Many people have questions and doubts about transportation when it comes to doing an exchange or traveling in another country. So let’s explain a bit about the ways of getting around in San Diego. The most convenient way to get around in the city is by car, mainly because of the distance between places. When you have a car in San Diego, the traveling time that gets shorter. However, it is super viable and safe to be in San Diego and use public transportation. In the city there are Trolleys, which are small trains that circulate through important and strategic points, and bus lines, which cover a large part of the city and keep their schedules with enough rigidity, so you can plan and have a comfortable trip . Life tip! A great app for anyone using public transport is Google Maps, because it shows exactly how long you will take from one point to another, what time the bus will go, how much you will have to walk etc. If it fits into your budget, renting a car can also be a great idea. In San Diego there are local rental companies with great prices. Important tip: the Waze app works normally in the city. If you still have questions about transportation, you can contact us!
* Cheap Car Rental: Dirt Cheap Car Rental http://dirtcheapcarrental.com/
Date/Time: Friday, July 1st, 2016 Location: The Lafayette Hotel Price: Completely FREE! Why should I do this? Locals know that the Lafayette Hotel has some of the best pool parties of the summer. The Lafayette is also the host of lots of other special events that San Diegans love. This year the iconic hotel is celebrating its 70th anniversary, and you shouldn’t miss it! Website: http://www.lafayettehotelsd.com/
4th of July (independence Day)
Date/Time: Monday, July 4th, 2016 Location: San Diego, California Price: Completely FREE! Why should I do this? The best summer holiday in the USA, 4th of July celebrates America’s independence and freedom. There are fireworks shows, barbecues, parties and much more. The beaches are an excellent place to hang out, but San Diego’s parks are a lot of fun too. Website:http://www.sandiego.org
Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game + Fan Fest
Date/Time: Friday, July 8th through Tuesday, July 12th, 2016
Location: Petco Park & Gaslamp
Price: Various
Why should I do this? This mid-summer baseball event pits the best player of the National League against the best players of the American League, and this year it is happening in our beautiful city. In addition to the game on Tuesday the 12th, there is a whole weekend of fan-based events and activities to attend in San Diego. Website:http://m.mlb.com/all-star-game/fanfest/
International Student Soccer (football) Match with Connect English
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 12th, 2016 at 3:00pm Location: Balboa Park, San Diego Price: FREE! Why should I do this? Put on your kit and let’s get on the pitch! Connect English students from all three of our San Diego campuses will come together to see which campus and perhaps which country is the best. A simple afternoon of playing the world’s most popular sport will be a great chance for students to get some exercise, make new friends, and show everyone who is the best.
Comic-Con
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 20th to Sunday, July 24th Location: San Diego Convention Center, Seaport Village Price: $TOO MUCH for a four-day pass Why should I do this? This world-famous convention brings together an interesting mix of movie stars, TV show stars, video game characters and themes, directors, bloggers, fans, party animals and other “geeks” like those on The Big Bang Theory. Attendees dress in costumes of their favorite characters too. It is an opportunity for students to get extra insight on the most exciting movies and TV shows of the past, present and future. Make sure to get on the lists to go to all of the theme parties at the downtown clubs that weekend too.
