Do you avoid big cities?

We've been in San Diego for a week for a conference. We didn't bring the RV. It can be difficult to find a low-cost RV site in the area, and, I am fortunate to have family in the area so I have a place to stay. However, thinking about going to some other large cities can be intimidating. RV parks closer in are often expensive or you have to stay way out and then drive long distances to do visiting or sightseeing.

San Diego is one city where it is easy to get around using public transportation. The trolley system takes you quite close to several places to camp. There are two in Chula Vista, not far from the trolley line, though they both are fairly expensive. You could camp at the Silver Strand State Park south of Coronado then drive up to the ferry landing and take the ferry across to downtown San Diego where you can pick up the trolley. Bob Diffey, in his blog RV Boondocking News, mentions Lake Jennings, about 20 miles from downtown San Diego. There is a fee, but they do have dry camping. You could travel a shorter distance to get the trolley as well and come into town that way. If you'd like to find out more about getting around San Diego using public transportation, see my article, "San Diego by Bus, Train and Trolley," at RoadTripAmerica.com.

Cities have cultural offerings, special exhibits and sights that can not be found in smaller towns. We've ventured into big cities to see the King Tut, Terra Cota Warriors and Body Works traveling exhibits, available only in large metropolitan museums. If you take some time to research RV parks and public transportation, you may find it isn't so difficult to add a city to your itinerary. 

Exploring nature is wonderful - and - mix it with a little culture now and then! Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Comments

[Jennifer @ Living in My Car]

This is something I wonder about a lot. My preference is to find an RV park (hopefully in a scenic spot) outside of the city and to drive in with my tow vehicle.

I see city buses navigate through, but I still don't have the confidence to do that!

Jennifer

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

Good point. If you haven't done much riding of public transportation, it does seem intimidating and what if I get lost?!

I like trolleys or subways because they usually are pretty simple and only have a few routes. If you go to a station, they generally have a good map and often one you can take with you. You might be able to download one from their Web site before you give it a try.

When you have a specific destination in mind, they might have the bus route(s) that serve them at their Web site too. And check with the RV park where you are staying.

San Diego is particularly easy to use public transportation with, but other cities can be too.

Jaimie