San Diego Airport Van & Car Rental | Airport Van Rental

Today’s Top San Diego Car Rental Deals

(Here are a few sample deals available in San Diego right now. These change frequently, but they showcase the kind of low rates you can find. Search above for the latest offers!)

• Full-Size Car, from $35/day. Example: Toyota Camry or similar a roomy 5-passenger sedan with a large trunk, ideal for comfortable highway cruising to L.A. or Orange County.
• Premium SUV, from $65/day. Example: Chevrolet Tahoe or similar (7-passenger) a luxury SUV with ample space, great for families or groups heading to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park or a golf outing in comfort.
• 15-Passenger Van, from $79/day. Example: Ford Transit 15-passenger or similar ideal for large groups, sports teams, or multi-family vacations where everyone can ride together and share the cost.

(“From” rates are base prices recently found, actual prices depend on your dates and availability. Taxes and fees aren’t included in the above rates; in San Diego they typically add ~10–15% on top of the base rate. Book early for peak seasons like summer and holidays, when demand is high, to lock in the best deals.)

Why Rent a Car at San Diego Airport?

Flying into San Diego International Airport (SAN) puts you just minutes from downtown and beaches, but to truly experience San Diego and beyond, having your own vehicle is a game-changer. While the city has taxis, rideshares, and trolleys, nothing beats the convenience of a car rental for door-to-door freedom. Here’s why renting a car or van at SAN is so popular:

• See More of San Diego Attractions here are spread out. Public transit is limited outside the city center, and rideshare costs can add up. With a car, you can easily reach all the must-sees: downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park (San Diego Zoo), the beaches in La Jolla and Mission Bay, theme parks like SeaWorld and Legoland, and even out-of-town spots. No waiting on bus schedules just hop in and go wherever, whenever.
• Perfect for Families & Groups Traveling with kids or a large group? A van rental at SAN beats splitting into multiple Ubers. Load everyone (and all their luggage) into one minivan or passenger van and keep the crew together. You’ll save money per person and have a more enjoyable trip when everyone can ride and relax together. Plus, you can easily carry strollers, beach gear, or wheelchairs that would be a hassle on public transport.
• Ultimate Flexibility vs. Rideshare Maybe you want to catch the sunset at Coronado after an afternoon in Old Town, or make a spontaneous detour to a taco shop you heard about. With your own car, it’s easy. Rideshare drivers might cancel or surge-price you at peak times, but your rental car is always ready. Go anywhere on your schedule even a late-night drive up the coast with the windows down. It’s the freedom of the open road, no app required.
• Day Trips Made Easy San Diego is a gateway to amazing road trips. Want to wine taste in Temecula or hike in Joshua Tree? It’s nearly impossible without a car. By renting, you can venture outside the city limits: drive an hour to Temecula’s vineyards, two hours to the mountains or desert, or even make a weekend road trip to Los Angeles or Las Vegas. A rental car lets you turn your San Diego visit into a multi-destination adventure.
• Comfort & Convenience After a long flight, the last thing you want is to navigate multiple transfers or wait around. Picking up a rental at SAN’s convenient Rental Car Center means you can stretch out in a private, air-conditioned vehicle and drive straight to your hotel. No hauling bags on public transit or squeezing into the back of a rideshare. Plus, you can safely store your stuff in the car while sightseeing. It’s a home base on wheels, making travel with pets, surfboards, or shopping finds much easier.

Our San Diego Car Rental Benefits

Why book your San Diego ride with Airport Van Rental? We specialize in car and van rentals and offer some unique perks for travelers at SAN:

• Best Rates at SAN: We leverage our network of partners and high booking volume in California to secure cheap rates you won’t find elsewhere. From economy cars to 15-passenger vans, we compare all the major brands to highlight the lowest prices. If you find a better rate for the same vehicle and terms, let us know we’ll match or beat it.
• No Pre-Payment & Free Cancellation: Plans changed? No problem. Most reservations through us do not require pre-payment you reserve now and pay at pick-up. Cancel for free on most bookings up to 48 hours before pick-up if something comes up. Flexibility is built in, so you’re not locked in until you’re sure.
• Transparent Pricing (No Hidden Fees): The price you see includes the mandatory taxes and fees. San Diego rentals include airport facility fees and local surcharges, but we itemize everything upfront. You won’t get to the counter and see surprise “extras” we hate hidden fees as much as you do. Budget with confidence knowing the total cost before you book.
• Huge Vehicle Selection: Need a specific ride? We’ve got you covered. Thanks to our connections with dozen+ rental companies at SAN, you’ll see hundreds of vehicles from compact cars and full-size sedans to SUVs, luxury models, and of course a wide range of vans (7, 12, or 15 passenger). Whether you want an eco-friendly EV, a roomy cargo van for equipment, or a premium SUV for a VIP impression, you’ll find it here.
• Local Expertise & 24/7 Support: We’re more than a booking site we’re your travel partner. Our team knows Southern California, and we’ve packed this page (and your confirmation emails) with insider tips for driving in San Diego. Need help on the road? Locked the keys in your car after a day at the beach, or want to extend your rental? Our 24/7 support line is ready to assist. We pride ourselves on friendly, knowledgeable service just ask our repeat customers who rent with us every time they visit California.

