Last year, almost 10% of visitors to San Diego were age 65 and older. The area's popularity with seniors has much to do with its year round ideal temperate and sunny climate. It's also because of the ease of getting around to so many enjoyable attractions, with someone else doing the driving. Without having to navigate, drive, and park, you can enjoy the best of what America's Finest City has to offer on your visit!
Here is a weekend's worth of sightseeing in San Diego for seniors that involves a few good "rides" and minimal walking.
Old Town Trolley offers highlights of the destination and popular visitor attractions while you travel on a comfortable open‐air trolley. Listen to a knowledgeable driver point out landmarks and present the city's history in an informative and humorous manner. You can hop on and off as you please at any of the 11 stops encompassing over 100 points of interest. Seaport Village, Balboa Park, Little Italy and Coronado Island are popular stops for lunch and photos. Be sure to enjoy Old Town, the birthplace of California, with dozens of authentic restaurants, museums, shops and live entertainment including mariachis and dancers. At the Balboa Park stop, you can access the Zoo.
> Find out more about Old Town Trolley Tours
Traveling up the coast from historic Santa Fe Station (downtown) to Oceanside in North County, this train offers gorgeous, panoramic views of the coastline on your journey. You will pass through San Diego's charming, uniquely different beach towns, with plenty of opportunity to get off and explore on your own schedule. Have your camera handy as you coast through Torrey Pines State Reserve and pass over the iconic Del Mar Bridge along the Pacific Ocean! A day pass covering all locations is only $11 for seniors.
> Find out more on the North Country Transit District Coaster Train
Plan a stop in Solana Beach and visit the Cedros Design District. There you can walk an easy 2 ½ blocks featuring 85 one of a kind shops with the look and feel of a European street. Discover collectibles, fashion, jewelry, home décor, and art for yourself or as gifts for grandchildren. Also within walking distance is Fletcher Cove, a beautiful park right on the beach, with picnic tables and spectacular ocean views.
The Encinitas train station is only one block from its downtown, the heart of everything! Bristling with restaurants, coffee shops and fashion stores, you will love the eclectic look and feel of this popular sea village. Be sure to experience the Self Realization Fellowship Gardens overlooking the ocean - a place of quiet reflection with scenic walkways and tropical flora.
Get off at Carlsbad Village for another vibrant seaside town and more shopping! Restaurants for every palate can be found in the village all within walking distance to the train stop. You might be lucky enough to visit during one of Carlsbad's many street events adding to your enjoyment and choice of gift items.
Downtown San Diego is a pedestrian-friendly urban playground for you to explore historic buildings and parks, enjoy shopping and award-winning dining, and experience world-class attractions.
The best part of this trip is the price - just $5 all day! And the Senior Discount monthly pass is $18 (that's 75% off the regular adult ticket of $72!)
> Find out more about the Metropolitan Transit System
If you have more time to explore San Diego, you can make connections to many of San Diego's inland attractions as well. The public transportation system makes traveling across the region quick, hassle-free, and cost-effective!
The journey to your vacation can be a vacation in itself when you take the train. For a comfortable and scenic trip from many cities to San Diego, Amtrak offers a 15% discount to seniors off the best available rates. Long distance trains have four types of private sleeping accommodations with meals and snacks included.
For an easy and fun way to travel to San Diego from Los Angeles, try the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. The Pacific Surfliner offers frequent daily departures to San Diego. You can stretch, relax, enjoy free Wi‐Fi, and grab a bite to eat from the café. It also connects with the Amtrak Coast Starlight route which runs from Seattle to Los Angeles, a great way to tour the California coast.
There are many comfortable, relaxing ways to see San Diego - by train, by trolley, by bus - by all means enjoy San Diego!
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