San Diego
At a Glance

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; call (858) 792-4242 for details.
• Mexico's Guadeloupe Valley is a short hop away; call the Baja California Information Office at 1-800-522-1516 for information.

San Diego Hotels