San Diego travel Guide

San Diego travel guide

National Airports

San Diego has one major commercial airport, San Diego International Airport (SAN), which is also known as Lindbergh Field.

SAN is located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) northwest of downtown San Diego and serves as the primary airport for the city and the surrounding region. It is the busiest single-runway airport in the United States and is served by many major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and many others.

There are no other national airports in San Diego. However, there are several smaller regional airports in the surrounding area, including:

McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD): Located in Carlsbad, about 35 miles north of downtown San Diego. It is a small airport with limited commercial service.

Brown Field Municipal Airport (SDM): Located in Otay Mesa, about 13 miles southeast of downtown San Diego. It primarily serves general aviation and charter flights.

Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (MYF): Located in Kearny Mesa, about 10 miles north of downtown San Diego. It primarily serves general aviation and charter flights.

Gillespie Field (SEE): Located in El Cajon, about 17 miles east of downtown San Diego. It primarily serves general aviation and military aircraft.

However, for commercial air travel, San Diego International Airport is the main option for visitors and residents in San Diego.

Trains in San Diego

San Diego has a well-developed rail transit system that provides convenient and affordable transportation throughout the city and the surrounding region. Here are some of the main types of trains in San Diego:

San Diego Trolley: The San Diego Trolley is a light rail system that serves San Diego and the surrounding areas, including Chula Vista, National City, and El Cajon. It has three lines: Blue, Green, and Orange, which run on separate routes and connect many major destinations throughout the region. The Trolley is operated by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).

Coaster: The Coaster is a commuter rail system that runs between Oceanside and downtown San Diego, with stops in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, and other cities along the way. It is operated by the North County Transit District (NCTD) and provides a convenient way to travel between San Diego and North County.

Amtrak: Amtrak operates several long-distance trains that stop in San Diego, including the Pacific Surfliner, which runs between San Diego and Los Angeles, with stops in Orange County, Santa Barbara, and other cities along the way.

Sprinter: The Sprinter is a light rail system that runs between Oceanside and Escondido, with stops in Vista, San Marcos, and other cities along the way. It is operated by the North County Transit District (NCTD).

The trains in San Diego are generally reliable, safe, and affordable, making them a great way to explore the city and the surrounding region.

Buses in San Diego

San Diego has an extensive network of buses that provides affordable and convenient transportation throughout the city and the surrounding region. Here are some of the main types of buses in San Diego:

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) buses: MTS operates a fleet of buses that serve San Diego and the surrounding areas. These buses run on a variety of routes and connect many major destinations, including downtown San Diego, beaches, shopping centers, and other popular attractions.

North County Transit District (NCTD) buses: NCTD operates a network of buses that serve North County, including Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, and Escondido. These buses provide a convenient way to travel between North County and San Diego.

Rapid buses: MTS also operates several rapid bus routes that provide faster and more frequent service than regular buses. These routes have fewer stops and use special buses with features such as dedicated lanes and traffic signal priority.

Express buses: Both MTS and NCTD operate express buses that provide direct service between San Diego and other cities in the region, including Chula Vista, El Cajon, and Temecula.

Shuttle buses: Many hotels and attractions in San Diego operate shuttle buses that provide free or low-cost transportation for their guests. These shuttles usually run on specific routes and schedules, so be sure to check with your hotel or attraction for details.

The buses in San Diego are generally reliable, safe, and affordable, making them a great way to explore the city and the surrounding region.

How to get to San Diego

There are several ways to get to San Diego, depending on your starting point and mode of transportation. Here are some of the most common ways to get to San Diego:

By plane: San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the main airport serving the city and is located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) northwest of downtown San Diego. It is served by many major airlines and offers direct flights to many destinations in the United States and internationally.

By car: San Diego is easily accessible by car and is located at the southern end of the I-5 freeway, which runs along the west coast of the United States. If you are driving from Los Angeles, San Diego is about a 2-3 hour drive, depending on traffic.

By train: Amtrak operates several long-distance trains that stop in San Diego, including the Pacific Surfliner, which runs between San Diego and Los Angeles, with stops in Orange County, Santa Barbara, and other cities along the way.

By bus: Several bus companies operate services to San Diego, including Greyhound and Megabus. Bus terminals are located downtown and near the airport.

By cruise ship: San Diego is a popular destination for cruise ships and has a cruise ship terminal located near downtown. Many cruise lines offer trips that begin or end in San Diego.

Once you arrive in San Diego, there are many transportation options available, including taxis, ride-sharing services, rental cars, buses, and light rail systems.

What is the best time to travel to San Diego

The best time to travel to San Diego depends on your preferences and what you plan to do while you’re there. Here are some factors to consider:

Weather: San Diego has a mild, Mediterranean climate with average temperatures in the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (18-24 Celsius) year-round. The summer months (June to August) are the warmest and busiest, with temperatures often reaching the 80s Fahrenheit (27-32 Celsius). The winter months (December to February) are cooler, with temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit (15-20 Celsius) and occasional rain.

Crowds: San Diego is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded during peak travel times. The summer months, major holidays, and weekends are the busiest times to visit, so if you prefer fewer crowds, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or weekdays.

Events and festivals: San Diego hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, including Comic-Con International in July, the San Diego County Fair in June and July, and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club horse racing season from July to September. If you are interested in attending one of these events, plan your trip accordingly.

Overall, the best time to travel to San Diego is in the shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November) when the weather is mild, crowds are smaller, and hotel rates may be more affordable. However, San Diego’s mild climate means that it is a year-round destination, so you can plan your trip based on your preferences and interests.

How to get around San Diego

San Diego offers several transportation options to help visitors get around the city and its surrounding areas:

Public transportation: San Diego has an extensive public transportation system operated by the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) that includes buses and trolleys. You can buy single ride tickets or day passes, which provide unlimited rides on all buses and trolleys.

Ride-sharing services: Companies like Uber and Lyft operate in San Diego and can be a convenient way to get around the city, especially if you are traveling with a group.

Taxis: Taxis are also available in San Diego and can be found at designated taxi stands or can be hailed on the street.

Rental cars: If you prefer to drive, rental cars are available from several companies at the airport and throughout the city. However, be aware that parking can be difficult and expensive in some areas.

Bikes and scooters: San Diego has a growing network of bike lanes and shared bike and scooter rental programs, such as Lime, Bird, and Jump. These options are especially popular near the beach areas and downtown.

Walking: San Diego is a walkable city, especially in the downtown area, and many popular attractions are within walking distance of each other.

When choosing transportation options in San Diego, consider the time of day and traffic conditions, especially during rush hour or when major events are taking place. Additionally, be aware of any potential safety concerns when using ride-sharing, rental bikes or scooters, and always follow local traffic laws and regulations.

Accommodations in San Diego

San Diego offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the most popular types of accommodations in San Diego:

Hotels: San Diego has many hotels ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options. Many hotels are located in popular areas such as downtown, near the beaches, or near major attractions.

Resorts: San Diego is known for its many beachfront resorts, which offer a range of amenities such as pools, spas, and restaurants.

Vacation rentals: There are many vacation rental options available in San Diego, including apartments, condos, and houses. These can be a good option for families or groups who want more space and privacy.

Hostels: San Diego has several hostels that offer affordable accommodations for solo travelers or groups. Some hostels also offer private rooms.

Campgrounds: For outdoor enthusiasts, San Diego has many campgrounds located in scenic areas such as the beach or mountains.

When choosing accommodations in San Diego, consider factors such as location, price, and amenities. It’s also a good idea to book well in advance, especially during peak travel times.