san diego trolley tours

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

California Family Travel

By Gwen Kleist · July 28, 2023

Hop On Hop Off San Diego Trolley Guide (2024)

Last updated on March 25th, 2024 at 11:22 pm

Looking for full details on the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Trolley Tour?

Taking a hop on hop off San Diego Tour is the perfect way to maximize your time and get around, all while learning some cool facts about America’s Finest City.

Here is everything you need to know about exploring San Diego on the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour – including free admission to several museums and attractions!

Exploring San Diego on the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour

When you live near a tourist destination, you don’t always think to do the touristy things! We’ve been visiting San Diego for years, and in our quest to discover something new to do, decided to explore the city via San Diego Old Town Trolley Tours, an awesome Hop On Hop Off San Diego tour. This ended up being one of the most fun decisions we’ve ever made on a trip!

Named San Diego’s Best Hop On, Hop Off All Day Tour , the San Diego Old Town Trolley stops at ten locations along a 25-mile loop around San Diego. You can easily explore the city’s attractions, museums, beaches, historic sites, shops and restaurants. It is truly the best San Diego sightseeing bus tour. I highly recommend this tour, especially if you are new to the city or just want an overview of everything San Diego has to offer. 

► Travel Insight Save money exploring San Diego theme parks and attractions with a San Diego CityPASS , which includes the Old Town Trolley Tour and lots of other attractions!

So where does the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour go? Here are the Old Town Trolley stops:

Start in Old Town

Known as the birthplace of California, Old Town is in the heart of San Diego. We love visiting Old Town San Diego! There is always something fun to explore, and they have the best Mexican food in San Diego!

Founded in 1769, Old Town San Diego is the site of the first Spanish settlement in California.

Today, Old Town State Historic Park is a lively attraction with 50 shops and restaurants and 36 museums and historic sites – many of which are free to explore.

The Whaley House Museum, one of San Diego’s most famous sites, is also just steps away from Old Town. (Old Town Trolley Tour San Diego Gold Pass includes free admission to the Whaley House Museum, which is said to be the most haunted house in America!)

If this sounds like a lot to cram into a day when you’re already planning on take the Old Town Trolley around San Diego – you are right! Your best bet is to come the day before and spend a few hours in Old Town. Enjoy a great dinner at one of the park’s many Mexican restaurants, and then spend the night.

We booked a room at the Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel , which is literally adjacent to the park. The hotel was lovely and it was great to be able to spend time in Old Town at night and not have to worry about finding parking (or driving home after a few margaritas)!

The next morning, we were able to enjoy breakfast at the hotel and roll right over to the San Diego Old Town Trolley Tours ticket booth to catch the first tour at 9am.

► Click here to read a full review of the Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel .

San Diego Embarcadero

Stop B on the San Diego Hop On Hop Off Tour is located along the Embarcadero, near the USS Midway Museum, Maritime Museum and the Star of India.

This location is also home to a great public art display along the waterfront titled “A National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military.” Fifteen life-size bronze statues stand proudly on the waterfront in San Diego, with the USS Midway Museum as their backdrop, paying tribute to our American military. Definitely worth a quick stop if just for the photo opp!

Seaport Village

Stop C is Seaport Village, one of San Diego’s most popular tourist spots. Seaport Village San Diego is a 14-acre waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. It features a promenade with spectacular views of the Coronado Bridge, Coronado Island and boats on the bay.

Downtown San Diego

The next group of stops on the San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour route (Stops D-G) hit different neighborhoods downtown.

If you are looking to do some shopping, Horton Plaza is a great multi-level open air mall. The historic Gaslamp Quarter is a neighborhood filled with restaurants and bars (definitely comes more alive at night) but in the daytime there are some sights to see if you hop off.

Because it was free with our trolley tour and we had never been there before, we took the opportunity to check out the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum – actually pretty interesting!

Coronado Island

Cross San Diego Bay via the San Diego-Coronado Bridge and hop off at Stop H on Orange Avenue, the main shopping and dining area of Coronado. The Hotel Del Coronado is two blocks south, and Coronado Beach is also two blocks away.

► Check out these family-friendly things to do in Coronado .

The iconic Hotel del Coronado is certainly one of San Diego’s most famous hotels. And luckily you don’t need to book a room to enjoy it! Wander through the hotel’s shops, grab a drink or snack at the Sun Deck Bar (and enjoy it while looking out at the sea!) or simply spend some time on the beach.

Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo

Each of the San Diego attractions at Stop I can easily be a full day. The San Diego Zoo is easily one of the best and largest zoos in the country, and Balboa Park is home to 16 museums and 1200 acres of gardens and some truly amazing architecture.

Because we are “museum people” and there was an exhibit on Cannibalism at the Museum of Man that my teenage son wanted to see, we stopped. But if you’re schedule permits save this area for a day when you can dedicate a big chunk of time to explore.

Little Italy

In all the years we’ve been visiting San Diego, I had never even been to Little Italy. The Old Town Trolley Tour made it easy to hop off at Stop J and walk around, see what the neighborhood is all about.

Cap off your day with a made-fresh-daily gelato in Little Italy. And if you have kids (or just happen to like fire trucks), be sure to stop and check out the San Diego Firehouse Museum.

► Looking for more fun things to do in San Diego? Check out these Family-Friendly Things to do at Night in San Diego .

