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San Diego Sightseeing
Boat ToursSince much of San Diego's activity centers on its harbor, a cruise provides an excellent perspective of the city during your vacation.
San Diego SEAL (Sea and Land) Tours
San Diego Speed Boat Adventures
Driving Tours A 59-mile scenic driving trip is marked at frequent intervals by blue and gold signs with a white seagull. The drive begins at Broadway Pier, although it can be joined at any point. It takes in the Embarcadero, Shelter and Harbor islands, Point Loma, Mission Bay, La Jolla, Old Town and Balboa Park. The loop can be driven in about 3 hours, but extra travel time should be allowed for sightseeing and a meal at one of the many local restaurants along the route. Avoid driving during rush hours.
Another Side of San Diego Tours
Walking ToursGuided walking tours of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park are offered free of charge, and pass by numerous historic sites and other fun places to go. The 1-hour tours depart the Robinson-Rose Visitor Information Center, 4002 Wallace St., daily at 11 and 2. For more information, phone (619) 220-5422.
A stroll around downtown's Gaslamp Quarter, bounded by Broadway, 4th Ave., 6th Ave. and Harbor Dr., can help you decide what to do in the evening while also providing an overview of the city's architectural and commercial history. Many buildings in this 16.5-block, 38-acre destination have been restored to their original beauty. Surrounded by gas lamps and brick sidewalks, the Victorian craftsmanship evident in the historic district blends with an abundance of restaurants, antique shops and galleries to create a romantic ambience. For more information about the area, phone the Gaslamp Quarter Association at (619) 233-5227.
The Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation maintains an office in the 1850 Davis-Horton House at 4th and Island aves. The historical foundation offers a variety of fun things to do, including Gaslamp architectural tours and evening ghost tours. The Gaslamp Walking Tour departs from the Davis-Horton House Sat. at 11, year-round, and Thurs. at 1, in summer. The cost is $20; $15 (ages 65+ and active military with ID); $10 (students with ID); free (ages 0-7). Reservations are strongly recommended. Phone (619) 233-4692.
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Nature lovers will enjoy monthly bird-watching walks at Point Loma. Led by knowledgeable volunteers, the tours leave from the Cabrillo National Monument visitor center. For information phone (619) 557-5450.
San Diego, CA
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
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Best Western Plus Marina Gateway Hotel800 Bay Marina Dr. National City, CA 91950
Book NowMembers save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Sheraton La Jolla Hotel3299 Holiday Ct. La Jolla, CA 92037
Book NowCity Population
1,307,402
Elevation
13 ft.
Sales Tax
State and county sales taxes total 7.75 percent in San Diego. A lodging tax, called a transient occupancy tax, of 10.5 to 12.5 percent also is levied along with a 10.5 percent (11 percent at the airport) rental car tax.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
(619) 531-2000
Hospitals
Alvarado Hospital, (619) 287-3270; Scripps Mercy Hospital, (619) 294-8111; Sharp Memorial Hospital, (858) 939-3400; University of California-San Diego Medical Center, (858) 657-7000.
Visitor Information
996 N. Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101. Phone:(619)236-1242
Air Travel
San Diego International Airport
Rental Cars
San Diego County is served by major rental car agencies. Hertz, at the airport, offers discounts to AAA members; phone (619) 767-5700 or (800) 654-3080.
Rail Service
Amtrak, (800) 872-7245, rolls from the historic
Buses
Greyhound Lines Inc., (619) 515-1100 or (800) 231-2222, has a depot at 1313 National Ave. Greyhound buses and Five Star Tours' eight-passenger shuttles, (619) 232-5040, offer service to downtown Tijuana, Mexico; reservations are required 24 hours in advance.
Taxis
Local taxis are metered. Cab companies include Orange, (619) 223-5555; San Diego Dispatch, (800) 368-2947; USA, (619) 231-1144; and Yellow, (619) 444-4444. Base fare is around $2.80, with a rate of approximately $3 for each additional mile. Limousine service is available throughout the area averaging about $75 an hour.
Public Transportation
Transportation by bus and trolley is available in San Diego.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