(San Diego travelers give Airport Van Rental high ratings we’re proud to be a top choice for convenient, affordable rentals!)

Driving in San Diego: What To Know

Driving around San Diego is generally a pleasure you’ve got scenic coastal highways and well-maintained roads but there are a few local tips to keep in mind:

• Traffic & Rush Hours: While not as notorious as L.A., San Diego traffic can still slow you down at peak times. Weekday rush hour typically runs 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM. I-5 (the main north-south freeway) often bogs down heading south into downtown in the morning and north toward La Jolla/Orange County in the afternoon. Likewise, I-15 (inland north-south) and I-805 can get congested during commutes, and I-8 jams up where it meets I-5 near Mission Bay. Plan your drives outside these windows if you can. If you do hit traffic, a navigation app like Google Maps or Waze is your friend it might route you along surface streets through neighborhoods to save time. Also watch for special events: a Padres baseball game at Petco Park or a big convention downtown can mean heavier traffic before and after.
• Highways & Toll Roads: San Diego’s major freeways include I-5 (runs along the coast and through downtown), I-8 (east–west from the beaches toward Arizona), I-15 (goes north inland toward Temecula and Las Vegas), and I-805 (a bypass of I-5 through inland neighborhoods). The good news: most roads here are toll-free. The only toll road in the area is SR 125, a short expressway in the eastern suburbs, and it’s easy to avoid unless you’re visiting communities in Eastlake or heading to the Otay Mesa border crossing. There are also Express Lanes on I-15 (north of downtown) that allow solo drivers with a FasTrak transponder to bypass traffic for a fee. If you don’t have a toll pass, don’t worry you can stick to the regular lanes. If by chance you use a toll road or express lane, the rental car’s license plate will be scanned and the rental company will bill you later (often with a small admin fee). You can ask at the rental counter about their toll policy if you plan to use these lanes.
• Parking in the City & Beaches: San Diego is relatively car-friendly for a city its size. Downtown has plenty of pay garages and lots expect rates around $10–$20 per day in the core (cheaper evenings and weekends). Street parking downtown uses meters (mostly 8AM–6PM) and can be tough to find in busy districts like Gaslamp Quarter (especially weekend nights). In popular beach areas (Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla), parking fills up quickly on sunny weekends. Many beach lots are free but come early to snag a space; otherwise, be prepared to circle side streets for an open spot. Always read parking signs some residential areas near the coast require permits or have time limits. Also note street sweeping hours (common in neighborhoods once a week) when parking overnight; you’ll get ticketed or towed if you’re on the wrong side at the wrong time. When in doubt, use a parking app or lot. And a universal tip: don’t leave valuables visible in your car. San Diego is safe overall, but an unlocked surfboard or a purse on the seat could attract theft anywhere. Secure your belongings in the trunk or take them with you.
• Fuel & Gas Stations: California gas prices are among the highest in the U.S., and San Diego is no exception. As of 2025, gas is around $5 per gallon, sometimes more for premium. You’ll find many gas stations around the city and near the airport (prices on Harbor Drive by SAN tend to be high, though). For better rates, drive a couple miles away from tourist areas or use a gas price app. If you’re returning your rental, remember to fill up the tank to avoid the rental company’s hefty refuel charges. A good strategy is to fill up at a station 5–10 miles from the airport where prices are lower, then drive in the tank will still read “Full” when you return it. Keep your gas receipt, just in case the agent asks for proof of refueling.
• Driving Etiquette & Safety: San Diego drivers are generally polite and a bit more relaxed than L.A. drivers. That said, use common sense: follow the speed limit (freeways are usually 65–70 mph zones, though traffic often moves a bit faster when clear). On city streets, watch for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in beach areas and downtown where people might jaywalk or scooters zip by. At stop signs, a full stop is the law (the California “rolling stop” can get you ticketed, particularly in beach towns and residential areas). You’ll notice many locals cruise in the fast lane a few mph over the limit, but if you prefer a leisurely pace, just stay to the right and let others pass on the left.
• Navigating & Signage: San Diego is pretty straightforward to navigate. The city is on a grid in downtown and has clearly marked freeway signs for exits and interchanges. Brown highway signs will point you to major attractions (Zoo, SeaWorld, etc.). One quirky tip: if you drive south toward the U.S.–Mexico border, you’ll see signs for “Last USA Exit.” If you’re not intending to go to Tijuana, take that exit or you’ll end up in Mexico! (There’s no immediate turn-around on the freeway once you cross.) So keep an eye out when exploring the South Bay on I-5/I-805. If you do plan to cross into Mexico, see the FAQs below for important info. Otherwise, enjoy the drive from the ocean vistas of the I-5 in La Jolla to the mountain views on I-8 east, San Diego offers a scenic ride at every turn.

