Excursion Old town by trolley tour at San Diego

Explore the history and iconic sites of San Diego in a unique new way during this scenic sightseeing excursion via trolley.

San Diego, Embarcadero, Seaport Village, USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, Gaslamp Quarter

Depart the pier aboard the ‘Old Town Trolley’ for an approximately two-hour, fully-narrated ride around San Diego and Coronado, with opportunities to hop on-and-off the trolley at 11 conveniently-located stops en route. Learn about the rich and remarkable heritage of San Diego, the ‘Birthplace of California’, and hear entertaining stories about its historical figures and landmarks. Your journey aboard this open-air, orange-and-green-coloured trolley begins with a ride along the Embarcadero towards Seaport Village, and past the renowned USS Midway aircraft carrier. Continue through the Gaslamp Quarter, the West Coast’s premier entertainment district and an architectural delight, famed for its vibrant nightlife and Victorian-era buildings.

Barrio Logan, Chicano Park, Murals, Coronado, Hotel Del Coronado, Naval Air Station, Balboa Park

Next, ride through Barrio Logan, a neighbourhood with a distinctive, Mexican-American flavour. Its cultural past is depicted in bold murals throughout the local Chicano Park, and elsewhere around the district. From here, ascend a bridge more than 200 feet (about 61 metres) above sea level en route to Coronado, the ‘Crown City’. This distinctive resort ‘island’ community is home to the beautiful and historic Hotel Del Coronado, as well as the west coast location of America’s Pacific Fleet at Naval Air Station North Island. Crossing back over the bridge to San Diego, continue to Balboa Park. The nation’s largest urban cultural park, it is home to 17 museums, spectacular gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

Little Italy, Old Town, State Historic Park, Museums, Whaley House, Maritime Museum, Star of India

Your sojourn continues to Little Italy, a chic, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood packed with trendy cocktail bars, brewpubs, and restaurants with bustling patios. Your next stop is the Old Town, the ‘Birthplace of California’. The Old Town’s State Historic Park is populated with free museums in restored buildings that represent life in the 1800s. It is also home to the Whaley House, America’s most ‘haunted’ domicile. During the ride back to the pier, pass by a diverse collection of watercrafts docked at the Maritime Museum, including a steam ferry from 1898 and the Star of India, the world’s oldest, operational, iron-hulled sailing vessel. Upon arrival at the pier, return to the ship on-foot.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado Bay Bridge, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, Old Town, Little Italy

Note

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 100 yards (about 91 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with four steps to negotiate to get on/off the open-air, trolley-style bus. Walking at the sites visited is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilize a wheelchair; however, the maximum combined weight of the guest and wheelchair cannot exceed 800 pounds (about 362 kilograms). Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and US Dollars or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. This tour is ‘at-leisure’; the minimum time for the trolley to complete one loop is approximately two hours, but guests can hop off, and back on, all day with unlimited re-boarding. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. This tour operates in the daytime only. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.