San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
4.5
San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
By Old Town Trolley Tours
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About
This San Diego hop-on hop-off trolley tour provides an easy and affordable way to get around the city. This tour helps you avoid the hassle of finding and paying for parking. The trolley tour, available as a one and two day option, allows you to travel your own itinerary at your own pace. Along with 11 stops around the city, it also includes guided commentary and large, open windows.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 4-99
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- San Diego hop-on hop-off trolley tour allows you to plan your own itinerary
- The trolley route includes 11 stops near top attractions, shops, and restaurants
- Live commentary from a guide helps you learn about San Diego
- Choose from a one or two day San Diego trolley pass
- San Diego Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour
- Local taxes
- Live commentary on board
What's not included- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Tour does not operate on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.
- Climb aboard the trolley at any of its 11 stopping points (see Itinerary below) any time during its normal operating hours. Trolleys come to each stop about every 30 minutes. Choose either a one or two day pass. Enjoy the ride on this vintage transport method, offering comprehensive access to some of San Diego’s best attractions. Among the stops is Old Town State Historic Park, often called the “Jamestown of the Pacific,” where you can discover the history of California’s founding amidst the area’s range of 19th-century buildings. There are also stops for the world-famous San Diego Zoo, which covers 100 acres and houses more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals, the USS Midway, and the historic Gaslamp Quarter. The tour ends at the stop you choose or when the trolley shuts down for the night.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5046SAN_OTT- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if a wheelchair-accessible trolley is required
- Emotional support animals or pets are not allowed
- KIDS FREE OCTOBER - Kids (0-12) ride free travelling from Oct 1-31 with a paid adult. 1 free child per paid adult. You do not have to purchase a child ticket, the child will automatically go free with adult purchase.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- Where can I start my San Diego Tour: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley?
- You can begin your tour at any of our stops listed.Answered Feb 2021
- How often does the San Diego Tour: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley come to each stop?
- Our trolleys come by approximately every 30 minutes. Times may vary slightly due to traffic conditions and city events. Depending on demand, the time of year, day of the week, and time of day, our dispatchers may often add more trolleys.Answered Feb 2021
- Can I bring my stroller onboard the San Diego Tour: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley?
- Yes, we can accommodate strollers but they must be folded and will be stored up front with the conductor on space-available basis. Strollers in the aisle ways would constitute a safety hazard.Answered Feb 2021
- Are the trolleys heated or air conditioned during the San Diego Tour: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley?
- The trolleys are open-air, so they are not heated or air-conditioned.Answered Feb 2021
The tour operator has provided the following answers to customers’ questions.- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5046SAN_OTT
From
$54.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Patricia M0 contributionsOld town tour not to missFun and interesting. Our guide, Bullet, was very entertaining. The stories of the family kept my attention. I’ve lived in San Diego for 36 years and this was my first time. I will definitely recommend the tour to our guests.Written December 27, 2024
- philipcU4546YL0 contributionsSan Diego night tourReally nice way to be introduced to the city at night if you’ve never visited. Driver/guide Kevin was courteous,knowledgeable and engaging. I would recommend the tour for all first time visitors.Written December 5, 2024
- Freedom346902703470 contributionsSan Diego hop on hop offThe tour was nice. We enjoyed the stops. Though the trolly seats were small . I am 5’7” and my husband is 6’5” . He has long legs and he couldn’t fit conformably in the seat.Written November 7, 2024
- 850harliel0 contributionsOld Town TrolleyWe had an amazing time! The trolley drivers are very nice and amazing. They gave great information and told jokes. The tour was already great and the made it even better. All of the stops are really cool with lots of things to do and see when you get off the trolley, and the views are amazing!Written November 4, 2024
- O4193QKjoanm0 contributionsAn Evening in a Haunted HomeWe had a great tour of the Whaley House with Gentleman Jack. While we did not encounter any spirits, the house’s historical background was a great introduction to the history of San Diego. The house is very well cared for and it was a delightful experience.Written October 30, 2024
- fedexpackage10 contributionsGreat and Fun TourThe San diego hop on hop off trolley is fun way to see San Diego when visiting without needing a car The driver is fun telling stories and historical facts on the way to Coranado Balboa Park Old Town A must do don’t worry about parking Hours til 5pm go and have funWritten September 29, 2024
