San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour in San Diego
San Diego, United States

San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

Outty Ranking 71 4.6 · 108 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $36

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September 2026

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Adults

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$36
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Outty Ranking

71/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 108 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour worth booking?

San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour is a 2-hour experience in San Diego, United States, from $36 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 108 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
71 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (108)
Duration
2 hours
From
$36 per person

While you’re in port, discover San Diego at your own pace with a one-day ticket on the San Diego Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour. This do-it-yourself shore excursion allows you to create your own itinerary so you can see the

What you get

    About this experience

    While you’re in port, discover San Diego at your own pace with a one-day ticket on the San Diego Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour. This do-it-yourself shore excursion allows you to create your own itinerary so you can see the popular sights of San Diego at your own pace – simply hop off at any stop and hop back on the trolley when you’re ready!

    What's included

    Included

    • Live commentary on board
    • Local taxes

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Food and drinks
    • Tour does not operate on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Historic Tours Of America

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if a wheelchair-accessible trolley is required
    • Emotional support animals or pets not allowed

    Photos

    San Diego Hop-On Hop-Off TrolleySan Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour in San Diego, photo 3San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour in San Diego, photo 4San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour in San Diego, photo 5San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour in San Diego, photo 6San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour in San Diego, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 107 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    107 verified traveler reviews for San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    80
    4 star
    17
    3 star
    6
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    4
    Sort
    Dennis_P · August 2026

    Both guides, Jacob and...

    Both guides, Jacob and Jack are fantastic at keeping the tour fresh and interesting. Definitely would do it again!!!

    via Viator

    Anglluves · July 2026

    Super fun for kids all ages

    The tour trolley drivers were very funny and knew a lot about San Diego I have lived in California for all my life and I learned more about San Diego through the hop on and hop off trolley ride. The kids very much enjoyed it and so did I.

    via Tripadvisor

    Joe_AR1087 · July 2026

    Nice trolley ride exploring neighborhoods

    I booked with gocity for a 2day city pass and this came free with it. I recommend to do the Gocity and this comes with it totally worth it as it takes you to all the main sites and museums. The driver tells you hostroy and stories. It goes all around the main points of interest. They go even if its cold and raining and people can have snacks while o the trip. The only thing I think the company should do is also hire some bilingual English and Spanish speakers since there were many hispanics that didn't seem to understand a few of the drivers. Could come in handy just a recommendation at least. I totally recommend this trolley tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    Everett_N · July 2026

    Happy

    Get up early enough so that you can get off at every stop and explore what they have to offer you can always get back on the next trolley in 30 minutes or less

    via Viator

    Philip_J · June 2026

    Worth every cent!

    Worth the price and super convenient to get around the various sites of the city. I would absolutely do it again. Parking at Little Italy or the gas lamp quarter is super expensive, so, being able to just hop on and off a trolley to grab lunch and do some shopping was way more convenient. If you rented a car, I would recommend starting in old town because parking is free and the Mexican food there is amazing.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $36 to $79
    Booked in 30 days
    38
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 71

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
    Review evidence (18% weight)63
    Booking momentum (14% weight)57
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)69
    Local standing (8% weight)41
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Diego.

    How much does San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $36 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Diego usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Diego is not rushed.

    Is San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 108 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Diego, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour?

    +

    Around 38 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Diego can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Diego and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does San Diego Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Diego within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in San Diego?

    +

    San Diego is an outdoor-first city: whale watching from December through April, La Jolla kayak and snorkel runs year round, harbour cruises and the USS Midway, plus Balboa Park museums when the marine layer sits low. We rank water operators on group ratios and gear quality, which is where the cheap La Jolla trips fall down. On Outty we rank every San Diego experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include USS Midway Museum Admission: Valid Any Date, Taste of Little Italy in San Diego, San Diego Whale Watching Cruise. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit San Diego?

    +

    March to May and September to November, either side of the June overcast. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in San Diego?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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