San Diego without a car?

motherofthree · 22 Jan 19, 06:43 PM

Hi, I'm wondering if it's necessary to have a car in San Diego, or can we get around on public transportation and Uber? What is parking downtown like? We are a family of five who are planning to have four or five days in this city. We want to visit Seaworld, Aquatica, La Jolla, Mission Beach and Downtown. We are planning to stay in a centrally located hotel. Thanks

Aims · 22 Jan 19, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by motherofthree

Hi, I'm wondering if it's necessary to have a car in San Diego, or can we get around on public transportation and Uber? What is parking downtown like? We are a family of five who are planning to have four or five days in this city. We want to visit Seaworld, Aquatica, La Jolla, Mission Beach and Downtown. We are planning to stay in a centrally located hotel. Thanks

I know there have been a Dibber or two who have visited without a car, but I personally would recommend getting a car. Public transportation in San Diego is generally good in the downtown area (city center), but the further you go away from downtown the fewer options you have. As a local, I can definitely say it's easier to have a car- most people here have to have one, although I know a lot of people like to use Uber to go downtown as parking can be hard to get at times and most lots and garages are paid (some are more expensive than others).

La Jolla and Aquatica are the furthest locations from the central part of San Diego, so a car would be most helpful with those. I would think Uber could get a bit pricey to get everywhere you want to go, and having a car might be easier for a family of five, too. Driving in San Diego is pretty easy and well laid-out. Downtown can be a little tricky, but if you have a good Sat Nav with you, it should be fine...or you could use Uber just to get around downtown and spare yourself the driving and looking for parking there.

motherofthree · 22 Jan 19, 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by Aims

I know there have been a Dibber or two who have visited without a car, but I personally would recommend getting a car. Public transportation in San Diego is generally good in the downtown area (city center), but the further you go away from downtown the fewer options you have. As a local, I can definitely say it's easier to have a car- most people here have to have one, although I know a lot of people like to use Uber to go downtown as parking can be hard to get at times and most lots and garages are paid (some are more expensive than others).

La Jolla and Aquatica are the furthest locations from the central part of San Diego, so a car would be most helpful with those. I would think Uber could get a bit pricey to get everywhere you want to go, and having a car might be easier for a family of five, too. Driving in San Diego is pretty easy and well laid-out. Downtown can be a little tricky, but if you have a good Sat Nav with you, it should be fine...or you could use Uber just to get around downtown and spare yourself the driving and looking for parking there.

Thank you very much for this information, very useful. After having read your answer, I think we will rent a car for the San Diego part of our California road trip.

Aims · 22 Jan 19, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by motherofthree

Thank you very much for this information, very useful. After having read your answer, I think we will rent a car for the San Diego part of our California road trip.

I really think it will be the most convenient way to get around, and will probably save you a bit of money too since some of those attractions are a little outside the city. I hope you have a wonderful time in San Diego! Let me know if I can help answer any other questions as you plan.