So here's the thing about San Diego (and most of the rest of SoCal): We who live here have heard of this myth called public transportation. We hear stories of far-off cities, like New York or London, where they have trains that go under the ground and get you within a few easily-walkable blocks of your ultimate destination. And that this miracle of socialism can be enjoyed by all for as little as a few dollars a day!

The short version: If you want to see San Diego, rent a car.

The one notable exception to the above rule is the San Diego Trolley. If you are in town to see the Chargers at Qualcomm, or the Padres at Petco Park, or for a conference at the Convention Center (Comic-Con, anyone?) and are only staying for that one event, well a) you're missing out, but b) the Trolley will get you out to Qualcomm in Mission Valley and down to the Convention Center and around downtown without a hitch. You'll still have to get a taxi or shuttle to and from the airport, however. In an apparent effort to support the nation's oil companies, the Trolley's engineers put the one stop near the airport a good mile away from the terminals.

For San Diego being one of the 10 largest cities in the country, our airport is the size of a postage stamp huddled between downtown proper and the San Diego Bay. While this makes for an exciting landing as the pilots have to drop fast to clear the skyscrapers and then slam on the brakes to avoid sliding right into the Bay, the airport itself only has two terminals and is very easy to navigate. They are in the midst of some major renovation inside the reservations area right now, but everything is well-marked. To get to any and all ground transportation services, both terminals have skybridges that go over the main road. Look for the signs that point you to the Ground Transportation Plaza. You can see the plaza from the baggage claim, but don't try to get there from the ground. There is a five-foot fence between you and the plaza that I swear to you has no breaks in it, no matter how much you'd like to hope that it does.

Once you've acquired your car (seriously, you are getting a rental car, right?), get a map from the rental car agency. In fact, ask for specific directions to your hotel from the agent helping you. San Diego isn't LA, but the infrastructure has been sorely taxed in the last few years, and there are a number of places that require precise navigation to get to (the Zoo, for instance, or anywhere in Mission Bay). Here's some orientating information to help you out:

- The major east-west freeway in San Diego is the 8. You'll need to get on the 8 East to get to Mission Valley (Qualcomm Stadium), the College area (San Diego State University and the Cox Arena), and La Mesa (Grossmont). To get to the 8, take 5 North for roughly five miles.

- There are two major north-south freeways: the 5 and the 15. The 5 runs along the coast, and you will most likely be very familiar with it by the end of your stay. Follow the signs to the 5 out of the airport (you will be headed north, or left) to either Laurel Street or Grape Street. Both are left turns off of the main airport drag (Harbor Blvd.), and they are nearly impossible to miss, as almost all traffic leaving the airport is shunted off onto these two streets. Follow the signs for 5 North or South. North will take you to Old Town, Mission Valley (by way of the 8), Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Sorrento Valley. The 5 South will take you to Coronado, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and the San Ysidro border crossing.

- The 15 is further inland. You'll be on the 15 if you want to go out to the Miramar Marine Corps Base, the Wild Animal Park, or for wine-tasting in Temecula. To get to the 15 from downtown, hop on the 163 North. To get to the 163 from the airport, take 5 South for about a mile and you'll see the 163 exit.

And for my final tip: parking. San Diego isn't built like East Coast cities; it is a sprawling metropolis that is geared around a car culture - i.e. the only place parking will be a serious hassle will be downtown. You will have to pay to park downtown, and your best bet is to park in the garage at Horton Plaza (the easiest entrance is on 4th Street at F Street) and to explore on foot from there. If you buy anything from any store in Horton Plaza, they will validate your parking ticket and you'll get three hours free parking and a reasonable rate after that.

This tidbit of travel advice was contributed by Kate Lusifee.

Planning on seeing San Diego by car? You need somewhere to stay first!