San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Map

Looking for a map of where the Old Town San Diego Trolley stops? I’ve got you covered! Here is the official map, courtesy of Old Town Trolley Tours . 

San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour Schedule

Old Town Trolley’s Hop On Hop Off San Diego Tour runs daily, with tours departing approximately every 20 minutes.

April 1 – November 7 9am – 6pm Last tour departs Old Town at 4pm, finishing up approximately at 6pm.

November 8 – March 31 9am – 5pm Last tour departs Old Town at 3pm, finishing up approximately at 5pm.

Free Entry to 10 San Diego Museums with the Old Town Trolley Tour

Admission to ten different museums is included with your San Diego Old Town Trolley ticket. (Some offer free admission regardless.) These are all fairly small attractions that can be explored in an hour or less, so be sure to squeeze a few into your day to make the most of your experience!

• Old Town Sheriff’s Museum – Stop A
• Casa De Aguirre – Stop A
• Mormon Battalion Historic Site – Stop A
• Old Town Railroad Depot – Stop A
• African Museum – Casa Del Rey Moro – Stop A
• San Diego Chinese Historical Museum – Stop F
• Coronado Historical Museum – Stop H
• Veterans Museum at Balboa Park – Stop I
• Timken Museum of Art – Stop I
• San Diego Firehouse Museum – Stop J

Old Town Trolley’s Hop On Hop Off San Diego Tour gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary, get off where you want and spend as much time as you want at each location. It is the perfect way to take in all that San Diego has to offer!

► Grab your discount tickets for the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour

Lights & Sights Trolley Tour

During Christmas in San Diego , Old Town Trolley Tour transforms into the Holiday Trolley for their San Diego Holiday Lights & Sights Trolley Tour.

See San Diego with a holiday twist! The trolley’s Elf conductors share fun holiday facts and traditions. You’ll get to see the festive San Diego Christmas lights of Old Town, Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Balboa Park and more! The tour departs from Old Town San Diego and includes a stop for a 15-minute holiday stroll through Seaport Village.

More Things to Know About the San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour

Here are some commonly asked questions about exploring San Diego on the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour.

1. How long is the San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour?

If you were just to ride the full circuit of the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley without getting off at any of the stops, the tour would last just under two hours.

Some people like to ride the full tour once without hopping off to get the lay of the land, and then ride again and stop at the sights they want to see. The choice is yours!

2. Where does the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Trolley Tour start?

The tour officially begins at the Old Town Trolley Depot, but you can start your tour at any of the stops.

3. How often does the Old Town Trolley run?

The San Diego Old Town Trolley arrives at each stop approximately every 30 minutes. Of course, times may vary slightly due to traffic conditions. During busy times when there is high demand, dispatchers often add more trolleys.

4. Are strollers permitted on the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Trolley Tour?

Yes, you can bring a stroller onboard but they must be folded.

5. Do the trolleys have air-conditioning in the summer or heat in the winter?

No, the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley is a year-round open-air tour, so they are not heated or air-conditioned.

6. Are food and drinks allowed on the tour?

Yes, food and drinks are welcome. However alcoholic beverages are not allowed.

7. Are pets allowed on the tour?

Old Town Trolley allows only service animals on board the trolleys.

Save This San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour Guide for Later!

Planning a San Diego vacation? Pin the image below for future reference!

Subscribe To Our Mailing List for Travel Tips, Deals & Family Travel Inspiration!

You’ll also love.

Reader Interactions

September 19, 2018 at 10:14 am

I’ve been to California a few times but never San Diego… Now I’m wondering if I’d ever be able to pull myself away from the beach to check out all of the city’s beautiful architecture!

September 19, 2018 at 10:28 am

I did the route 1 drive from LA to San Fran a few years back but unfortunately we didnt venture far enough south to discover San Diego. This post makes me want to go!!

September 19, 2018 at 10:46 am

This does look like a fun way to explore the city! I actually really like exploring local areas like a tourist sometimes. It gives you a whole new perspective on how fun your city can be! It’s really cool that so many of San Diego’s museums were included in the price too!

September 19, 2018 at 11:30 am

Wow, I honestly didn’t realize there was so much to do in San Diego. I live in LA so I’ve made the drive a couple times, just day trips, and I guess I didn’t research enough beforehand! I need to try again and do it right this time.

I have heard how wonderful the zoo is from multiple people now, maybe I should make it a weekend trip so I can spend a whole day there. I’m on the same page as your son, I want to see that cannibalism exhibit haha. How was it?

September 19, 2018 at 10:09 pm

You should definitely go for a weekend if you can get away overnight! We discovered a lot of things by taking the trolley that I didn’t even know were there. My husband and son really liked the cannibalism at the Museum of Man! It was very well done, educational and not too gross LOL. I walked around the park and went to the botanical gardens while they were there 🙂

September 19, 2018 at 1:03 pm

What a cool way to explore the beautiful city

September 19, 2018 at 5:48 pm

I’ve never imagined exploring San Diego on a Trolley could bring you to so many attractions. It seems you had so much fun as well!

September 20, 2018 at 12:28 am

It is always nice to explore a City a bit with style and your trolley tour looks like this!!! nice post.

September 20, 2018 at 9:26 am

I didn’t realize there was so much to see in San Diego! It sounds like a fun way to explore the city and see some of the sights you might not know exist. It would be hard to choose between the zoo and seeing Balboa Park and all of its museums.

