Advice for San Diego/Vegas
Jul 7th, 2011, 01:33 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Advice for San Diego/Vegas
I have a flight to LA in November... I went to LA last year so I don't actually want to spend any time there; I'm planning to go to San Diego. I don't want to rent a car because Americans drive on the left side of the road; is the best (cheapest) way to San Diego that doesn't involve some suicidal tourist driving down the wrong side of the freeway by Amtrak?
I have about 5 days excluding travel time because I want to leave before the week of Thanksgiving, and want to spend a weekend in Vegas with a local American friend (like Friday evening~Sunday afternoonish). That leaves me about 2 or 3 days to spend in San Diego.
I'm actually not a big fan of the zoo or, well, Seaworld... I'm wondering if that 2 or 3 days in San Diego is enough if I don't go to these places? Or is there no point in going to San Diego if I'm not an animal voyeur? I like just walking around the city, people-watching from cafes, taking pictures of old buildings, that kind of thing (not shopping - I'm on a fairly tight budget).
Any advice would be appreciated!
I have about 5 days excluding travel time because I want to leave before the week of Thanksgiving, and want to spend a weekend in Vegas with a local American friend (like Friday evening~Sunday afternoonish). That leaves me about 2 or 3 days to spend in San Diego.
I'm actually not a big fan of the zoo or, well, Seaworld... I'm wondering if that 2 or 3 days in San Diego is enough if I don't go to these places? Or is there no point in going to San Diego if I'm not an animal voyeur? I like just walking around the city, people-watching from cafes, taking pictures of old buildings, that kind of thing (not shopping - I'm on a fairly tight budget).
Any advice would be appreciated!
Jul 7th, 2011, 06:42 AM
#2
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,365
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is a lot to do in SD other than the Zoo or SeaWorld. Somewhat harder without a car. Finding a central hotel will be key...I would definitely someplace in the GasLamp District as that is near most sights.
Recommendations
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier
Cabrillo Monument (not sure how without a car though)
Maritime Museum
SD Harbor Cruise
go out to La Jolla (again - not sure without a car. But it has to be possible)
There are other museums in Balboa Park besides the Zoo.
Take the ferry to Coronado Island and rent a bike or walk around.
Id look at flying Southwest as I am not sure of Amtrak from there. Minor correction - we drive on the right side of the road.
Recommendations
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier
Cabrillo Monument (not sure how without a car though)
Maritime Museum
SD Harbor Cruise
go out to La Jolla (again - not sure without a car. But it has to be possible)
There are other museums in Balboa Park besides the Zoo.
Take the ferry to Coronado Island and rent a bike or walk around.
Id look at flying Southwest as I am not sure of Amtrak from there. Minor correction - we drive on the right side of the road.
Jul 7th, 2011, 07:20 AM
#3
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I second the advise of Southwest Airlines. You will be in San Diego in about an hour. I'm not sure how much it costs these days.
I don't know if there is an Amtrak from LV to SD. I would imagine you would have to take the train to LA and then to SD, which will make for a long trip with not very interesting scenery.
Please keep in mind that San Diego is mostly a beach and theme park/zoo type destination. Its definately much easier with a car. I wouldn't say it has the most interesting architecture to keep one interested for 3 days, but it has some beautiful coastline. In November the weather will probably be lovely, sunny but not too warm or cold.
I think the best people watching and architectually interesting destination in San Diego might be La Jolla, although I agree the Gaslamp is more central to transporation and other areas.
I don't know if there is an Amtrak from LV to SD. I would imagine you would have to take the train to LA and then to SD, which will make for a long trip with not very interesting scenery.
Please keep in mind that San Diego is mostly a beach and theme park/zoo type destination. Its definately much easier with a car. I wouldn't say it has the most interesting architecture to keep one interested for 3 days, but it has some beautiful coastline. In November the weather will probably be lovely, sunny but not too warm or cold.
I think the best people watching and architectually interesting destination in San Diego might be La Jolla, although I agree the Gaslamp is more central to transporation and other areas.
Americans drive on the right side!
Jul 7th, 2011, 09:47 AM
#5
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Google los angeles to san diego bus ( or train)..
There are a few options
Greyhound bus takes about 2 and half hours and costs about $30 (book online and save a few dollars).
Maybe get a car for when you're in San Diego... be brave!
There are a few options
Greyhound bus takes about 2 and half hours and costs about $30 (book online and save a few dollars).
Maybe get a car for when you're in San Diego... be brave!
Jul 7th, 2011, 09:52 AM
#6
To get from southern California to Las Vegas without driving the Mojave Desert, a good option is Allegiant Airline from Long Beach.
http://www.allegiantair.com/aaIndex.php
They also have deals on hotels and shows which you can bundle with your airfare.
