Can't wait! The wife and I are heading to San Diego for a few days in early November. Based on many people’s recommendations, we’ll be staying at the Hotel del Coronado. We’re more modern people but they say you have to stay there once. So we’ll try.

But I have a couple questions related to “getting around”. Is a rental car recommended for our visit? Or are there busses/trolley’s from the hotel to the various attractions (Sea World, Zoo, etc.) available? I guess I’m picturing Disney where they have shuttles available everywhere. Kind of related, is there anything walking distance from the hotel? Beach? Restaurants? Shops? Finally, assuming we do rent a car, is a drive up (or down) the coast worth it? I’ve been to San Fran and drove down the coast a few hours and that was great. Same type of experience/views near San Diego? Thanks in advance for your replies….

The beach is right outside the hotel. It's located on one of the best beaches anywhere. There are shops at the hotel and in Coronado, within easy walking distance. Ditto for restaurants.

IMO, you need a rental car. I'm pretty sure the Del doesn't have shuttles like Disney.

For the best San Diego views, drive out Point Loma to the Cabrillo National Monument. Also drive to the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla.

You will most definitely want a car.

Ahhhhhhhh...Cabrillo....park bench....small picnic lunch and watch the world go by....
We stayed a mile or two south at Loews Coronado. Very good restaurant there with some nice views looking back at San Diego.

Hi Barb! ><

There's a sightseeing trolley that does stop at or near the Del and also at Balboa Park where the zoo is, but you really need a car for best access to the city. This is not as self contained as Disney. This is a real "working" city with different areas.

As Barbara said, the hotel is ON a gorgeous beach and there's also a boardwalk on Coronado. There are some restaurants within a walk of the hotel but you'll have much more choice with a car.

If you have time, take a trip to La Jolla, also on the beach, and a very attractive shopping village with some destination restaurants. George's at the Cove is known for it's great views (but go when it's light out).

On Coronado, Il Fornaio is reputed to have great Italian and a nice view.

if you are trying to conserve some money, i'd consider going one or two (i don't know how many "a few" days is) without a vehicle. i could easily spend one day just hanging out at the hotel, the beach, pool, walking the neighborhoods around the hotel. then, a second day, you could take the ferry to downtown and walk around there. or, as mentioned, pick up the "trolly tour" outside of the del and just jump on and off of that bus for a day - old town, balboa park, downtown and there are a few more stops.
but, i would recommend a rental are for at least a day or two. la jolla is a nice place to see. for a drive up the coast, head to laguna beach for a lunch or dinner.
have fun.

I agree with ltt that a couple days without a car are fine for beachcombing and wandering around Coronado. However, to get off the island for other sites you'll need a rental car.

Hi,

I live here in San Diego and you will need a car. We do not have the best public transportation here.

You must spend an evening in the Gaslamp area downtown, there are some great restaurants and the people watching is great.

Go visit Seaport Village too. This is a very cool shopping area right along the bay downtown. There are also plenty of places to eat there.

Too bad baseball is over because Petco Park is fantastic. But if you like football then maybe your visit will coordinate with a Charger game at Qualcom.

It's hard to list everything to see here because it really is a fantastic city.

Enjoy your visit.

Laura

Thank you all for your suggestions. I now have a clearer picturer of if I should rent a car or not.

One final question and then I'm all set with the vacation. Does the hotel offer discounts to the local attractions? Sea World, Animal Kingdom, Boat cruise, etc? Is it a good deal or should I buy some tickets online?

Thanks!