Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

San Diego: Hop-on Hop-off Narrated Trolley Tour

1. San Diego: Hop-on Hop-off Narrated Trolley Tour

Join the Hop-on Hop-Off Tour of Old Town San Diego at any of the tour's 12 boarding points and visit more than 100 interesting points in Coronado and San Diego at your own pace. You can begin at any time of the day and listen to the entertaining narration of the onboard conductors along the way. San Diego is known as America’s Finest City, and as you explore the sights of Old Town and the scenic coastline you’ll see why. Opt to begin your tour at the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where you’ll see original adobe homes and artifacts from the earliest Mexican settlements. At the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, you’ll learn about the importance of the U.S. Navy's presence in San Diego. Then continue on to nearby Seaport Village, where you can stop for refreshments and enjoy shopping and entertainment. In the historic Gaslamp Quarter, you’ll find loads of shops and other interesting places located in Victorian-themed buildings. One particular house of interest is the William Heath Davis House. Built-in saltbox style, it is similar to the original home of Davis, who founded New Town San Diego. When you’re back on the trolley you’ll be entertained once again by the conductor’s narration. Continue on to the well-known Hotel del Coronado, one of America’s leading resorts. You may choose to take a stroll through nearby Balboa Park, along El Prado, the promenade lined with Spanish-style buildings. With more stops than any other tour, this hop-on hop-off trolley ride is guaranteed to deliver. In addition to sightseeing, enjoy free shuttle service to and from select area hotels, a map and day planner, and $70 in discount coupons to use at restaurants and area attractions. Hop on or hop off at 12 convenient stops: A - Old Town State Historic Park (4010 Twiggs St & San Diego Ave.) B - Maritime Museum of San Diego/Star of India (1492 N Harbor Dr) C - San Diego Embarcadero (1004 N. Harbor Dr) D - Headquarters at Seaport Village (789 W Harbor Dr) E - Seaport Village (825 W Harbor Dr) F - Marriott Marquis & Marina (333 W Harbor Dr) G - Gaslamp Quarter (480 4th Ave) H - Petco Park/San Diego Convention Center (855 E Harbor Dr) I - Barrio Logan (1113 E.Cesar Chavez Pkwy) J - Coronado/Orange Avenue (1107 Orange Ave) K - Balboa Park and El Prado Museums (2175 Presidents Way) L - Little Italy (1605 India St)

San Diego: Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour

2. San Diego: Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour

While San Diego is known worldwide for its beautiful beaches, mild climate, and abundance of points of interest, not many people know about the city's darker side. Discover San Diego's long history of unnerving deaths, mysterious occurrences, and ominous sides on a fun and informative guided tour. Travel back in time and hear about the spirits of the notorious characters who lived and died in San Diego. First, venture into the sleepy streets of the Mission Hills neighborhood, where Pioneer Park is transformed at night. Continue to Old Town, walking through El Campo Santo Cemetery and learning about the notorious past of this city full of gunslingers, gamblers, ladies of the night, and many more unsavory characters. Finally, the tour includes a tour of the grounds and exterior of the Whaley House, where many reported paranormal occurrences have taken place.

San Diego: The Most Extensive City & Beach Tour!

3. San Diego: The Most Extensive City & Beach Tour!

Experience the ultimate exploration of America's Finest City and its stunning beaches with our premier Finest City & Beach Tour. Led by our engaging and knowledgeable tour guides, this adventure encompasses a 3-hour scenic drive coupled with 4 hours of immersion at diverse locales. Witness the entirety of San Diego within a single day! Embarking from the Santa Fe Depot, the journey unfolds first at the historic Gaslamp District before culminating in Little Italy. Then along the Embarcadero, leading us to the vibrant Chicano Park. Crossing the Coronado Bridge, our first 45-minute halt brings us to the historic Hotel Del Coronado. Another 45-minute break ensues at the enchanting Balboa Park. Then we traverse through Mission Hills, later meandering through the Presidio. A 45-minute interlude transpires at Old Town, the birthplace of California. Venturing along the 5 freeway, a 45-minute respite at La Jolla Cove lets you savor the refreshing ocean breeze. Ascending Mount Soledad grants us 15 minutes of awe-inspiring San Diego vistas. Our route encompasses the picturesque Pacific Beach, affording glimpses of the scenic Crown Point. Mission Beach beckons for a 45-minute stay. At Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, we pay homage to the fallen heroes. Shelter Island unveils panoramic views of San Diego Bay and the Downtown skyline. Our return path leads us back to the Embarcadero to the Downtown pick-up point. For your convenience, the tour concludes at either the Santa Fe Depot pick-up point or your hotel (available for private tours or large groups ONLY). This tour is the epitome of comprehensive exploration, ensuring ample time with FIVE 45-minute stops that allow you to relish the splendors of America's Finest City. Book today to embark on this unparalleled San Diego journey!