Road Trips from San Diego Airport

San Diego isn’t just a destination it’s also the perfect starting point for scenic road trips. Once you pick up your rental at SAN, you’re free to explore mountains, deserts, and coastlines all within a few hours’ drive. Here are four popular drives to consider:

• La Jolla Coastal Cruise, Distance: ~12 miles (20–30 minutes one-way).
  Route: From the airport, head north on I-5 and take the La Jolla Parkway exit toward the coast (about a 20-minute drive in light traffic). For a more scenic option, drive up North Harbor Drive and Mission Blvd through Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, then continue along La Jolla Boulevard.

Highlights: La Jolla is an upscale seaside community known for its stunning coastline. Visit La Jolla Cove to see sea lions lounging on the rocks, explore tide pools at the Cove or Windansea Beach, and take in panoramic ocean views from the clifftops. The village area has art galleries, boutiques, and cafés (perfect for an ice cream or coffee break). Just north of La Jolla, you can drive up to Torrey Pines for a hike or photo op at the Gliderport overlooking Black’s Beach. This quick trip shows off some of San Diego’s prettiest shoreline.

Tips: Parking in La Jolla Village and near the Cove can be tight during peak times try to go on a weekday or early morning on weekends. There are paid public parking garages if street parking is full. A smaller car is easier to maneuver on narrow coastal streets, but any vehicle will do. Also, parts of La Jolla have steep hills; use lower gears when needed and curb your wheels when parking on hills (it’s the law in California).

• Temecula Wine Country, Distance: ~60 miles (1–1.5 hours one-way).
  Route: Take I-15 North from San Diego. It’s roughly an hour’s drive (55–60 miles) through inland hills and valleys to reach Temecula. Exit at Rancho California Road or Temecula Parkway to reach the winery region and Old Town.

Highlights: Temecula Valley is southern California’s famous wine country, boasting over 40 wineries. You can drive from vineyard to vineyard for tastings enjoy robust reds, crisp whites, and lovely vineyard views. Old Town Temecula is worth a stop too, with its Old West charm, antique shops, and restaurants along wooden boardwalks. Many visitors from San Diego make this trip for a day of wine tasting, farmers’ markets, or even hot air balloon rides at dawn over the vineyards. It’s a relaxing escape from the city buzz.

Tips: If you’re traveling with a group of friends, consider renting an SUV or passenger van so everyone can enjoy the trip together (just be sure to have a designated driver if sampling wines!). On weekends, I-15 traffic northbound can build up late morning, and southbound back to San Diego can get heavy in late afternoon plan to head out early and return after dinner to avoid the rush. Most wineries close by early evening, so start your wine tour late morning or around lunchtime. And don’t forget water and snacks between tastings to stay hydrated and happy.

• Joshua Tree National Park, Distance: ~150 miles (about 3 hours one-way).
  Route: From San Diego, you can reach Joshua Tree in about 2.5 to 3 hours. The fastest route is I-15 North to I-215 (through Riverside), then I-10 East past Palm Springs. From I-10, head north on Hwy 62 into the high desert; the town of Joshua Tree and the park’s west entrance will greet you after you pass through Yucca Valley. (Alternatively, you can enter via the south entrance near Indio, looping up through the park and exiting in the north.)

