July 4 visit

Question

Hello, I'm trying to decide on whether to get a rental car over July 4 weekend. I'm staying near Little Italy. I'm thinking that I can use the trolley for most tourists sites. The only exception would be slot canyons in La Jolla.

I have read that parking can be expensive. So taking trolly/uber may be more cost effective.

I want to visit Cornado Island, take ferry, utilize the free transportation.

Any feedback or suggestions appreciated.

Answer

It sounds like you’re planning a great trip to San Diego for the July 4th weekend! Whether or not to rent a car really depends on your itinerary and what you want to see, but based on your plans, here’s a breakdown of your options and some tips to help you decide:

Public Transportation: Trolley and Uber

The trolley system in San Diego is very convenient for most tourist destinations, especially around downtown and Little Italy. The trolley can get you to many key spots, such as the Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town, Balboa Park, and even as far as the border with Mexico. For a large portion of your sightseeing, the trolley and Uber will likely be more cost-effective and hassle-free than renting a car. Plus, parking in downtown and Little Italy can be difficult and expensive, particularly over a busy holiday weekend like July 4th. If you're planning to explore the central parts of the city, the trolley should work just fine.

Trolley: A convenient and affordable option to get around the city, with stops near many major attractions.
Uber/Lyft: Good for areas where the trolley doesn’t reach, or for when you want to get directly to a location without the hassle of parking.

La Jolla and Slot Canyons

For La Jolla, you’re right that the trolley doesn’t go directly to the slot canyons, so you would need to rely on either Uber or a rental car. The slot canyons are located in the La Jolla area, and while parking isn’t usually difficult, it can get crowded, especially on the weekends. If you’re planning to visit more than just the slot canyons in La Jolla (such as the beach, shopping, or dining), having a rental car may make sense for convenience, but be mindful of the parking costs in that area.

Rental Car: Might be necessary for flexibility when visiting La Jolla, especially if you're planning to visit multiple spots and want to avoid waiting for an Uber.
Uber: If you’re just going to the slot canyons and don’t need to make a whole day of it, taking an Uber can be a good option, and it saves you the trouble of finding parking.

Coronado Island and Ferry

Coronado Island is a fantastic place to visit, and luckily, it’s very easy to get there without a car. The ferry is a fun and scenic way to travel, and there are free shuttles available on the island that can take you to key spots like the Hotel del Coronado, the beach, and the parks. There are also other ways to get to Coronado, such as taking the bus or Uber. Since parking in Coronado is limited, relying on public transportation and the ferry will be much easier and cost-effective, especially during the busy holiday weekend.

Ferry: Take the ferry from the Broadway Pier or the Convention Center to Coronado. It’s a fun and relaxing way to get there.
Free Shuttle: Once on Coronado, you can use the free shuttle service to explore the island without needing to worry about parking.

Parking Considerations:

Parking in downtown San Diego, Little Italy, and near the beach areas can be tricky, especially during the July 4th weekend when crowds flock to these spots. Many hotels and attractions offer valet parking, but it can be expensive. If you do decide to rent a car, be prepared for higher parking fees in popular areas like Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Old Town.

Street Parking: Limited and often metered, so be sure to check parking signs for time restrictions.
Hotel Parking: Many hotels charge for parking, and rates can vary. Some offer discounts for guests, so it’s worth asking when you book.
Public Parking Lots: These are available in some areas, but they can fill up quickly on holidays.

Recommendations:

If you’re focusing on downtown and Little Italy: Stick with public transportation (trolley and Uber) to avoid the hassle of parking.
If you’re planning to explore La Jolla and other areas outside of downtown: Consider renting a car for the extra flexibility, but be mindful of parking in busy areas.
For Coronado: No need for a car! Use the ferry and free shuttle services to make the most of your visit.

Final Thoughts: Given your plans, I recommend using public transport for most of your time in San Diego, especially since you’re staying in a walkable area like Little Italy. Renting a car might only be necessary for visiting La Jolla or areas outside the trolley system. It’ll help you save on parking fees and give you a more relaxed experience during your trip!