The East spire is topped with the familiar angel Moroni statue which has historically been on many of the church's temples.

Although there is no visitors' center, the church maintains the Mormon Battalion Historic Site in Old Town, San Diego.

In 2010, the temple underwent maintenance to the exterior, including cleaning, recaulking, and repair of the roof.

[2] In 2020, like all others in the church, the San Diego California Temple was temporarily closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[3] Notable temple presidents include J. Clifford Wallace (1998-1999); Joe J. Christensen (1999–2002); and David E. Sorensen (2005–08).