Highlights: Few road trips pack in as much variety you’ll go from coastal city to high desert. Joshua Tree National Park is like stepping onto another planet: twisted Joshua trees dot the landscape amid giant granite boulders and clear blue skies. Drive through the park to see famous spots like Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and Keys View (which offers a sweeping lookout of the Coachella Valley; on a clear day you can even spot Signal Mountain in Mexico!). The desert sunsets and starlit night skies here are unforgettable if you stay late. On the way, you might stop in Palm Springs (about 2 hours from SD) for lunch or a tram ride up Mount San Jacinto, making this trip a fantastic mix of desert, nature, and quirky towns.

Tips: Start this trip early it’s a full-day adventure. An SUV is a comfortable choice for the journey (higher ground clearance is helpful on some unpaved park roads, though standard cars can handle the main paved routes). Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats; desert temperatures can soar above 100°F (38°C) in summer, but it can be chilly on winter mornings. There are no gas stations inside Joshua Tree Park, so fill up in towns like Indio, Palm Springs, or Yucca Valley. Lastly, check the park’s visitor center for a map (or download one offline) since cell service can be spotty in the park you’ll want to navigate to the exits and back home without worry.

• Baja Mexico Excursion (Tijuana & Ensenada), Distance: ~20 miles to Tijuana (about 30 minutes to the border; 60–70 miles/1.5 hours to Ensenada).
  Route: Drive south on I-5 or I-805 from San Diego and you’ll reach the San Ysidro border crossing (the main entry to Tijuana). Crossing into Mexico by car is usually quick (border agents may wave you through or do a brief check). If you plan to continue to Ensenada, take Highway 1D (a scenic toll road) south for another ~60 miles. The coastal drive in Baja offers beautiful Pacific views and three toll plazas (keep some Mexican pesos or a credit card handy for tolls, each around ~$3).

Highlights: With a rental car (and the proper permissions see Tips below), you can experience a bit of Mexico beyond the typical tourist path. Tijuana is right next door enjoy amazing street tacos, visit the lively Avenida Revolución, or check out the Cultural Center (CECUT) in the Zona Río district. Further down Baja, Rosarito Beach is known for its surf and resorts, and Ensenada makes a great day or overnight trip for fresh seafood, the waterfront Malecon promenade, and access to Valle de Guadalupe, Baja’s burgeoning wine country just inland. The drive along the coast to Ensenada is gorgeous, with the road hugging cliffs above the ocean.

Tips: Check rental policies before heading to Mexico. Many U.S. rental car companies do not allow their vehicles across the border or require special insurance. If your rental includes Mexico travel (some agencies at SAN offer it for an extra fee), you must purchase Mexican auto insurance U.S. insurance isn’t valid there. Plan for extra time coming back to the U.S.; border wait times by car can range from 30 minutes to 2+ hours at busy periods (Sunday evenings are notoriously long). It might be smart to park on the U.S. side at a border lot and walk across or use Mexico’s rental agencies/shuttles if you’re just going to Tijuana for the day. If you do drive, stick to main highways and daytime travel. Lastly, don’t forget your passport you’ll need it to re-enter the U.S. Driving to Mexico can be an amazing add-on to your San Diego trip, just plan ahead and travel smart.

Popular San Diego Car & Van Rental Destinations

San Diego’s surrounding areas are diverse from beachfront towns to suburban parks and a rental car makes it easy to explore them all. Here are some popular destinations you can easily drive to with your SAN rental:

• Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter: The airport is just a 5–10 minute drive from downtown San Diego. With a car, you can effortlessly shuttle between downtown’s attractions the historic Gaslamp Quarter (full of restaurants and nightlife), the waterfront Embarcadero (USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, cruise ship terminal), and Little Italy (a foodie hotspot). Having a car also means you can venture a bit farther like to Point Loma for views of the bay and city from Cabrillo National Monument on your own timetable. Downtown parking is plentiful in garages, so you can stop back at your hotel or drop off shopping bags with ease.
• Coronado Island: Just across the bay, Coronado is a must-visit. By renting a car, you can drive over the soaring Coronado Bridge (no toll) and be on the island in 15 minutes. Explore the elegant Hotel del Coronado, one of the world’s most famous beachfront hotels, and spend time on Coronado Beach frequently rated one of America’s best beaches. Orange Avenue offers quaint shops and cafes. Without a car, reaching some of the island’s gems (like ferry landing markets on one end or Naval Air Station viewing spots on the other) would require multiple buses. With your own wheels, you can see it all in a single afternoon.
• Mission Bay, Mission Beach & Pacific Beach: A quick 10-mile drive north of the airport lands you at Mission Bay Park, a massive aquatic playground. Drive the perimeter and you’ll find picnic spots, playgrounds, and calm bay beaches. Cross west over to Mission Beach and Pacific Beach for classic Southern California vibes think boardwalks, beach bars, surfers, and Belmont Park’s vintage roller coaster. Parking near the beach is easiest in the morning; with a rental car, you can throw your boogie boards or beach chairs in the trunk and arrive early to claim a spot (and if one beach is full, just drive up the coast to the next!). These areas are spread out over a few miles, so a car makes hopping between them a breeze.
• La Jolla & North Coastal San Diego: With a car, you can cruise the beautiful coastline of northern San Diego County. Start with La Jolla (about 12 miles from SAN) to enjoy its coves and upscale village. Then continue up Historic Highway 101 into Del Mar, Encinitas, and Carlsbad. Each town has its own charm: Del Mar’s racetrack and oceanfront park, Encinitas’s surf culture (check out Swami’s Beach), and Carlsbad’s attractions like Legoland California and the seasonal Flower Fields. These coastal communities are all connected by the freeway or Coast Highway, but public transit between them is impractical. Your rental car lets you string together a perfect day of beach hopping, boutique shopping, and scenic overlooks. Pro tip: time your drive back to catch sunset from a seaside viewpoint you can pull over almost anywhere along the coast highway for a photo.
• Balboa Park & Greater San Diego: Many of San Diego’s top destinations lie outside the dense downtown. Balboa Park, with its museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo, sprawls over 1,200 acres just 2 miles north of downtown an easy drive with ample parking lots inside the park. Further afield, having a car opens up trips to places like Mount Soledad in La Jolla (panoramic city views), San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido (~35 miles northeast), or Julian, a historic mountain town known for apple pie (an 60-mile drive into the mountains). Whether you’re into hiking in Torrey Pines Reserve or shopping the outlets in Carlsbad, a rental car is your key to experiencing the full San Diego region at your own pace.

Our Most Popular Vehicles

Economy Car Rental

12 Passenger Van Rental

Minivan Rental

Standard SUV Rental

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a toll pass to drive in San Diego?

Most visitors do not need a toll pass when driving in San Diego. The city’s highways are generally toll-free. The only local toll road is State Route 125 in the far east of the county, which you’re unlikely to use unless you’re traveling to communities like Chula Vista/Otay Mesa. Additionally, the I-15 Express Lanes use FasTrak transponders for solo drivers, but these are optional; you can always stay in the free general lanes. If you stick to main attractions and routes, you won’t encounter mandatory tolls. However, if you do plan to use the SR-125 toll road or Express Lanes frequently, ask your rental provider about a toll pass. Many rental companies offer an add-on transponder or will bill tolls to your license plate automatically. For one-off toll road usage, the toll cameras will register the car and the bill (plus a small admin fee) will be sent to your credit card on file. In summary: no toll pass is required for most San Diego driving, but know that option exists if needed.

Is parking hard to find near the Gaslamp Quarter?

Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter can be busy, especially on weekend evenings, but parking is manageable with a little planning. Street parking in the immediate Gaslamp (4th, 5th, 6th Avenues and cross streets) is limited and metered and spots tend to fill up during dinner and bar hours. The easiest solution is to use one of the many parking garages or lots in the area. There are large structures like Park It on Market (6th & Market) or the Sixth & K Parkade, which often have flat evening rates (for example, $5 after 6 PM on some days). These garages put you within a short walk of all the action. On weekdays or during the day, you might snag street parking a few blocks away in East Village or around the edges of downtown and walk in. Always check the signage, as some spots have time limits or tow-away hours (especially overnight or for morning street sweeping). If your hotel is downtown, consider leaving your car there and using a quick rideshare for door-to-door on a busy Saturday night. But overall, with a bit of patience (and maybe a willingness to pay $10–15 in a lot for convenience), you’ll find parking for Gaslamp without too much trouble.

Can I drive my rental car or van to Mexico from San Diego?

