San Diego’s all about laid-back beach fun, stunning bay views and colourful neighborhoods bursting with personality—so it’s no surprise the city offers two sightseeing tours as unique as your travel style. Enter the classic Old Town Trolley tour, where stories roll along with the wheels, and the quirky GoCar Tour, where you take the wheel of a wisecracking yellow mini-car. Whether you want to relax with top-notch narration and classic city views or get behind the wheel yourself, these tours promise a front-row look at the city’s must-sees. We’ll break down the highlights, help you choose your ideal adventure, and even throw in some food, drink and photo op tips to make your San Diego story sing!
The lowdown
Old Town Trolley Tour
- Bright green-and-orange hop-on hop-off trolleys with open-air seating
- Up to 12 stops covering Old Town, Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, Coronado, Little Italy and more
- Expert guides share fun facts and local folklore
- Hop on and off all day long, as many times as you like—tickets give you total flexibility
- Family-friendly, wheelchair and stroller accessible
GoCar San Diego Tour
- Quirky, two-seater yellow GoCars, GPS-narrated for a choose-your-own-adventure vibe
- Set routes show off beaches, downtown, Little Italy and other historic neighborhoods—but you control the pace
- Interactive audio plays as you drive, blending stories, facts and fun
- Stop anywhere—perfect for impromptu snacks and photo ops
- Best for those with a driver’s license—less suitable for small kids and those with mobility needs
Sounds great, tell me more...
Sounds great, tell me more...
Old Town Trolley Tour—San Diego sightseeing made simple
The Old Town Trolley is as much a part of San Diego as surfboards and fish tacos. Board one of these vintage-style, open-air vehicles and get whisked away on a curated city loop narrated by seriously entertaining guides. They know everything from celebrity tales to little-known historical tidbits, and you’ll wind through major districts like Old Town, the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park and the iconic beaches of Coronado.
With twelve stops along the route, this tour is all about flexibility. Spend as long as you like in Balboa Park’s gardens, check out San Diego’s best Old West sites, or hop off at Seaport Village for lunch on the harbor, then hop back on whenever the next trolley comes. It’s fun, friendly and visually thrilling—plus you never have to worry about parking.
GoCar San Diego—drive your story
For those who like things quirky, interactive and spontaneous, GoCar San Diego is a treat. You’ll get behind the wheel (solo or with a buddy) in a cheerful little yellow car that uses GPS to guide you and share local stories, jokes and surprising facts. The experience feels part scavenger hunt, part historic tour and part street party, as passersby wave and snap photos.
GoCar lets you choose between suggested routes or create your own, meaning you can loop through Balboa Park, swing through Little Italy, cruise the Embarcadero, or zip out to the waterfront. Pause whenever you spot something cool or crave a snack—your GoCar just keeps the story rolling. It’s supremely Instagrammable and loads of fun, appealing to adventurous couples and friends.
Ok, so which tour is more impressive?
For covering the most ground and snagging a deep dive into San Diego’s history, the Old Town Trolley Tour takes the win. There’s just something magical about rolling through the city in open-air comfort, hearing live stories, and stepping on and off as often as you please. You’ll get a real sense of San Diego’s neighborhoods, catch the major highlights and enjoy the relaxed, sunshiny energy that makes this city pop.
Of course, GoCar turns heads and offers that ‘we did what?’ travel memory, but for the classic, comprehensive experience, the Old Town Trolley Tour stands out.
Which is more fun?
We can’t help but cheer for the GoCar tour here. Driving your own talking mini-car never fails to bring grins, belly laughs, and a steady stream of social media fodder. The GPS narration keeps you engaged and encourages impromptu stops for snacks, street art or weird roadside attractions—plus, you’re in total control of your journey.
Trolley fans will love the nostalgic, relaxed vibe and good-humored guides, but if you crave the silly, the spontaneous and the new, GoCar wins for sheer fun.
Which has the best views?
For pure, panoramic views—and plenty of time to soak them in—the Trolley wins. Riding above the traffic with nothing to distract you makes it easy to glance from skyline to sea, or from ornate architecture to vibrant murals. You’ll glide straight past the Coronado Bridge, gaze out at the bay, and still have two hands free for your camera.
GoCar gives you freedom for exploring tucked-away streets and hidden corners—but you’ll be lower to the ground and—if you’re designated driver—more focused on the road. If views are your top priority, hop aboard the Trolley.
How do I get there?
Both tours are easy to reach by public transport and ideal for planning a ‘no car required’ day. The official starting point for the Trolley tour is at the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park (just steps from the Old Town Transit Center; easily reached by San Diego MTS trolley and bus lines). But, of course, you could also just start your tour from any one of the stops along the route.
GoCar’s rental location is also in Old Town, at 3918 Mason St , steps from the trolley stop or a short Uber from downtown. There’s free parking available throughout Old Town, plus metered and long-stay lots nearby.
Best choice for families, couples or friends
Best choice for families, couples or friends
- For Families: the Old Town Trolley is a total crowd-pleaser—easy for parents, fun for kids, flexible for snack breaks and spontaneous exploring. No car seats or worries, just hop on and off anywhere.
- For couples: GoCar is tailor-made for quirky dates! There’s plenty of giggling as you navigate, and sharing the journey together feels intimate and playful.
