Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in San Diego

Located on California’s Pacific Coast, San Diego is a family-friendly destination known for its sandy beaches, moderate climate and a multitude of exciting attractions. Explore this modern city and familiarize yourself with its many landmarks by joining a hop-on hop-off trolley tour in San Diego.

These tours provide an affordable and fun-filled way to get to know one of the USA’s most popular cities aboard an old-fashioned trolley as you explore San Diego at your own pace.

Here's all you need to know about hop-on hop-off tours, one of the most worthwhile sightseeing tours in San Diego.

What are the best hop-on hop-off San Diego tours? What are their prices?

Old Town Trolley Tours

Old Town Trolley Tours has been around since 1989 and is a trusted name within San Diego’s tourism industry. Not only do Old Town Trolleys offer the only hop-on hop-off tour in San Diego's Old Town and Coronado, but they also provide entertaining narration by award-winning conductors.

The company is 100% American-owned and operated and is proud to be a local business that has been serving the community and San Diego’s visitors for decades. The trolleys used are eco-friendly propane vehicles that offer excellent views, no matter where you’re seated.

Route

The 40-kilometer route that the hop-on hop-off trolley tour takes allows you to see over 100 of San Diego’s top-rated attractions. Some of the stops include:

• Old Town Market
• Maritime Museum
• Embarcadero Marina
• Headquarters at Seaport District
• Seaport Village
• Marriott Marquis and Marina
• Gaslamp Quarter
• East Convention Center
• Barrio Logan
• Orange Avenue
• Balboa Park
• Little Italy

Old Town Trolley Tours offers an interactive digital map that can be downloaded onto your mobile phone so you can familiarize yourself with the route and the various stops along the way.

Timetable

Old Town Trolley tours operate daily and are only closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The trolley runs from 9 AM to 5 PM between January 1 and March 10, on July 4, and between October 30 and December 31, with the last tour leaving the Old Town at 3 PM.

The trolley operates between 9 AM and 6 PM from March 11 to July 3, and between July 5 and October 29, with the last tour leaving the Old Town at 4 PM.

Tickets

The 1-day Old Town Trolley Tour, which provides you with one day of unlimited boarding, costs roughly US$49 per person for an adult ticket. Tickets for children under 13 usually cost US$34 per child, with children under 4 being granted free access.

The 2-Day Old Town Trolley Tour grants you unlimited boarding for two consecutive days. Tickets for the 2-day pass cost approximately US$86 per adult and around US$60 per child under 13. Children under 4 get to ride the trolley for free so long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Exact prices can’t be given as prices fluctuate on a daily basis based on how many people are interested in a hop-on hop-off trolley tour for that specific date. If you want to enjoy discounted ticket prices, it is best that you reserve your tickets in advance.

How do hop-on hop-off tours in San Diego work? What is included?

When you book a hop-on hop-off trolley tour in San Diego, you’ll need to book for a specific date. On the day of your tour, you can board the trolley at any of the 12 stops along the 40-kilometer route. You will enjoy unlimited re-boarding for the entire day/days depending on if you bought the 1-day or 2-day pass.

In addition to a full-day experience exploring the city, you’ll also be given discount coupons to the value of US$30 or more that you can use at various local shops and attractions.

Are there any combined tickets including hop-on hop-off tours?

Make the most of your time in San Diego by opting for one of the many combined tickets that allow you to enjoy a hop-on hop-off tour and access to various other attractions. These combo tickets are typically offered at a discounted rate, thus allowing you to save money.

Hop-on Hop-off Trolley tour plus SEAL boat ride

One of the most popular packages is the Trolley and SEAL tour combo, which grants you access to a 1-day Old Town Trolley Tour as well as a SEAL boat ride that takes place in Seaport Village. These tickets typically cost around US$90 per adult and US$60 per child under 13.

Hop-on Hop-off Trolley tour plus USS Midway Museum ticket

Another combo is the Trolley and USS Midway Museum Package, which offers you a 1-day Old Town Trolley pass as well as an entrance ticket to the USS Midway Museum. These combo tickets cost around US$78 per adult and roughly US$50 per child under 13.

Travel tips

• Look for discounts by purchasing your tickets online ahead of time.
• If you're in San Diego for more than a day, consider getting a multi-day ticket.
• Comfortable shoes are a must, as well as layers of clothing you take off and put on to adapt to different temperatures.
• Bring water with you to remain hydrated, especially if you're walking around a lot.
• If you're looking to visit multiple stops, consider starting your day early.
• Look into trolley stops near restaurants or famous food spots beforehand so you can align your meal times with your travel plan.
• Familiarize yourself with the trolley schedule so you don't have to wait too long at a stop.
• Consider staying on the trolley for a full loop to get an overview of all the stops and then decide where you want to hop off.
• Engage with the trolley guides – they know plenty of information about the main attractions and local tidbits and recommendations.
• Always be aware of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
• Be mindful of road traffic when hopping off the trolley.
• Don't litter, be mindful of local residents, and try to support local businesses.