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San Diego Attractions, Tours & Ticket Center. San Diego Zoo, Old Town Trolley, Wild Animal Park, and more.
See the Best of San Diego
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  Old Town Trolley Tours  
 

Like no place on earth, San Diego offers an abundance of stunning natural beauty, rich history and an array of cultural, iconic and entertaining attractions. The best way to see it all is on board the city’s original sightseeing tour, Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego.

family walking with aircraft carrier in backgroundOld Town Trolley Tours has been transporting guests around the city for more than 20 years. Combining points of interest with fascinating history and amusing anecdotes, our trolley tour stops at all of San Diego’s most popular attractions.

old town trolley driving through balboa park arch Led by our knowledgeable conductors, this tour that is under 2 hours allows you to get off and on as often as you wish, spend as much time as you like at each stop and re-board another trolley when you are ready.

You will be treated to gorgeous views of the Big Bay and city skyline from atop the 2-mile long Coronado Bridge – our ribbon of blue steel. Travel through our historic Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town – the birthplace of California, the Embarcadero and Little Italy. We will take you to the island of Coronado – home to the fabulous and historic Hotel del Coronado as well as the Coronado Beach which is consistently on the list of top 10 beaches in the country. Now if that isn’t enough to make your day, we also have a stop in Balboa Park – home to over 12 museums, free gardens, The Old Globe Theatre and the World Famous San Diego Zoo!

San Diego, affectionately known as “America’s Finest City,” is the ideal place for visitors of all ages, with pristine beaches, marvelous weather and endless possibilities for activities to suit everyone’s pace. Learn the remarkable facts about California’s second largest city and how it came to be the paradise it is today on Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego. Sit back, enjoy the view and leave the driving to us!

old town trolley with san diego skyline in background   exterior of hotel del coronado

Here are just a few reasons why Old Town Trolley is the best sightseeing tour in town:

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  San Diego, California is the 9th largest city in the United States, with 2.5 million residents.  
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• Free unlimited re-boarding at all stops

• Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures

• Hop on & off at 12 Old Town Trolley stops

• Free discount coupons ($30 value)

• 100% satisfaction guarantee

• Most frequent hop on & off all day tour of San Diego & Coronado

• Voted “Best Way to See The City” by SignOnSanDiego.com

• Twice awarded Finest Service Award by San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau

 
 

Learn more information about San Diego Tours.

 
   
       
       
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San Diego SEAL Tours

What drives like a bus and glides like a boat? The San Diego SEAL Tour, of course!

 
     
 

make a splash on the sealIf you’ve ever wished for a tour that showcases the most interesting vantage point of San Diego, then climb aboard the San Diego SEAL Tour and see America’s Finest City how it was meant to be seen – by sea and by land!

 

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  guests viewing sea lions inside seal vehicle in water

The fun begins at Seaport Village or at Embarcadero, when our Hydra-Terra amphibious vehicle takes off heading on the road around the Big Bay where you will get a chance to see the Midway Museum, the Maritime Museum where the Star of India is docked, Lindbergh Field – our international airport dedicated to Charles Lindbergh, Liberty Station and more!

water dropsAfter your 15-minute road trip, get ready for a thrilling change of venue…and vehicle…as the San Diego SEAL effortlessly splashes down into the bay. The boat is a US Coast Guard approved vehicle that was designed to travel on land and in the water. It offers a comfortable, relaxed, and safe way to see all that San Diego has to offer from a very unique perspective. In fact, it is the ONLY amphibious tour in San Diego.

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As you glide along the beautiful, calm waters of San Diego Bay, you will see several significant sights including the North Island Naval Air Station which is one of the largest military repair facilities for jet fighter planes as well as the Birthplace of Naval Aviation, the Point Loma Nuclear Submarine Base, and the Marine Mammal Training Center. Keep a watchful eye on the water as our friendly San Diego sea lions are awaiting your arrival. You may also catch a glimpse of a Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, and California Brown Pelican along the way. After turning the boat back into a bus, your SEAL crew will take you on a 15-minute leisurely drive back to where it all started.

seal that reads 'United States Coast Guard Approved'Get your cameras ready because you never know what you will encounter on the San Diego SEAL Tour!

 
  RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED!  
 

Learn more information about San Diego Seal Tours.

 
   
     
       
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  Old Town Market & Casa de Aguirre

Sink your teeth into a fresh, homemade tortilla made by one of San Diego’s Old Town Tortilla Ladies. Enter an era gone by as you stroll through Old Town Market. Here, a collection of excellent restaurants, unique shops, museums and more are reminiscent of San Diego’s earliest years.

 
 

ceramic pot decorated with fish

 

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In Old Town Market, you’ll feel transported to the early 1800’s when the first Mexican settlers began to build homes and new lives. Their influence is still thriving today throughout San Diego, but especially in Old Town Market, where you can sample authentic Mexican cuisine and see some the original adobe structures that have been amazingly restored.

