Boat or bus? Bay harbor tours vs the San Diego Trolley

From salty sea breezes to historic old town trolleys, get the inside scoop on San Diego's top transport tours.

Published: June 11, 2025
San Diego Bay

In sunny San Diego, the adventure begins with how you get around. City Cruises’ harbor tour offers bay breezes, sweeping seaside vistas, and a totally new angle on the city from the water. Old Town Trolley Tours’ hop-On, hop-Off route lets you dive into the heart of every neighborhood, giving you the power to jump on or off at more than a dozen must-see stops. Both are classic, can’t-miss sightseeing experiences—but which is right for you? We break down the highlights, hidden gems, food stops and more, so you can plan the most scenic, memorable day out in ‘America’s Finest City’.

The lowdown

 

City Cruises harbor tour

  • Narrated cruise along San Diego Bay
  • Top deck open-air seating and enclosed lounge; snack bar and full bar available
  • Sights include the Coronado Bridge, downtown skyline, Star of India, Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma, US Navy fleet and sea lion colonies
  • Great photo ops and wildlife spotting (sometimes including dolphins and pelicans!)
  • Tours run several times daily, easy to book ahead or walk up

Old Town Trolley Tours

  • Classic green-and-orange trolleys with live guides full of stories, jokes and local lore
  • Twelve stops: Old Town, Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, Hotel del Coronado, Balboa Park, Little Italy and more
  • Board at any stop, hop on or off as much as you want all day
  • One or two-day passes available for deeper exploring; no reservations needed
  • A full loop takes about two hours—ride as little or as much as you want
  • Family-friendly, easy for groups, and customizable based on your interests

Sounds amazing, tell me more...

San Diego's Old Town Trolley

City Cruises harbor tour

Step on deck, find your favorite spot and get ready to see San Diego’s bay from a whole new perspective. Sail past the downtown skyline with its modern towers, catch the sun glinting off the historic Star of India, hear stories about infamous pirates and learn about the city’s Navy heritage as you glide by active aircraft carriers. Docents or audio narration point out everything you need to know, mixing history, trivia and goofy puns for kids. On the upper deck, snap panoramic photos; on the lower, stay shaded and grab a snack or drink at the bar. Spot sea lions lounging by the buoys and watch for pelicans cruising at wave-height. The vibe is laid-back and perfect for anyone wanting a breezy, effortless afternoon—and the best photos of the Coronado Bridge.

Hop-on hop-off Trolley tour

Want to see it all? The Old Town Trolley is your ticket. With frequent departures from most major attractions, you can ride the full two-hour loop for the whole city story, or hop off whenever something triggers your curiosity. The trolleys are lively—guides pepper their narration with weird facts, local legends and jokes (some corny, all fun!). You’ll swing through historic Old Town, then down to the Embarcadero for ships and the Maritime Museum, roll through the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter’s Victorian streets, and cross the glittering Coronado Bridge for a stop at the legendary Hotel del Coronado (did you know it's haunted?). Hit Balboa Park’s museums, Little Italy’s foodie streets, or Petco Park for baseball fans. The flexibility is unbeatable: get off at Seaport Village for shopping, grab tacos in Old Town, or walk the promenade at Shelter Island—all at your pace, and with a new trolley along every 20–30 minutes. Perfect for explorers, families and first-timers who like a little bit of everything.

Which tour is more impressive?

 

For sheer visual wow-factor and relaxing at-sea charm, the harbor cruise is hard to beat. Nothing compares to gliding under the Coronado Bridge, with ocean breezes and bay panoramas everywhere you look. The scale of Navy ships, the intricate details of the waterfront, and the thrill of a city skyline rising straight from the bay are uniquely impressive by boat. Photographers, wildlife-watchers and architecture fans will never run out of ‘wow, look at that!’ moments. Even long-time locals feel like they’re on vacation when the city comes alive from the water—the sights, the stories and the sunsets always feel new.

Which is more fun?

 

Fun is the name of the game for the trolley crew. Guides have the freedom to riff, tell personal stories and answer your questions—think history, ghostly tales, food tips, secret haunts and San Diego trivia. The ability to jump on or hop off at will means you can break up the journey for spontaneous ice cream stops, photo hunts or city strolls. Families will love the silly jokes and constant motion, while groups of friends can treat it like a roving pub crawl or cultural scavenger hunt. For pure customizable energy, playful guides and the feeling that you’re in on every San Diego secret, the trolley takes the trophy.

