Getting Around San Diego - How to Get Around San Diego for Tourists

UPDATED NOVEMBER 2024
By Casey Makovich
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Traveling to San Diego for the vacation of a lifetime? We’ve put together a go-to guide packed with information for getting around San Diego and beyond, including getting to and from the airport.

While this beach haven is large and pretty spread out, getting around is easy if you know what you're doing. The public transportation system offers a convenient and affordable transportation solution but depending on where you stay and how far out of the city you plan to explore, you might find that the easiest option is to rent a car or hail a taxi.

You can also opt to get outside and ride a bike, or take advantage of the Hop On Hop Off buses and trolleys with a pass for San Diego by Go City®. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a frequent visitor of the sunny California paradise, this guide will provide you with great tips and tricks for navigating.

San Diego Public Transportation

San Diego and its surrounding areas have accessible and affordable public transit systems that include trolleys, buses, trains, and shuttles.

Within San Diego

The trolleys provide service from key locations in the downtown area while buses are great for navigating beyond downtown San Diego. A Big Bay Shuttle runs seasonally (between Memorial and Labor Day) and provides hop-on hop-off service along San Diego’s Embarcadero waterfront area with an all-day pass. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, SDMTS, consists of 3 trolley lines:

  • The Blue Line runs between the Mexican border through Downtown and Old Town
  • The Orange line connects the Downtown area to eastern parts of San Diego through Lemon Grove and El Cajon
  • The Green Line runs from Old Town through Mission Valley, San Diego State University, and Santee.

Check the SDMTS website for up-to-date detailed trolley maps and timetables. The SDMTS also includes a bus system that offers 89 different routes. The buses are easy to use and are a reliable way to get around to areas of San Diego that the trolley does not service.

Check the SDMTS website for up-to-date bus route maps, schedules, and trip planning resources. The Plan Your Trip tool on the SDMTS website is also super helpful for visitors. Plug in where you'd like to go and easily find which buses or trains will take you there the quickest.

Beyond San Diego

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The Amtrak California trains run to areas beyond San Diego. The Pacific Surfliner travels along the ocean with daily service to cities north of San Diego including Anaheim, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo while the Sprinter rail travels east out to Escondido.

For more public transit directions and questions call (619) 233-3004. To see all inter-California Amtrak routes, click here.

Taxis & Cars

You'll never need to worry about hailing a cab in San Diego! Taxis are widely available in San Diego but can be expensive. Base fares and rates are displayed on the meter and you are typically charged on a per mile basis. There are taxi stands at the airport, most hotels, and plenty of the most popular San Diego attractions.

If you plan to visit attractions outside of downtown San Diego frequently, renting a car is probably a more convenient option. The freeway system is easy to navigate and you'll be able to make it to all ends of the expansive city. Be sure to leave time to find parking downtown and account for parking fees at select attractions.

Many rental car services include a convenient pick-up service at San Diego area hotels as well. It is also important to note that many rental services require that the driver is 25 years of age or older.

San Diego by Bike

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San Diego is a very cyclist-friendly city. Many roads have designated bike lanes and there are lots of bike rental companies throughout the city. Not to mention, there are beautiful views everywhere you go. Rent a bike for the day and explore the waterfront area of La Jolla, the bustling downtown, and more.

For a comprehensive map of San Diego County, visit the San Diego County Bike Coalition’s website.

Hop On Hop Off Trolley

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In addition to the public trolleys, you can also take Old Town Trolley - it's a San Diego staple. The colorful trolley stops at 10 popular locations and allows for the perfect sightseeing experience.

You'll hit Old Town San Diego State Park, San Diego Embarcadero Cruise Ship Terminal, Seaport Village, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo and more. You can hop on or off at any stop, making it easy to complete your San Diego to-do list.

Traveling from the San Diego International Airport (SAN)

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San Diego International Airport (SAN), also called Lindbergh Field, is conveniently located near downtown San Diego and is easily accessible via public transportation and shared ride services.