September 20, 2018 at 11:37 am

I like this informative post. My cousin lives in Carlsbad, I’m sure she will take us everywhere if we go there again. But I think taking a trolley tour like you and your family did is a must-do. You have your family time while visiting the city, and you get to see a lot of things. Thank you for the post. Pinned it as well.

September 21, 2018 at 12:31 am

Gelatos in Little Italy sounds like a plan! It is amazing how much you can see with the planned tours like the trolley bus! This is a nice guide and important info! Thanks for sharing…

September 25, 2018 at 1:00 pm

I just moved to San Diego and am enjoying exploring my own backyard for the last couple of months. I will definitely add a trolley tour to my to-do list now 🙂

March 24, 2023 at 11:44 am

I recently took the San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour and it was an amazing experience! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us a great overview of the city. The trolley was comfortable and the views were spectacular. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting San Diego!

March 24, 2023 at 11:45 am

I recently took the San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour and it was a great experience! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us a lot of interesting facts about the city. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to learn more about San Diego’s history and culture.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Disneyland Halloween Time 2023 – What to Expect

Come Along for the Ride!

Join our mailing list for exclusive content, travel tips, deals and inspiration!

Welcome to California Family Travel, a family travel blog dedicated to sharing the best destinations and experiences in California and beyond for active and adventurous families! Read more...

• About California Family Travel
• Privacy Policy
• California Destinations

Disney Parks

• Disneyland Resort
• Walt Disney World
• Disneyland Paris

Beyond California

• Western USA

Copyright © 2024 California Family Travel · Theme by 17th Avenue

• Select Language
• Select Currency
• Australian Dollar
• Canadian Dollar
• Chinese Yuan (CNY)
• British Pound (GBP)
• Indian Rupees (INR)
• Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Malaysian Ringgit
• Newzealand Dollar
• Singapore Dollar

Hop On Hop Off San Diego - Bus Tours

Tring, Tring…here comes your trolley to show you all the top San Diego attractions! Welcome to sun-drenched San Diego. A surfer’s paradise, a beaches lover’s delight – and America’s Finest City. Spend time exploring with a San Diego Hop-on Hop-off tour and you’ll soon discover its appeal. Whether you are looking to save time or bucks, the Hop-on Hop-off San Diego trolley tour is all you need to make the most of your itinerary. So what are you waiting for?!

San Diego Sightseeing Bus Tours

Top Customer Reviews

Susan strembitsky.

I purchased tickets on line. It was easy and convenient.

Lynn Rohrbaugh

It was easy to do.

Terry McKay

Experience San Diego in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Sun, sand, and surf. The crashing of waves on the golden beaches. It feels like paradise. Visit San Diego, and that’s exactly how you feel. In paradise! Located on the Pacific coast of California, San Diego has an array of things to see, do, and explore. The city produces the most avocados in the US, so don’t forget to gorge on guacamole upon your visit.

San Diego is known for its warm coastal climate and water activities. There’s a reason why this city is called America’s Finest. It won’t take long to discover the answer. Whale and seal watching, as well as cruises, will give you memorable moments with the wildlife. Visit Balboa Park San Diego Zoo, and the city’s museums and gardens. Explore all the highlights on one of the fantastic San Diego hop-on, hop-off trolley tours. Visit major attractions like the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway, Little Italy, and more to get the best value from your San Diego sightseeing without the headache of driving or splurging on parking fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is the best time to book a hop-on hop-off san diego tour.

The best time to visit San Diego is March through May. It is the best time to hit the beaches and indulge in water sports or other activities. September to November is also ideal to explore the city while enjoying the pleasant weather. Make sure to avoid the month of August as it can be pretty hot and humid. The low season is from December to early February. Budget travelers can score plenty of good deals during this time.

Q: What is the validity of the ticket?

Several ticket options are available to you, depending on your length of stay. Each bus tour will have validity from 24, 36, 48 to 72 hours. And the great thing is you can plan as the vouchers are valid anywhere between 6 months to 1 year and can be used at any point during that period. Check the product page or bus tour operator for complete details.

Q: What is the duration of the San Diego bus tour?

Each tour is different, but in general, they will have a duration of between 1hr and 2hrs. Make sure to check the specific tour for timings.

Q: What time do San Diego bus tours operate?

Bus tours will run at different times of the day, especially if you have booked admission or skip-the-line tickets to the attractions. Make sure to check the tour details for full details on timings.

Q: Where do I exchange my bus tour voucher or paper ticket?

You will receive the bus tour vouchers on your smartphone. Since it is an E-voucher, you can show it at the time of arrival.

Other Hop On Hop Off Destinations

• New York City
• San Francisco
• Washington DC
• Los Angeles
• Johannesburg
• San Antonio
• Reykjavik Iceland
• St-Petersburg
• Benalmadena
• Thessaloniki
• Kristiansand
• BUENOS AIRES
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Offers and Deals

travel inspiration from guidebook

9 Best Things to do in Reykjavik in 2024

The vibrant capital of Iceland, known for its rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders, Reykjavik is a haven for adventure seekers and… The post 9 Best Things to do in Reykjavik in 2024 appeared first on The Guidebook - isango! .

Seville Serenade: A Journey Through Spain’s Soulful City

Seville, a soulful city, lies in the heart of Andalusia, where cobblestone streets whisper stories of bygone times and history blends with… The post Seville Serenade: A Journey Through Spain’s Soulful City appeared first on The Guidebook - isango! .