- monicasL5575XQ0 contributionsDriver J was wonderful!J was our driver and he was nice and informative! He made us laugh and made it fun! Such a wonderful experience and we would do it all over again!Written August 27, 2024
- sharondL9454SF0 contributionsCity lights night tourIt was a Fabulous experience. San Diego is a beautiful city, especially at night. The tour guide was delightful and knowledgeable.Written August 15, 2024
- janettS1744RQ0 contributionsGreat jobTony was a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable. He’s great. Loved the tour on an extremely hot day. First visit to SavannahWritten June 7, 2024
- S2080UOamandar0 contributionsRacist workerWorst experience! The Coronado station, pick up station the lady working there was very unprofessional, extremely rude we could not board she asked us proof of purchase after all 11 of us were wearing stickers we spent over 700 dollars for all of our tickets just to be accused and treated like we were trying to board for free. Everyone showed proof of purchase making all stickers in plain view and still questions the receipt. Never recommended this service to ANYONE.Written April 24, 2024
- LHMc20200 contributionsA Great Fun Vacation Thing!The hop on-hop off trolly is also known as the Old Town Trolley Tours, something we found a bit confusing when initially researching it since San Diego also refers to their public transportation as trolleys. We flew to San Diego for a short respite of four days and reserved the trolley tour for two of them, staying at a hotel in Old Town within walking distance to the main stop. We had a fantastic time, no regrets in the least. I should mention we are a senior couple and this met our definition of a safe manner of sight seeing in an unknown city. The first day we got off at two of the stopping points and still had time to eat and make the circle twice. The second day we spent at the museums in Balboa Park. Although the trolley run is focused on the southern historical part of San Diego there’s more than enough interesting places to see and stop at. The 20 minute (more or less) times when trolleys come by at the stops minimized waiting to a great degree. It was also interesting how the different entertaining drivers described various points of interest in a differing personal style so repeated circles were not repetitive or boring in the least. I’d highly recommend it, it was fun!Written January 30, 2024
- D1268LHkarenb0 contributionsA MustWe had a wonderful time. The lights were still up for the holidays, so it was beautiful. I have lived in San Diego for over 30 years, and there were things I learned on the tour.Written January 29, 2024
- Departure6050530 contributionsNice way to see San DiegoMatt was excellent tour guide. Very pleasant and very knowledgeable of the area. History, dates things that happened. Knew the ships in port and even the history behind each of them.Written December 31, 2023
- Enorment0 contributionsThis was a holiday trip from the east coast for a couple of empty nesters. Would definitely come back.This was a great tour. You want Jack as a tour guide, you won’t regret it! He is very entertaining and knowledgeable about San Diego and Coronado.Written December 26, 2023
- Larajmax0 contributionsFun, friendly and informative tour!Chris was a friendly and fun tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and told us lots of interesting facts about San Diego. Highly recommend this tour!Written November 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,046 reviews
Excellent
803
Very good
158
Average
43
Poor
19
Terrible
23
Carl C
Franklin, NH425 contributions
Dec 2019
We started our trolley tour at Seaport Village. If you park in the lot there be sure to have them valadate your ticket to avoid a shock later when you pay. The total time depends on how much time you spent off the trolley. This is definately a whole day experience. Included with the price are free admission to 10 museums, discount coupons to attractions and resturants and hop on & off at 10 trolley stops. The driver points out many highlights on the trip and includes a lot of San Diego history. Well worth the price.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Azam K
New Delhi, India135 contributions
Nov 2019
One of the popular mode of sight seeing in San Diego. They have multiple ticket options, we opted for a day pass. Secure round-shape sticker (to be pasted on your chest) all the time; reach any boarding point out of the lot; at times trolley can be without seat but they will ensure to pick you up. Most of the pick-up points has 4pm as last slot, remain mindful of it. But this trolley operates in one section of the city till Coronado island; doesnt go to sea world/zoo side. Nice ride for the money you pay. Enjoyed!
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lemi
1 contribution
Jan 2020
Stan, our trolley driver, was absolutely terrific! We were able to ride and get on the the trolley tour at the Gaslamp Quarter, despite not having bought any tickets beforehand. Stan was very kind and explained to us that we can easily purchase tickets online, or physically on the very last/first stop, which was Old Town. We were able to easily purchase tickets online and enjoy the tour at the same time! Stan was great at quieting any noisy guests so that everyone else was able to hear about all the fun facts and information he had to share.
We definitely hope to take better advantage of the Trolley experience on a full day, versus half day! For what it cost though, it was great to have an overlook of San Diego and all that it has to offer. Thank you again to Stan and the rest of the Old Town Trolley Tours staff!
