How to Get Around San Diego: From Surfboards to Trolleys

If you think getting around San Diego is just a sun-soaked struggle between flip-flops and freeway gridlock, allow us to correct that narrative lovingly. This SoCal stunner is built for breezy movement—whether you’re catching a Padres game, chasing ocean views, or just trying to get your kids to stop yelling “Are we there yet?” every 30 seconds.

From scenic ferry rides and trolley hops to two-wheeled joyrides with a side of smugness, here’s your all-in-one, slightly sassy guide to how to get around San Diego—without needing to sacrifice style, budget, or sanity.

Trolley Tales: All Aboard the Chill Train

Where It Goes: The San Diego Trolley is the unsung hero of transportation in San Diego. Enjoy the Red line, Blue line, and Green line connecting key spots like Old Town, Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Mission Valley, and San Ysidro. Since San Ysidro is the last U.S. stop before the border, it’s an easy walk into Tijuana, Mexico.

Why It Works: The trolley, a public transportation system, is known for being clean, on time, and super comfortable, with its air-conditioned cars, perfect for hot Southern California days. Plus, the PRONTO app makes it easy to pay fares and plan trips. It comes with a convenient day pass and daily fares capped at $6 for adults and $3 for reduced-fare riders.

Nearby Must-Do: Hop off the Orange Line at Old Town Station to explore Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. It is a vibrant living history area filled with museums, shops, and historic buildings. Be sure to check out Casa de Reyes, a favorite for authentic Mexican food and margaritas in a lively plaza setting. With Old Town Trolley Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tours of San Diego, it’s easy to take in all the charm and history of this must-see destination.

Family Tip: Bring a lightweight stroller if you’re exploring Old Town with younger kids. Trolley platforms are flat and stroller-friendly, and the walkable historic park has shaded areas and snacks nearby.

Pedal, But Make It Aesthetic

Where to Ride:

• Mission Bay Loop: The 12-mile Mission Bay Loop is a flat, scenic trail perfect for all skill levels. Ride around the bay, enjoy water views, and stop at spots like Fiesta Island or De Anza Cove. Great for families, beginners, or a relaxed ride.
• Silver Strand Bikeway: The Silver Strand Bikeway, a 10-mile path, connects Coronado to Imperial Beach. This offers stunning San Diego Bay and Pacific Ocean views. With wide bike lanes, it’s perfect for all cyclists. Enjoy rest stops, scenic viewpoints, and an optional detour to Coronado Cays.
• Pacific Beach Boardwalk: Running from Pacific Beach to Mission Beach, the Pacific Beach Boardwalk is a 3-mile boardwalk. It is a lively spot full of beachgoers, street performers, cafes, bars, and surf shops. With stunning ocean views, it’s the perfect mix of energy and coastal charm.

Why It’s a Vibe: San Diego’s coastal routes are perfect for a ride! It comes with perfect ocean breezes, smooth paths, and plenty of spots to grab coffee or snacks along the way. For convenience, San Diego Bike Rental, along with Wheel Fun Rentals, offers easy access to bikes near popular beaches and parks.

Nearby Must-Do: Relax at Belmont Park, a beachfront amusement park featuring a historic wooden roller coaster, arcade games, and plenty of food options, including espresso bars.

Parent Note: Scooters are best for teens and adults—kids under 16 aren’t permitted, and there’s no room for two riders. Consider a family bike ride or walking tour instead.

Scooters: Slightly Chaotic, Incredibly Fun

Best Areas:

• Gaslamp Quarter: The Gaslamp Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, filled with rooftop bars, unique restaurants, and live entertainment spots. Whether you’re looking for upscale dining or a place to dance the night away, this historic district has something for everyone.
• Little Italy: Little Italy is a vibrant neighborhood full of charm and culture. With outdoor patios, authentic Italian restaurants, unique boutique shops, and a lively weekly farmers’ market, it’s the perfect spot for a laid-back afternoon or a romantic evening of amazing food and energetic street life.
• Embarcadero: The Embarcadero runs right along the waterfront and is perfect for a scenic walk, a bike ride, or just enjoying San Diego’s coastal views. With highlights like the USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village, it’s a great spot to take in the bay and relax.

Real Talk: Electric scooters are a quick and easy way to get around central San Diego, and they’re fully integrated into San Diego transportation options. They’re perfect for short trips between attractions, like exploring the Electric Scooter San Diego Tour: Downtown & Balboa Park. Just remember to ride safely and follow the local rules.

Nearby Must-Do: Take a cruise along the Embarcadero or hop on the light rail to Waterfront Park, a great spot for families with its playgrounds, interactive fountains, and stunning bay views.

Renting a Car: For Coastal Commanders & Road Trip Royalty

Best For:

• Day trips to iconic destinations: Discover La Jolla Cove‘s clear waters and sea lions, hike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, enjoy apple pie in charming Julian, or have fun at Legoland. These spots aren’t easily accessible by public transit, making flexible travel a must.
• Perfect for travelers with specific needs: Whether you’re road-tripping through Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside with surfboards, managing strollers, or simply looking for the freedom to explore, reliable transportation makes your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Parking Tips:

Metered Street Parking: Meters accept coins, credit cards, and payment apps like ParkMobile. Be mindful of time limits (often 2 hours) and avoid parking during street cleaning hours.

