Thinking about visiting San Diego in March (from the UK) and doing all the usual tourist things (zoo, Seaworld, Seaport Village, La Jolla, Mission Bay, Old Town etc. We (2 adults) don't want to drive and are wondering where to stay that will be close to public transport, safe, has some places to eat within walking distance and costs less than $150 a night. Not much to ask I know (!)- any ideas gratefully received.

Anything in the Hotel Circle area will have convenient bus and trolley transportation, and airport transportation.

Not a walking city, and I'm not sure about transportation up to La Jolla. But most hotel websites will tell you how far they are from bus, train, trolley etc.

JO, I live in San Diego and my brother is visiting right now from Edinburgh. He is staying at the Doubletree on Hazard Center Drive. The hotel is lovely, it's in a small shopping center which has several restaurants and is across the road from a Trolley stop. I believe it cost him about $109 a night. Look for deals on their website. Without a car, easy access to the Trolley is your best bet. It will take you downtown and to Old Town and various other places. It does not go to the Zoo, however, or Sea World. For all those other places, either have the hotel arrange transportation or get a cab. Cabs are much more expensive here than in Britain. Public transportation in the form of busses does exist here, it's just not very efficient. I hope you enjoy your visit. Keep in mind that it could rain at that time of year - and we're all hoping it does because we really need the water!

I would check first with the hotel that you plan to stay at, and inquire as to what form of tours they offer. They than will provide the transportation as well. Other alternative is to take the trolley, or cabs. I would think the gas light district would be a fine place to accomodate your needs and perhaps get by without renting a car. There is also a lot of shopping and restaurants in the vicinity.

We just returned from a wonderful vacation to San Diego and vicinity. We were in S.D. for five days without a car and got around with ease. We stayed at the Hampton Inn on Pacific Highway for $125 per night and enjoyed it very much. There’s a trolley stop right behind the hotel so it was very convenient. Be sure to ask for a quiet room on the bay side. You probably won’t get a room with a view, but it will be away from the train tracks. We took the trolley to Old Town, the Gas Lamp District, and Tijuana. We also took the bus back from the zoo without a problem. Check out www.sdcommute.com . We bought a 3-day Day Tripper pass for $10 which gave us unlimited access to the trolley and bus system. The hotel also offers free van transportation to and from the airport as well as to any destination within the city.