Getting Around the Gaslamp District

Street System
     Central San Diego is laid out in a basic grid pattern. Street numbering commences from north-south 1st Avenue. East-west streets are both lettered and named; they proceed alphabetically northward beginning with Ash Street.
     Generally the most convenient way to get around San Diego is by car. Most major attractions and shopping areas are within easy freeway access. Main thoroughfares, which include Pacific Highway, Harbor and Mission Bay drives, Nimitz and El Cajon boulevards, University Avenue, Friars Road and Market Street, also are easy travel routes.
     Speed limits are usually 35 mph on streets and 65 mph on freeways. It is important to maintain freeway speed limits; drivers moving at dangerously slow speeds will be ticketed. Right turns on red and U-turns at intersections are both legal unless otherwise posted. Pedestrians crossing the street at intersections or in crosswalks always have the right-of-way.
     
Parking
     San Diego has metered on-street parking downtown in addition to many lots and garages. Metered parking costs $1 per hour, normally with a 2-hour limit. Garage rates range from $3 to $10 a day. There are large lots along lower Broadway and Market Street, Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway. Some hotels and stores provide free parking for their guests and customers.
     Parking in other parts of this spread-out city is rarely a problem. SeaWorld San Diego, the Cabrillo National Monument and Balboa Park all have ample parking areas, although it might be difficult to find a space near Balboa Park on a busy day. If the Balboa lots are full, check for street parking along Sixth Avenue and enter the park via the pedestrian bridge. Old Town's free parking areas also can fill up quickly. A space is harder to come by in La Jolla, where street parking is scarce.

Public Transportation
     San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) serves the area from Oceanside to the Mexican border. One-way bus fare ranges from $1 to $4. Some transfers may require an upgrade fee.
     The San Diego Trolley provides daily service on three lines that operate from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. The Blue Line (also unofficially called the Tijuana Trolley) runs from Old Town south through downtown to San Ysidro, some 100 feet from the border; the Blue Line runs east from Old Town to Hazard Center, Mission Valley Center, Qualcomm Stadium and Mission San Diego. The Orange Line runs from the Santa Fe Depot downtown to Town Center in Santee and is convenient to the convention center and Seaport Village. The Green Line runs from Santee to Old Town. The familiar red trolleys run every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., every 30 minutes from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fares range from $1.25 to $3; tickets must be purchased before boarding from machines at the trolley stops. For information phone (619) 685-4900.
     The Transit Store, downtown on Broadway at 1st Avenue, sells money-saving passes and multi-ride tickets for buses and trolleys and provides maps, schedules and brochures Mon.-Fri. 9-5. For further information phone (619) 234-1060.
     The Regional Transit Information Office, (619) 233-3004, can provide additional assistance, or for recorded trolley information phone (619) 685-4900 or (800) 266-6883 in northern San Diego County. For the hearing-impaired phone (619) 234-5005 or (888) 722-4889 in northern San Diego County.

By Taxi
     Local taxis are metered. Cab companies include Red Cab, (619) 428-1107; San Diego, (619) 232-6566; USA, (619) 231-1144; and Yellow, (619) 234-6161. Base fare is around $4, with a rate of approximately $2 for each additional mile. Limousine service is available throughout the area for about $75 an hour.