How do I get there?

 

City Cruises harbor tour

All tours board at Broadway Pier or Pier 2, right on the Embarcadero. Both piers are steps from downtown’s Santa Fe Depot (Trolley and Coaster lines), and nearby parking lots (some paid, some metered). Rideshare drop-offs are easy, and you’re just a stroll from the Gaslamp, Seaport Village and Waterfront Park.

San Diego Trolley tour

Start and end at any designated Trolley stop, with major hubs at Old Town, Seaport Village and the Embarcadero (right by the cruise, in case you want to do both!). Trolleys run frequently (roughly every 20-30 minutes), and all stops are accessible by city transit, car (parking at Old Town is free and abundant), or even bike or foot if you’re staying centrally.

Best choice for families, couples or friends

Unconditional Surrender statue on Embarcadero in San Diego
  • For families: the trolley is a favorite for families with kids or multigenerational groups. The ability to break up the tour, get out at each stop and see everything from the zoo to Old Town means kids don't get restless and everyone can follow their own interests. The guides are usually great with young ones, telling pirate stories, sharing fun sound effects and making each child feel like a VIP. The harbor cruise can also be excellent (kids love spotting sea lions or ships), but if your little ones have lots of energy, the trolley's frequent stops and freedom to run around between rides make all the difference.
  • For couples: the harbor cruise is tailor-made for romance—think ocean breezes and sunset photo opps with the city skyline as your backdrop. Sip wine, hold hands on the open deck, and let the mood do the rest. For adventurous couples, though, the trolley tour offers a playful ‘choose your own adventure’ vibe: hop off for brunch in Little Italy, catch a pop-up jazz band in Balboa Park, and wander hidden corners of Coronado—all at your own pace.
  • For friends: groups of friends or adults visiting together will love the trolley for its flexibility: use it as a moveable pub crawl, a shopping spree vehicle, or the backbone of a DIY city scavenger hunt. The banter from guides and the hop-on, hop-off spontaneity keep things dynamic and never dull. City Cruises is perfect for groups that just want to relax, catch up and enjoy scenery—great for reunions, birthdays or simply soaking up sun on the bay.

Which tour is better for fidgety kids?

 

With the trolley, restless kids never have to sit still for very long. Jump off at Balboa Park for playgrounds and museums, explore the giant ships at the Maritime Museum, or let them count statues and murals in Seaport Village. Every stop is a mini adventure, and the thrill of climbing onto the trolley and choosing your next destination keeps energy high.

What’s the accessibility like?

 

City Cruises harbor tour

Vessels are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with helpful crew ready to assist with boarding. There are accessible restrooms, plenty of seating (indoors and outdoors), and the narration can be heard throughout both decks. Service animals are welcome and the flat, stable ride is ideal for anyone with mobility challenges.

Hop-on hop-off trolley tour

All trolleys are wheelchair accessible with lifts, and staff are trained to help with boarding and seating. Stops are close to curb cuts and ramps. Guides happily answer questions or share tips for those with limited mobility or sensory needs. Strollers are welcome and can be stored during each ride.

Best lunch spots nearby?

 

Near City Cruises’ harbor boarding

  • Portside Pier: multiple restaurant choices (seafood, Mexican, pub grub) with bay views and outdoor patios.
  • Carnitas Snack Shack: known for its pork sandwiches, loaded fries and lively harbor patio.
  • Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar: sit outside on the breezy deck and order local swordfish tacos.

Near trolley tour stops

  • Old Town Mexican Café: hand-pressed tortillas, classic margaritas and festive, family-friendly vibes.
  • Little Italy Food Hall: a block from the trolley stop, it's a smorgasbord of small eateries and great coffee.
  • Café 222 (near Gaslamp): famous for peanut butter and banana-stuffed French toast—perfect for breakfast or brunch between stops.
  • Seaport Village: try the Pier Café for fish and chips or Frost Me Café & Bakery for delicious cupcakes and coffee.

Where will I find the best photo ops?

