Metro Station next to the Convention Center in the Gaslamp Quarter San Diego
FRED shepherded guests across the downtown area and connected riders to other transportation options.
Riders could connect to the:
Please note, if you are visiting the San Diego area for the first time, the COASTER, Amtrak, and the Trolley are not the same. They are separate services, and none of them was affiliated with FRED.
How to Get Around Downtown Now
The San Diego Trolley is the easiest replacement: all three lines meet downtown, the Green Line stops at Seaport Village on the Embarcadero, in the Gaslamp Quarter and at the Convention Center, and the Blue and Orange lines stop in East Village and at the Civic Center. Our public transportation pages have the rest.
MTS buses fill in the streets the trolley does not reach, and rideshares and taxis are everywhere downtown. The neighborhoods below sit close together, so much of what FRED covered is a pleasant walk.
Grab a Drink at the Salt and Whiskey Bar in the Gaslamp
The Gaslamp Quarter
Historic Gaslamp offers galleries, nightclubs, and fine dining all in one place.
The heart of San Diego's nightlife will have you singing, dancing, and enjoying a craft cocktail or two.
San Diego Padres Playing at Petco Park
East Village
Enjoy a picnic at the beautiful Petco Park, as you catch a San Diego Padres Game. Or head to a brewery and raise your glass in a toast.
Cortez Hill
Head to the hills to visit one of San Diego's oldest neighborhoods. You'll also find yourself at the very edge of the famous Balboa Park.
Santa Fe Train Depot on Broadway in San Diego
Core-Columbia
Is culture calling your name? Visit the Civic Theater or Historic Copley Symphony Hall.
Bar at Ironside Fish and Oyster in Little Italy
Little Italy San Diego
Home to several lively festivals, Little Italy invites visitors to soak in a little "Dolce far niente" - the sweetness of doing nothing.
Whether you're coming for the food or shopping, be sure to visit the Piazza della Famiglia to sit and relax before your next stop.
View of Downtown San Diego from Waterfront Park in Harborview
Harborview
Want to spend time on the waterfront? Visit the Broadway Pier or a personal favorite, the USS Midway Museum.
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The Unconditional Surrender Statue at USS Midway
The USS Midway Museum
Visit the historic USS Midway aircraft carrier and explore over 60+ exhibits, including an immersive movie about the Battle of Midway and over 30 restored aircraft that span the decades from 1942 to today.
Visiting the USS Midway is easy too with a Go City San Diego pass. With a Go City San Diego pass, you'll receive discount admission prices to the USS Midway plus several of my personal favorite San Diego attractions.
You won't have to wait in line, and there are no extra fees, just the confidence in knowing your tickets to USS Midway are taken care of. Use our discount code GVSD5OFF for even more savings!
A Nice Sunny Day at the Embarcadero
The Marina District
From the Convention Center to the San Diego Bayfront Park, there are endless options for dining, shopping, and sight-seeing in the Downtown area.
Enjoy leisurely walks down the South Embarcadero Esplanade or relax in Pantoja Park, the oldest park in San Diego, built in 1850.