Want to try no rent a car

[HMANSION LOVER]

We will be staying in San Diego for two days before heading to DLR via AMTRAK. Our hotel is on Hotel Circle South. We want to see the Zoo and Mission Beach. Can anybody tell me how easy/hard it will be to get around without a rent a car?

 

[sonnyjane]

Call your hotel first and see if they offer free or cheap shuttles to those attractions.

If not, your best bet is a cab. Public transportation stinks here!

 

[bjscheel]

Ask your hotel what they recommend. Also, when trying to figure out the public transportation, I found out you can go on googlemaps and put in your hotel and the destination (i.e. zoo) addresses. Then click on the bus and see if there is a bus route you can use.

We are planning a trip with no car. DH doesn't want to drive on vacation- he drives for a living. We mainly want to do Sea World and Mission Beach while in SD. So, my plan is to stay at The Dana. It is walkable or free shuttle to Sea World, and bikable or bus to Mission Beach. Mission Bay is right behind it. They have a shuttle from the airport and to the Amtrak for a small fee.

 

[bjscheel]

Oh, we also looked into Fairfield Inn Old Town. They have complimentary shuttles to/from airport, zoo, Sea World. (But confirm this with hotel first) Sort of close to public transport. We just decided we didn't want the downtown type feel.

Just in case you decide to change hotels to make it easier.

 

[HMANSION LOVER]

Oh, we also looked into Fairfield Inn Old Town. They have complimentary shuttles to/from airport, zoo, Sea World. (But confirm this with hotel first) Sort of close to public transport. We just decided we didn't want the downtown type feel.

Just in case you decide to change hotels to make it easier.

Thank you so much bjscheel, very helpful. Hope you enjoy your vacation

 

[paulakimtrac]

Most public transportation in CA is not so hot...but perhaps slowly trying to improve. It is do-able with a little planning and extra time. As was mentioned, if your hotel has a shuttle, that is always helpful...if nothing else, to get you to the train or bus stop.
Here is a link to the main methods:
http://www.sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/transportation/trains-trolley.aspx

Have fun!