Friday, 5 April 2013

San Diego Travel Tips #2

 

Best Times to Visit San Diego

The best times to visit San Diego are March through May and September through November. Because there aren't as many school breaks during these seasons, you're more likely to avoid the throngs of families rushing to the San Diego Zoo. You can also find some great deals on hotel rooms during the winter when the rainy season hits. However, because of the nice weather year-round, there is never really a bad time to visit. Just make sure to book in advance if you're planning a trip for the summer high season.
°F | °C

Temperature (°F)

San Diego Temperature (°F)
in | mm

Precipitation (in)

San Diego Precipitation (in)
March-May Early spring is one of the best times in America's Finest City. The weather is mild (temperatures average in the mid 60s) and the kids are still in school. As the temperature rises (nearing the 70s in May), you can expect a larger influx of tourists, causing room rates to increase. If you plan on visiting toward the season end, it's a good idea to book a few weeks in advance.
Key Events:
  • San Diego Carnival (March)
  • San Diego Earth Fair (April)
  • Fiesta de los Penasquitos (May)
  • Fiesta Cinco de Mayo (May)
  • Zydeco & Blues Festival (May)
June-August This is everyone's favorite time to visit San Diego thanks to warm weather (average temperatures hover in the high 70s) and plenty of festivals. But vacationing on a budget could be problematic this time of year.  Crowds flood the major attractions -- causing unreasonably long lines -- and snatch up any available hotel room, which drives prices up. Make sure to book at least a month in advance.
Key Events:
  • Rock 'n' Roll Marathon (June)
  • San Diego International Beer Festival (June)
  • San Diego Pride (July)
  • Comic-Con (July)
  • Street Scene (August)
September-November Autumn is a pretty sweet spot in San Diego tourism. Although tourists tend to linger well into September to soak up the last of the summer weather (average highs remain in the upper 70s), October and November see a drop in crowds as well as hotel rates. To visit in early fall you'll probably need to make reservations several weeks in advance. But if you're planning for a late October or early November trip, a few days notice should be fine.
Key Events:
  • Fleet Week (September-October)
  • Old Town San Diego Art Festival (October)
  • San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival (November)
  • Dixieland Jazz Festival (November)
December-February Winter marks the coolest and rainiest season, with temperatures resting at about 66 degrees. And although the weather tends to deter beachgoers, this is a great time to be in Southern California. More frequent rain showers turn the landscape lush and vibrantly green, and hotel rates have a tendency to drop. However, because of wintertime events, you should probably book a few weeks in advance, just in case.
Key Events:
  • San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (December)
  • Balboa Park December Nights (December)
  • Heritage Day Festival & Parade (February)
  • San Diego ConDor (February)

Getting Around San Diego

The best way to get around San Diego is by car. You'll find that the trolley and bus routes aren't as well-connected as in other cities, so to fully experience everything, you're better off controlling your own mobility. You can rent a car from the San Diego International Airport (SAN) -- located about three miles northwest of central city -- or you can take a taxi for about $10 and then rent a car once you arrive in town. There is also a shuttle that connects the airport to several areas, including downtown and Mission Beach. A one-way trip starts at about $8 per person.
On Foot Once you've decided on a neighborhood to explore, you'll find that the heel-to-toe method works rather well. However, when it comes to covering more ground, your own two feet probably won't cut it.
Car You'll find having a car makes it more convenient to get off the beaten path to the city's most beautiful beaches and one-of-a-kind restaurants. And finding your way should be easy, as much of the city's streets are laid out on a grid and most of the key sites have good signage. Keep some coins in the center console; like many big cities, San Diego streets are dotted with metered parking, especially in the popular tourist areas. Rental car agencies can be found at the airport and in town.
Public Transportation Most say the city's Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus is not as consistent as other major cities' systems, and though there's a trolley, it mainly services the Old Town area. Fares for both bus and trolley can fluctuate, but day passes generally cost $5. Check with MTS for more detailed information on current fares and routes.
  • Metropolitan Transit System
Taxi There are at least a dozen or so taxi companies servicing the San Diego area, so you'll never have trouble finding a cab if you need one. However, rates are based on mileage, meaning a trip from central city to outer communities like La Jolla can add up pretty quickly. You're better off renting a car if you plan on covering a lot of the city.
Ferry or Water Taxi Ferries run regularly between Downtown's Broadway Pier and Coronado. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and one-way tickets cost $3.75 per person. You can also catch a water taxi from any dock along San Diego Bay for a flat rate of about $7 per person to most locations. However, water taxis only run on weekends.
  • San Diego Harbor Excursions

1 comment:

  1. Spirit Airlines one such airline that serves the traveling needs of people. It is exclusively a low-cost carrier that creates packages that matches the requirement of budget conscious travelers.

    ReplyDelete