SoCal without a car?

[lauritagoddess]

I'm tentatively planning a trip for next June. I'd like to spend about 4 days in Anaheim at DL and then maybe some time in San Diego and LA. I'd like to know if it's possible to do it without driving though. I hate driving and do it as seldom as possible (I live in NYC and I'm a subway girl). Would this even be possible? TIA.

 

[StageTek]

Yes.

Just be aware that the public transportation here in the LA/OC/SD area isn't as frequent or as easily accessible as in NY. But it can be done with some planning.

http://www.metrolinktrains.com/
http://www.mta.net/default.asp

 

[jlmarr]

Also OCTA for buses in Orange County (DL is in OC): OCTA Trip Planner

 

[lauritagoddess]

Thanks for the links.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Ive done it! Never rented a car. We used public transit, amtrak and tour buses (and the odd taxi). I found it very stress-free not having to drive in unfamiliar areas and the busy freeways! Sit back and relax, let someone else drive - its vacation time!

 

[Nora94]

We too are going in 08 and not renting a car. I kinda figure it will work this way, from what I read here...

fly into airport (LAX or SNA) and get shuttle to Disneyland walking distance hotel, spend days at Disneyland, nights at hotel, walking everywhere.

Take amtrak to Carlsbad Legoland (Oceanside station), taxi or bus to hotel then same to legoland (not sure what to do with luggage so thinking would have to go to hotel first, maybe there is one walking or short cab distance or one that has a shuttle...

spend night in Carlsbad. Take morning amtrak to San Diego (SDS station). Again, taxi or bus to hotel then same to SeaWorld or zoo. Spend 2 nights in area so we can do both SeaWorld and Zoo, taking taxies/shuttles/busses to and from attractions.

Last day fly out of San Diego OR amtrak back up to Anaheim area and shuttle to airport. Prefer 1st option.

I think if we do this, it will work. The only issue is the luggage on the days we do the Amtrak, so not sure how that will work. Even with the shuttles, trains, etc. it should work out cheaper than renting a car.

The OTHER option is to not rent a car for the Disney part of the trip, but only for the Legoland/San Diego part. That would make the rental only for 3 or 4 days.

Just my vague plans from someone who has never done this before... LOL.
Nora

 

[DizneyMommy]

I would strongly consider renting a car for at least your SD portion of the trip. All those shuttles and trains and buses have different schedules that never mesh, and you will be pulling your hair out trying to get to where you want to go quickly. Taxis can get expensive fast in OC and SD because people drive their own cars everywhere here so they are not in high demand. A rental car can be less than $250 for a 3-4 day rental, and even cheaper with AAA or Entertainment Book discounts. Even with gas, I think you'd have a hard time arranging all that transit for less than a rental car. Plus then you have the freedom to go as you please and not be restricted to transit schedules, if you want to leave early or stay late, or stop somewhere along the way to see something you can do that. There is an Alamo rental spot at DTD, and a return at SD airport, that would be my pick.

We too are going in 08 and not renting a car. I kinda figure it will work this way, from what I read here...

fly into airport (LAX or SNA) and get shuttle to Disneyland walking distance hotel, spend days at Disneyland, nights at hotel, walking everywhere.

Take amtrak to Carlsbad Legoland (Oceanside station), taxi or bus to hotel then same to legoland (not sure what to do with luggage so thinking would have to go to hotel first, maybe there is one walking or short cab distance or one that has a shuttle...

spend night in Carlsbad. Take morning amtrak to San Diego (SDS station). Again, taxi or bus to hotel then same to SeaWorld or zoo. Spend 2 nights in area so we can do both SeaWorld and Zoo, taking taxies/shuttles/busses to and from attractions.

Last day fly out of San Diego OR amtrak back up to Anaheim area and shuttle to airport. Prefer 1st option.

I think if we do this, it will work. The only issue is the luggage on the days we do the Amtrak, so not sure how that will work. Even with the shuttles, trains, etc. it should work out cheaper than renting a car.

The OTHER option is to not rent a car for the Disney part of the trip, but only for the Legoland/San Diego part. That would make the rental only for 3 or 4 days.

Just my vague plans from someone who has never done this before... LOL.
Nora

 

[Nora94]

thanks for the advice. That is what I am leaning towards since the issue of luggage would come into play. Plus after legoland we could head to San Diego instead of hanging around Carlsbad, so that would allow an early start the next day instead of a delayed one, and make one less hotel transfer really.

Yeah, that makes more sense, lol.

Thanks again!
Nora