Best Time to Go
Anytime! From whale watching in January followed by Wildflower tours to the
desert in February, every month right up to the multiple aquatic light parades
in December. The city is most crowded between Memorial Day and Labor Day when
early hotel booking is advisable.
Average Weather
The average high in January is 65 degrees Fahrenheit with an average low of 46.
August, the hottest month, ranges from 77 down to 66. San Diego has a surfeit of
sun, averaging only 9.5 inches of rainfall most years, most of it falling
between December and mid-April. Many say San Diego has the perfect year-round
climate.
Transportation
Easily accessible by air and road, once you arrive in San Diego, an array of
options is available. Ferry service is frequent between San Diego and Coronado.
Water taxis and boat tours also offer a water top way to see San Diego. An
express rail commuter service, the Coaster, has stops in downtown, Old Town,
Sorrento Valley, Solana Beach, Encinitas, and Carlsbad. Call 1-800-Coaster for
current schedules.
San Diego Trolley routes serve downtown, Old Town, and the city of Santee as
well as extending to Mission Valley and the Qualcomm Stadium area. Many of the
most popular tourist destinations are accessible via bus, although a lengthy
ride should be anticipated. Drivers will find manageable levels of traffic for
an urban area. Bicyclists are well served with bike route maps available at most
tourist offices, the trolley's bike-n-ride plan requiring a four-dollar bike
permit, and easily available bike rental shops. Taxis do not cruise the city
streets, call ahead for service.
In-Season Costs
Expect to pay around $80 for a double budget room during the crowded summer
season. As a popular vacation destination and business travel center, you'll
find a range of rooms from tourist standard quality up to once-in-a- lifetime
luxury available if you plan ahead and book early.
Transportation costs are inexpensive; the longest route on the commuter train
costs a mere $3.50. The set fee for a taxi to the center city is under ten
dollars.
San Diego has restaurants in all price ranges. Expect to pay at least $20 per
person for dinner with wine in a moderately priced restaurant. All the major
restaurant chains have area outlets.
Day Trips
In San Diego itself, you'll find the San Diego Zoo, the Wild Animal Park, and
Sea World. Numerous architectural features make the city interesting. February
through April a day trip to see wildflowers bloom in at Anza-Borrego Desert
State Park makes a nice day out. Call (760) 767-4684 for park information. July
through September is thoroughbred season at the Del Mar Race Track
