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See San Diego by Bus, Train
and Trolley
San Diego is a visitor's dream. You can see many of its major attractions without driving your own vehicle. You don't even have to pay to stay at a hotel in town. You can stay on the outskirts of San Diego and easily get to much that the city has to offer by public transportation. San Diego Trolley lines whisk you in from La Mesa or El Cajon to the east or from National City or Chula Vista to the south. Or you can stay in one of the northern beach towns and ride Amtrak or the Coaster commuter train into the city. Once you're downtown, the area's famous bays and beaches, the harbor, Balboa Park, northern beach towns and even Mexico are a short ride - or even only a walk - away. Along the bay For a more active day, load your bikes on the trolley and bike along the waterfront on the San Diego side. Or take the San Diego Bay Ferry at the Broadway pier to Coronado for walking or biking. On the ferry, enjoy the San Diego skyline and the naval ships, then, if you don't have your own, rent bicycles at the Coronado Ferry Landing and bike along the bay. The bike path continues south nine miles along the Silver Strand to Imperial Beach. Tunnels permit access to the ocean side. A donut shop is located at 7th Street and Palm in Imperial Beach, if you need sustenance! Returning, come through town by the famous Hotel del Coronado and down Orange Avenue, the main street back to Ferry Landing. The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Bus 904 at the landing will take you down Orange or to the Hotel del Coronado as well.
San Juan Capistrano and the northern beach
towns San Juan Capistrano is a fun destination. Pick up a copy of the walking tour of the historic downtown at the information kiosk at the train station. Mission San Juan Capistrano, a short walk from the train depot, is one of 21 California missions founded by Father Junípero Serra. It's best known for the swallows that return each year on St. Joseph's Day, Mar. 19. Enjoy the lovely grounds and discover more about its history through interpretive signs and exhibits. You'll find shops and restaurants all within a short walk of the train depot along Camino Capistrano Street and across the tracks in Los Rios Historic District. My sister, a Californian who visits the town frequently, recommends the nearby historic El Adobe restaurant on Camino Capistrano for excellent Mexican food. You can also eat right at the depot. Amtrak stops at San Clemente Pier on the ocean if you'd like to relax at the beach. From the Carlsbad Village Station of the Coaster, it is a 20-minute bus ride to Legoland on MTS Bus 321 (Monday through Friday only). San Diego's Spanish heritage Adjacent to Old Town, Heritage Park Victorian Village showcases six restored Victorian houses and the first synagogue in San Diego. Between the state park and Presidio Park is my favorite Mexican restaurant, Casa Guadalajara. Patio seating is pleasant, the food delicious and the margaritas are excellent! The Bazaar del Mundo, a colorful shopping area, is next door. The Green line of the trolley will take you east to San Diego's Mission San Diego de Alcala. The first of Serra's missions in California, it was built in Old Town in 1769 and later moved six miles to the east. It's about a block walk from the Mission San Diego stop. South to the border If you want to see a little of Mexico, I recommend a bus tour that takes you across the border to Ensenada or Rosarita, two coastal towns on the Baja peninsula. You can see the beauty of its coast and a much different picture of life in Mexico than you can in border towns. Several companies offer day trips. Five Star Tours is one. Before visiting, check the
State Department travel advisories, including any specific ones for Baja California state, and consult the
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's information on
travel to Mexico.
For the requirements to re-enter the United States, see their
information about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
View San Diego, California in a larger map
Balboa Park Balboa Park's San Diego Zoo is world-famous. If you decide to visit the zoo, I recommend arriving as early as you can and taking the guided bus tour to get an overview of the whole zoo. Then go back and see the areas that appeal to you with the time and energy you have remaining. Purchasing a Passport to Balboa Park is a good deal if you plan more than one visit. Admission to 13 of the 15 museums is included and it is good for seven days. A zoo admission can be added. Besides museums, there is a lovely arboretum and an international village. Check the events calendar for Shakespeare performances, puppet shows, the Starlight Theater, free Sunday concerts in the Organ Pavilion and other offerings. This taste of San Diego will probably leave you wanting more. Whenever I come back for a visit, these places are the first on my list. Taking advantage of public transportation makes exploring San Diego an adventure - a bit of an urban challenge that I love to share, especially with my grandchildren. Jaimie Hall-Bruzenak |
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