San Diego: Perfect Weather, Perfect Pre-Cruise

Getting to the Port

• Address: B Street Cruise Terminal, 1140 N Harbor Drive, downtown San Diego
• From SAN Airport: Just 10 minutes — one of the closest airport-port combos anywhere
• From Los Angeles: 2-2.5 hours via I-5 South
• Uber/Lyft: $12-18 from airport
• Trolley: Blue Line to America Plaza, short walk to terminal

Getting Around San Diego

• On Foot: Downtown is compact and easily walkable — Gaslamp Quarter just blocks from the terminal
• San Diego Trolley: Light rail connecting downtown, Old Town, and beyond. Green Line stops at Santa Fe Depot, 4 blocks from cruise terminal. $2.50 fare. MTS Transit
• Coronado Ferry: Departs hourly from Broadway Pier (right next to cruise terminal) to Coronado Landing. 15 minutes, $7 each way — stunning views of the downtown skyline
• Old Town Trolley Tours: Hop-on/hop-off narrated tours covering major attractions — great for first-time visitors
• Free FRED Shuttle: Free Ride Everywhere Downtown — electric shuttle loops through downtown and waterfront areas

Parking Options

• Port parking: No on-site parking at B Street Terminal — use nearby Ace Parking lots
• Ace Parking Lots: 11 lots in port area, $15-40/day. BRIC North and BRIC South are closest (across the street). Ace Parking
• Discounts: 5% off for military, AAA members, seniors, and students
• Tip: The airport proximity (10 min!) means many cruisers fly in rather than drive

Nearby Hotels

• Hilton San Diego Bayfront: Waterfront towers adjacent to convention center with stunning harbor views
• Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter: Right in the heart of the Gaslamp, walking distance to port
• DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Downtown: Downtown location with easy waterfront access
• Manchester Grand Hyatt: Twin waterfront towers with bay views and rooftop bar
• Pendry San Diego: Boutique luxury in Gaslamp Quarter with rooftop pool
• Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown: Budget-friendly with free breakfast, walking distance to port

Pre-Cruise Activities

• USS Midway Museum: Historic aircraft carrier museum within walking distance — flight simulators, 60+ restored aircraft, and stories from those who served
• Cabrillo National Monument: Point Loma headland with tide pools, Old Point Loma Lighthouse (1855), and stunning harbor views. Commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's 1542 landing — first European on West Coast. NPS Cabrillo
• San Diego Zoo: World-famous zoo with 4,000+ animals — plan at least half a day. Book through Viator
• Balboa Park: 1,200-acre cultural hub with 17 museums, Spanish Colonial architecture, and stunning gardens
• Gaslamp Quarter: 16-block National Historic District with Victorian architecture, restaurants, rooftop bars, and nightlife
• Coronado Island: Beach, iconic Hotel del Coronado (1888), accessible by ferry or bridge — consistently rated top beach in America
• Old Town San Diego: Birthplace of California — Mexican heritage, authentic cuisine, and free museums
• La Jolla: Upscale coastal village with sea caves, seals, and world-class snorkeling/kayaking (20 min north)

History & Heritage

San Diego's claim as the "Birthplace of California" is well-founded. In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo became the first European to land on what is now the West Coast of the United States — an event commemorated at Cabrillo National Monument. Father Junípero Serra established California's first mission here in 1769, and the Old Town remains the center of California's Spanish and Mexican heritage.

The harbor has been central to San Diego's identity for over a century. The Navy established a base here in 1901, and the city remains the largest naval fleet concentration in the world. The USS Midway, now a floating museum steps from the cruise terminal, served from 1945 to 1992 — the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century.

Practical Tips

• Weather: San Diego's claim to "best weather in America" is not an exaggeration — average temps 60-75°F year-round with minimal rain
• Tide Pool Timing: Cabrillo's tide pools are best at low tide (0.7 feet or below); check NPS tide tables — best viewing is fall/winter during daylight hours
• Fish Tacos: A San Diego obsession — try The Brigantine on the waterfront or venture to Old Town for authentic Baja-style
• Craft Beer: San Diego is the craft beer capital of America — Stone, Ballast Point, and dozens more offer tastings
• ComicCon: Late July brings massive crowds — book hotels a year ahead if your cruise coincides

Shopping & Dining

• Seaport Village: Located south of the cruise terminal, features specialty boutiques and waterfront restaurants
• Gaslamp Quarter: Premier destination for upscale dining, shopping, and entertainment in the historic downtown district
• Fish Tacos: A San Diego staple — try harbor-side stands or venture to Old Town for authentic Mexican cuisine

Practical Information

• Currency: US dollars; ATMs widely available throughout the downtown area
• Tipping Guidelines: 15-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxi drivers, $1-2 per bag for hotel bellhops
• Sales Tax: 4-6% sales tax is not included in posted prices and will be added at checkout
• WiFi: Available at the cruise terminal

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the San Diego airport really that close?
A: Yes! SAN is right downtown, one of the most convenient airport-port connections anywhere.

Q: What cruise lines sail from San Diego?
A: Holland America, Disney, and others offer seasonal Mexican Riviera and coastal sailings.

Q: Best fish tacos near the port?
A: Countless options — try the Brigantine on the water or venture to Old Town for authentic style.