About Santa Fe Depot
Back in the 1800s, fledgling cities depended on trains and railways systems much more than we do today. Trains didn’t just transport people, they also transported food, building materials, and various other vital supplies. It’s no exaggeration to say that the success or failure of a burgeoning city was linked to the effectiveness of the trains that serviced it. For years, the Santa Fe Railway had serviced multiple cities in the region California. In 1879, the Santa Fe Railway earned a generous grant from Mexico. No one knew at the time, but this grant would allow the Santa Fe Depot to be built many years later.
Since 1915, the Santa Fe Depot has served as a cultural touchstone and a pivotal train station to the city of San Diego. Many citizens call the Santa Fe Depot “San Diego’s Union Station” out of respect. San Diego’s citizens have also taken a liking to several of the Depot’s passengers trains, such as the “San Diegan.” The Depot has become so famous over the years that many people often visit this train station just to admire its architecture and cultural significance. It also doesn’t hurt that the Depot is located near several of San Diego’s most popular attractions.
Things to Do Near Santa Fe Depot
As we’ve said before, the Depot is more than a train station – it’s also a major landmark in its own right. Lifelong train enthusiasts often visit the Depot to partake in the act of “railfanning,” or cheering for trains as they pass by. Moreover, the Depot is also a place where many people go to celebrate special events. Countless people have proposed in front of the Depot’s fountain, and have posed for graduation photos. Bounce highly recommends visiting the following:
- Cool off near the Santa Fe Depot Water Fountain
- Pose for a few pictures in front of the Depot’s entrance
- Indulge in a bit of railfanning at the Depot’s railway platform
- Tour the city via the San Diego Trolley
- Make your way to San Diego's historic Balboa Park
- Soar through the skies at the Torrey Pines Gliderport
- Get your feet wet at La Jolla Cove
- Sign up for a Secret Food Tour of San Diego
- Travel with style via the Aall In Limo & Party Bus service
- Immerse yourself in Little Italy’s customs, culture, and cuisine
Transit Options in Santa Fe Depot
● Amtrak - Santa Fe Depot Line
● San Diego Free Ride (12 - 9 pm)
● MTS - The Metropolitan Transit System
Luggage Storage Near Santa Fe Depot
As of 2019, San Diego’s population has reached the 1.4 million mark. If you think that number is staggering, think about this – about 35 million tourists visit San Diego each year. Suffice it to say that things can get pretty crowded here. And when things get crowded, it becomes all too easy to lose track of your personal possessions. But, Bounce can help you lighten your load or just $5.90 a day. Our services are offered morning, noon, and night and 7 days a week. Download the app and book your spot.
Luggage Storage Options Near Santa Fe Depot
- Museum of Contemporary Art - Downtown: Santa Fe’s Museum of Contemporary art is actually split into two locations – an Uptown venue and a Downtown venue. The Downtown building is located on 1001 Kettner Blvd, and showcases works of art from the 1950s to the present. Use Bounce to store your luggage, then visit MoCNA.
- Pacific Soul Sculpture: Sculptor Jaume Plensa created this magnificent monument in 2018. Since then, the Pacific Soul Sculpture has gained many admirers among San Diego’s populace. Plensa skillfully combined letters from eight different languages to create this amazing art piece. The sculpture is located in the heart of San Diego, near one of our Bounce stations.
- San Pasqual Winery: The San Pasqual Winery is the perfect place to go wine tasting. The nearest winery to San Diego is actually located in La Mesa, a short 12-minute drive from the San Diego Depot. Bounce away your luggage, then visit this family-owned winery.
- USS Midway Museum: Back in the day, the USS Midway was an aircraft carrier that serviced the United States Navy. The Midway was active for about 47 years, and was involved in the Vietnam War as well as Operation “Desert Storm.” However, the Midway was decommissioned in 1992 and transformed into a museum. The Midway is located on 910 N Harbor Drive.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego: The Maritime Museum of San Diego isn’t too far away from the USS Midway. Store your things with Bounce, then head to 1492 N Harbor Dr. Here, you’ll find vessels and model replicas from the present day, to the 1800s and beyond.
- Cozymeal: Food is a really big deal in California. Most cities, big and small, often have a myriad of restaurants to eat at. However, Cozymeal isn’t a restaurant, it’s a service that offers cooking classes for cooks of all skill levels. One of their main locations is on 501 W Broadway Suite 800, a short distance from one of our local Bounce stations.
- Music Box: The Music Box is both a popular nightclub and an awesome concert venue. This place has tons of charm, tons of character, and a bevy of refreshing beverages. Use Bounce to secure your things, then head to 1337 India St.