Upon experiencing the multitude of attractions across the city, travelers whole-heartedly agree that San Diego lives up to its nickname "America's Finest City." One thing that makes San Diego so "fine" is its accessibility to visitors. In a recent poll, Travel + Leisure magazine readers reported that San Diego was voted as the "#5 Overall Easiest City to Get Around In." San Diego also scored the #1 slot for getting around by car, and was rated #4 for those on bicycles.
ARRIVING IN SAN DIEGO:
By Air
Just 10 minutes from downtown San Diego lies San Diego International Airport (airport code: SAN), served by 22 major and commuter airlines. SAN is the busiest single-runway airport in the country, with 600 flights arriving and departing daily. Ground transportation options from SAN include rental cars, shuttle vans, and buses. Travelers can catch ground transportation at the Transportation Plazas across from Terminals 1 and 2, or at the curb in the Commuter Terminal.
By Car
Since San Diego covers a relatively large area, and it is so easy to navigate by car, 65% of visitors come in their own cars. Having a car adds flexibility to travel plans, but as San Diego is a big city, there are also drawbacks, such as traffic jams and accidents during rush hours. A detailed map is a must for visitors who will navigate the city by car during their stay. To get to San Diego by car from either Los Angeles or from Northern California, take Interstate 5; from Las Vegas, take Interstate 15; and from Phoenix, Interstate 8.
By Train
Amtrak offers daily train departures and arrivals to three coastline stations in San Diego. Amtrak is also a good choice for taking day trips between the three stations once travelers have arrived in the city. The Santa Fe Depot is located within walking distance of many favorite San Diego sights, right in the middle of downtown: Maritime Museum, Contemporary Art Museum, Children's Museum, Harbor Excursion Cruises, Seaport Village, Horton Plaza, San Diego Convention Center, and the San Diego Concourse.
By Bus
Greyhound Bus lines operate daily trips into and out of San Diego. The station is located near the Amtrak Depot, right in the heart of downtown San Diego, within walking distance of many attractions.
GETTING AROUND SAN DIEGO:
By Car
San Diego is blessed to have fairly efficient roads and freeways, for a city of its size. Although public transportation is adequate in San Diego, having a car adds to the flexibility of travelers' itineraries. Some things to remember: Most downtown streets are one way, and run in a grid pattern. Once outside the downtown area, navigation can be tricky, so a map is a necessity — geographical features like canyons and bays often intersect streets, causing them to wind and turn. Freeway rush hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. — good times to avoid using the freeways!
For visitors who want to drive to Mexico, checking on insurance before you go is a wise rule. Some policies may cover U.S. visitors, while others may not; if not, Mexican car insurance is visibly available on the U.S. side of the border.
Public Transportation
San Diego's public transportation system is all you need if you are limiting your visit to the immediate downtown area, including Old Town and Balboa Park. It provides a quick, inexpensive way to get from Point A to Point B.
The San Diego Metro Transportation System (MTS) maintains and operates buses, trolleys, and coasters throughout the entire county. Visitors will find routes leading to the airport, shopping centers, attractions, beaches, hotels, and even Mexico, usually with routes every 15 or 20 minutes. All transportation vehicles feature wheelchair lifts. The San Diego Trolley runs every 15 minutes during the day, and every half hour in the evening. The North County Coaster, with a 43 mile track, stops in downtown, Old Town, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside. The San Diego Trolley is the best option for those visiting Tijuana. Travelers can leave their car on the safer U.S. side, and then enjoy a driving-free day in Mexico!
On Foot
In addition to roads and freeways, and public transportation, some of San Diego's neighborhoods are best experienced on foot. These include the historic downtown area, Hillcrest, Balboa Park, Mission Hills, the Embarcadero, and Mission Bay Park.
By Water
Take the ferry between San Diego and Coronado Island. The ferry leaves from the Broadway Pier, 1050 North Harbor Drive, every hour on the hour between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The ride takes 15 minutes, and return ferries arrive at the Broadway Pier every hour on the half-hour. Two-dollar fares can be purchased at the Harbor Excursion kiosk on Broadway Pier, or at the Old Ferry Landing in Coronado.
Water Taxis are another fun way to experience San Diego, especially for those staying in a downtown hotel, and who want to get to the beach in front of the famous Hotel del Coronado. Water Taxis pick up travelers at docks around the Bay, and run from 12:00 noon until 10:00 p.m.
By Bicycle
San Diego is highly navigable by bicycle as well. Many roads have built-in bike lanes, and the San Diego Ridelink offers a map of the county (available at visitor centers) which highlights all bike paths and bike lanes. MTS trolleys and buses can carry bikes, as well as the San Diego-Coronado Ferry.
Other San Diego Transportation Options
San Diego also has a long list of unique, fun-to-take transportation modes, including pedicabs, gondolas, and horse-drawn carriages.
