San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour

The San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour offers an efficient and insightful way to explore the city’s top sights. Operating seasonally, the tour provides access to 11 convenient stops, including the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, the renowned San Diego Zoo, and the historic USS Midway Museum. With knowledgeable guides providing live commentary, this popular tour has earned a stellar reputation among travelers. Whether you’re seeking a rundown or want to delve deeper into specific attractions, this trolley tour promises an engaging and memorable experience.

Key Points

• The San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s top attractions, including the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Zoo, and Old Town State Historic Park.
• The tour operates year-round, with seasonal schedule changes, and provides live commentary from knowledgeable on-board guides.
• The tour includes local taxes, live commentary, and gratuities, and is wheelchair and stroller accessible with service animals allowed.
• Customers praise the tour’s efficiency, knowledgeable drivers, and scenic views, with recommendations to start early for maximizing hop-off opportunities.
• The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and a Lowest Price Guarantee, with a Reserve Now and Pay Later option available.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s top attractions.

With a 93% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, the tour allows passengers to discover iconic landmarks like the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Zoo, USS Midway, and Old Town State Historic Park.

The 11 convenient stops and trolleys arriving every 20-30 minutes provide ample flexibility to hop on and off as desired.

Whether opting for a one- or two-day pass, passengers can enjoy live commentary from knowledgeable on-board guides, ensuring an informative and engaging sightseeing experience.

Tour Details and Schedule

The San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour operates on a schedule that allows visitors to plan their sightseeing efficiently.

The tour runs from March 11 to October 29 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last tour departing at 4 PM.

From October 30 to March 10, the tour runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last tour departing at 3 PM.

The tour is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Brochures with the schedule are provided.

The full ride takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

Inclusions and Accessibility

What does the San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour include, and how accessible is it?

The tour includes local taxes, live commentary, and gratuities. Food and drinks are not provided.

The trolleys are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed, but emotional support animals or pets are not.

In October, kids aged 0-12 can ride for free with a paid adult.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and a lowest price guarantee. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, but capacity is limited to 38 passengers per trolley, so busy days may require waiting for the next one.

Customer Reviews and Experiences

According to customer reviews, the San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 2,122 reviews.

Travelers praise the tour’s efficiency, knowledgeable drivers, and scenic views. Many suggest starting the tour early to maximize hop-off opportunities at the 11 convenient stops.

Customers also highlight the drivers’ humor and historical insights as highlights of the experience.

While the tour is generally well-received, some reviewers note that busy days may require waiting for the next trolley, as the trolleys have a capacity of 38 passengers.

Booking Information

For those interested in booking the San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour, several convenient options are available.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, as well as a Lowest Price Guarantee. Customers can also opt for the Reserve Now and Pay Later option.

Upon booking, confirmation is received immediately. However, capacity is limited, with trolleys holding 38 passengers. Busy days may require waiting for the next trolley.

Exploring the Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter, a vibrant and historic district in downtown San Diego, beckons visitors with its lively ambiance and diverse array of attractions.

Hop off the trolley and explore the district’s charming Victorian-era buildings, which now house an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and entertainment venues.

Stroll along the bustling streets, taking in the street performers, art galleries, and lively nightlife.

The Gaslamp Quarter offers a glimpse into San Diego’s past while showcasing the city’s contemporary flair, making it a must-visit destination on the hop-on, hop-off trolley tour.

Discovering the San Diego Zoo

After exploring the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, visitors can hop back on the San Diego Trolley Tour and journey to the renowned San Diego Zoo.

As one of the largest and most diverse zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo is home to over 3,700 animals representing more than 650 species.

From the iconic koalas and pandas to the majestic polar bears and giant pandas, the zoo offers a captivating experience for all ages.

With the trolley’s convenient stops, guests can easily access the zoo’s main entrance and enjoy a day filled with educational encounters and memorable wildlife sightings.

Visiting the USS Midway Museum

As visitors stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter, they can easily transition to the next highlight of the San Diego Trolley Tour – the renowned USS Midway Museum. This historic aircraft carrier offers a unique opportunity to explore naval history and witness the awe-inspiring scale of the vessel. Visitors can venture through the flight deck, explore the interior, and learn about the ship’s storied past.

Experience	Duration	Highlights
Flight Deck Tour	30-45 minutes	Explore fighter jets, helicopters, and more
Self-Guided Tour	1-2 hours	Discover the bridge, engine room, and other key areas
Audio Tour	Flexible	Gain insights from former Midway crew members

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tours Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour company offers tours in English, but does not specify whether additional language options are available. Travelers who require tours in other languages should inquire about the availability of multilingual guides or audio tours.

Is Parking Available at the Tour Stops?

Parking availability varies at the tour stops. Some stops may offer limited on-site parking, while others rely on nearby public parking lots or street parking. Guests are advised to check parking options prior to arriving at each stop.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Trolley?

According to the tour details, food and drinks are not included in the tour, but passengers are allowed to bring their own. However, consuming food and beverages on the trolley is not explicitly mentioned in the information provided.

Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?

The tour offers discounted fares for seniors aged 65 and over, as well as reduced rates for students with valid student ID. These discounts can be applied during the booking process or at the ticket counter.

How Reliable Is the Trolley Schedule During Peak Tourist Seasons?

During peak tourist seasons, trolley schedules can be impacted by increased demand, potentially leading to occasional delays or longer wait times between arrivals. However, the operator strives to maintain reliable service to the best of their abilities.

The Sum Up

The San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour offers an efficient and scenic way to discover the city’s top attractions. With convenient stops, live commentary, and high customer ratings, it provides a comprehensive exploration of iconic landmarks like the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Zoo, and USS Midway. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, this tour is an excellent way to experience the best of San Diego.