Driving to Mexico is a popular option given San Diego’s proximity to Tijuana, but you must be careful with rental car rules. Most U.S. rental cars are not allowed into Mexico unless specific arrangements are made. If you attempt to drive across the border without permission, you violate the rental agreement (and you’d be fully liable for the car, with no insurance coverage). That said, some rental companies at SAN do permit Mexico travel if you purchase their supplemental Mexican insurance and sometimes pay an extra fee. It’s absolutely vital to check with your rental provider in advance. If they allow it, they’ll provide documentation and the required insurance at the rental desk. Expect the insurance to be an additional daily cost (but it’s legally required to drive in Mexico U.S. insurance won’t cover you there). Also, you can only drive the car within a certain zone in Baja California (often not further than Ensenada, roughly 85 miles south of the border). If your rental company prohibits cross-border travel, an alternative is to park at the border (there are paid lots on the U.S. side) and walk or take a taxi/Uber into Tijuana, or arrange a Mexican rental car on the other side. In summary: Yes, you can drive to Mexico only with proper permission and insurance. Without that, leave the rental car in the U.S. and use other transport for your Mexico visit.

How far is Legoland from San Diego Airport?

LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad is approximately 30–33 miles north of San Diego International Airport. In normal traffic, the drive takes around 35–45 minutes by car. The route is straightforward you’ll take I-5 North from San Diego for most of the trip. Legoland is just off the freeway in northern San Diego County. This makes it an easy day trip with a rental car (especially if you have kids eager to visit the theme park). Keep in mind morning traffic heading north can add some time, so if you’re driving up on a weekday, try leaving after the rush hour (after 9 AM) or before it (very early morning) to have a smoother drive. Likewise, in the late afternoon when the park closes, the southbound drive back to the city can see some congestion. But overall, at under an hour away, Legoland is very accessible one of the perks of having a car rental is the freedom to make that trip on your own schedule rather than coordinating tours or transit.

How much does it cost to rent a car at San Diego Airport?

Rental prices at SAN vary by season and vehicle type, but here’s a general idea. An economy or compact car rental can often be found in the range of $30–$50 per day (before taxes and fees) if you book in advance and not during a major holiday. Standard sedans and midsize SUVs might fall around $50–$70/day. Larger vehicles like minivans, 12-passenger vans, or premium SUVs usually cost more perhaps $80–$120/day, depending on demand. San Diego’s peak tourist season (summer, plus school spring break weeks and holidays like Christmas) can see higher rates due to demand. For example, a midsize car that’s $35/day in October might be $55/day in July. On the flip side, booking for a week or more can reduce the average daily price (a weekly rental often comes at a discounted rate versus single-day rentals). To get the cheapest rate, try to reserve as early as possible, compare different car classes (sometimes a larger car is on special and cheaper than a smaller one), and be flexible with your pick-up time (picking up a few hours earlier or later, or avoiding airport rush times, can sometimes yield a better price). Remember, the quote you get will include taxes and fees in San Diego those add roughly 10–15% to the base rate, plus a flat airport concession fee. We always show you the total with all fees before you confirm. In short, a car rental at SAN can be very affordable (sometimes under $40/day for small cars off-peak, as low as ~$25/day in rare promos), but budgeting around $50–$70/day for a typical rental is a safe ballpark for most trips.

Do I need a car in San Diego to get around?

If you want to truly explore San Diego and its surroundings, having a car is highly recommended. The city’s public transportation, while improving, is limited mainly to central areas there’s a trolley (light rail) and buses, but they won’t conveniently reach many of the beaches, hiking trails, or outlying attractions that make San Diego special. For example, places like La Jolla Cove, the Safari Park, or those surfer-favorite beaches aren’t directly served by the trolley system. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) can fill some gaps, but costs add up quickly if you’re visiting multiple spots each day (San Diego is quite spread out). With a rental car, you have the freedom to go anywhere on a whim be it a quick drive to Coronado for an evening ice cream, a full-day trip to Julian for apple pie, or just shuttling your family between the hotel, the Zoo, and the beach with all your gear in tow. That said, if your plan is to stay only in downtown or one neighborhood (say, you’re attending a convention or staying in the Gaslamp and not venturing further), you might manage without a car by walking and using the occasional rideshare. But most visitors find that a car greatly enhances their San Diego experience. It turns a trip that could be constrained into one that’s totally flexible. Since traffic here is not too daunting and parking is generally easier than in other big cities, a car is more of a help than a hindrance. In summary: you don’t strictly “need” a car if you’ll stick to the city core, but to get the most out of San Diego beaches, suburbs, and all renting a car is the way to go. Enjoy the freedom!