Dubai Diaries: Top Things to Do in Dubai, Land of Luxury

Dubai, a city full of magic, with its futuristic skyline and wonderful attractions, invites visitors from all over the world to experience… The post Dubai Diaries: Top Things to Do in Dubai, Land of Luxury appeared first on The Guidebook - isango! .

Get the latest offers and inspiration

Sign up to our newsletter and get the best isango! has to offer

• Enter a valid email
• Enter the characters shown below Captcha not matching

Terms of Use

• Booking terms & conditions
• Picture credits

Get in touch

Haven't found what you're looking for?

Try a more specific search (e.g Add city or destination name)

You have signed up successfully.

Please stay tuned on your email for exciting offers.

Sign Up Login Login Or Sign Up

Sign up to create and view bookings Login to create and view bookings

• Enter full name
• E-Mail ID Already Exists User does not exist Enter a valid email
• Please enter password Enter valid password(at least 6 characters)
• Remember me Forgot Password
• I wish to receive top deals and travel inspiration
• By signing up you agree to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Forgot Password

• Enter your email address and we will send an email with a link to reset your password.
• Continue Login

Email sent successfully.

San Diego Old Town Trolley Tours

Highlights:

1 day of free unlimited re-boarding, san diego’s largest tour fleet with the most frequent pickup service, only hop on and off tour over the coronado bridge to the hotel del coronado, 10 recommended museums along our tour route, handicap accessible. we request 24-hour notice, free discount coupons to attractions & restaurants, free walking tour included with trolley ticket. ask our sales rep for details, 100% satisfaction guarantee, 4.5 star review rating, operating times:, reservation notes:, number of stops:, booth location:, nearest intersection:, age requirements:.

• Meeting Planners
• Meet the Team
• Services & Resources
• Service Providers
• Hotel & Venue Search
• Convention Center
• Travel Trade
• San Diego Specialist
• Trade Offers
• Request Images
• Hosting Assistance
• Press Releases

Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego Inc

San Diego and Coronado's Only Hop-On & Hop-Off City Tour

Enjoy "America’s Finest City" on a two-hour, fully narrated, historic city tour of San Diego and Coronado aboard a uniquely themed trolley. The tour covers approximately 25 miles and over 100 points of interest in a fast-paced two-hour narrative. Guests can hop on and off at a couple stops and tour at their own pace throughout the day. Tour stops include: Old Town (4010 Twiggs St), San Diego Harbor, Seaport Village, Marriott/Convention Center, Gaslamp Quarter, Hilton Bayfront, Coronado, Hotel Del Coronado, Little Italy and Balboa Park. The Old Town Trolley city tour combines colorful anecdotes, humorous stories and well-researched historical information! A trip to San Diego isn't complete without touring on the Old Town Trolley Tour!

Tour at Your Own Pace

Depending on your start time, you may use your ticket to enjoy your tour in segments by hopping off at one or more of our 12 distinctive stops on the loop. Each stop offers a unique aspect of San Diego for you to explore. When you are ready to continue your tour, simply hop on the next available trolley. Trolleys arrive and depart approximately every 20 minutes. The number of stops you can explore in one day depends on the time of year that you are touring and the amount of time you have on the day of your tour. For your convenience, we offer two-day passes as well as discounted Old Town Trolley and SEAL Tour Combination Packages! Please ask our staff at any of our Trolley stops how to best plan your day.

Contact Info

(619) 298-8687 Toll-Free: (800) 868-7482 [email protected]

Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tour

Dying to take a ride on the dark side? Join us for a spirited & entertaining tour built on stories of history, mystery and legends of San Diego’s past! Travel back in time with us and learn...

What Makes Us Great:

• San Diego's most comprehensive tour
• Hear humorous stories, colorful anecdotes and historical facts
• Complimentary shuttle service available from select area hotels
• Winner of the EPA Energy Star Award
• 100% Money Back Guarantee
• Delighting millions of visitors since 1989
• Environmentally friendly propane vehicles
• Accessible - Request 24 hour notice
• American Owned and Operated
• Live narration by our award-winning conductors

More Information

• General Admission - Adult
• General Admission - Child

Sharing is caring

Like what you see? Share with your friends, family, and the world!

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

• Things to Do
• Downtown & Urban
• Inland Valley, Mountain & Desert
• Baja California
• Neighborhood Maps
• Getting Around
• Travel Guides & Apps
• Family Travel
• International Travelers
• Destination Weddings
• Visitor Information & Services
• Hotels & Resorts
• Bed & Breakfasts
• Camping & RV Parks
• Vacation Rentals
• Other Accommodations

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

Or use google translate.

Sightseeing to Frightseeing – Old Town Trolley Tours

With so much to see and do throughout beautiful San Diego, one of the best ways to experience as much as possible during a trip here is by taking a guided tour of the city. Old Town Trolley Tours is the company many San Diego visitors choose to trust with their sightseeing needs. Their trolley tours feature enjoyable, informative commentary as you ride, while letting you hop-on and hop-off at a dozen of San Diego’s most memorable destinations.

Save on your visit to the Old Town Trolley Tours! Old Town Trolley Tours is included on the San Diego Explorer Pass . Save an additional 5% on the Explorer Pass with Coupon Code: GO5CMANTIS The discount stacks on top the current sale prices! Promo expires on April 30th.

