I read SDSam's post on Fodors Forum "Where to stay in SD". He stressed do NOT stay East of downtown. I have reserved at Rodeway Inn in La Mesa (corner of Spring Street/Palm Ave) near Spring Street Trolley Station for the week May 5-12. This is our (wife and I) first visit to SD and have been planning to use Trolley/Buses to get around area (La Jolla, Ocean Beach, Zoo; perhaps Wild Animal Park. Is my decision to stay in this area of San Diego flawed? Any advice will be appreciated.

Bewildered Canuck

I feel that staying in La Mesa is a bit far off the beaten track for visiting the places you have mentioned; even if you DO have easy access to the trolley.

Although I love San Diego like the native daughter that I am -- I will be the first to say that our public transit system is not too great. My advice would be to stay where you like and rent a car or to get lodging close to whatever attraction you most want to see (the zoo, La Jolla, etc.)

I don't think you can get to the Wild Animal Park by public transportation. La Mesa is a long way by public transportation from most everything. It would take about 2 hours by trolley and bus to get to La Jolla from there. If you insist on public transportation you would be better off in Old Town or near downtown where the buses and trolleys have major interchanges. A rental car is almost a must if you really want to get around San Diego and enjoy the many sights. The previous person was kind. Our public transportation system is terrible and nobody uses it if they have any other choice. It is not inexpensive.

Louis is absolutely right -- our public transit system STINKS! I just couldn't bring myself to say it before. You'll exhaust yourself if you try and reach any of the "must-see" spots by bus and trolley. And you'll never get to the WAP. The best thing to do is to rent a car -- you won't regret it.

In my previous posting I was referring to the area of San Diego east of downtown. Namely El Cajon Blvd and surrounding area. Pretty seedy area.

La Mesa is a separate city though there is no break between San Diego and La Mesa. La Mesa is a nice enough area but certainly offers nothing for the tourist. Like the others have said, it is a long ways from anything.

There is absolutely no practical way to get to the Wild Animal park by public transportation unles you take a special tour which may not be a bad idea.

I would probably stay in downtown San Diego close to the water such as the Embassy suites. You will have plenty of place to walk and have reasonably good access to public transportaion incuding the ferry to Coronado which I highly recommend.