Need for car rental

Question

Thanks to the always perfect advice here, I have decided to spend two days at La Valencia and two days at Glorietta Bay Inn. I would like to skip the car rental because it would save us quite a bit of money, especially with parking fees. Is this realistic? The shopping, beach, and restaurants for each area are walking distance. The only time we need transport is to/from airport, from La Jolla to Coronado for hotel change, and to the zoo. Is the ferry an option? Is this realistic or will uber cost outweigh the other fees? Thanks for any insight!

Answer

Given your plan of two days at La Valencia in La Jolla and two days at Glorietta Bay Inn in Coronado, it is definitely realistic to skip a car rental if you plan carefully. Both areas are highly walkable, with restaurants, shopping, and beach access close by.

Here’s a breakdown of your transportation needs and options:

Airport Transfers: Uber, Lyft, or taxi are convenient and reasonable for airport transfers. From San Diego International Airport to La Jolla, rideshare will cost approximately $35–$50. To Coronado, slightly less or similar depending on traffic. This is generally cheaper and more convenient than renting a car for four days, especially considering parking fees at both hotels.
La Jolla to Coronado Hotel Change: You have a few options:
- Uber/Lyft: The most flexible and direct, costing roughly $30–$50 depending on traffic.
- Public Transit: Possible but involves transfers and can take 1.5–2 hours. Not ideal with luggage.
- Ferry: There is no direct ferry from La Jolla to Coronado. The Coronado ferry runs from downtown San Diego to Coronado, but this would require traveling from La Jolla to downtown first, making it more complicated.
San Diego Zoo: Located in Balboa Park, about 15–20 minutes from downtown by car. Options include:
- Uber/Lyft: Direct and simple, roughly $15–$20 each way from Coronado.
- Public Transit: Bus options are available but require transfers and can take 45–60 minutes each way.
- Walking: Not feasible from either hotel.

Other local transportation:

Both La Jolla and Coronado are very walkable for daily activities.
Bike rentals are available in both areas if you want a fun, short-distance option along the bay or beach paths.

Cost Comparison: Over four days, Uber/Lyft for airport transfers, hotel change, and the zoo will likely total around $150–$200, which is often less than a short-term car rental plus parking fees ($40–$60 per night at hotels).

Conclusion: Skipping the car rental is realistic and convenient, especially if you rely on Uber/Lyft for a few key trips. Public transit is technically possible but more time-consuming and less convenient with luggage. Ferry use is not practical for your planned route. Overall, walking combined with rideshare provides the best balance of cost, convenience, and relaxation.