We definitely hope to take better advantage of the Trolley experience on a full day, versus half day! For what it cost though, it was great to have an overlook of San Diego and all that it has to offer. Thank you again to Stan and the rest of the Old Town Trolley Tours staff!
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KimberlyWI
SPRING GREEN32 contributions
Jan 2020
We used this as a cost-effective way to see different parts of the city.
We took the first trolley out and used it all day until the last "all aboard." We spent a lot of time in Coronado, so had to cut our time short in Little Italy (the other area we really wanted to explore) and had zero time left for Old Town. So, I recommend you keep that in mind if you are traveling there when they are running shorter days in the winter months.
We hated a few of the drivers and liked others. We were crawling out of our skin when the drivers rambled, encouraged sing alongs, etc. But others gave interesting facts with a few fun laughs.
If group tours are usually fun for you, you'll love this. If they are hit or miss for you, consider your options. We would not do this again if visiting in the winter and only wanting to spend time in a few areas. A taxi/ride share would've given us more time flexibility and less annoyance. We would've missed a few fun facts, though!
We took the first trolley out and used it all day until the last "all aboard." We spent a lot of time in Coronado, so had to cut our time short in Little Italy (the other area we really wanted to explore) and had zero time left for Old Town. So, I recommend you keep that in mind if you are traveling there when they are running shorter days in the winter months.
We hated a few of the drivers and liked others. We were crawling out of our skin when the drivers rambled, encouraged sing alongs, etc. But others gave interesting facts with a few fun laughs.
If group tours are usually fun for you, you'll love this. If they are hit or miss for you, consider your options. We would not do this again if visiting in the winter and only wanting to spend time in a few areas. A taxi/ride share would've given us more time flexibility and less annoyance. We would've missed a few fun facts, though!
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I was sorry to read you did not care for a few of our guides, but found some fun facts along your tour. We do offer a satisfaction guarantee located on the customer service page of our website.
Written January 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ZCC
Fife, UK144 contributions
Feb 2020
We used hop on hop off trolley when visiting San Diego for the day.- had we known we probably wouldn't have bothered and just used the public transport instead. The whole experience was ok- we have used other hop on hop off services in USA/ UK which were much better. It costs us $42 each for the basic silver tour. We were told that they aim to pick up every 20mins, we got off at one stop but getting picked up the first trolley was full so they had to phone for a back up trolley which luckily we only had to wait a few minutes for. However at the next stop nobody could get on and we overheard people saying they had been waiting for over an hour. As a result of this we didn't get off at any other stops which was really disappointing and ended the tour back at San Diego old town. The drivers were very nice and informative and trolley it self was quirky. But we won't use it again.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was sorry to hear you delayed along our tour route. We offer a satisfaction guarantee located on the customer service page of our website.
Written February 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shahid M
Quebec, Canada56 contributions
Dec 2019
We took the trolley form old port. We hop-on Hop off the trolley twice. All the guides were quite seasoned. They explained very well the history and the information about different spots/buildings of the city.
I strongly recommend tourist to take this trolley the very first day of their visit to the city. It is worth.
All the important spots of the city that needs to be seen, trolley covered them.
I strongly recommend tourist to take this trolley the very first day of their visit to the city. It is worth.
All the important spots of the city that needs to be seen, trolley covered them.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela
Kingston, Canada168 contributions
Feb 2020
Unfortunately I didn't have time to visit all the stops and explore deeper but I feel I got such great value taking the tour around the entire route. First driver was Scotty who was absolutely amazing, second driver was Rose who had the patience of a saint with a family that wouldn't keep the children inside the vehicle! So much to see, so many facts and tid bits to absorb. Only part I didn't like was getting wind blown to heck on the bridge and high ways but that's nature.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nativeprincess35
Fridley, MN105 contributions
Dec 2019
This is a great way to see the highlights of the city. My friends and I took the tour by catching a shuttle bus from our resort into Old San Diego. It was a cool rainy day so the windows were covered with plastic which made it a bit more difficult to get good pictures. The trolley driver/tour guide was hysterical on the first trolley we caught. He was extremely entertaining and informational at the same time.
We didn't get to see Balboa Park as we were there the week-end of some big Christmas in the Park thing and it was not possible to get in and out of the park...which was fine. The one thing I would have liked is if the stop in Coronado had been right at the Coronado Dell hotel. Would have been nice to get off right there and check it out. The stop was a bit a ways and with the cool rain we really didn't want to walk back.