Amtrak from Los Angeles to San Diego usually runs on time. The train is cheaper than flying if you are not in a rush.
http://www.allegiantair.com/aaIndex.php
They also have deals on hotels and shows which you can bundle with your airfare.
Amtrak from Los Angeles to San Diego usually runs on time. The train is cheaper than flying if you are not in a rush.
Jul 7th, 2011, 01:29 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is no train service from LA or San Diego to LV. I beleive the closest you can get on Amtrak is Kingman, AZ via the Southwest Chief...not a good option. Leaves LA and about 6:15 p.m.and, if on time, arrives in Kingman about 1:30 am. then a bus ride to Las Vegas. Reverse leaves Kingman about 1 a.m. and into LA about 8 a.m.
Jul 7th, 2011, 02:55 PM
#8
There are 2 Amtrak buses from LAX to Las Vegas each day.
The first bus arrives about 4:40PM. http://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak
The fare is $55/pp each way. The bus station in LV is within walking distance of Fremont St.
The first bus arrives about 4:40PM. http://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak
The fare is $55/pp each way. The bus station in LV is within walking distance of Fremont St.
Jul 7th, 2011, 07:19 PM
#9
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thought this might be fitting for this article. I stumbled on this last week. Marriott is offering 10,000 Rewards Points just for signing up and booking. I was able to get a referral link from this site www.bonusfinder.blogspot.com
Jul 8th, 2011, 03:35 PM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for all your help guys.
My train is only from LA to San Diego... my trip to Vegas is by car or plane. But definitely if flying is the better option, as it seems to be, I'll look into doing that instead.
And sorry, I realised this after I had posted - we drive on the left side of the road... America drives on the right. The driver's seat is on the left though. It's just the other way from what I'm used to, so I really don't want to rent a car and cause any accidents.
My train is only from LA to San Diego... my trip to Vegas is by car or plane. But definitely if flying is the better option, as it seems to be, I'll look into doing that instead.
And sorry, I realised this after I had posted - we drive on the left side of the road... America drives on the right. The driver's seat is on the left though. It's just the other way from what I'm used to, so I really don't want to rent a car and cause any accidents.
Jul 8th, 2011, 03:53 PM
#11
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DerNerNer: You are smart not to drive out of LA since you aren't used to driving on the left side of the road. LA is my idea of nightmare traffic, and I have lived in San Diego for 40+ years. San Diego traffic can be tricky too.
You can also take a bus between LA and San Diego. The train would be more relaxing.
Keep in mind that San Diego county is very spread out. We have lots of interesting areas for you to walk, but you will have to take the bus to get from one area to the next area. The bus works but it's not the most efficient bus system. You will have to be patient and get a bus schedule...you often need to transfer between buses to get where you want to go.
Since you aren't an animal lover, I'd suggest the coastal areas are all scenic...I especially love La Jolla coast, Del Mar coast, and Coronado.
Downtown San Diego is a very small downtown area, compared to other cities. It's NOT my favorite downtown area. Some people like the gaslamp district.
Pacific Beach can be interesting...lots of cafes, bars, people watching etc.
I'd suggest that you go up to Mt. Soledad (near La Jolla) for a great view on a clear day, but I'm not sure if any buses go there.
Old Town can be an interesting spot to hang out a bit, especially on the weekend as sometimes there is entertainment on the weekend.
Have fun!
You can also take a bus between LA and San Diego. The train would be more relaxing.
Keep in mind that San Diego county is very spread out. We have lots of interesting areas for you to walk, but you will have to take the bus to get from one area to the next area. The bus works but it's not the most efficient bus system. You will have to be patient and get a bus schedule...you often need to transfer between buses to get where you want to go.
Since you aren't an animal lover, I'd suggest the coastal areas are all scenic...I especially love La Jolla coast, Del Mar coast, and Coronado.
Downtown San Diego is a very small downtown area, compared to other cities. It's NOT my favorite downtown area. Some people like the gaslamp district.
Pacific Beach can be interesting...lots of cafes, bars, people watching etc.
I'd suggest that you go up to Mt. Soledad (near La Jolla) for a great view on a clear day, but I'm not sure if any buses go there.
Old Town can be an interesting spot to hang out a bit, especially on the weekend as sometimes there is entertainment on the weekend.
Have fun!
Jul 8th, 2011, 03:54 PM
#12
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I forgot to recommend Torrey Pines as well. There is a beach and cliffs there...also there is Torrey Pines park which has some hiking trails. Hopefully you will get good weather...hard to say about November. Could be rain or some sunshine. Dress in layers.
