TRANSPORTATION

Getting Around San Diego — No car, no problem!

Save $30+/day on parking, uber & not to mention those gas prices….

Blue Line Trolley – $2.50 | 5am-1am

Connects Downtown to UC San Diego, La Jolla, and the border. Runs every 15 minutes.

Red Line Trolley – $2.50 | 5am-12am

Circulates through downtown connecting convention center, Gaslamp, and Old Town.

Green Line Trolley – $2.50 | 4am-1am

East County line to SDSU, El Cajon, and Santee.

Coronado Ferry – $7 each way | 9am-9pm

Scenic 15-minute bay crossing from Downtown to Coronado. Bikes welcome!

Great photo oportuni

MTS Bus System – $2.50

100+ routes covering all of San Diego County.

Pro Tips:

•  Get a PRONTO Card — tap on/off, 2-hour transfers, day-pass caps at $6

•  All trolleys, buses, and ferries are ADA accessible

•  Free WiFi on most trolleys

BEACHES (7)

San Diego Beaches — 70 miles of coastline https://www.sdbeachinfo.com/#

Coronado Beach – Iconic

Wide, sparkling sand at the Hotel del Coronado. Family-friendly with gentle waves. Free parking, dog beach north.

La Jolla Shores

Gentle waves perfect for families. Kayak to caves. Scripps Pier views. Fire pits available.

Pacific Beach

Young, energetic vibe. Crystal Pier, beach bars, volleyball courts. Boardwalk scene.

Ocean Beach

Laid-back, hippie vibe. Original dog beach. Fishing pier and sunset cliffs.

Mission Beach

Belmont Park boardwalk with roller coaster. 2.5-mile boardwalk. Volleyball central.

Del Mar Beach

Upscale, dog-friendly in off-season. Near Del Mar Racetrack. Tidepools at north end.

Silver Strand State Beach

Narrow isthmus between ocean and bay. Camping available. Less crowded.

KIDS & FAMILY Playbook

Balboa Park – Playgrounds, museums, gardens, carousel. Ages: All. Parking: Free lots. Stroller-friendly: Yes. Shade: Plenty.

Waterfront Park – Interactive fountains downtown. Ages: 2-12 best. Parking: Metered. Stroller-friendly: Yes, flat.

Kate Sessions Park – Grassy hill with bay views. Ages: All. Parking: Free (fills fast). Shade: Limited, bring canopy.

Mission Bay Park – Playgrounds, bonfire pits, bike paths. Ages: All. Parking: Free lots. Very stroller-friendly.

Tecolote Canyon – Nature center and easy trails. Ages: 4+ for trails. Parking: Free. Stroller-friendly: Some trails.

SD Zoo/Safari Park – Kid-friendly animal encounters and tram. Ages: 3+ best. Parking: $20. Stroller rentals available.

Birch Aquarium – Touch tanks and ocean exhibits. Ages: All. Parking: Free, limited. Indoor + outdoor.

New Children's Museum – Interactive art downtown. Ages: 0-12 best. Parking: Garages nearby. Changing tables.

Rainy Day Backup: Central Library (9 floors, free), Fleet Science Center, trampoline parks.

Dogtivities

Cant forget about our furry little friends, there is…

Coronado Dog Beach ( although they can NOT go in the water) https://www.sdbeachinfo.com/#

La Jolla Dog Beach (water is safer) https://www.sdbeachinfo.com/#

Ocean Beach | Dog Beach

Coronado Cays Dog Park (walking distance!)

Imperial Beach Dog Park ( 10 minute drive)

Grape Street Dog Park

Nate’s Point Dog Park (in Balboa Park)

Little Italy Dog Park (perfect way to have them tag along & enjoy gelato together)

Best San Diego Hikes

Torrey Pines Loop – 2.3 mi, Easy. Cliffs, ocean views, dog-friendly.

Cabrillo Tidepools – 1.0 mi, Easy. Explore marine life at low tide. Fee.

Mission Trails Loop – 4.5 mi, Moderate. Old Mission Dam, diverse ecosystem.

Annie's Canyon – 1.5 mi, Moderate. Slot canyon, ladder climbs. No dogs.

Iron Mountain – 5.8 mi, Moderate. Poway peak, 360° views, less crowded.

Stonewall Peak-3.9 mi, Moderate. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Fee. No dogs.

Cowles Mountain – 3.0 mi, Hard. Highest point in city, 360° views. Dog-friendly.

Cedar Creek Falls – 5.2 mi, Hard. 80-ft waterfall, permit required. Dog-friendly.

Three Sisters Falls – 4.0 mi, Hard. Three-tiered waterfall, technical.

Potato Chip Rock – 7.5 mi, Hard. Iconic photo rock, Mt. Woodson summit.

TOURS

Signature San Diego Tours

Old Town Trolley – $54(Most Popular)

Hop-on, hop-off covering 10 stops. 2-hour loop with live narration. All-day rides, free Old Town parking, 100% money-back guarantee.

SEAL Tours – $48(Land & Sea)

90-minute amphibious vehicle. Drive downtown then splash into San Diego Bay. Sea lion sightings, naval ship views. Perfect for families.

Ghost Tour – $35(After Dark)

Evening walking tour of Gaslamp and Pioneer Park. True haunted tales. 1.5 hours, ages 13+.

LOCAL TIPS: Resident & Tourist Deals

Resident & Tourist Deals

•Free Museum Tuesdays – Rotating free admission for SD residents with ID

•Downtown Parking – G street has the best meters or park in Seaport Village

•Zoo Kids Free October – Kids 11 & under free all October with paying adult

•Padres Nights –Take the trolley, avoid parking fees.

•Library Museum Passes – Free passes with a library card, cover 4 people at 70+ venues

•Restaurant Week – January & September, $20-$50 prix-fixe at 180+ restaurants

Seasonal Insider Tips

Summer: Beach lots fill by 9am. June Gloom = foggy mornings.

Fall: Best weather, warm water. October = Kids Free month.

Winter: Whale watching Dec-Apr. Best hiking, no crowds.

Spring: Flower fields bloom Mar-May in Carlsbad. Perfect beach weather.