Hotel del Coronado
Hotel del Coronado

City Cruises harbor tour

The open-air top deck turns every angle of the skyline, Coronado Bridge, and Navy ships into striking photo ops. Golden hour (late afternoon) is stunning, but blue skies are equally share-worthy. Snag a selfie sailing under the bridge or, with luck, as a sea lion pops up alongside the boat.

San Diego Trolley tour

Take your pick from the best of San Diego: historic Old Town plazas, Balboa Park’s ornate gardens, the Gaslamp Quarter’s arch, views from the Coronado ferry landing, and Hotel del Coronado’s fairytale turrets (pictured). Every stop adds something new to your Instagram story—don’t forget street performers and bright murals as you roll through local neighborhoods

We’re done and we’d like a drink – any good bars nearby?

 

Near City Cruises’ harbor boarding

  • Ketch Grill & Taps: local brews and creative cocktails with prime waterfront views; try the house IPA and soak in the sunset.
  • Top of the Hyatt: rooftop drinks up on the 21st floor, with panoramic bay and city views; order a craft old fashioned for a stylish finish.
  • Portside Pier bars: multiple options for happy hour with a harbor breeze.

Near trolley tour stops

  • Ballast Point Little Italy: award-winning local beers and sangria flights on a lively rooftop patio.
  • Prohibition Lounge (Gaslamp): hidden speakeasy with live jazz and mood lighting; perfect for a Prohibition-era Manhattan or gin fizz.
  • Monkey Bar (Hotel del Coronado stop): Resort rooftop lounge with craft cocktails and beach views—super Instagrammable at sunset.

Any other good stuff nearby?

Giraffes at San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo

Near City Cruises’ harbor boarding

  • USS Midway Museum: board a real aircraft carrier right next to the pier.
  • Waterfront Park: splash fountains for kids, picnic lawns and panoramic city views.
  • Seaport Village: boutiques, food trucks, and sometimes live music on the green.

Near trolley tour stops

  • Balboa Park: museums, gardens and a world-class zoo, all easily reached.
  • Coronado Beach: one of the nation’s prettiest stretches of sand, just blocks from the trolley stop.
  • Little Italy Mercato (Saturdays): San Diego’s favorite farmers market, right by the trolley stop.

In summary…

 

Whether you fancy sailing beneath the bridge with sea breezes or cruising trolley tracks through every vibrant neighborhood, San Diego’s top tours have you covered. If you crave stunning water views, wildlife spotting and laid-back narration, the harbor cruise paints the city in panoramic blues and golds. For those who want flexibility, flavor and jokes along every route through San Diego’s neighborhoods and history, the San Diego Trolley lets you sightsee on your own terms. The good news? With Go City®, you can do both—two perspectives, double the fun, and memories made at sea and on the street.

Looking for more great ways to explore San Diego? Check out our guide to Petco Park and Gaslamp ghost tours, and experience the best of the city’s aquariums.

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. 

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started!