Learn more about San Diego’s rich, diverse past as you tour through museums; see historic landmarks and hear interesting facts from our park rangers and guides. Take your time to browse through an assortment of gift shops and boutiques—each offering out-of-the-ordinary items and a variety of products with Mexican flair.

 

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San Diego was earlier named San Miguel by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo; the first Portuguese explorer to land here. But it was renamed San Diego by Sebastian Vizcaino.

 
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See local artisans create magnificent handmade novelties and crafts, candles and yes, delicious homemade tortillas! Spend a few hours of an afternoon—there’s so much to see and do in this quaint and lovely San Diego destination.

At Casa de Aguirre you'll find an important landmark within the Old Town Market as it displays the life and traditions of the settlers of Old Town, San Diego’s first city. The home of Don Jose Aguirre and his family, the original adobe was built in 1853. Don Jose later gave the building and all his land to the Catholic Church. Father Antonio Ubach used the home as a site for an industrial school for Indians. Although the original structure was destroyed in 1914, it was reconstructed and now serves as a free museum at the entrance of Old Town State Historic Park.

 
 

Learn more information about Old Town Market San Diego.

 
 
       
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  wedding party looking out the windows from wedding trolley    
 
  Bella Wedding Trolley

Old Town Trolley also offers a unique brand of transportation that we refer to as "Transportainment". "Transportainment" is a combination of transportation and entertainment that allows your group to receive a highlight tour of the city as you make your way from one location to another.

 
 
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  Photos Courtesy of Patty Brutlag/
Petula Pea Photography
   
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This service is perfect should you decide that you would like a different method of transportation for a special event that you will offer while in San Diego. In combination with our historic trolleys and excellent guides, our transportation services add a perfect touch to any off-site event and have become the premier method by which groups transfer themselves from one location to another.

Our wedding trolley “Bella” is available for any special occasion that would be a cause for celebration; especially weddings. Our elegantly beautiful trolley, chauffeured by our professional tuxedo-clad drivers, can seat a maximum capacity of 22 and will ensure that your group arrives in style! Red carpet treatment awaits aboard our classic charming trolley: “Bella”. Services are available for private charter year-round between the hours of 8:00am-Midnight.

 
 

Learn more information about San Diego Weddings.

 
   
       
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Ghosts & Gravestones Tour

"Join us for a spirited & entertaining tour built on stories of history, mystery and legends of San Diego’s past & DARKER SIDE!"

 
 

ghost hosts and guests at cemetery

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.
 
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.
 
ghost hostsJourney through Old Town, walking through El Campo Santo Cemetery and ending at the Whaley House, both sites of many reported paranormal occurrences. According the Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted, the Whaley house* is the most haunted house in the United Sates.  Although we cannot state positively that the House is really haunted, the voluminous documentation of paranormal occurrences at the site makes a compelling case.  But, if there are ghosts at the Whaley House*, who are they and why are they here?

*Includes outside of the Whaley House and grounds. Tour does not enter the house.

Call for availability.

 
 

Learn more information about Ghosts and Gravestones San Diego.

 
   
       
     
       
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La Jolla & San Diego Beaches Day Tripper Tour

No tour dates currently available. Please check back in 2024.

San Diego is known for 70 miles of beautiful beaches and mild temperatures. What better way for you to experience the magic than on Old Town Trolley's La Jolla & San Diego Beaches Day Tripper Tour.

 
 

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Hop on board our colorful Beach Cruiser and be transported to the top of Mt. Soledad, 822 feet above sea level. There, you will be treated to a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean. Then, descend into La Jolla, "The Jewel" of San Diego, past the Cove and the famous Children's Pool and into the heart of the Village where you can hop off and experience Paradise by the sea! The journey continues along the coast and through the beach towns of Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Throughout the tour, you'll see rocky cliffs and sandy beaches, reefs and tide pools, seals and surfers and lots of happy people enjoying the best that Southern California has to offer. Tour includes a 20-minute stop in Mount Soledad and a 3.5 hour stop in La Jolla.

guests riding beach trolleyThings to Do in La Jolla
• Climb along the sea wall at the CHILDREN'S POOL and snap a photo of the seals lounging on the beach below.

• Take a walk deep down into SUNNY JIM'S CAVE, one of the 7 SISTERS CAVES.

• Hike along the COAST WALK TRAIL and enjoy breathtaking views.

• Dine in a WORLD CLASS RESTAURANT or grab a snack and have a picnic at SCRIPPS PARK, next to LA JOLLA COVE, San Diego's most desirable spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

• Stroll around the Village and shop in stores that rival those you would find on RODEO DRIVE.

• Art lovers will enjoy the MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART and many fine galleries scattered throughout the village.

• Visit the beautiful LA VALENCIA HOTEL, famous getaway for Hollywood's elite.

