Intending to climb above the adjacent MYF Class D after takeoff from SEE in order to fly to the coast; the pilot of a DA-40 found himself unable to do so due to lower ceilings. He then found himself hard pressed to remain clear of the box canyon formed by adjacent SEE Class E and NKX (San Diego) Class B while attempting to get an ATC clearance to transit the one he could no longer fly over.

Narrative

I departed SEE from Runway 27R; intending to fly West to the beach and then North. According to my weather briefing; ceilings at the time of departure would allow me to fly over MYF's airspace on my way to the coast. Immediately after departure; and still within SEE airspace; I requested and received clearance to change frequency to SoCal Departure. Upon contacting SoCal Departure; I received a squawk code and discussed my route of flight. As I continued my climb West it became clear I would not be able to fly over MYF airspace. I attempted to advise SoCal Departure. Due to radio traffic; I was unable to raise SoCal Departure in a timely manner. The delay forced me to enter a left turning circle pattern in between SEE; MYF and NKX (military) airspace until I could gain permission to pass through MYF. In order to avoid entering any of these three airspaces; I needed to maintain approximately a .5 mile radius turning circle. I eventually received clearance from MYF to cross their airspace and proceeded west.I believe the airspace between these three airports to be extremely small and conducive to creating dangerous situations; should radio contact with ATC be delayed. I inquired with various pilots upon returning to SEE and they all agreed with my concerns.