We didn't get to see Balboa Park as we were there the week-end of some big Christmas in the Park thing and it was not possible to get in and out of the park...which was fine. The one thing I would have liked is if the stop in Coronado had been right at the Coronado Dell hotel. Would have been nice to get off right there and check it out. The stop was a bit a ways and with the cool rain we really didn't want to walk back.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dave
Fort Collins, CO28 contributions
Feb 2020
As I researched my four day trip to San Diego,
I decided that I would purchase a day pass for this trolley service. My objective was to see the city in the advertised two hour round trip. Perfecto.....The drivers were enthusiastic and informative. Because we utilized the trolley later in the day to get over to Coronado, we actually experienced the late day trolley traffic with passengers. Trust me, it was obvious from the communication that I heard on the walk-in talkie system, it was communicated that extra Rollie’s were needed and no one would be left behind. I later learned the following day that there was a package plan to attend the San Diego Zoo. I wish I had known when I viewed this on the Old Town Trolley web site. Maybe I just missed it. Great service and the drivers all have pride in their jobs. Thanks you.
I decided that I would purchase a day pass for this trolley service. My objective was to see the city in the advertised two hour round trip. Perfecto.....The drivers were enthusiastic and informative. Because we utilized the trolley later in the day to get over to Coronado, we actually experienced the late day trolley traffic with passengers. Trust me, it was obvious from the communication that I heard on the walk-in talkie system, it was communicated that extra Rollie’s were needed and no one would be left behind. I later learned the following day that there was a package plan to attend the San Diego Zoo. I wish I had known when I viewed this on the Old Town Trolley web site. Maybe I just missed it. Great service and the drivers all have pride in their jobs. Thanks you.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet B
Ada, OK22 contributions
Jan 2020
We rode the Pacific Surfliner down from OC for the day and had no specific plans, so we decided on the trolley. It was a great way to see the city. The tour guides are funny, friendly, and so knowledgeable about the city. We got off on Coronado island for lunch and touring the hotel. Because we were limited to about 5 hours and the complete trolley tour takes 2 hours if you don't get off anywhere, we didn't make any other stops. I recommend the 2 day fare if you're staying over so you'll have time to get off at Old Towne, Little Italy, or Balboa Park. Shop around for tickets. We paid $45 each at the visitor center, but I think we could have gotten them cheaper on-line.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Would it be a problem for a family of 15 to get on together. Is there a better time to go?
Written March 9, 2024
If your goal is to get all 15 family members on the same trolley and do the entire loop, that could work. You could get on one of the first morning trolley.
Your issue will be when you hop off and all 15 want to get on another trolley later. May not be space.
I don’t think it’s that much of an issue though. Part of the group gets on trolley and indicates they will meet at the next stop you all want to go. The next group will wait for the next trolley and meets up.
Written March 10, 2024
Free, public parking lot at Old Town (right in front of the trolley stop). Get there early (around 9am) and there should be parking available.
Written November 25, 2023
Old Town State Historic Park
4010 Twiggs St. & San Diego Ave. *Ticket Booth Location
B
Maritime Museum/Star of India
1492 N. Harbor Dr.
C
Embarcadero
1004 N. Harbor Dr. *Ticket Booth Location
Seaport Village
825 West Harbor Dr. *Ticket Booth Location
Marriott Marquis & Marina
333 W. Harbor Dr.
F
Historic Gaslamp Quarter
480 4th Ave.
*Ticket Booth Location€
Petco Park - East Convention Ctr.
Approx. 855 East Harbor Dr.
H
Barrio Logan
1113 Cesar Chavez Pkwy.
Hotel Del Coronado
Approx. 1540 Orange Ave. *Ticket Booth Location
Coronado - Orange Ave.
1107 Orange Ave.
K
Balboa Park / San Diego Zoo
2175 Presidents Way
Little Italy
1605 India Street
Written September 5, 2022
Adele B
Valencia, Pennsylvania
Do I have to buy my tickets online or canI buy the tickets in person the day before I want to go. Thank you
Written August 3, 2022
Sorry I wanted to add you can’t pay for tickets on the bus! We were able to get on the bus in front of our hotel which was great. The bus has specific stops where you can get on. They will not pick up passengers in between stops. Hope this is helpful. Enjoy your stay.
Written August 3, 2022
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