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Continue reading

Skyline of the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego
Blog

Things to do in Gaslamp Quarter San Diego

Named for the lanterns that used to light its picturesque Victorian Streets, the 16 blocks of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter are now the heart of the city’s buzzing nightlife scene. Despite its relatively diminutive size the Gaslamp (as the locals call it) packs a powerful punch, with some fine 19th-century architecture, a smattering of museums, great dive bars and some of the best entertainment in town. Check out our 10 favorite things to do in Gaslamp Quarter San Diego below. Take a Walk Down Historic 5th Avenue The Gaslamp Quarter has bags of architectural charm, with attractive historic buildings to be found around nearly every corner. Take a stroll along 5th Avenue to spot some of the best. Built in 1888, the Louis Bank of Commerce at number 835 is an impressive Baroque Revival confection, distinguishable by its elaborate facade and protruding turrets. Also look out for the Yuma Building at number 631. This Art Deco vision in red brick has brightly painted bay windows and twin spires on top. Don’t forget to snap a selfie at the famous Gaslamp Quarter sign – you’ll find it on the corner of 5th and L Street. Visit The Gaslamp Museum Step back in time inside downtown San Diego’s oldest surviving structure. Built in Portland in 1850, this unassuming traditional timber-framed ‘saltbox’ house was later deconstructed and shipped to San Diego via Cape Horn and has been standing in the same spot ever since. Wander through the hushed Victorian rooms with their thick carpets and period furniture to learn about former inhabitants including Alonzo Horton, the ‘father of San Diego’, who lived here in the late 1860s and early 70s. The museum also boasts a gift shop for unusual souvenirs and – believe it or not – a resident spook. Sample the Nightlife If this lively downtown neighborhood is known for anything, it’s the fab nightlife. Try some of San Diego’s famously excellent craft beers in an atmospheric dive bar, or head to one of the many rooftop venues for great cocktails and live music. As well as a whole bunch of nightclubs, there’s top-flight entertainment to be found at the likes of the American Comedy Company’s open mic nights and the non-stop party that is The Shout! House’s Dueling Pianos show, where high-energy entertainment, raucous sing-alongs and dancing all night long are par for the course. Take the Kids to The New Children’s Museum Let the kids get creative at this excellent interactive museum on W Island Avenue. Inside, the labyrinth of colorful little rooms filled with fun activities and exhibits will blow their tiny minds and keep them entertained for hours. Installations are ever-changing, but you can expect the likes of immersive mini theaters for imaginative role play, colorful murals, brain-bending puzzles, even a giant crocheted hammock that kids can climb inside and explore. There are also studios and workshops where they can unleash their messiest artistic streaks with paint, clay and more. See the San Diego Padres in Action Just a block from the Gaslamp over in the East Village, Petco Park is home to the San Diego Padres. Grab a hot dog, a beer and – of course – a giant foam finger, and soak up the thrilling atmosphere at a Major League Baseball game. And, if baseball isn’t your thing, keep an eye out for concert listings: this enormous stadium has hosted shows by some of the world’s biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, Madonna and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. See Some Fine Art Just north of the Gaslamp on Kettner Avenue, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a smaller outpost of the museum’s main galleries in La Jolla. But don’t let that put you off! Works created post-1950, including sculpture, painting, photography and installations are collected here in the huge, light-filled gallery of the historic former Santa Fe Depot baggage building. Expect Pop Art, conceptual art, art from up-and-coming and emerging artists and permanent commissions by established artists including Richard Serra and Jenny Holzer. Shop Til You Drop The Gaslamp is a shoppers’ paradise, with boutique after independent boutique selling the latest fashions, vintage accessories, fine jewelry, unique works of art and more. The Gaslamp Artisan Market brings dozens of stalls selling fresh produce, street food and handcrafted artisan bits and bobs to the neighborhood every weekend. Grab yourself some brunch at one of the many cute eateries then while away an hour or two browsing for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Go See a Show Head for the historic Balboa, a former moviehouse and vaudeville theater with some 100 years of history. Inside, ornate decorative moldings and a tiled dome create a suitably evocative setting for touring Broadway productions such as Wicked, Cats and The Book of Mormon as well as concerts by rock royalty – previous performers to have graced the stage here include Patti Smith, Willie Nelson, John Legend, Tori Amos and Nick Cave. Step Aboard an Aircraft Carrier The USS Midway Museum at Navy Pier honors the United States' longest-serving 20th-century aircraft carrier, which saw service between 1945 and 1992 before finding its permanent home here in San Diego. Airplane enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven, with oodles of magnificent flying machines to admire, including a SDB Dauntless dive bomber from the Second World War and an F9F-P Cougar from the Korean War. Play captain up on the bridge, climb into a cockpit and hear great stories and anecdotes about the USS Midway from the fantastic volunteer crew. Chill Out in Horton Plaza Park Horton Plaza is hard to miss – that’s because it’s the only square in the tiny Gaslamp Quarter. Grab yourself an ice cream from the pavilion and watch the world go by from the amphitheater steps, or sprawled on one of the grassy lawns. The large, ornate fountain on the plaza dates back to 1910 and is surrounded by palm trees – it’s a relaxing spot to while away a few idle moments in the famous San Diego sunshine. Save on things to do in the Gaslamp Quarter San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Skyline Header
Blog