By Public Transportation: The San Diego Transit Flier, bus route no. 992, runs between downtown San Diego and the airport every 15 minutes throughout the week and every 30 minutes on the weekends. Please note: Exact change required to purchase bus fare. Check the MTS website for up-to-date fare information for the 992.

By Taxi: Taxis can be found outside terminals 1 and 2 at the airport.

By Shuttle: Airport shuttles run regularly from the airport terminals to various points around the city and can be booked in advanced. Shuttles provide an easy to use, economical alternative to a taxi.

By Rental Car: Most major car rental companies are easily accessible from the airport. Use the car rental reservation boards located near the baggage claim areas of terminals 1 and 2 to catch a shuttle to the car rental locations.

Save on attraction admission

Consider using a pass for San Diego with Go City® - which includes admission to dozens of the area's most popular attractions - all for one low price. See all available San Diego attractions, passes & prices. A San Diego pass will save you on combined admission vs paying at the gate.

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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The legendary Hotel del Coronado in San Diego
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Things to do in Coronado San Diego

Connected to the California mainland by a sandy isthmus and (since 1969) a road bridge, Coronado is a sunny island resort nestled in the heart of San Diego Bay, just across the water from downtown. There’s stacks to do here, especially for families, from tide-pooling on the beach to touring the island by bike or on the Old Town Trolley. Hop aboard for our guide to the 10 best things to do in Coronado San Diego. Spend a Night at the Hotel del Coronado Perched right on the beachfront overlooking Point Loma, ‘The Del’ is a Coronado institution that has been welcoming presidents, celebrities and royalty since Victorian times. Former guests include Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable and Madonna; the hotel’s distinctive conical turrets are said to have inspired the Emerald City in L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; it’s even rumored that Prince Edward first met Coronado resident Wallis Simpson here at a 1920 banquet. And, naturally, a hotel of this vintage also has its very own ghost story. Rooms start north of $700 but a visit to the adjacent Ice House Museum for a walk through the hotel’s rich history is gratis. Hit the Beach The long stretch of golden beach in front of The Del is great for families, thanks to its gentle waves, tide pools crammed with anemones, hermit crabs and sand dollars, and mineral-rich sand that actually glitters in the sun. Kids will love having a go at building their very own sparkling Emerald City sandcastles. Also look out for the legendary Sandcastle Man, who can often be found here on Coronado Central Beach building his extravagant and highly artistic sand sculptures. In the evening, use one of the public firepits to barbecue your own burgers and toast marshmallows as the sun sets over the Pacific. Get on Your Bike Dedicated cycle paths snake around much of Coronado, making bike hire a great idea for family days out. The Bayshore Bikeway runs down the Silver Strand sand spit, and all the way back up into downtown San Diego, from where you can catch the Coronado Ferry back to your starting point. Expect swaying palms, wildlife reserves and sweeping views of the Pacific on this epic 24-mile ride. A shorter version that turns back before you hit the mainland may be the smarter option if you’re with kids, and there’s another more urban route around Coronado itself. Visit Spreckels Park Named for