Old Town Trolley Tours History

Old Town Trolley Tours has been in business for over 30 years now. They got their start in Key West, Florida, where three friends lived and worked restoring that community’s historic areas to their former glories. As they took note of the growing interest in Key West, which was drawing visitors from all over the world, they decided to establish their own tour company. The result was Old Town Trolley Tours, which now operates in several cities all across the United States.

What’s to See on an Old Town Trolley Tours

An Old Town Trolley Tour in San Diego stops at 12 different sites: Old Town Market, Maritime Museum of San Diego , Embarcadero Marina, Seaport Village , Marriott Marquis, Gaslamp Quarter , Petco Park , Barrio Logan, Hotel del Coronado , Coronado , Balboa Park , and Little Italy . You can hop-on and hop-off your trolley at any or all of these attractions, making an Old Town Trolley Tour a terrific way to experience San Diego’s many charms.

An Old Town Trolley Tour isn’t just about the convenience of being ushered around the city in style, moving with ease from San Diego landmark to San Diego landmark. As you ride along, your well-informed local guide will provide you with an entertaining and knowledgeable narration that’s sure to expand your knowledge about this remarkable city.

Old Town Trolley’s hop-on, hop-off tours in San Diego are available in your choice of 1-day or 2-day formats. Old Town Trolley also offers a few other tours in the San Diego market. These include the Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tour, which lasts approximately 90 minutes and takes you to some of San Diego’s most haunted sites. Stops include Pioneer Park, El Campo Santo Cemetery, and the Whaley House, all purported to be haunted. In fact, the Whaley House has so many documented paranormal experiences that the Travel Channel has named it the most haunted house in America. The San Diego City Lights tour, which proudly bills itself as San Diego’s only historic trolley night tour; and San Diego Seal Tours , a one-of-a-kind tour experience that lets you see San Diego by bus and boat, all on the same outing. No matter which San Diego tour you choose, Old Town Trolley Tours won’t disappoint.

For the brave adventurer, Old Town Trolley Tours offer 90-minute Ghosts and Gravestones Frightseeing Tours.

Tips for Riding with Old Town Trolley Tours

• If you were to ride your Old Town Trolley Tour from start to finish without getting off a single time—while most people decide to take advantage of the hop-on, hop-off privileges, certainly some individuals do just enjoy the ride in this fashion—it would last you about two hours. Otherwise, it’s easy to turn the tour into an entire day’s adventure.
• Each stop on the tour route is scheduled to be visited by a trolley once every 30 minutes. However, conditions beyond Old Town’s control (traffic, weather, number of passengers at a given stop) can conspire to slow things down from time to time.
• The trolleys are not heated, so while San Diego’s weather is more often than not lovely, you’ll want to dress in layers if the forecast calls for cooler temperatures.
• If you’re looking to buy your Old Town Trolley Tours tickets in person, head to San Diego’s Old Town Market. There’s also plenty of parking available here.
• Old Town Trolley Tours can accommodate individuals in wheelchairs, but they request 24-hour advance notice to make such arrangements possible.

Twice as many trains? A new border express bus? Big San Diego transit plans in doubt due to state budget woes

S tate budget problems are jeopardizing a potentially game-changing $40 million plan to boost San Diego Trolley ridership by cutting wait times for trains in half.

Under the plan, which had been scheduled to take effect June 9, trains on all trolley lines would arrive twice as often during evening hours and on weekends — every 15 minutes versus 30 minutes.

And during weekday peak hours, service on part of the Blue Line connecting UC San Diego and the U.S.-Mexico border would double from once every 15 minutes to once every 7 1/2 minutes.

The proposed upgrades come with trolley ridership nearly back up to pre-pandemic levels after a sharp dip.

Speeding up transit service is critical to getting people to try mass transit instead of driving and to help achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals, Metropolitan Transit System officials said.

But MTS planned to pay for the upgrades with millions from a new $4 billion state program for transit projects and operations that is now in jeopardy because of a projected state budget deficit that has continued to widen this spring.

The state deficit is also threatening the North County Transit District's plans to use money from the new program to boost security, add wayfinding signs and add double tracking for express trains at the San Dieguito Lagoon.

State officials last week notified MTS and NCTD that allocations from the new program's first year, which had been due April 30, are frozen pending budget negotiations in Sacramento to close the projected deficit.

NCTD officials remain cautiously optimistic they will get the $54.4 million they were expecting for the upcoming budget year, said Chris Orlando, the district's chief planning and communications officer.

"We are watching closely, just like probably every other transit agency in the state," Orlando said Tuesday. "These are critical funds that transit agencies use to fill gaps."

MTS officials also hope to get the $136 million they were due to get April 30. But the MTS board's Budget Development Committee is scheduled to discuss Wednesday afternoon a proposal to delay indefinitely the trolley service enhancements.

The agency's proposed budget for the new fiscal year, which had been scheduled for adoption May 16, would use $63.3 million from the new state program, which was created by 2023 legislation known as SB 125.

That budget would spend $20 million of that funding on service enhancements — roughly equal amounts for trolleys and buses — and $43.3 million on capital improvement projects.

The $43.3 million would be part of the largest capital improvement budget in MTS history — $243 million. It would pay for 38 new buses, 22 new trolley cars and overhead charging infrastructure to support conversion to an all-electric bus fleet.

With that $43.3 million now uncertain, MTS chief executive Sharon Cooney said in a staff report that it makes sense to delay the trolley improvements and plans for an express bus between downtown and the San Ysidro border crossing.

