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Getting Around San Diego: Transit, Rideshare, and Heritage Trolley

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 5:32 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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San Diego in a Nutshell: A Travel + Leisure Guide

Travel + Leisure’s comprehensive San Diego guide pulls together the city’s most iconic sights, hidden gems, and practical travel tips. From sun‑kissed beaches to world‑class museums, the article frames San Diego as a coastal playground that also boasts sophisticated dining, vibrant nightlife, and a relaxed, almost suburban feel. Below is a condensed overview of the guide’s key take‑aways, enriched with context from the linked resources within the original piece.

1. Getting Around

San Diego’s sprawling layout can feel daunting, but the guide recommends a mix of public transit and ridesharing to avoid traffic. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) runs buses and the MTS Light Rail, connecting downtown with neighborhoods such as La Jolla and Mission Bay. For a more flexible option, the article points out Uber, Lyft, and the historic San Diego Trolley—a heritage line that links Old Town, Gaslamp, and the waterfront. Parking is often free or inexpensive in many neighborhoods, but the guide cautions that the Gaslamp Quarter’s nightlife can quickly fill parking garages.

2. Where to Stay

Travel + Leisure lists three distinct lodging categories:

• Luxury – The Hotel del Coronado, a beachfront resort on Coronado Island, offers historic charm and a private beach. The Pendry San Diego in the Gaslamp Quarter is praised for its modern décor and rooftop bar.
• Boutique – The Hotel Indigo in the trendy North Park neighborhood blends local design with city‑wide views. The Hotel San Diego on Harbor Drive provides a waterfront vibe with a “hotel‑restaurant‑club” concept.
• Budget – Hostels and budget hotels, such as the SRO San Diego in Downtown, are highlighted for travelers who want to keep expenses low without sacrificing location.

Each section links to official booking sites where travelers can check current rates and availability.

3. Beaches and Outdoor Fun

San Diego’s coastline is the article’s crown jewel. It emphasizes:

• La Jolla Cove – A calm, picturesque spot ideal for snorkeling and whale watching. The guide links to La Jolla Cove’s official visitor page for tide schedules.
• Coronado Beach – Known for its pristine sand and the historic Hotel del Coronado backdrop, this is the perfect spot for sunbathing and kayaking.
• Mission Bay – A lagoon that offers paddleboarding, kayaking, and cycling around its 4 mile perimeter.
• Pacific Beach – A lively boardwalk lined with cafés, bars, and a weekend farmers’ market.

The guide also encourages exploring San Diego’s hiking trails, such as Cowles Mountain in Balboa Park and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, linking to the California State Parks website for trail maps and permits.

4. Museums, Culture, and History

• Balboa Park – The heart of San Diego’s cultural district, home to 17 museums and 10 gardens. The guide provides a quick tour of the San Diego Museum of Art, the Mingei International Museum, and the iconic San Diego Zoo (which is actually situated in Balboa Park). A link to Balboa Park’s calendar shows special events and exhibitions.
• USS Midway Museum – The guide highlights this iconic aircraft carrier‑turned‑museum, complete with flight simulators and historical exhibits. The linked Midway site includes ticket prices and interactive tours.
• Old Town San Diego – As the “birthplace of California,” Old Town offers adobe architecture, Mexican restaurants, and the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park museum. A short link to the park’s website details the guided tours and reenactments.

The article also points out contemporary venues such as the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art (SODMoCA) and the San Diego Symphony, each with their own websites for season tickets and educational programs.

5. Dining: From Food Trucks to Fine Cuisine

Travel + Leisure’s guide underscores San Diego’s diverse food scene:

• Seafood – The Point Loma Seafoods and Phil’s BBQ are staples for fresh local fare.
• Mexican – Authentic tacos at Lucha Libre Taco Shop and La Jolla’s Mexican Eatery are recommended. The guide includes a link to a local food blog that reviews each spot’s best dishes.
• Craft Beer – The craft beer renaissance is captured by breweries such as Stone Brewing and Alehouse Beer Bar in the North Park neighborhood. Links to brewery events provide insight into seasonal releases.
• Fine Dining – For a higher‑end experience, the guide highlights Addison (Michelin‑starred) and The Marine Room (sea‑view elegance). Each restaurant’s website link offers reservation details.

The article also lists recommended food markets: Santee Farmers Market and Little Italy’s weekly market.

6. Nightlife and Entertainment

San Diego’s nightlife is presented as diverse and laid‑back. The guide’s top picks include:

• Gaslamp Quarter – The nightlife hub, featuring clubs like Norton and rooftop bars such as Hugo’s (linked to its event calendar).
• North Park – A hipster enclave with bars like The Tipsy Cow and music venues such as The Casbah.
• Pacific Beach – Known for its beach bars, including Tropicana and Molly’s Café.
• Carmelita’s – A hidden gem with live acoustic performances.

Links to event calendars for each venue help travelers plan a night out, ensuring they catch concerts, trivia nights, or drag shows.

7. Shopping

From high‑end boutiques to quirky thrift shops, the guide covers:

• Fashion Valley Mall – The city’s premier shopping center, linked to a directory of luxury brands.
• Little Italy – A charming district with artisanal stores, linked to a local business association page.
• Liberty Station – A mixed‑use development offering upscale boutiques and the Liberty Station Public Market.

8. Practical Tips

The guide concludes with essential travel advice:

• Weather – San Diego’s Mediterranean climate makes it a year‑round destination; early‑morning or late‑afternoon visits are ideal for outdoor activities.
• Transportation – Rideshare apps often fare cheaper than Taxis; the article includes an estimated cost comparison.
• COVID‑19 – Updated guidelines for indoor dining and attraction closures are linked to the city’s official tourism website.

In Summary

Travel + Leisure’s San Diego guide distills a sprawling city into a digestible roadmap, balancing must‑see landmarks with local flavor. Whether you’re hunting for a pristine beach, a museum that feels like a portal to another era, or a rooftop bar that showcases the city’s sunset, the article offers a one‑stop overview—complete with hyperlinks to deeper resources that enrich the journey. The city’s easy‑going vibe, combined with its cultural depth, makes San Diego a destination that invites travelers to linger, explore, and savor every tide‑kissed corner.