California bans open carry of handguns under Penal Code section 26350 and openly carried unloaded long guns in incorporated areas under section 26400. San Diego is fully incorporated, so open carry is illegal everywhere in the city.
Penal Code section 26350 makes it a misdemeanor to openly carry an unloaded handgun in any public place or street within an incorporated area. Section 26400 extends the same rule to unloaded long guns. Loaded open carry in public is separately barred by Penal Code section 25850. Because every parcel inside San Diego city limits is incorporated, no zone permits open carry, including beaches, parks, sidewalks, and parking lots. Narrow exceptions cover hunting on permitted land, target ranges, and on-duty peace officers. CCW holders carrying concealed are not affected by these open-carry bans.
Open carry is a misdemeanor under Penal Code section 26350 or 26400, punishable by up to one year jail and fines; loaded open carry under section 25850 carries equivalent penalties.
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