San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour

Explore San Diego at Your Own Pace with a Trolley Pass

The San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour offers an easy and convenient way to see many of the city’s top attractions. Priced at $55.00 per person, this 2-hour trolley tour allows visitors to create their own itinerary by hopping on and off at 11 different stops. Whether opting for a one-day or two-day pass, the tour provides flexible access to famous sights like the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, Little Italy, and more.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to explore San Diego with minimal hassle. It features live commentary from an onboard guide, making the experience both informative and engaging. The stops are carefully located near the city’s most popular attractions, shops, and restaurants, providing a practical way to navigate the city without the need for a car.

However, note that the trolleys are open-air, so they are not heated or air-conditioned. This means that dressing appropriately for the weather is advisable, especially during colder months or windy days. The tour is praised frequently for its friendly guides and efficient route, making it a favorite among visitors.

Key Points

• Price: $55.00 per person for a 2-hour hop-on hop-off experience.
• Duration: Approximate 2-hour ride, with live commentary from guides.
• Stops: 11 strategically located stops near major attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and Little Italy.
• Flexibility: Hop on and off as often as you like during your one- or two-day pass.
• Accessibility: Service animals allowed; strollers are permitted if folded; wheelchair accommodations available with advance notice.
• Reviews: High praise for knowledgeable guides, entertaining narration, and overall great value.

Starting Point and How Often Trolleys Arrive

This tour begins at any of the 11 stops listed, providing flexibility to start at a convenient location. The trolleys arrive approximately every 30 minutes, ensuring minimal wait time between rides. During busy periods or peak seasons, more trolleys may operate to meet demand, keeping the schedule efficient.

Visiting Old Town State Historic Park

The Old Town stop is situated at the entrance to the Historic State Park and Old Town Market, which features over 40 specialty gift shops. Across the street, the Immaculate Conception Church offers a glimpse into California’s early history. This stop is a good starting point for exploring San Diego’s roots and architecture.

Maritime Museum and the Star of India

At the Maritime Museum stop, visitors find the Star of India, a historic sailing ship, along with the Waterfront Park and County Administration building. Located on the Embarcadero, this stop provides access to San Diego’s maritime heritage and scenic waterfront views.

Embarcadero Marina and Waterfront Sights

The Embarcadero Marina stop is near the USS Midway Museum and the cruise ship terminal. It’s also where the San Diego Visitor Information Center is situated, making it easy for travelers to gather more local tips. The area is perfect for exploring San Diego’s maritime history and bustling harbor.

Discovering Seaport Village

Next, the Seaport Village stop is on the east side of the shopping and dining complex. This location offers access to a variety of shops and eateries that overlook the bay. It’s a popular spot for leisurely strolls and photo opportunities.

Visiting the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

The Marriott Marquis stop is right in front of the hotel, marked by a distinctive waterfall feature. It provides access to the expansive Marina area and nearby attractions, making it convenient for guests staying at the hotel or visitors interested in exploring the waterfront.

Strolling the Historic Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter stop is situated next to the Horton Grand Hotel, on 4th Street and Island Avenue. This vibrant district is known for its historic architecture, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s a good place to hop off for a meal or a drink after touring.

Petco Park and the East Village

At the Petco Park/East Convention Center stop, visitors find themselves near Petco Park, home to baseball games and events. The surrounding East Village features restaurants, bars, and the Hilton Bayfront. It’s an ideal spot for sports fans or those attending conventions.

Barrio Logan and Cultural Attractions

The Cesar E. Chavez Parkway stop is located in Cesar Chavez Park, known as Chicano Park. It features art galleries, craft breweries, and local restaurants, offering a taste of San Diego’s diverse cultural scene.

Coronado and the Beachside Charm

The Coronado/Orange Avenue stop grants access to the main shopping and dining area of Coronado, with the Hotel del Coronado just two blocks south and the Coronado Beach only a short walk away. It’s perfect for relaxing by the ocean or exploring boutique shops.

Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo

The Balboa Park stop is centrally located behind the Organ Pavilion parking lot, near the San Diego Zoo and museums. This stop provides a convenient gateway for visitors wanting to explore San Diego’s famous cultural and botanical attractions.

Little Italy’s Vibrant Neighborhood

Finally, the Little Italy stop is at the heart of the neighborhood, next to Buon Appetito. This area is bustling with restaurants, bars, shops, and the Fire House Museum, making it a lively spot to end or begin your tour.

The Practicalities: Booking, Accessibility, and Tips

Most bookings are made 16 days in advance, and the tour is available most days except Thanksgiving and Christmas. The live commentary enhances the experience with informative stories and fun facts, often praised by visitors.

Travelers should plan ahead for parking since some stops are not directly at attractions. The trolleys are open-air, so dressing weather-appropriate is recommended. The tour also welcomes service animals and strollers, but pets other than service animals are not allowed.

Why Choose This Tour?

The high ratings—an average 4.7 out of 5 from over 2,200 reviews—highlight the tour’s reliability and quality guides. Many reviews emphasize friendly and knowledgeable drivers and entertaining narration. The flexible hop-on, hop-off format allows visitors to tailor their day, spending more time at favorite spots without feeling rushed.

This tour offers excellent value for $55 and is especially suitable for first-time visitors wanting an overview or those who prefer a relaxing way to explore multiple neighborhoods.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour is praised for its coverage and guides, the open-air trolley can be less comfortable in adverse weather. It is not a comprehensive transportation service—you’ll still need to walk between some attractions. Also, stopping points are not always right at attractions, so some walking is necessary.

The tour does not operate on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, so plan accordingly. For those looking for a more immersive experience, additional tours or activities might be worth considering.

San Diego in a Nutshell with the Hop On Hop Off Trolley

This tour provides a cost-effective and flexible way to see San Diego’s highlights. It combines informative guides, convenient stops, and scenic routes to give visitors a broad overview of the city’s most famous neighborhoods and attractions.

Whether stopping at the San Diego Zoo, enjoying Balboa Park, or exploring Little Italy, travelers benefit from the ease of hop-on hop-off transportation. The overall high reviews reflect satisfaction with guides’ knowledge and route efficiency.

While weather considerations and the need for some walking are factors to keep in mind, the tour’s value and flexibility make it a top choice for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a comfortable introduction to San Diego.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at any of the 11 stops listed, offering flexibility to start at your preferred location.

How often does the trolley arrive at each stop?
The trolleys arrive approximately every 30 minutes, ensuring minimal wait times during your sightseeing day.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?
Yes, strollers can be brought onboard if folded and stored appropriately. Wheelchair accessibility is available with 24-hour advance notice.

Are the trolleys climate-controlled?
No, the trolleys are open-air, so dressing appropriately for the weather is recommended.

Is food or drink allowed?
Yes, food and drinks are permitted, but alcoholic beverages are not allowed for safety reasons.