Car Rental San Diego

San Diego lies in Southern California, not far from the US border with Mexico. Major routes serving the city include Interstate 5 (I-5), which begins at the border and stretches all the way up to Canada, linking San Diego to Los Angeles just under 200 kilometres to the north. Another important route, the I-8, begins in San Diego and continues east towards Arizona, while I-15 heads northeast to Las Vegas.

Like most of California’s biggest cities, San Diego has an easy-to-navigate road network, with most even-numbered freeways running from east to west and odd-numbered freeways going from north to south.

Some of the city’s major routes, including the I-805 which runs from North County to Mission Valley, get busy around the morning and evening rush hour, so it’s worth planning your route in advance and allowing plenty of time for your journey.

Some routes around the city, including parts of the I-15, have express lanes which are open to high-occupancy vehicles such as carpools. These cars can use the lanes for free, while solo drivers have to pay a toll. These rules are strictly enforced and if you’re found to have used the lanes incorrectly, you may have to pay a fine.

California has similar driving rules to many other parts of the US – the use of mobile phones while driving is illegal, and drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts at all times.

It’s usually legal to pass other drivers on the right (i.e. on the inside) as long as you do it in a clear and properly marked lane. Remember that if you see a school bus stop with red lights flashing, you must stop as this means children are getting on or off the bus and may be crossing the road nearby.

With its beautiful weather, family-friendly attractions and incredible coastline it’s easy to see why San Diego is such a popular destination. With car rental in San Diego, you’ll be able to explore all this and more, with the freedom to venture further afield during your time in California.

Urban culture

One of the biggest attractions in San Diego is Balboa Park, a National Historic Landmark right at the heart of the city. It’s home to more than a dozen museums, including the San Diego Museum of Art where you’ll find an impressive collection of Old Masters paintings and San Diego Natural History Museum, housing five floors of fascinating exhibitions.

Other highlights include the Old Globe Theater, a replica of Shakespeare’s original in London and the Japanese Friendship Garden, created to honour the links between San Diego and its sister city Yokohama.

There’s so much to see and do in the park that you won’t squeeze it all in one day but even just strolling around its beautiful grounds, filled with fountains, gardens and Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture, is a great way to spend some time in San Diego.  

Family fun

If you’re travelling with kids, there are some family-friendly theme parks in and around San Diego that are well worth a visit. For youngsters, a trip to LEGOLAND California is a real must – aimed at kids aged two to 12, you’ll find plenty of exciting attractions, shows and rides to keep them entertained.

You might also want to visit the USS Midway Museum where you can explore the engine room, sleeping quarters and galley of the famous US Navy aircraft carrier. There’s even an audio guide aimed at kids to help them explore this maritime treasure.

Not far away on the waterfront at Mission Beach is Belmont Park, an amusement park that’s home to classic rides including a giant dipper rollercoaster as well as dodgems, a carousel and mini golf course. There’s something for all the family here, plus some great seafront restaurants where you can rest and have a bite to eat.

Unspoilt scenery

For something completely different, head just a short drive north of the city to the Torrey Pines State Reserve. This oceanfront stretch is home to unspoilt beaches as well as a waterfowl refuge and thousands of Torrey Pines – America’s rarest pine tree that only grows here and on an island off the coast of Santa Barbara.

There are plenty of hiking trails in the reserve where you can enjoy some outstanding ocean scenery, as well as views of sandstone cliffs and ravines. Try the relatively flat Guy Fleming Trail and see if you can spot grey whales, which are sometimes visible during their winter migration period.

Even if you aren’t lucky enough to see any whales, Torrey Pines is still a great place for wildlife spotting as it’s home to bobcats, foxes and mule deer to name just a few, as well many species of birds.

With car rental in San Diego, you’ll be able to take in the very best of this sun-kissed corner of California.