The express bus, which would be called the 910, would operate at night when the Blue Line must be out of service because of a conflict with freight operations.

"Staff believes when the May revision of the state budget is published, it should provide some clarity on the status of the SB 125 funding," Cooney wrote in a staff report.

Gov. Gavin Newsom is scheduled to unveil his May revised budget next Tuesday. He estimated a $38 billion deficit in January, but state officials said last month they've since had to reduce revenue projections for the new fiscal year.

On April 4, Newsom and the state Legislature approved an "early action agreement" that includes $17 billion in cuts, project delays and other savings. It includes delaying, not cutting, $1 billion from SB 125.

Over the program's four years, MTS is slated to get $283 million from SB 125, while NCTD is slated to get $113 million. MTS officials plan to spend $72 million on capital improvements and $211 million on operations.

Just under $39 million of the operations money would cover the trolley service upgrades — $8 million in the new fiscal year, $9.9 million in fiscal year 2026 and $10.5 million each in fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

On the Green Line, which runs from downtown San Diego to Santee through Mission Valley and the San Diego State University campus, the improvements would affect evening hours and weekends.

Trains would continue to come every 15 minutes during the day on weekdays, but they would run twice as frequently — every 15 minutes instead of every 30 — on weekday evenings, early Saturday mornings, Saturday evenings and all day Sunday between SDSU and Santee.

On the Orange Line, which runs from downtown to El Cajon, service would shift from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes on weekday mornings, and service would be extended until after midnight on Sundays.

Service at night would also shift from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes — but only after crews complete $26 million in track upgrades that would also be funded by SB 125.

On the Blue Line, which runs from UC San Diego to the border, service would shift from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes evenings and nights. And it would shift from once every 15 minutes to once every 7 1/2 minutes during peak commute times on weekdays, but only between the border and America Plaza downtown.

MTS also plans to spend $54 million on bus route upgrades, including new routes, shorter wait times on many routes and extended service hours on some routes.

Officials said the bus and trolley upgrades were chosen based on three separate studies.

"Surveys and studies by MTS and industry-wide have shown that the single largest barrier to increasing ridership, and converting travelers form automobile to public transportation, is the transit travel time," MTS officials said of the proposed changes. "While travel time parity may be difficult to completely achieve, studies have also shown that the benefits of transit (lower cost, less stress, etc.) mean that many will accept some additional travel time to use transit."

Trolley ridership climbed back to 36 million in 2023, nearly as high as the 37.3 million in 2019 — the year before the pandemic began and commutes plummeted. Ridership dropped to 32 million in 2020 and then down to 19.5 million in 2020, before rebounding to 29.7 million in 2022.

But trolley ridership had been expected to increase sharply when an extension of the Blue Line from Old Town to La Jolla and UC San Diego began running in November 2021.

The service upgrades are part of wider campaign to boost usage that also includes added security to make passengers feel more safe.

Wednesday's meeting of the MTS Budget Development Committee is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. at 1255 Imperial Ave. downtown. It can be viewed online at sdmts.com

This story originally appeared in San Diego Union-Tribune .

©2024 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• San Antonio
• St. Augustine
• Washington DC
• HOME Main nav menu item
• MAPS & STOPS Main nav menu item
• Things to DO Main nav menu item
• SCHEDULE Main nav menu item
• REVIEWS Main nav menu item
• FAQS Main nav menu item

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

1437 reviews

Old Town Trolley Tours 4.6

San Diego Day & Night Package

Old Town Trolley Tours is the best way to see the city. The tour is also designed so that you can hop on and off and explore on your own at any time. Our fleet of orange and green trolleys travel frequently throughout San Diego and over the iconic San Diego-Coronado Bridge to Coronado on a continuous 25-mile loop visiting various neighborhoods with 11 destination stops.

Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment ® , a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment.

Ghosts & Gravestones: Join us for a spirited and entertaining tour built on stories of history, mystery and legends of San Diego’s past and darker side!

Old Town Trolley Tours: As you explore the scenic coastal landscape, you’ll learn why San Diego is called “America’s Finest City.” Since 1989, Old Town Trolley Tours has provided sightseeing tours highlighting the best of San Diego. Ghosts & Gravestones: Travel back in time with us and learn of the spirits of the notorious wild characters like Gunslingers, Gamblers and Ladies of the Night who lived and died in San Diego. It is possible that their spirits live on in the dark recesses of our historic buildings and neighborhoods.

• Old Town Trolley Tours:
• 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
• Hop on & off at 11 Old Town Trolley stops
• You may start your tour at any of our convenient stops
• FREE discount coupons ($30 value)

FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours

• FREE map brochure with day planner
• Ghosts & Gravestones Night Tour:**
• Hear stories of how Pioneer Park changes to the darker side when the sun goes down
• Journey through Old Town, walking through El Campo Santo Cemetery
• Includes outside of the Whaley House and grounds. Tour does not enter the house.
• Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day

San Diego Old Town Trolley Tours

Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment ® , a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment. Our friendly conductors narrate the San Diego tour with a fascinating and fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. It will be our pleasure to guide you through the birthplace of California on one of our orange and green trolleys.

Old Town Trolley Tours is the best way to see the city. Because we showcase the best of San Diego and Coronado, you can avoid costly parking and city driving. The tour is also designed so that you can hop on and off and explore on your own at any time. With frequent pickups at all our stops, this helps you avoid walking long distances.

