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

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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San Diego Zoo - Tips for Visiting

The world-famous San Diego Zoo is a must-see when traveling to Southern California. The large, 100-acre park is home to over 4,000 rare and endangered animals from around the world, including pandas, koalas, tigers, polar bears, and more. The park also boasts a botanical collection of more than 700,000 exotic plants. The zoo is rated the #2 zoo in the World by TripAdvisor and is consistently a Travelers Choice Award winner -- which includes a list of the top zoos in the world based on millions of traveler reviews. Check out our helpful guide before you visit, which includes ways to save on admission, San Diego Zoo tips, must-see exhibits, other nearby attractions, and much more. San Diego Zoo Tips for Visiting If you visit with Go City, you can skip the ticket booth and go straight to the turnstiles for park entry. Your San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass ticket includes unlimited use of the Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, Skyfari aerial tram, and all regularly scheduled shows. Wear comfortable footwear. The San Diego Zoo consists of 100 acres of hilly terrain. Take advantage of the guided double decker bus tour and go in the morning to scope out your must-see exhibits. Follow the bus route along with your map to get a lay of the land. It may also be helpful to use the hop-on hop-off Kangaroo Bus. The bus makes 4 stops throughout the park and arrives at each stop every 15 minutes. The zoo allows outside food so pack snacks and a picnic lunch if you want to avoid paying for food in the zoo. Hydrate. Bring a water bottle or purchase a souvenir fountain drink cup with a straw and lid for discounted re-fills all day. Spend some time in the shadier terrain in the Lost Forest exhibit when temperatures are at their peak. This area of the park features the most shade so it tends to be cooler and gives you a break from the sun. Parking is free, so no need to worry about budgeting in some extra space for those parking fees. What to Bring Water: You'll be walking around and out in the sun all day so bring a water bottle to fill up at various fountains throughout the park. Sunscreen: Bring sunscreen, because most of the exhibits are outdoors. Camera: There will be lots of photo opportunities and plenty of adorable critters -- be sure to bring a cellphone or camera. Picnic: The park allows outside food, which can be a smart way to save on dining. What to Do at the Zoo See below for a list of our recommended exhibits to check out during your visit. Africa Rocks The San Diego Zoo’s Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks spotlights the amazing biodiversity found on the African continent. With six new habitats that span 8 acres dedicated to African plants and animal species, including including African penguins, baboons, lemurs, and more. These habitats are all unique, and are organized under the following concepts: Cape Fynbos Madagascar Forest Ethiopian Highlands West African Forest Acacia Woodland Kopje Woodland Northern Frontier Home of the zoo's polar bears, this exhibit is a must-see for any Arctic enthusiasts out there. Watch a snow white fox frolic, caribou meander, and polar bears swimming or playing in the underwater viewing area. Stay for a Keeper Talk, during which you'll learn about the unique maned wolf species and see the animals do enrichment exercises. Lost Forest   Take a stroll through Lost Forest to see tigers, hippos, monkeys, gorillas, and more. Be sure to walk through Scripps Aviary and Owens Aviary to see the rare and exotic bird species. You'l also find the Tiger Trail here, which is a great opportunity to see these majestic great cats if you can't get to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This section also features a number of botanical exhibits and gardens, including the Bog Garden, the Fern Canyon, and the Hawaiian Native Plant Garden. It's a must-visit for fans of flora and fauna alike! Urban Jungle Head to the Urban Jungle exhibit to see giraffes, kangaroos, flamingos, rhinos, sleepy koalas, and more. This distinctive exhibit combines many of the zoo's animal ambassadors together in one exhibit, so there are plenty of critters to meet and engage with during specialty demonstrations. Discovery Outpost This exhibit features lots of reptiles, insects, and birds. Kids can run around in the playground and get up-close to the animals in the petting zoo where visitors can pet the wooly coat of a sheep or comb a gentle pygmy goat's hair. Stay for the Keeper Talk, during which you can meet Baba the pangolin and learn about this rare animal. Skyfari® Aerial Tram Take an airborne shortcut over the treetops to the other end of the zoo and enjoy spectacular views of the zoo, the animal and plant collection, and surrounding Balboa Park. Things to Do Nearby - Attractions & Activities The San Diego Zoo is right in the middle of beautiful and historic Balboa Park, which has a bunch of great museums for the entire family to enjoy. Make the most of your day and walk down Park Boulevard to check out some of the attractions right in Balboa Park. San Diego Natural History Museum - Explore the diversity of plant and animal life at the San Diego Natural History Museum (the NAT). Fleet Science Center plus IMAX - Play scientist for the day by building skyscrapers, interpreting images from the Hubble Space Telescope, and comparing medical tissue samples. See what's playing in the world's largest IMAX dome for even more science-themed fun. San Diego Model Railroad Museum - Check out the world's largest model railroad display and learn all about the prominent role railroads played in the westward expansion in the United States. San Diego Museum of Art - Take a stroll through the region's most visited art institute nationally renowned for its collections of Spanish and Italian Old Masters, South Asian paintings, and 19th and 20th century American paintings and sculptures. Japanese Friendship Garden, San-Kei-En - Take a stroll through three tiers of beauty and serenity in the Japanese Friendship Garden, created as a gesture of friendship between the U.S. and Japan when San Diego and Yokohama, Japan became sister cities in 1950. San Diego Automotive Museum - This is a must-see for any automotive buffs or car enthusiasts. Cars on display are restored and preserved by a dedicated team of volunteer technicians who work hard to make this museum special. Air and Space Museum - Designed to celebrate aviation and space flight and inspire students to excel in technology, mathematics, and the sciences, the Air and Space Museum is a fascinating exploration of all things air and space. Save on Tickets with Go City® Remember, Go City is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes San Diego Zoo tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple San Diego attractions for one low price.
Casey Makovich
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San Diego Itinerary – 3 Days in San Diego for First Timers