Victorian entrepreneur John D. Spreckels, this park in the middle of Coronado is a beautiful green oasis amid the city streets. Families stop by to picnic beneath the trees, while kids live their best lives in the large playground. In summer, the gazebo bandstand bursts into life every Sunday as part of a series of free concerts that run the gamut from marching bands to high-energy pop acts. Local artists showcase their work at the Art in the Park event on alternate Sundays while the Coronado Flower Show brings thousands of colorful fragrant blooms to the park every April. Ride the Old Town Trolley Hop aboard one of San Diego’s brightly colored trolley buses for a whistle-stop narrated tour of the top attractions in Coronado and Downtown. Taking in Coronado Beach and the Hotel del Coronado, the bus then cruises over the bay to visit several more locations on the mainland, including the historic Gaslamp Quarter and sprawling Balboa Park, home to San Diego Zoo and many of the city’s top museums. You can hop on and off the trolley at your leisure along the route. Discover the Local History Take a deep dive into Coronado’s past at the Coronado Museum, where a huge collection of art, photographs and other exhibits tell the story of island life since the 1880s. The museum also runs a weekly walking tour of some of Coronado’s most important locations, including Orange Avenue and, of course, the Hotel del Coronado. The leisurely tour, in which a knowledgeable local historian will point out interesting architecture and wow you with fascinating anecdotes, lasts around 90 minutes and covers approximately two miles. Shop the Farmers’ Market Hit up the weekly farmers’ market at Coronado Ferry Landing for your fix of all things fresh and wholesome. Here’s your chance to taste sweet organic tomatoes fresh from the vine, and crisp, zingy apples that have ripened on the branch. The whole operation is certified farm-fresh, so you just know there’s going to be more flavor packed into that single strawberry than in any number of mass-produced punnets at the mall. You’ll also find beautiful fresh blooms and countless homemade oils, pickles, condiments and jams. Delicious. Take to the Water The relatively tranquil waters off Coronado make it ideal for trying out some of those watersports you’ve always fancied having a go at. Grab a kayak and paddle your way around the island’s scenic shores. Or get to grips with a stand-up paddleboard. Like surfing, but gentler, this increasingly popular activity can be surprisingly relaxing once you’ve got the hang of it. Try not to be put off your stride by pelicans dive-bombing the water for their lunch! Treat Yourself on Orange Avenue Saunter along flower-filled Orange Avenue, a broad street packed with bougie boutiques, cute cafés, local artisan jewelers and more. There’s plenty to see and do along this mile-long stretch that runs all the way from Bayside to the Hotel del Coronado. Pick up a unique souvenir at the Coronado Museum Store, take in a show at the intimate Lamb’s Players Theatre and sample some of San Diego’s famous craft beers at the Coronado Brewpub. Take the Ferry Downtown Hands down the most romantic way to reach downtown San Diego from Coronado is on the quaint old ferry that chugs back and forth throughout the day. Time your trip for around sunset to get the most magical views as you pull in to dock by the legendary USS Midway aircraft carrier. From here, it’s just a short stroll into the Gaslamp Quarter or Little Italy to enjoy some of the best nightlife (and pizza!) in town. Save on things to do in Coronado San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
The pier at Ocean Beach, San Diego
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Things to do in Ocean Beach San Diego

