National City is a city in southwest San Diego County, California, that is part of the South Bay neighborhood of the San Diego metropolitan area. San Diego's boundaries to the north and northeast, Bonita's to the southeast, and Chula Vista's across the Sweetwater River to the south define the boundaries of National City. The city's immediate west is home to San Diego Bay. Lincoln Acres, a San Diego County unincorporated community, is also located inside National City's boundaries on the town's eastern side. The distance from National City to Tijuana, the US-Mexico border, is 15 minutes.

Even though National City doesn't legally have communities, separate neighborhoods have grown there. The Old Town neighborhood, which is bounded by McKinley Ave. to the west, National City Boulevard to the east, 24th Street to the south, and 8th Street to the north, is where Lincoln Acres, which has the same zip code as National City (91950), is situated. The South Port Business Center is bounded by I-5 in the west, National City Boulevard in the east, 24th Street in the north, and W. South 28th Street, which is used as an industrial sector. Neighborhood councils at Las Palmas and El Toyon Parks give residents a voice while the Neighborhood Council Program promotes community engagement through monthly meetings, volunteer activities for neighborhood betterment, crime prevention, and family events.

Because of its proximity to San Diego's tourism industry, National City's economy is based primarily on tourism. The National City Tourism Marketing District was established in partnership with surrounding lodging facilities with the aim of strengthening marketing and sales initiatives, boosting tourism, and developing the city as a tourist, conference, and event destination. Well-known hotels like Best Western Marina Gateway and Holiday Inn Express donate a part of their profits to support this initiative. According to the 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the main businesses in the community, including Paradise Valley Hospital, National Elementary School District, and Sweetwater Union High School District, are crucial to the local labor market.

National City has a diverse cultural scene and attractions. Along the San Diego Bay, a three-mile port region is essential to Naval Base San Diego. Notably, the historic National City Mile of Cars invented the idea of "auto malls." The Santa Fe Railway's transcontinental line's Pacific Coast terminus stop was the famous National City Depot. An enclosed shopping center called Westfield Plaza Bonita attracts customers from all across San Diego County. Other notables are the Paradise Valley Hospital, the charming Brick Row on Heritage Square, and the famous Cafe La Maze, which has been around since 1941. Finally, a historical relic, Olivewood Gardens was originally home to John T. Walton.

The National School District's 10 public primary schools make up the educational landscape of National City. These include charter alternatives like Integrity Charter School as well as public schools like Ira Harbison, a Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished School. The Sweetwater Union High School District is home to the city's middle and high schools, with Granger Junior High School consistently being named as a School to Watch. The region's educational scene is further enhanced by private institutions like San Diego Academy and Gospel Light Christian School.