Got a few days to spend in San Diego but unsure what to do? Sun, sand, and savings -- there's so much to love in this amazing city. There's a reason San Diego has been called one of the best places to vacation in the entire country, and it isn't just the beautiful neighborhoods and near-perfect weather! World-class museums, zoos, and amusement parks are as plentiful in San Diego as beaches and palms. We’ve put together a 3 days in San Diego itinerary to help you make the most of your time in town, from theme parks to museums and beyond. This 3 day itinerary includes: LEGOLAND® California Museum of Making Music Carlsbad (free!) SeaWorld® San Diego Cabrillo Marine Monument (free!) San Diego Zoo San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego Air and Space Museum Reuben H. Fleet Science Center plus IMAX Only have a few days in San Diego? We’ve also put together a 1 day in San Diego and 2 day itinerary to assist with your planning. Save on Attraction Admission Pick up a 3-Day Go San Diego® Card and save off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 3 day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience San Diego. The Go San Diego® Card gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. Planning to visit other spots in California? Then take a peak at our California road trip itinerary. We dare you to not have any fun with these recommendations. Stop #2: Museum of Making Music Next, pay a visit to the charming Museum of Making Music. Located conveniently in Carlsbad, right next to LEGOLAND®, this attraction illuminates the history of music in America over the last 100 years. Interactive and immersive exhibits highlight key movements in American musical history, including everything from the emergence of ragtime to the rise of digital technology in music-making. We recommend reserving about an hour for this attraction. Getting In: Museum of Making Music tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. Stop #3: Carlsbad (free!) We recommend pairing your first day with some time to explore and shop in Carlsbad Village and Antique Mall, located in downtown Carlsbad. There's also a number of beaches, gardens, and parks to explore, whether you're looking to enjoy some time with nature or just a late afternoon stroll. Or, if you're a golf nut, you'll find a few courses to check out. You could also opt to dine in this neighborhood, which offers a variety of culinary choices from reliable chains to tasty indies. Getting In: It's free to explore Carlsbad, but additional activities may incur extra costs not covered by the pass. Stop #2: Cabrillo National Monument (free!) Just outside of the SeaWorld area is historic Point Loma, with a lighthouse and the Cabrillo National Monument to explore. Don't forget about the famous Point Loma tide pools, where you can see a microcosm of San Diego's marine life in one teeny tiny little vignette. It’s a great vantage point from which to see San Diego, Coronado, the naval base, and even all the way to Mexico, so don’t forget your camera! If you want to learn more about this amazing area, consult the National Park website for more information about the tide pools and the natural landscape. Getting In: We recommend reserving about 1 hour for this attraction. Stop #3: San Diego Air and Space Museum Next, pop over to the nearby Air and Space Museum. This dynamic and exciting museum is filled with exhibits and artifacts that tell the history of aviation in San Diego, which is, after all, one of the great aviation hubs in the country. You’ll see everything from models of the original Montgolfier brothers’ hot air balloon to carefully preserved aircraft like the Navy F6F Hellcat. All of the planes are beautifully restored and lovingly preserved – there’s no other institution like it in California. We recommend reserving about 1-2 hours for this attraction. Getting In: San Diego Air & Space Museum tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. Stop #4: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center The Fleet Science Center is another favorite among tech lovers and kids. This educational institution allows visitors to “play scientist for a day” and engage with technological innovations from all across the scientific fields. From engineering skyscrapers to examining real images from the Hubble Space telescope, there are so many exciting things to play with at this scientific complex. Don’t forget to stop by their historic IMAX theater – you get one daytime show free with your Go San Diego® Card! Please note that admission to this attraction is free; your pass provides you with IMAX tickets. We recommend reserving about 1 hour for this attraction. Getting In: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center with IMAX Movie tickets are included on the Go San Diego Card. Let’s Recap Enjoy your three days in San Diego by checking out this list of things to do and see. Designed to highlight a wide variety of San Diego attractions, this itinerary will help you achieve a truly rich vacation experience. Visit all of these attractions on our San Diego itinerary with a 3-Day Go San Diego® Card and save on combined admission costs. Go Card holders can save even more with additional included discounts on dining, shopping, and attractions!
Katie Sagal
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San Diego Neighborhoods Guide - Where to Go & What to Visit for Tourists

