San Diego Planning & Tips

Getting There and Around
Californians never really got how Seinfeld or Carrie lived without a car. Driving is big in the third largest state in the Union. Some large cities in California have mass transit trains, but San Diego isn't one of them. So if you want to move around in comfort plan to drive into San Diego or rent a car (Remember: it's now illegal in California to talk on a cell phone and drive unless you use a head set or speaker phone). If you're flying, you'll love that San Diego is home to an International Airport that is just five minutes from the excitement. Yes, many locals live right under the flight path yet seem to grow accustomed to the roar of jets.

The San Diego trolley offers access to many attractions and exciting spots in the downtown area. Purchase a one, two, three or four-day pass and just pay $5 to $15. Monthly passes are also available. Points of interest served are vast and include Legoland (30 minutes by car north of San Diego), Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter, Petco park, the zoo and more.

The San Diego bus system winds throughout the region and has an extremely user-friendly Web site. Type in where you're starting and where you're heading and the site does the work for you. However, locals claim counting on the bus can be dicey because it doesn't always go where you need it to go and transfers can be confusing. It's also pricey at $2.50 per trip, however, a $5 Day Tripper Pass is available.

The Airport Flyer, No. 992 A reliable means of transportation. Clean and regular buses coming and going. Drops riders in the harbor and downtown area. One-way bus fare is $2.25, $1.10 for seniors, and children under 5 ride for free.

The Art of Smart Timing
The most jaw-droppingly beautiful months in San Diego are February to the end of April, and most of July to October where mild temps from 70 to 80 degrees will keep you smiling. July and August are high season so you might want to make your plans for spring or early fall when the herd thins. And the scoop on May and June? Locals will be more than happy to bend your ear about what they call May Gray and June Gloom. It's common for visitors in these months to grouse, "Isn't California sunny? I want a refund." Well, the temps are still lovely but you're playing roulette if you want to see the sun during late spring/early summer. Rain isn't something the San Diegans have seen much of in the last five years, so gray skies may be the only "bad" weather you're avoiding. What to wear? Shorts during the day, a sweater or jacket for chilly evenings. Fine dining: skip the flip flops and wear business casual or resort wear.

Off the Radar
Don't miss the Dr. Seuss (in the UCSD's Geisel Library) collection. Because of the fragility of the pieces, the collection is only exhibited July through September and in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday mid-February to mid-March.

The San Diego Reader
For events and to catch all the San Diego happenings pick up this indispensable newspaper. Scroll to the bottom of the newspaper's site for great listings.

Visitor's Bureau
San Diego Visitors Bureau