Travel by Trolley, Coaster (coastal train) or bus with fares ranging from $1.25 to $3 each way depending on how you travel and where you are going. The Coronado Ferry runs every hour on the hour between Coronado and downtown, costing just a couple of dollars. Water taxis also operate on the San Diego Bay for around $8 per person per trip.
If you're willing to tackle the heavy traffic of downtown and the challenge of finding a parking spot, one option is to rent your own car. It gives you the flexibility to explore the city and discover well-kept secrets beyond the city limits. All major car rental companies have a base in San Diego, although shop around at the independents for a lower price.
San Diego is a large city, with many neighbourhoods dotted along the coast. If you don't want to make use of the many public transport options available, your best bet is to jump in a taxi. It's easy to hail a cab downtown but outside of the main tourist areas you might need to call ahead.
San Diego, like Los Angeles, is a difficult city to navigate on foot or bike unless you stick to exploring just one area. There are however some great places for strolling and cycling, such as the boardwalk along Mission Bay, the nature trails of Balboa Park and the waterfront downtown. There are dozens of places to hire bikes in the CBD and even the airport.
It would be easy to spend a week hanging out in Balboa without getting bored. The park is home to 17 fascinating museums, one of the best zoos in the world, magical gardens to explore, a Samba school and several theatres and restaurants. And you shouldn't forget to hike along some of its 65 miles of paths.
What trip to San Diego would be complete without a visit to the world famous SeaWorld? Take advantage of the 22-acre underwater fantasyland as you get up close and personal with dolphins, whales and turtles. After seeing the magical creatures, top your adventure off with a few rides on the rapids and rollercoasters spread throughout the massive park.
Get your skates on, hire a bike or opt for a gentle stroll along the three-mile boardwalk of Mission Bay, soaking up the sun's rays and stopping to people-watch or catch a friendly volleyball game. For even greater thrills, ride the wooden rollercoaster on Mission Beach before you stop for lunch at one of the many cafes along the way.
Join a walking tour with a range of companies throughout San Diego to experience the history and culture of this great coastal city. Urban Safari is one such vendor that allows you to discover the secrets of San Diego known only to locals. Find unique shops, tucked-away cafes and stunning architecture – all off the beaten track.
Begin the morning by gliding through beautiful Balboa Park on a Segway Tour. Pop into the Museum of Man or the Natural History Museum before sitting down to lunch at The Prado. Sleep off your food in the Zen calm of the Japanese Garden or head to the world famous San Diego Zoo for a few hours of education and relaxation.
First thing in the morning head up to Torrey Pines State Reserve. You'll forget you're still within the city limits as you explore the miles of wild coastal cliffs, windswept beaches and magical lagoon. For lunch move on to La Jolla, a Mediterranean style neighbourhood on the beach. With turquoise sea and hidden coves, La Jolla is a haven for surfers, snorkelers and divers.
Walk the waterfront, taking in the dramatic skyline of the city before stepping aboard the USS Midway aircraft carrier, now a museum complete with a flight simulator. In the afternoon join a harbour cruise, and if you're lucky you might even spot some sea lions. For evening entertainment head to one of the restaurants or bars in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Here's one for the kids, or just the kid-at-heart. These two attractions sit right next door to one another so first head to the magical underwater world of the Sea Life Aquarium before spending the afternoon building castles at Legoland. With its mix of rides, shows and Lego models you might want to book a hotel within the resort and explore over a couple of days.
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Expedia Holidays > San Diego Holidays