Planning a vacation to San Diego? Our local experts put together a helpful San Diego neighborhoods guide so you can make the most of your time in San Diego. We highlighted a handful of the top attractions, places to see, and which neighborhoods in San Diego to visit during your vacation. Balboa Park North County Coastal San Diego’s North County Coastal region is home to many top attractions, beautiful beaches, natural preserves, and seaside villages. Things to Do in North County Coastal San Diego Go on a family adventure at the popular LEGOLAND® California and SEA LIFE® Aquarium. Check out the beautifully landscaped gardens and exhibits at the San Diego Botanic Garden. Explore animal wildlife of the Savannah on a mini-safari excursion at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. La Jolla Mission Bay & the Beaches Mission Valley & Old Town Mission Valley is a popular place for visitors to stay. Its main street, Hotel Circle, is lined with moderately priced hotels that attract families and budget travelers. The Old Town Historic Park is where California began. Old Town is home to several museums that document the city’s unique history and lots of shops and casual restaurants. Be sure to visit the most haunted house in America for a spooky take on San Diego’s history. You can also opt to take a trolley ride of San Diego's Old Town, which will offer an excellent overview of the neighborhood and the city's impressive history. Hillcrest Hillcrest is San Diego’s first self-contained suburb and is known for being the central hub of San Diego’s gay and lesbian community. Visitors will notice the towering pride flag where the famous annual LGBT Pride Parade begins. The area features walkable streets complete with eclectic shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Downtown Little Italy As its name suggests, Little Italy is an area in Downtown San Diego rich with Italian culture from its early roots as a fishing neighborhood. Its Italian culture is apparent in its cuisine, little shops, and architecture. Things to Do in Little Italy Check out over 150 booths featuring fresh produce, artisan foods, and specialty items at the popular Farmer’s Market every Saturday between 8 am and 2 pm at W. Cedar and India streets. Leave your guidebook behind and hop into a GoCar for a GPS guided tour of the city. As you drive, the GoCar narrates the tour based on your surroundings. Learn all about the maritime history of the western world at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Cortez Hill Cortez Hill is one of the oldest San Diego neighborhoods in Downtown. Visitors will enjoy the quaint, Victorian and row style townhomes and poking around the various shops. Things to Do in Cortez Hill Visit El Cortez hotel, a San Diego landmark built in 1926 in Spanish Colonial Revival Style. You’ll get a view of downtown San Diego and Balboa Park from the top of the hill. Get a little shopping in at the pedestrian-friendly area complete with shops and sidewalk cafes lining Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Core-Columbia Gaslamp Quarter/ Horton Plaza Named for its gas lamp lined streets, the Gaslamp Quarter is a top destination for shopping, fine dining, nightlife, and entertainment. Things to Do in the Gaslamp Quarter Visit the oldest surviving structure located in Downtown San Diego -- The Gaslamp Museum at the David-Horton House (formerly known as the William Heath Davis House), which was actually built in 1850. Head to the Horton Plaza, a multi-level shopping plaza, movie theatre, and recreational facility. Check out the popular nightclub scene for an evening packed with fun. East Village Located on the eastern side of Downtown San Diego, Eastern Village is home to the San Diego Padres and PETCO Park. Catch a game at the park or check out the fantastic view from home plate on a tour of the stadium. Marina The Marina district is home to the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the bayside San Diego Convention Center, and more. Things to Do in the Marina District The New Children’s Museum features hands-on creative activities and innovative artwork that kids can touch, move, or climb. Head to Seaport Village, a 14-acre waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. Embarcadero The Embarcadero boardwalk runs along San Diego’s downtown waterfront extending from the Embarcadero Marina to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Coronado Save on Attraction Admission in San Diego Neighborhoods If you're exploring this many different parts of San Diego, you're bound to want to visit a few of these exciting attractions. Consider picking up a San Diego attractions pass to suit your traveling needs. Whether you're in town for only a day or two, or even a whole week, you'll find the perfect pass for you. Save up to 55% versus paying at the gate!
Casey Makovich

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