractions: Encinitas offers beautiful beaches, coastal bluffs, yoga studios, and a vibrant downtown along Highway 101. Popular attractions include Moonlight Beach, the San Diego Botanic Garden, the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple & Meditation Gard3ens, and a wide selection of organic cafés and local shops. The city’s relaxed pace and ocean views make it a favorite among long-term travelers.
Clinical angle: Physical therapy in Encinitas often includes outpatient orthopedics, wellness-focused practices, sports rehab, and integrative care models. Clinics here may emphasize preventative care, movement quality, and lifestyle-driven rehab, making Encinitas ideal for PTs interested in whole-person care.
Carlsbad: the Village by the Sea
Overview: Carlsbad is one of North County’s most desirable coastal cities and consistently attracts physical therapy clinicians seeking a blend of professional opportunity and lifestyle quality. The city has a strong healthcare presence and is well-positioned between Oceanside and Encinitas.
Lifestyle and attractions: The city of Carlsbad is known for its beaches, coastal trails, and family-friendly atmosphere. Local highlights include the Flower Fields, coastal lagoons, scenic golf courses, and a walkable village area with diverse dining and shopping options. The beachside community places a strong emphasis on wellness, fitness, and outdoor recreation.
Clinical angle: Clinical roles in Carlsbad frequently focus on outpatient orthopedics, post-surgical rehab, sports medicine, and pediatric therapy. Many rehab therapy clinics serve active adults and families, creating caseloads that emphasize functional movement, injury prevention, and return-to-activity programs.
City of Oceanside, CA
Overview: Oceanside sits at the northern edge of San Diego County and serves as a gateway between San Diego and Orange County. It is a popular location for travel PTs due to its coastal setting, growing healthcare infrastructure, proximity to Camp Pendleton, and slightly lower cost of living.
Lifestyle and attractions: Oceanside features a long pier, active harbor, and a revitalized downtown with restaurants, breweries, and live music. Surf culture is strong, and the coastal bike paths and beaches support a highly active community. The city also offers rail access via the Coaster and Amtrak, making it easy to explore other Southern California destinations.
Clinical angle: Physical therapy openings in Oceanside often include outpatient orthopedics, sports rehab, home health, and community hospital coverage. The presence of military families and active residents supports steady demand across multiple settings, making Oceanside a strong option for travel and per diem clinicians.
Inland North County: Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido
Overview: Moving east, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, and other inland North County cities offer more suburban and affordable options for rehab therapy clinicians. These burgeoning cities have community hospitals and outpatient networks that serve growing residential populations.
Lifestyle and attractions: Inland North County provides easy access to Lake Hodges, Daley Ranch, local wineries, and regional parks. The pace is quieter than the coastal strip and commutes to seaside cities are reasonable for weekend leisure.
Clinical angle: Clinical roles in these inland areas often include outpatient orthopedics, SNF positions, pediatric clinics, and home health. The hiring cycles can be quicker and the caseloads often include a broad range of generalist PT needs.
Poway and Rancho Bernardo
Overview: Poway and Rancho Bernardo are inland suburbs with strong school systems and family-oriented neighborhoods. These desirable bedroom communities are a draw for clinicians who prefer suburban life but want quick access to major healthcare centers.
Lifestyle and attractions: Parks, hiking trails, community pools, and family events make these inland cities appealing for clinicians with children or those seeking a quieter pace. The local farmer’s markets and annual community festivals support a small-town feel.
Clinical angle: Expect outpatient orthopedics, pediatric clinics, and home health. Facilities in these areas often emphasize continuity of care and family-based rehabilitation services.
Santee, El Cajon, and East County
Overview: Santee, El Cajon, La Mesa, and other East County cities provide practical, suburban assignments with accessible hospitals and outpatient centers. These inland markets are popular with clinicians looking for a quieter base and reasonable housing options.
Lifestyle and attractions: East County highlights include El Cajon’s community events, Santee Lakes, and trails around Mission Trails Regional Park. These areas are closer to the mountains and desert, so weekend trips to Julian for apple pies or to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park are relatively easy.
Clinical angle: Clinical physical therapy opportunities focus on outpatient rehab, home health, acute care in regional hospitals, and SNF coverage. East County often has steady per diem and PRN roles that suit those desiring flexible schedules.
Coronado: The Crown City
Overview: Coronado is a small, upscale coastal city located on an island just across the bay from downtown San Diego. Known for its resort atmosphere and close-knit community, Coronado appeals to rehab therapists who want a quieter home base while remaining minutes from major hospitals and healthcare systems in central San Diego.
Lifestyle and attractions: Coronado Island is famous for its wide sandy beaches, the historic Hotel del Coronado, and a charming downtown filled with shops, cafés, and waterfront dining. The flat terrain makes biking and walking popular daily activities, and the city’s parks and shoreline support an active outdoor lifestyle. Many clinicians enjoy the calm, polished feel of Coronado while still having easy access to downtown nightlife and events.
Clinical angle: Clinical opportunities in Coronado typically include outpatient clinics, community-based rehab, and per diem roles that connect into larger San Diego hospital systems. Physical therapists who value predictable schedules, lower patient volume, and strong work-life balance often find Coronado appealing.
National City, Chula Vista, and the South Bay
Overview: Chula Vista and National City anchor the South Bay and serve as major growth corridors for the county. These up-and-coming cities offer a mix of hospital systems, outpatient clinics, and community health centers.
Lifestyle and attractions: South Bay living offers family-friendly communities, parks like Otay Valley Regional Park, and waterfront activity near the bay. Chula Vista’s bayside resorts and regional trails are local highlights. The proximity to the Mexico border adds cultural richness and easy cross-border day trips for food and markets.
Clinical angle: Demand is strong for general inpatient care, outpatient orthopedics, community health PT, and home health. Travel therapists can expect flexible shifts and opportunities to serve diverse patient populations.
Imperial Beach and Border Areas
Overview: Imperial Beach and nearby communities near the border with Mexico offer a distinct seaside culture and often more affordable coastal living. Rehab therapy openings in Imperial Beach may be found in community clinics, outpatient centers, and SNFs.
Lifestyle and attractions: Imperial Beach provides wide sandy beaches, pier access, and a close-knit surf community. The area is ideal for clinicians who want a beachfront lifestyle with a slower pace than central San Diego.
Clinical angle: Work opportunities include outpatient orthopedic clinics, community health positions, and per diem coverage for nearby hospitals. Clinicians here may treat both local residents and seasonal visitors.
The San Diego Lifestyle for PT and PTA Travelers
Working physical therapist jobs in San Diego offers far more than a great contract. PTs and PTAs here become part of a healthcare community that values movement, prevention, and whole-person wellness. Across San Diego County, clinicians collaborate in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health settings, and specialty rehab programs that serve active, engaged patient populations. Many travelers also benefit from strong professional development opportunities and exposure to diverse clinical settings that support long-term career growth.
Just as important is the lifestyle. San Diego’s year-round mild weather, coastal access, and laid-back culture make it easy to recharge outside of work. Whether you are surfing before a shift in Encinitas, exploring Balboa Park on a day off, hiking Torrey Pines, or enjoying dinner in Little Italy, life as a travel PT in San Diego blends professional fulfillment with everyday adventure. For many clinicians, it is the kind of destination that turns a single assignment into a repeat stop.
Ready to explore physical therapy jobs in San Diego or elsewhere in the county? Apply now to speak with a recruiter about current and future openings.