Festival of the Bells
Date/Time: July 16th & 17th, 2016 Location: Mission San Diego de Alcalá Price: FREE! Why should I do this? The Festival of the Bells is an opportunity to look deep into the history of the city of San Diego. The Mission San Diego de Alcalá is the oldest historic building in San Diego, built in 1769. It is actually older than the USA! All five Mission bells are rung during the weekend festivities, including an original bell dating back to 1802. The Festival of the Bells is a great family event with activities and entertainment for the whole family and is a great opportunity for everyone to visit and learn more of this historic landmark. The festival will have mariachi music, activities for kids, and lots of food. This interesting site is very close to Connect English, San Diego, so transportation is going to be easy. Website:http://www.missionsandiego.org/
Over The Line (OTL)
Date/Time: July 9th – 10th, 2016 and July 16th – 17th, 2016 Location:Fiesta Island, Mission Bay Price: Completely FREE! Why should I do this? The San Diego OTL event is the world championship of Over the Line events. Three-person teams come from all around the world to compete in this two-week event featuring players, crazy fans, sunshine, beer gardens and the beach. Website:http://www.ombac.org
Connect English Student Bowling Day
Date/Time: Friday, July 15th, 2016 Location: Aztec Lanes @SDSU Price: $8 Why should I do this? Have you tried bowling before? Well, even if you haven’t or you already know that you’re terrible at bowling, you’ll have a great time with your Connect English classmates. We have done this activity every summer and the students always love it. You can see pictures of past Connect English bowling events on the Connect English Facebook page. Website:http://arc.sdsu.edu/azteclanes/
Del Mar Horse Races
Date/Time: Friday, July 15th – Monday, September 5th, 2016 Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds Price: $5-$40 Why should I do this? The rich and famous are here, and so are the regular fun-loving citizens of San Diego. Wear your fanciest summer outfit (including a big hat), bet on the horses to win money, or just enjoy the sun and music of beautiful Del Mar, in North County San Diego. On Fridays of racing season, some excellent bands play shows at the Del Mar Race Track too. The list of these bands will be announced in the spring. Come back to our blog to see the list once it is available. Website:http://www.dmtc.com
Pride
Date/Time: July 15th – 17th, 2016 Location: Hillcrest & Balboa Park, San Diego Price: Main festival – $20, other events – various prices Why should I do this? The annual San Diego LGBT Pride Parade is the 5th largest in the United States attracting 150,000 cheering spectators and significant media participation. Celebrate alternative lifestyles at this high-energy, high-volume festival in one of San Diego’s best city parks. Website:http://www.sdpride.org
Free Yoga on the USS Midway
Date/Time: Saturday, July 16th, 2016 from 7:00am to 10:00am Location: USS Midway Museum (Seaport Village) Price: FREE! Why should I do this? There are 1000 spaces available for all who love yoga. Why not practice some yoga on the deck of San Diego’s most famous museum? Namaste! Website:http://www.eventbrite.com
San Diego Padres vs. San Francisco Giants with Connect English
Date/Time: Sunday, July 17th, 2016 Location: Petco Park, San Diego Price: $20 Why should I do this? Nothing says summer in the USA like going to a baseball game. Even better, seeing a game between the rival Padres and Giants. Experience this American tradition with tons of Connect English students in San Diego for the summertime. Come with your old friends, and make new friends too! Website: www.padres.com
San Diego Zoo with Connect English
Date/Time: Friday, July 22nd at 10:00am Location: San Diego Zoo “Will Call” window Price: $20 Why should I do this? The San Diego Zoo is famous all around the world, and for good reason. This is your chance to see pandas, elephants, reptiles and many more amazing animals up close and personal. Connect English students get a great discount price. Instead of the normal price of $50, Connect English students and friends pay only $20 per ticket.
Website: http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/
Heroes Brew Craft Beer Festival
Date/Time: Saturday, July 23rd, 2016 at 2:30pm
Location: Waterfront Park
Price: $39 – $49
Why should I do this? Get the chance to try 40+ breweries and unlimited samples of over 100 craft beers. Dress up as a super hero to have even more fun, and you can win prizes! This event will also include music, entertainment, merchandise and food vendors.
Date/Time: June 10th – 12th, 2016 Location:Hillcrest, San Diego Price: $3, but free if you arrive early enough (see website) Why should I do this? Treat yourself to an enjoyable Friday evening with delicious Greek food, imported beer, live Greek music and dancing.
Then come back the next day for more fun. On Sunday, repeat as needed! Website:http://www.sdgreekfestival.com
San Diego Festival of the Arts
Date/Time: Saturday, June 11th to Sunday, June 12th, 10:00am to 5:00pm
Location: Waterfront Park (Little Italy)
Price: FREE!
Why should I do this? Formerly the La Jolla Festival of the Arts, this event moves to a more accessible location for its 30th anniversary. Hundreds of artists come together to present fine art, entertainment and cuisine, along with wine and local craft beers.
