More about San Diego
Why Cruise to San Diego?
The Port of San Diego is located right downtown, in California's sunny second-largest city
Itineraries are somewhat limited to the Mexican Riviera and coastal cruises
It's a beautiful city with optimal weather and anything you want to do is a trolley ride away
San Diego Cruise Port Facilities?
There are no cafes, gift shops, ATMs or visitor information booths inside the cruise ship terminal; however, just outside the terminal is the International Visitors Center where multilingual staff and volunteers have information on activities, attractions, lodging and dining options, as well as maps and discounted tickets. The center is open seven days a week.
Good to Know?
Trips to Tijuana or other nearby Mexican beach towns can be problematic, especially on ship departure days. Border crossings are long and unpredictable, and violence and crime, plus rising prices for everything from tequila to sombreros, act to deter even savvy locals from making the trip.
Getting Around?
Taxis and airport shuttles will be plentiful at the port, airport or at downtown hotels. The port offers a list of shuttle services you can arrange in advance.
On Foot: From the port, it is a short walk to harbor attractions, the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy. If you're feeling adventurous, licensed pedicabs lined up at the port and around downtown can be fun transportation along the harbor and into the Gaslamp Quarter. Make sure the fee is agreed to in advance.
By Bus: The hop-on, hop-off (HOHO) Old Town Trolley is an efficient way to see highlights of downtown, Coronado, Balboa Park, Little Italy and Old Town. Along the way, drivers entertain with colorful history (and some tall tales). There are several pick-up stops downtown and free shuttle service to the trolley from select hotels.
City bus service in San Diego is fairly complicated and slow and not recommended for visitors, unless they want to see some of the city's diverse residential areas.
By Car: Taxis are plentiful, but expensive; so for longer visits, a rental car might be a better option. The city's network of freeways is fairly easy to navigate, but avoid the rush hours of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
By Rail: For just-beyond attractions like Old Town and Mission Valley, there is a light-rail service from several downtown stops. The Coaster commuter train from downtown to Oceanside is no-hassle transportation to north county beach cities, including Encinitas and Carlsbad Village where the station stops are convenient to beaches, restaurants and shops.
During the summer horse racing season, there's a Pony Express train to Del Mar. The train leaves from the historic Santa Fe Depot near the port on Kettner Boulevard several times daily. Roundtrip fare is $8 to $11 depending on the destination.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The currency is the U.S. dollar, and ATMs are readily available throughout the city and just off the cruise terminal.
Language?
English is spoken everywhere, including in the tourist-friendly areas of Baja, Mexico.
Where You're Docked?
San Diego Cruise Port Address:
B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, 1140 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Cruise ships dock at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal in San Diego harbor at the bayside entrance to downtown. It's a 20-minute walk to the bustling Gaslamp Quarter and 15 minutes to trendy Little Italy or the novelty shops at Seaport Village.