Public Parking Garages: Several city-owned garages offer hourly and daily rates, typically ranging from $2 to $3 per hour. Popular garages near the Gaslamp Quarter include the Horton Plaza Garage and Park It on Market.

Related Post: Old Town Trolley San Diego – 6 Ways to Save Up to 17% Off

Beach Parking: Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach offer public lots and street parking, but free spots fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is essential. Metered parking costs around $1.50 to $2.50 per hour and is usually enforced during daytime hours.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: Parking is limited to small street lots near the park and along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially for sunset viewing. There are no meters here, but parking is limited and fills fast. A car makes life easier for trips north or to harder-to-reach areas of San Diego County, especially with kids in tow or an itinerary packed with popular attractions.

Nearby Must-Do: Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is perfect for catching sunsets, hiking, exploring tide pools, or snapping great photos. Get there early to claim a good spot, wear comfy shoes, and follow the park rules to help keep it beautiful.

Walk This Way:Neighborhoods Built for Strolling

Little Italy: Stroll down narrow streets lined with alfresco tables, where the scent of garlic and fresh basil drifts from bustling trattorias and sidewalk cafés. After lunch, head up to one of the neighborhood’s chic rooftop bars for sweeping views of the skyline.

On Saturday mornings (8 am–2 pm), Little Italy comes alive with the Mercato Farmers Market. It is where local growers and artisans set up stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisan cheeses, flowers and handcrafted goods.

North Park: Let your feet wander through a colorful outdoor gallery of street art, then duck into one-of-a-kind vintage shops to hunt for retro treasures. Indie boutiques showcase local designers, and when you need a break, cozy cafés tucked behind mural-covered walls offer expertly brewed coffee and house-made pastries. Every turn reveals a new creative nook begging to be explored.

Gaslamp Quarter: Step into history as you wander beneath ornate Victorian-era façades along brick-lined sidewalks. By day, the quarter’s storied architecture and quaint courtyards are perfect for a leisurely afternoon walk; by night, the district pulses with energy as bars, restaurants, and rooftop lounges spill lively crowds onto lantern-lit patios. Moreover, it’s a stroll that seamlessly shifts from historic charm to urban nightlife.

Coronado: Cross the bay by ferry and immediately sense the slower pace of island life. Disembark and glide along the seaside promenade by bike, with sparkling water to your left and swaying palms overhead.

Don’t miss a guided tour of the iconic Hotel del Coronado—its red turrets and wraparound porches are best admired on foot—and finish your loop with a sunset bike ride along the soft sands of Coronado Beach.

Buses: For Budget Baddies

Key Routes:

• Route 7 is a local bus line connecting Downtown San Diego with Balboa Park. It extends east to La Mesa, a suburban city in San Diego County. This route provides crucial transit access to major cultural, recreational, and residential areas.
• Route 30 connects Old Town Transit Center to La Jolla. It runs along key corridors that provide access to beaches and coastal neighborhoods.
• Rapid 215 – The Rapid 215 is part of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s Rapid bus network. It is designed to provide faster, more frequent service along busy corridors. It runs from Downtown San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot to SDSU’s Transit Center via El Cajon Boulevard.
• Fares & App – A $6 day pass covers unlimited bus and trolley rides. The PRONTO app allows for easy fare payment, trip planning, and real-time arrival updates. You’ll never pay more than the day pass rate, no matter how many trips you take in a day.
• Nearby Must-Do – Route 7 stops at Balboa Park, home to world-class museums, gardens, and the Fleet Science Center, a favorite for families and culture seekers.

Ferry Feels: Transit But Make It a Scenic Cruise

Route: The Coronado Ferry runs every 30 minutes between Broadway Pier and Coronado Ferry Landing, offering a scenic and convenient way to travel. The one-way fare is $8.25. You’re welcome to bring your bike on board, making it a great option for exploring both sides of the bay.

Why You’ll Love It: Take in stunning panoramic views of the San Diego skyline and bay on a journey that’s as relaxing and picturesque as it is practical. Whether you’re soaking up the scenery or simply getting from one spot to another, this experience offers the perfect blend of transportation and sightseeing.

Nearby Must-Do: Once you arrive in Coronado, hop on a Coronado Electric GoCar Tour for Two to explore the island’s charming streets and waterfront paths. Then, grab a cone at MooTime Creamery and take in the sights on a surrey bike.

Kid Perk: The Coronado Ferry is stroller-friendly and fun for little ones who love boats. There’s plenty of open deck space, and Coronado Island has flat, scenic walking paths.

Common FAQs on Getting Around San Diego

You, a Sunset, and the Perfect Transit Plan

San Diego isn’t just about where you go. It’s about how you get there! Whether you’re gliding past the harbor on a scooter, cruising Highway 101 with the windows down, or hopping on a trolley with your iced matcha and SPF 50, this city makes moving around a breeze.

Additionally, you’ll be glad you spent less time stuck in traffic and more time living your coastal core dream. Unlock the ultimate San Diego experience with tailored packages from Tripster, designed for families, couples, and groups.

Our seamless booking options capture the spirit of San Diego’s diverse attractions, ensuring a memorable and budget-friendly vacation. Let Tripster be your trusted partner in creating unforgettable moments along San Diego’s beautiful coastline.