The Botanical Building in Balboa Park, San Diego

Hop on hop off San Diego

San Diego's mild weather suits open-air sightseeing. A narrated trolley tour links Old Town and the downtown waterfront, and a harbor cruise adds the bay.

Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

By Rédaction LocationAutocar · Updated

The narrated trolley tour is the headline product, with stops that include Old Town, and drivers who tell the story of the city. After dark, a city lights trolley tour shows the skyline, and a harbor cruise gives a view of the bay.

Our top pick: San Diego: Hop-On Hop-Off Narrated Trolley Tour

San Diego bus tickets compared

Most booked

San Diego: Hop-On Hop-Off Narrated Trolley Tour

4.7/5 from nearly 1,600 reviews.

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San Diego: City Lights Night Trolley Tour

4.7/5 from nearly 600 reviews.

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By boat

San Diego: Harbor Cruise

4.6/5 from nearly 1,500 reviews.

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Why book online

  • Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
  • Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
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  • Reviews from verified travelers

Marine layer: mornings are often cloudy near the coast in late spring and early summer. Ride later in the day for clearer views.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the San Diego trolley tour worth it?

Yes. It has very high ratings from over 1,500 reviews and covers sights that are hard to link on foot. Pair it with a harbor cruise for the waterfront.

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