10+ Free Things to Do in San Diego

Planning a vacation to America's Finest City? Our insiders put together a list of our top free things to do in San Diego that are sure to be fun for you and your family! You can enjoy the nearly perfect weather and beautiful sandy beaches without emptying your wallet. One of the draws of San Diego is that it's an inexpensive vacation destination with endless opportunities for fun. These great suggestions can help round out your vacation itinerary.   3. U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista Visit the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista to take a self-guided free tour, or go on a Saturday to get a complimentary tour provided by the Training Center staff. This 150-acre training facility is one of only 3 in the country. On your excursion, you'll see the training fields and tracks, athlete dorms, and the Otay Lake Reservoir. This activity is wonderful for young athletes with big dreams!   6. Mission Bay Park This 4,200-acre park includes 27 miles of shoreline, a large majority of which is beautiful white sand beaches. In addition to spending time on some of the best beaches around, visitors to Mission Bay Park can look forward to marinas, picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, a horseshoe court, fire rings, children's playgrounds, and paths for biking and jogging. Mission Bay Park is also home to several wildlife preserves, making it a great place to go and observe California's indigenous birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.   8. Torrey Pines Glideport Torrey Pines is a city-owned glider airport used by paragliders to take flight over the picturesque beaches and rocky dunes surrounding the area. They also offer private paragliding lessons and has been rated the number one paragliding school in the United States since 2000. While taking lessons here isn't free, enjoying the site itself is, and many families come to the here to picnic and spend the day watching paragliders sail around the clear blue skies.   9. The Gaslamp Quarter Located in downtown San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter is a 16.5 block section filled with renovated Victorian architecture from the turn-of-the-century and is officially on the National Register of Historic Places. It's a peaceful, scenic location with streets that are lined with boutiques, specialty shops, and art galleries. Spend the day exploring then stop by one of Gaslamp Quarter's top restaurants for a perfect day in downtown San Diego. If you decide to stick around in the evening, this is also an excellent place for a romantic foodie dinner with more than 100 restaurants to choose from. Tip: Check out one of the rooftop bars for excellent views of downtown and the Coronado Bridge.   11. Coronado Municipal Beach Coronado beach is consistently rated as one of the top ten beaches in the nation, and for good reason. The beach is kept exceptionally clean, and natural protection from a nearby point means that the water is almost always calm and perfect for swimming. As an added bonus, the north end of the beach (known simply as "North Beach") is dog-friendly, meaning your four-legged pal can get in on the adventure too.   13. The Children's Pool In 1931, a philanthropist named Ellen Browning Scrips had a seawall built in order to make a protected area that would be perfect for children to swim in. Today, The Children's Pool remains a popular destination, thanks in part to the calm waters and also in part to the abundance of seals that visit the area daily. It's the perfect spot to go for a swim and watch the entertaining antics of the seals playing on the beach.   14. San Diego Embarcadero Another excellent historical site in the city of San Diego, the San Diego Embarcadero is named after the Spanish word for "landing place" and is home to a number of historic ships including the famous USS Midway. Stop by the Embarcadero to admire the hundreds of ships, tour the USS Midway Naval Museum (admission required), and watch the cruise ships that port at the Embarcadero come and go. Be sure to bring your camera, too, as the sun setting behind these ships makes for a wonderful photo opportunity. 15. Mt. Soledad Veteran's Memorial This mountain serves as a memorial to all those who served honorably in the US military, and a variety of monuments and plaques can be found on top of it. In addition to this, visiting the top of Mt. Soledad is a great way to take in the full breadth of the city. Its peak offers a stunning 360-degree view of San Diego that is a must-see.   18. Coronado Historical Association & Museum Located just up the street from the Hotel Del, you'll find the Coronado Historical Association. This non-profit organization is designed to help preserve Coronado's unique architectural, artistic, cultural, and social resources. If you're interested in learning more about this fascinating little historic island – a charming vestige of a time long gone by – then stop by their Museum. A combination of engaging permanent exhibits and rotating temporary displays tell the story of Coronado Island for kids and adults alike.   A Way to Save on Ticketed San Diego Attractions We know that this blog post is about listing the FREE things to do in San Diego, but, are you looking to visit a few of the ticketed attractions during your vacation? Consider using a pass for San Diego with Go City® - which includes admission to dozens of the area's most popular attractions - all for one low price. See all available San Diego attractions, passes & prices. A pass for San Diego will save you on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Lindsay Eagan
san diego
Blog

A full 6-day San Diego itinerary for every kind of traveler

The best way to fill 6 days with beach vibes and big sights.

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.