Enjoy San Diego your way with our self-guided walking tours. As you hop off the trolley, the adventure continues at your own pace, using your smartphone for turn-by-turn guided audio tours. Explore rich history, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of America’s Finest City. Even after you disembark, the fun keeps going, ensuring an unforgettable experience that’s uniquely yours.

Ghosts & Gravestones Tour

Travel back in time and hear about the spirits of the notorious characters who lived & died in San Diego.

Notorious wild characters like Gunslingers, Gamblers and Ladies of the Night lived and died in San Diego and it is possible that their spirits live on in the dark recesses of our historic buildings and neighborhoods.

Pioneer Park is perfect for picnics and for school children to play; indeed, it is a lovely place during the day. Located next to Grant School, hear stories of how the park changes to the darker side when the sun goes down and there is a different feeling in the air.

Journey through Old Town, walking through El Campo Santo Cemetery – both sites of many reported paranormal occurrences.

**Reservations are required. This tour is not appropriate for children. We run most dark & stormy nights; dress appropriately. Part of the tour is walking. Wear comfortable shoes or you will be dead on your feet.

Old Town Trolley Stops in San Diego

Hop on and off at any of our 11 convenient stops.

• A stop Old Town Market
• B stop Maritime Museum / Star of India
• C stop Embarcadero Marina
• D stop Seaport Village
• E stop Marriott Marquis and Marina
• F stop Gaslamp Quarter
• G stop East Convention Center – Petco Park and Hilton Bayfront
• H stop Barrio Logan
• I stop Coronado / Orange Avenue
• J stop Balboa Park / Zoo
• K stop Little Italy

Booth Locations

Stop A – Old Town 4010 Twiggs St.

Stop C – Embarcadero 1004 N. Harbor Drive

Stop D – Seaport Village 825 West Harbor Drive

Stop F – Gaslamp Quarter 4th and Island Ave.

Stop I – Coronado – Orange Ave. 1107 Orange Ave.

Tours open daily.

January 1 – March 9, July 4, November 3 – December 31 9am – 5pm Last tour departs Old Town at 3pm finishing up approximately at 5pm.

March 10 – July 3, July 5 – November 2 9am – 6pm Last tour departs Old Town at 4pm finishing up approximately at 6pm.

Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Times vary depending on season.

Download  trolley schedule . 

Special Event Dates (Events may cause delays, closed streets & tour stops) Memorial Weekend, Rock-N-Roll Marathon, Independence Day, Comic Con, AFC Half Marathon, Labor Day Weekend, December Nights.

Ghosts & Gravestones

Tours operating Nightly.

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Limited tours offered in December.

Check reservations calendar for availability and times*.

Check-in time is 30 minutes prior to departure time. Late arrivals may result in forfeited seat.

Reservations are required. Guests must check in with our sales rep at the ticket booth 30 minutes prior to departure. Late check-in may result in forfeited reserved seat. Reservation based tickets are non-refundable. You may reschedule up to 24 hours in advance of tour time.

Length of tour:  Approximately 90 minutes.

This tour may not be suitable for children under 13 years of age. Please note that a significant amount of this tour requires traversing over uneven grounds and also includes historic sites and buildings with no wheelchair accessibility in poorly lit areas. Wear comfortable shoes or you will be dead on your feet.

*Ghosts & Gravestones: Reservations are required. Guests must check in with our sales rep at the ticket booth 30 minutes prior to departure. Late check-in may result in forfeited reserved seat. Reservation based tickets are non-refundable. You may reschedule up to 24 hours in advance of tour time. This tour may not be suitable for children under 13 years of age. Please note that a significant amount of this tour requires traversing over uneven grounds and also includes historic sites and buildings with no wheelchair accessibility in poorly lit areas. Wear comfortable shoes or you will be dead on your feet. Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day.

Bryce Miller: Padres boss A.J. Preller earns tip of the cap for fancy footwork in 2024

Moves to pick up Dylan Cease, Luis Arraez, more while juggling key losses and payroll reduction has impressed

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

We interrupt this regularly scheduled Padres season to do a very un-San Diego thing: It’s time to tip a cap in the direction of President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller.

If baseball is America’s pastime, bashing Preller like a money-engorged piñata is San Diego’s slice of that bat-and-ball pie.

There’s plenty of criticism to dish out, of course. In nearly a decade, the Padres have not gotten to the postseason enough — period, end of discussion.

One serious playoff run in all those years, with the riches that have been pumped into the franchise more recently borders on unimaginable.

Think about this season and this team, though.

The Padres lost All-Star Juan Soto, Cy Young winner Blake Snell, elite closer Josh Hader, solid rotation anchors Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo, versatile arm Nick Martinez, Gold Glove center fielder Trent Grisham and the the sky did fall onto Petco Park.

The Western Metal Supply Co. building did not crumble.

Locusts did not invade Gallagher Square.

As the Padres and Dodgers lined up for the second game of the weekend series Saturday at Petco Park, the Padres — these Padres — seem positioned to compete in a way that would have earned you a sobriety test if you had predicted it in the spring.

Then, no left fielder. No center fielder. No long-term designated hitter. A rotation with more holes than a pair of college socks. Superstars trending downward. Energy, muted.

Optimism had hit the showers and grabbed the trolley for San Ysidro.