- For friends: both tours can be fun for groups, but if you’ve got a crew with a sense of adventure, GoCar is a riot (especially when you rent a few cars and cruise together).
Which tour is better for fidgety kids?
Old Town Trolley is better at keeping kids engaged. The frequent stops put you close to any number of playgrounds, family-friendly attractions, and the sprawling room-to-roam of Balboa Park. Little ones love ringing the Trolley bell, and there’s room for buggies and snacks—making it a relaxed day for parents and high-energy kids.
GoCar is better for families with older kids or teens who'll appreciate the sense of adventure and the quirky storytelling, but there are age and safety restrictions that make it less ideal for younger children.
What’s the accessibility like?
Old Town Trolley goes the extra mile for accessibility. Their vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts (just let them know in advance), and there's plenty of room for strollers or mobility aids. The hop-on, hop-off format means you can create an itinerary that suits your pace and needs, with helpful drivers at each stop.
GoCar tours, while a blast, are less accessible. You’ll need to be able to transfer into the low seats and operate the vehicle with standard controls. They're not designed for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. If accessibility is on your checklist, the Old Town Trolley is the clear pick of the pair.
Best lunch spots nearby?
Old Town Trolley stops
- Casa Guadalajara (Old Town): bright, bustling and loaded with charm, this classic offers handmade tortillas, sizzling fajitas, and mariachi on the patio. The colorful décor and festive spirit mean nobody leaves hungry (or bored).
- Seaport Village: check out San Diego Pier Café for fish tacos with a sweeping bay view, or grab a quick bite at the Greek Islands Café—the lamb gyros and sunny outdoor seating are always popular.
- Little Italy Food Hall: mix and match wood-fired pizza, ramen and gelato under string lights.
- The Prado (Balboa Park): elegant garden-inspired dining in a Spanish Revival landmark. Try the signature Prado paella or duck spring rolls; the patio is a local favorite for brunch and people-watching.
GoCar pit stops
- Lucha Libre Taco Shop (Mission Hills): funky, wrestling-themed, and absolutely delicious—the Surfin’ California burrito is a must.
- Craft & Commerce (Little Italy): go for the decadent burgers, stay for the speakeasy-style cocktails and leather-clad library vibes.
- Point Loma Seafoods: if you cruise out to the coast, you can't beat a fresh fish sandwich and a cold beer overlooking the harbor.
- Old Town’s Bazaar del Mundo: the churros and street corn make perfect fuel for more exploring.
Where will I find the best photo ops?
Where will I find the best photo ops?
Old Town Trolley routes provide sweeping, classic scenes from elevated seats:
- Coronado Ferry Landing: snap the downtown skyline across the bay, especially stunning at golden hour.
- Balboa Park: Spanish Colonial architecture, lush gardens, and fountains—go early for soft light and fewer crowds.
- Old Town Plaza: the trolley itself, plus colorful market stalls and playful performers all make for great backdrops.
- Seaport Village: catch local artists, sailboats and sunsets—the pier makes a perfect panorama.
GoCar lets you chase your own unique visual memories:
- Chicano Park: the murals tell the story of San Diego’s heritage—bring your wide-angle lens.
- Waterfront Park: fountains, open space and a city-meets-bay vibe.
- GoCar selfies: don’t miss the shot of you and your co-pilot zipping past palm trees, or posing by a ‘Welcome to San Diego’ mural.
Tip: early mornings and late afternoons give you the softest, most flattering light, whichever tour you choose.
We’re done and we’d like a drink – any good bars nearby?
Upscale choice: Top of the Hyatt Bar (Downtown). Floor-to-ceiling windows, sky-high views, plush seating and a martini menu that rivals any in the city. The sunset from here is something special.
Chill favorite: Ballast Point Brewing (Little Italy). Laid-back, with big communal tables and a legendary variety of local brews. Try the Sculpin IPA—hop heads rave about it.
Fun, secret-spot bonus: Polite Provisions (North Park). A retro apothecary-turned-cocktail-bar, their gin and tonic is next-level thanks to house-made tonic syrup.
Any other good stuff nearby?
Any other good stuff nearby?
From Old Town Trolley stops
- Whaley House Museum: ghost stories and California’s ‘most haunted’ historic home—kids and adults alike get a thrill.
- Heritage Park Victorian Village: stroll through perfectly restored Victorian houses, all in a tranquil, tree-shaded pocket close to Old Town.
- USS Midway Museum: this aircraft carrier brings out the inner aviator—climb aboard jets and helicopters right on the bay.
Near GoCar HQ and suggested routes
- Liberty Station: a decommissioned naval base reborn as a haven for foodies, artists and crafters. Don’t miss the Public Market for snacks, coffee and local goods.
- Presidio Park: rolling greens, city views and a peaceful spot for a break—one of the best places to have a picnic or watch the sunset.
In summary…
Whether you want to kick back and cruise through San Diego’s stories aboard the Old Town Trolley, or chase adventure at your own pace in a fun-sized GoCar, you’re in for a treat. Each tour delivers all the color, personality and postcard views this city is famous for. And with Go City®, you can unlock both of these experiences—and plenty more! Save big, explore smarter, and make every minute in San Diego count. Ready to choose your adventure? Your next San Diego story starts here!
Looking for more great ways to explore San Diego? Check out our guide to Petco Park and Gaslamp ghost tours, and take your pick from the Museum of Making Music and Model Railroad Museum.
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