Gas prices in San Diego may be hovering over $6, but that doesn't mean you have to stay at home. Leave the driving to MTS and come and explore the Orange Line, where bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, hidden murals and low-cost gems are just a short walk from the Trolley.
This guide takes you from Courthouse Station in the heart of downtown San Diego all the way to El Cajon, with stops organized by station so you can easily plan your trip. The Orange Line is currently being revitalized through the Orange Line Improvement Project, which will help increase reliability, enhance safety and improve overall operations. Intermittent weekend construction is expected to continue through early 2028, but in the meantime, there's still plenty to see, eat, browse and discover along the way (just be sure to check the construction schedule when planning!).
How to Use This Guide
Use this guide to plan a full Orange Line day trip, or pick one station and make it a quick local outing. All spots listed are close to Orange Line stations, making it easy to explore without moving your car around town. Make it an even easier day out: park at one of our Park & Ride lots, tap your PRONTO card/app or contactless payment option, and explore the Orange Line one stop at a time.
Hey Books! Located in downtown San Diego near City College
City College
Best for: indie books, vinyl browsing and lunch spots
City College makes a great starting point for a downtown trip. Looking for a new book, a gift or just a cool place to browse? Hey Books! is the perfect shop for all your indie core needs with a mix of new and used and plenty of funky gifts in between.
Ramen at Tajima
Next door is FeeLIT, a record store to browse through for your vinyl needs. At the end of the block is Tajima Ramen and the other side of the block has Pokez Mexican Restaurant, which is vegan and vegetarian friendly.
Detroit style pizza offerings at Square Pizza
Park & Market
Best for: Pizza, pastries, coffee and a mini food crawl
There's tons of great food options just one more stop away at Park & Market. Try Square Pizza, recent winner of the best non-traditional pizza at the 2026 International Pizza Challenge. There's also Asa Bakery for Japanese lunch and baked goods or try out Tori Cafe or Rikka Fika for your caffeinated needs. For dessert, try Hinar Dessert Bar & Cafe or pick up a delicious croissant from IZOLA.
25th & Commercial
Best for: Local eats and coffee along Imperial Avenue
In August, look out for the Taste of Imperial Avenue which highlights many of the restaurants in this Logan Heights neighborhood. Until then, grab some scratch made food from Todo Pa' La Cruda, Antojitos Colombianos Restaurant, or Ferchaladas birria & mariscos.
Quesabirria from Todo Pa' La Cruda
Just want a drink instead? Check out Shepherds Coffee or Longplay HiFi.
Encanto/62nd Street
Best for: Jamaican food, tea and coffee
For a flavorful stop near Encanto, visit Caribbean Taste for Jamaican dishes, including its popular jerk chicken. Afterward, head to The Mental Bar for a coffee or tea break. Try something like the Ginger Pop Latte which features ginger and espresso, or grab a non-coffee option such as one of their flavored lemonades (like blueberry lavender), CBD-infused teas, matcha lattes, and frappes.
Hidden murals are located behind the businesses off Broadway in Lemon Grove (behind El Pollo Grill and the Funky Frenchie)
Lemon Grove Depot
Best for: breakfast, hidden murals, specialty lattes and a photo of the giant lemon
Near the big lemon at the Lemon Grove Depot are some really fun finds. Make your way over to The Funky Frenchie for the cutest waffles you ever did see! Slip down the alley and go behind the restaurant for a fun surprise. You'll find a number of hidden murals behind the Broadway businesses for a little mini art tour.
Chicken and "Woofles" at the Funky Frenchie
Save a little room and grab a one of the specialty lattes at Lemon Grove Coffee (the Hawaiian Creme Brulee sounds particularly delicious to us).
Inside "Meet Cute Romance Bookshop".
La Mesa Blvd
Best for: Bookshops, vintage and local shopping
The Village in La Mesa is lined with shops and restaurants, plenty to do in the heart of La Mesa. Need a new book? Try Meet Cute Romance Bookshop which has many different genres of romance to choose from or Maxwell's House of Books for used (but gently loved) books. Check out the Jackalope for a curated collection of leather goods and locally made items.
The Jackalope in La Mesa
There are also a few thrift and antique stores for your vintage hunts at Bohemian House Vintage, Goodwill, or La Mesa Thrift Store. You can also stop for a bite during your shopping trip at many restaurants along the Blvd. Try Surfrider Pizza for a fast but fan-favorite, or the recently opened Hacienda Cazadores. If making a morning trip, try a local favorite for breakfast: Sheldon's.
Grossmont
Best for: Family-friendly model railroad fun
This is a quick (but fun!) stop, especially for families, train fans or anyone who appreciates tiny things running on a schedule. The Grossmont Central Railroad located inside the Grossmont Center Mall displays model railroad trains on Tuesdays and Saturdays from noon until 6 p.m., though they have a button operated display that you can check out at any time which will briefly run the train. Bonus: If you're up for a short walk (less than 1/3 of a mile), grab a sweet treat at Bruster's Real Ice Cream.
With so many local spots just a short walk from the Trolley, exploring the Orange Line is a budget-friendly way to rediscover San Diego. So grab your PRONTO card, pick a station, and let the Trolley take you to your next affordable San Diego adventure.