What Preller has been able to do since has been a marvel of creativity, farm system maintenance, financial two-stepping and thinking that stiff-arms impossible.

Preller has been a Ringling Brothers juggler who would make Barnum and Bailey gush.

A season ago, Jurickson Profar was a mile-high bust in Colorado with a .236 batting average and a 77 OPS+, which measures a middle of the pack big-leaguer at 100.

Everyone screamed from the top of Mount Helix for Tommy Pham. Though it’s early, Profar has a higher batting average, OPS and OPS+ for one-third of the price.

Preller rolled the dice on a 20-year-old, Jackson Merrill, in center field despite never playing above Double-A.

Then came the real head-shakers.

On the final day of spring training, he scooped up ace-level arm Dylan Cease . That was possible because he had acquired Drew Thorpe in the Soto deal, along with huge-upside starter Michael King, who was masterful Friday against the Dodgers.

And because Preller had restocked the farm system, again, he was able to lasso two-time batting champ Luis Arraez , the guy with the walk-off winner in the series opener.

The Arraez deal happened because of prospect capital, which allowed him to pull a rabbit out of the baseball cap without imperiling the franchise as a serial money-burning offender of the competitive balance tax.

In fact, Preller sealed the deal with Arraez while still leaving enough wiggle room to make a move at the trade deadline if the Padres need an arm or a bat.

Say what you want, but it has been impressive to watch. The Padres are in a far better spot to win because of the ingenuity Preller has flashed.

“We had a lot of turnover on this team, let’s be honest,” manager Mike Shildt said. “Then you trim payroll significantly, you have a new manager, so there’s a lot to re-direct. I applaud him for how he’s been able to do it on multiple levels.

“To see him and his staff constantly looking to explore every option at all times, it’s impressive.”

The reputation of Preller understandably had become that of a chess player who only knew how to spend someone else’s money with big contract after big contract.

Preller with financial guardrails, though, has sharpened the spotlight on his ability to be a deal maker who can keep an eye on the books and farm at the same time.

No Soto trade, no Cease

No farm rebuild, no Arraez.

“Scouting and development is the life blood of an organization,” Shildt said. “It starts with evaluation and accruing talent. This group is as good as I’ve seen and that’s a high bar. You can say the work ethic is high, but it should be high in the major leagues.

“It’s the next level of work and dedication. When I say they leave no stone unturned in the scouting operation, it’s an A+.”

In the case of Cease and Arraez, it’s not just that Preller found a way to land them. It’s that he shrugged off any perceived calendar limitations.

You don’t land an ace when you’re locking the doors of the spring training facility. You don’t pull off a coup like Arraez in May, adding in nearly three months of bonus production ahead of the trade deadline.

It’s getting tougher and tougher for Preller to surprise people.

“I know how aggressive he is,” Padres first baseman Jake Cronenworth said. “It’s not the first time he’s made a big trade. So at this point, it doesn’t surprise any of us.

“It gives us an opportunity to compete with a really good shot to make the playoffs. It’s been great.”

It all will ring hallow if the Padres are sitting on the sidelines in October, of course. There are still demons to face in September. But Preller made this team better, fast. He gave it a chance to win.

Tip the cap.

Sign up for U-T Sports daily newsletter

The latest Padres, Chargers and Aztecs headlines along with the other top San Diego sports stories every morning.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

More from this Author

Sports Columnists

Bryce Miller: Padres hit the gas to win another series against the Dodgers

May 12, 2024

Bryce Miller: Legendary Encinitas agent Barry Axelrod remembered by Wally Joyner, Phil Nevin, others

May 10, 2024

Bryce Miller: Softball-smashing Mac Barbara leads San Diego State into promising postseason

May 8, 2024

Bryce Miller: Thrill ride of a Kentucky Derby finish, unseen since 1947, crowns Mystik Dan

May 4, 2024

Where’s My Ring hits the snooze button, finishes 10th in soggy Kentucky Oaks

May 3, 2024

Bryce Miller: Coach Brandon Moore ramps up USD’s football rebuild after being ‘knocked off my feet’ by hazing investigation

More in this section.

Nick Canepa: Tony Gwynn’s legacy lives on in city he loved, refused to leave

Tony Gwynn would have turned 64 on Thursday; he remains our city’s most important athlete

May 11, 2024

Nick Canepa: In the age of NIL and the transfer portal, who will clean up college athletics?

Gen. Douglas MacArthur once intervened to make peace between the NCAA and AAU; oh, how we could use him in 2024

Bryce Miller: Inside the wild tale of horse trainer Val Brinkerhoff, a Del Mar moment and a $550,000 ring

Dominos connected cowboy and businessman, laying foundation for a trip to prestigious Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs

May 2, 2024

Bryce Miller: Del Mar trainer Phil D’Amato ditches law, lands in first Kentucky Derby with Stronghold

Southern Californian who began his career working at Churchill Downs reaches horse racing’s crown jewel for first time

May 1, 2024

Bryce Miller: Del Mar veterans peel back the stories on the verge of the 150th Kentucky Derby

Dan Smith, Mac McBride and Hank Wesch own connections to Del Mar’s seaside track that go back nearly 125 years

April 30, 2024

Bryce Miller: Padres must figure out a way to beat playoff-caliber teams like Phillies

The Padres, after early success, have lost 6 of the last 7 against teams that reached the 2023 playoffs

April 28, 2024