Date/Time: Friday, June 3rd through Wednesday, July 4th, 2016 Location: The Del Mar Fairgrounds Price: $9-16 Why should I do this? Live music, tasty food, carnival games and rides, and fantastic weather make the San Diego County Fair one of the best family events of the summer in San Diego. You can arrive early in the day and stay late to see some great musical performances. You can visit the beaches of Del Mar while you’re in the neighborhood, too! Website:http://www.sdfair.com/
Root Beer Float Day at Connect English
Date/Time: Thursday, June 16th, 2016 Location: All Campuses! Price: FREE for Connect English students Why should I do this? Don’t worry, be happy! It’s not beer, it’s root beer (no alcohol), a classic American soda drink. In many countries a similar drink is called a “black cow” and is made with Coca-Cola instead of root beer. Some students think it’s strange, but mix it with ice cream and it becomes everyone’s favorite dessert, a cool and refreshing beverage on a hot and sunny San Diego day. Why say no to this goodness?
San Diego Zoo With Connect English
Date/Time: Friday, June 17th, 2016 Location: Balboa Park, San Diego Price: $20 (discounted for Connect English students) Why should I do this? The best zoo on the West Coast is an excellent all-day event for international students. It’s a must-see attraction for all visitors to San Diego, and especially for those who love animals. Attractions and exhibits include Panda Canyon, Elephant Odyssey, The Lost Forest, The Outback, Africa Rocks, and The Polar Rim. Why not get great prices on your tickets then? Join us! Website:http://www.sandiegozoo.org
San Diego Oysterfest
Date/Time: Saturday, June 17th & 18th, 2016 Location: Embarcadero, San Diego Price: $6 – $87 Why should I do this? This 6th year of San Diego Oysterfest is going to be a great one. Attendees can show up, eat up, and rock out. Excellent bands like Thievery Corporation and Little Hurricane will be there, along with DJ Mikey Beats. This is quickly becoming one of San Diego’s favorite early-summer events. Website:http://www.sandiego.org
San Francisco Weekend with Expedition America!
Date/Time: Friday, June 17th through Sunday, June 19th
Location: San Francisco, California
Price: $335/person
Why should I do this? Visit the beautiful city of San Francisco without the stress of transportation. Let Expedition America drive you there and show you around the city. They have professional guides to show you the best places, they include accommodation, and they can even take you out on Saturday night to Club X, a great place to party! Website:http://www.expedition-america.com/SDtoSF
Birch Aquarium Field Trip With Connect English
Date/Time: Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 Location: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Price: $15 student-discounted price Why should I do this? Explore where the wonders of the ocean come alive! The mission of Birch Aquarium is to provide ocean science education, to interpret Scripps Institution of Oceanography research, and to promote ocean conservation. Website:http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/
San Diego International Beer Festival
Date/Time: Friday, June 17th through Sunday, June 19th, 2016 Location: The Del Mar Fairgrounds Price: $61+ Why should I do this? In just the past decade, the San Diego International Beer Festival has become one of the largest beer festivals in the country, with more than 150 breweries and more than 400 beers from around the world. Many tickets for this event include admission to the San Diego County Fair as well, so you can “kill two birds with one stone” while you’re up in beautiful Del Mar. Plan your rides to and from this event ahead of time, with either Uber or Lyft the best rideshare apps for your smart phone. Website:http://sandiegobeerfestival.com/
Ocean Beach Street Fair
Date/Time: Saturday, June 25th, 2016, 10:00am – 8:00pm Location: Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach Price: Completely FREE! Why should I do this? Try tasty chili, see all of the funky people of Ocean Beach, listen to music and hang out at the beach, all in one day! The OB Street Fair is a great event for everyone from everywhere, especially international students. You won’t see people like this in many other places. Only in Southern California. Vendors sell unique clothing, artwork, jewelry, food and more. Spend the whole day in the streets and beaches of one of San Diego’s most laid-back communities and enjoy the sights and sounds. Website:http://www.oceanbeachsandiego.com
Taste of Gaslamp
Date/Time: Sunday, June 26th, 2016, 1:00pm to 4:00pm Location: Gaslamp, San Diego Price: $30 – $75 Why should I do this? Have you seen how many excellent restaurants are in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego? There are dozens. Eating dinner at each one on a different night would take months. So instead, to the Taste of Gaslamp. For one simple fee, you can stop at the restaurants and try samples of their best dishes, and then decide on your favorites. Bring a big appetite! Website:http://www.gaslamp.org/2016/04/taste-gaslamp-june-26-2016/
Rock Climbing @Grotto
Date/Time: Thursday, June 30th at 2:30pm Location: Grotto Climbing Gym, Mission Valley Price: $20/student Why should I do this? Get your exercise, get your adventure, get your new experiences in San Diego!
