San Diego on our own

[bunzini]

From an Ohioan who has never been to San Diego. What can I easily do on my own? 1. I am not a big fan of ship sponsored shore excursions and 2. I think I just want to be out and about for a few hours. Any ideas?

[CruiserBruce]

If you read down the board, you will see comments about the USS Midway just a couple blocks away, as well as several other ship/museums, including a Russian sub.

 

The baseball team Padres ball park is a reasonable walk, or you can take the extensive trolly system to it, which comes to within about 3 blocks of the Pier. The trolly also goes thru out San Diego, although it doesn't take you very close to world famous Balboa Park with it's many attractions, like the San Diego Zoo. I would take cab to that, maybe $20 each way.

[riffatsea]

The cruise port in San Diego is right in our small bayfront downtown. You can walk to the USS Midway and to the Maritime Museum which where you can visit the Star of India(old sailing ship) an old ferry , and a Russian sub.

You can also take the hop on hop off bus tour if you like.

http://www.trolleytours.com

IF you don't want to take the tour you can visit Balboa Park and/or the zoo which is located in it. This is barely 3miles from the port and you can either walk to a city bus stop

http://www.sdcommute.com/Services/Route.aspx?r=7

or take a taxi for about $15inc.tip.

http://www.balboapark.org

http://www.sandiegozoo.org

 

[SadieN]

Another idea is to go to Old Town. A very short distance away. Old Town Mexican Cafe is excellant.

[SanDiegoSue]

I'm a San Diegan (for 40 years), so my comments come from that prejudice.

 

A lot of tourists go to the world famous San Diego Zoo and it really is terrific. For something different, though, rent a car and go north (about a 30-45 minute drive) to the Zoo's Safari Park, where you can see animals roaming free together, just like they are in the wild. Spend a little extra and you can go out in the back of a truck and see them up close and personal.

 

Other tourists enjoy Sea World and it's fun, if you've never seen one of these parks. But, doesn't Ohio have one?

 

If you'd like to try out the beach environment, rent a car and go to Pacific or Mission Beach. The beach crowd is fun to watch. There's an old wooden roller coaster in Belmont Park, Mission Beach, as well as a carnival type atmosphere.

 

I think Old Town is OK, but nothing outstanding. I wouldn't budget a lot of time there.

 

Nightlife is terrific in the Gaslamp quarter. Lots of restaurants there.

 

The waterfront is as good as everyone here has indicated, especially the Midway.

 

Have fun and enjoy our wonderful city.

 

Sue

[kenish]

Tying together the other comments, you will be far more mobile and make much better use of your time if you rent a car. As long as you avoid weekday rush hours, traffic isn't an issue. (If your activities and hotel are focused around the downtown core and waterfront then a car is more hassle and expense than it's worth).

 

A car makes Pt. Loma, La Jolla, and the Wild Animal Park feasible....also Balboa Park is much easier to access. Parking is a bit tight at the Park, but easy to find if you don't mind walking a bit.

[LakeStL]

If the day is clear (as is usually the case in San Diego) don't miss Cabrillo National Monument at Point Loma. The most peaceful place in the USA. Stunning views high above San Diego Bay to the East, Pacific Ocean to the West. This is a National Park and requires an admission fee. Public transportation via bus is available. Watch fighter jets departing from NAS Coronado, US Navy ships going out to sea.

[Johanna7]

On Feb. 3, we hope to take the trolley. Years ago we have been to the San Diego Zoo when our children were young and loved it but we have a large zoo here in Toronto and have a membership so we can visit when we like for only the cost of the parking.

 

In 2006 we did visit The Escondido San Diego zoo wildlife park and loved it. Therefore, to get a good overview of San Diego itself, we are taking the hop on hop off trolley on our full day prior to our cruise. We arrive mid afternoon Feb. 3rd.

 

We have taken those trolleys and hop on buses in many places and always enjoyed them. We learn a lot from the commentary.

[WINEMANVISALIA]

http://www.sandiego.org/article_set/Visitors/20/394

[bunzini]

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful suggestions...now I just have to choose.:)