Antique shops rub shoulders with surf boutiques, organic grocery stores and tempting taquerias in bohemian Ocean Beach, a buzzing neighborhood at the estuary of the San Diego River, around 10 kilometers from downtown. The broad sun-kissed strip of golden SoCal sand draws surfers and sunbathers from near and far while the neighborhood’s historic streets play host to markets and festivals throughout the year. Read on for our pick of the best things to do in Ocean Beach San Diego. Paint the Town Laidback Ocean Beach revels in its reputation as San Diego’s hippy chic hangout. There’s a real community feel to this welcoming neighborhood: stroll palm-lined Newport Avenue and you’ll soon see what we mean. This is also the place to find unusual souvenirs of your trip. Head to French-themed antique store Vignettes for vintage Chanel and Tiffany jewelry, beautiful art prints from Paris and unique Victorian and Edwardian engagement rings. Track down that elusive Pearl Jam LP in hip Cow Records and pick up preloved vintage fashions and other collectible knick-knacks in the boho Humble Heart thrift stores. There are also several tattoo parlors, should you be in the market for a truly indelible souvenir of your trip. Newport Avenue bursts into life every Wednesday when the popular Ocean Beach Farmers Market rolls into town. Wander among more than 100 stalls soaking up the community vibe and live music, and breathing in the heady aromas of sizzling burgers, fresh flowers, handmade soaps and more from local producers. Pick up a canvas tote bag adorned with the market’s colorful logo and stuff it full of goodies to take home: the freshly baked breads and homemade desserts here are to die for. Afterwards, sample San Diego’s legendary craft beers in one of the avenue’s sociable taprooms. Close to the seafront, Ocean Beach Brewery serves up house ales, lagers and porters alongside tacos, burgers, salads and bar games, with a side order of sensational sea views from its third-story rooftop terrace. Further back along the drag, Kilowatt Brewing offers an eclectic selection of small batch beers amid several works of black light art and – in a nod to the brewery’s name – cool, color-changing LED lighting. If wine is more your bag, the nearby Gianni Buomo Vintners has you covered – take a tour of the winery and sample a flight of six great wines, some from California. You can also, should the mood take you, grab a coffee to go and take a gentle stroll around the neighborhood, noting the colorful painted murals and historic buildings including the old Strand Theater and the Bank of Italy – both around 100 years old – along the way. Life’s a Beach Ocean Beach’s tempting stretch of blonde sand and rolling waves make it a firm favorite with surfers. Pros and novices flock here and to other nearby surf spots every summer. Watch them turn 360s and wipe out from the comfort of your lounger or get involved with popular beach sports including volleyball and over-the-line. Wander the 600-meter length of Ocean Beach Pier, the longest concrete pier on the West Coast. On any given day you’ll be sure to see young couples taking selfies against the famous California sunset and dozens of anglers fishing for herring, no doubt with a couple of hopeful-looking pelicans hanging out nearby. Look out for sleek native harbor seals ducking and diving in the fish-rich waters below. When the tide goes out, vast beds of rock and kelp emerge beneath the pier. Kids can take a well-earned break from sandcastle-building duties to forage in the exposed tidepools, discovering hermit crabs, anemones, prickly sea urchins and maybe even an occasional sea star. At the top of the beach by the mouth of the San Diego River, Dog Beach provides amazing off-the-leash fun for your four-legged friend. Here, dogs of all shapes and sizes frolic freely in the sand and surf and mingle with like-minded canines. Note that owning a dog is not a prerequisite to visit this pretty stretch of beach; you’re equally welcome if you simply wish to fill your heart with joy at the sight of all those doggos living their best lives. Attractions Near Ocean Beach Ocean Beach’s location just north of Point Loma means easy access to attractions along the peninsula. Hire a bike and take a ride down Sunset Cliffs Boulevard to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park where – as the name suggests – you can expect stunning sunsets from atop rugged cliffs. Adventurers will relish the chance to scramble down to the Sunset Cliffs Cave at low tide, but be prepared to get wet! To reach this geological marvel – a huge open-ceiling sea cave – head to Luscomb Point and take the steps down to the bottom. You’ll have to cross rocks and wade through some shallow water to reach the cave from here but, boy, is it worth it. Towards the tip of the peninsula, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse is a historic landmark that lies a mere 20-minute drive south from Ocean Beach. Erected in 1855, the lighthouse marks the highest point within the Cabrillo National Monument park. Visitors can take a look around inside and may occasionally be startled by volunteers in period costume, there to reenact key moments from the lighthouse’s storied history. The lighthouse tower is open only twice a year: on August 25 and November 15. Like Sunset Cliffs, the lighthouse is a great place for filling your Instagram feed with humblebrag snaps of the sun setting over the ocean. It’s also pretty good for spotting whales between December and April, when gray whales migrate en masse from Alaska to the warm calving grounds of Baja’s lagoons. Dedicated whale-spotters may even be lucky enough to see mothers swimming with their calves in late April and early May, as they set out on their long journey back to the Arctic. Save on things to do in Ocean Beach San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Kid at the Fleet Science Center
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Rockets or Robots? San Diego Air and Space Museum vs the Fleet Science Center

From flight simulators to mind-bending experiments, choose the Balboa Park science adventure that’s just right for your crew.

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