 
   
 
   
       
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  san diego city lights night tour    
 
 

San Diego City Lights Night Tour

 
 

night tour trolley

Here’s your chance to see San Diego in a different light! Join us aboard our City Lights Night Tour and enjoy America’s Finest City like you never have before. You’ll start off your journey exploring the Historic Gaslamp Quarter, where you’ll feel the energy of San Diego’s vibrant nightlife. After that, you’ll make your way to Balboa Park and watch as the city is transformed by stunning buildings, fountains, and statues glowing bright.

san diego city night lights tourOur expert guides will drive you to the top of the Coronado Bridge for more spectacular sights and, along the way, you’ll cruise past notable landmarks where you’ll get to experience them like you never have before! At Coronado’s Ferry Landing, we’ll make a 15-minute stop to take in the stunning San Diego city skyline.

 
 

Learn more information about San Diego City Lights Night Tours.

 
   
       
       
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  san diego visitor information center    
 
  San Diego Visitor Information Center

Ready to discover why San Diego is one of the top vacation destinations in the USA? Before you go anywhere in the city, stop into the new San Diego Visitors Info Center.

 
 

san diego visitor information center logo Staffed by a group of multilingual local experts, the center is where you can pick up maps, brochures, guidebooks and discounted tickets to area attractions. It’s also our pleasure to assist you in planning out your sightseeing itinerary while you’re here. From museums and cultural attractions to tours, events, art, dining and historical points of interest, we’ll give you insider’s information so you can make the most of your precious vacation time. You can also pick up snacks and cold drinks and all the San Diego merchandise you need to remember your trip!

guests at san diego visitor information centerCall us for more information: 619-236-1242
996 N Harbor Drive on the Southwest corner of N Harbor Drive & West Broadway

For More Information Visit Our San Diego Visitor Info Center Website.

 
     
   
       
       
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  The Whale House    
 
  The Whaley House Museum
 
 

Whaley House sitting roomOn May 6, 1865, Thomas Whaley began construction on his new home and proclaimed “My new house, when completed, will be the handsomest, most comfortable and convenient place in town or within 150 miles of here.” True to his word, the Whaley House became a communal treasure serving as San Diego's first commercial theater, the county courthouse, and a general store. It also served as the Whaley family’s personal home throughout that time.

Unfortunately, tragedy continued to strike the Whaley family while they lived in the home leading to an increase in reported paranormal activity. The eerie history of this landmark has only increased its notoriety amongst ghost hunters throughout the decades. Today, San Diego’s famed Whaley House is widely regarded as the most haunted house in America.

From its rich Greek Revival architecture style and authentic decor to its mysterious and chilling past, it’s no wonder why this home attracts visitors from all over the world. Spend time exploring the family home of Thomas Whaley and transport yourself back to life in the 1800s. Grab a memorable souvenir at the Verna House, located directly behind the Whaley House, and stick around for a delicious meal at the New Orleans Creole Cafe.

 
 

Learn more information about The Whaley House Museum.

 
   
       
       
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*Special exemptions apply to reservation based tours and attractions.
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Historic Tours of America is a member of Trusted Tours & Attractions and our E-tickets are sold exclusively through them. Trusted Tours offers industry-leading value, guarantees, security and pricing for hundreds of the top tours and attractions throughout the United States.

To learn about more San Diego attractions and tours provided by other Trusted Tours & Attraction Members, go to TrustedTours.com.

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  SAN DIEGO, CA  
 
  Old Town Trolley Tours
  SEAL Tours
  Old Town Market
  Wedding Trolley
  Ghosts & Gravestones
  La Jolla & San Diego Beaches Tour
  San Diego Visitor Information Center
  San Diego City Lights Night Tour
  The Whaley House Museum
  Whaley House After Hours
 
     
  Our other cities  
     
  BOSTON, MA  
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  Old Town Trolley Tours
  Ghosts & Gravestones
  Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
  Educational Tours
  Boston Summer Nights
 
     
  KEY WEST, FL  
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  Old Town Trolley Tours
  Conch Tour Train
  Key West Aquarium
  Cayo Hueso y Habana
Historeum
  Harry S. Truman Little
White House
  Sails to Rails Museum
  Mallory Square
  Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry, Yankee Freedom
  Shipwreck Museum
  Harry S. Truman VIP White Glove Tour
  Ghosts & Gravestones
 
     
  NASHVILLE, TN  
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  Old Town Trolley Tours
  Educational Tours
  Soul of Music City Tour
 
     
  SAVANNAH, GA  
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  Old Town Trolley Tours
  Ghosts & Gravestones
  American Prohibition Museum
  Ghost Town Trolley Tour
  Savannah for Morons Trolley Tour
  Ghost Hunters of Savannah Paranormal Investigation
 
     
  ST. AUGUSTINE, FL  
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  Old Town Trolley Tours
  Ghosts & Gravestones
  The Old Jail
  St. Augustine History Museum
  Educational Tours
  Oldest Store Museum Experience
  Potter's Wax Museum
  Old Jail After Dark
  Ghost Town Trolley Tour
 
     
  WASHINGTON DC  
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  Old Town Trolley Tours
  Monuments by Moonlight
  Educational Tours
  Arlington National Cemetery Tours
 
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