San Diego: Go City Explorer Pass - Choose 2-7 Attractions

4. San Diego: Go City Explorer Pass - Choose 2-7 Attractions

Experience San Diego's top attractions and tours and get up to 50%* off combined admission with Go City's Explorer Pass. Simply choose 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 top attractions from over 40 options and go at your own pace - you have 60 days to use your pass from first activation. Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo or the USS Midway Museum. Explore more of the city with a hop-on hop-off trolley tour, or kayak and snorkel in beautiful La Jolla. The possibilities are endless. Your pass is fully digital and no physical card is required. Simply download your pass directly to your smartphone or print at home. Show your pass at each attraction for quick and easy entrance. Choose from the following things to do in San Diego with the San Diego Explorer Pass: Museums and Places of Interest • San Diego Zoo OR San Diego Zoo Safari Park (choose 1) • USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum • Belmont Park Ride and Play Pass • Maritime Museum of San Diego • Air and Space Museum • Birch Aquarium at Scripps • The Fleet Science Center with IMAX • San Diego Natural History Museum • Museum of Us • Living Coast Discovery Center • San Diego Museum of Art • San Diego Model Railroad Museum • Japanese Friendship Garden • PETCO Park Tour - Home of the San Diego Padres • San Diego Automotive Museum • Mingei International Museum • The Whaley House Museum Tours and Activities • 2-Day Hop-On Hop-off Old Town San Diego Trolley • Living Coast Discovery Center • 2-Hour Harbor and Sea Lion Cruise • San Diego Speed Boat Adventures • Jet Ski Rental San Diego Harbor • Whale Watching by Hornblower Cruises • Plunge San Diego • San Diego Fishing Tour • San Diego Hiking Tour • San Diego Harbor: Kayak Rental or Stand Up Paddle Board Rental • La Jolla: Kayak Rental, Snorkel Rental, Stand Up Paddle Board Rental, Surf Board Rental or Bike Rental • Coronado: Kayak Rental, Stand Up Paddle Board Rental, or Bike Rental • UTC Ice Sports Center • Speed Circuit: All Access • San Diego City Tour • GoCar San Diego Tours 1-Hour • Patriot Jet Boat • Best of San Diego eBike Tour • Gaslamp and Balboa Park Bike Rental with Unlimited Biking • Go Car 1-Hour Night Tour *Savings based on itineraries on Go City website.

San Diego: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 50+ Attractions

5. San Diego: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 50+ Attractions

The San Diego All-Inclusive Pass is an all-access pass offering the ultimate in convenience and savings for visitors to the area. Simply choose between a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7-day pass and save up to 50%* compared to the cost of buying separate attraction tickets. With one single pass, you can enjoy dozens of popular attractions and fun things to do in San Diego. Visit the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND, The U.S.S. Midway, take a sightseeing harbor cruise, rent a bike, stand-up paddleboard or kayak, and much more. With a total of over 50 attractions and tours included with your pass, there is something for everyone and you can visit as many attractions as you like per day. The San Diego All-Inclusive Pass also comes with a digital guide including helpful attraction information including how to get there and opening times. Activities, attractions, and tours included on the San Diego All-Inclusive Pass: Theme Parks and Zoos • San Diego Zoo • SeaWorld San Diego • San Diego Zoo Safari Park • Belmont Park • Knott's Berry Farm • LEGOLAND California Outdoors • San Diego Speedboat Adventures • La Jolla: 90-min Tandem Kayak Rental • La Jolla: Full-Day Snorkel Adventure • La Jolla: All-Day Bike Rental • La Jolla: Surfboard Rental • La Jolla: Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Rental • San Diego Harbor: 2-hr SUP • San Diego Harbor: 2-hr Kayak Rental • Coronado: 90-min Tandem Kayak Rental • Coronado: SUP Board Rental • Coronado: Full-Day Bike Rental • San Diego Pier Fishing • Best of San Diego eBike Tour • Gaslamp and Balboa Park Bike Rental with Unlimited Biking Tours and Cruises • 1-hr San Diego Harbor Cruise by Hornblower Cruises • Whale Watching by Hornblower Cruises • Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour - Beautiful Newport Beach • San Diego Hiking Tour • One Way Coronado Ferry • Petco Park Tours - home of the San Diego Padres • GoCar San Diego 30-min tour • TCL Chinese Theatre Tour OR Movie with Drink Museums and Places of Interest • USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum • Japanese Friendship Garden • San Diego Air and Space Museum • San Diego Natural History Museum • The Fleet Science Center with IMAX • Birch Aquarium at Scripps • Museum of Us • Madame Tussauds Hollywood • San Diego Automotive Museum • San Diego Model Railroad Museum • San Diego Museum of Art • The Whaley House Museum • Coronado Museum of History and Art • Museum of Photographic Arts • San Diego Art Institute • The Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House • Mingei International Museum • The Plunge San Diego • Living Coast Discovery Center • Museum of Making Music • Richard Nixon Library • UTC Ice Sports Center • South Coast Shop & Dine Package

San Diego: Holiday Lights and Sights Trolley Tour

6. San Diego: Holiday Lights and Sights Trolley Tour

Get into the Christmas spirit on this holiday lights and sights trolley tour in San Diego. Ride a wave of holiday cheer as you celebrate in the sights, songs, and traditions of the holiday season alongside elf conductors in “America’s Finest City.” Join in sing-along caroling with elf conductors as they share fun holiday facts and traditions. See the festive holiday lights of Old Town, Embarcadero, Bankers Hill, Little Italy, Garrison St and more. When it comes to living that laid-back West Coast lifestyle, San Diegans do it better than most. Whether it’s sunbathing with the seals in La Jolla or seeking out the hottest regional Mexican food, easy and breezy is the order of the day. Because of the year-round picture-perfect weather, sometimes locals and visitors alike need reminding when the holidays are approaching. But when the holidays do come, the city goes all out.

San Diego: Self-Guided E-Bike Tour

7. San Diego: Self-Guided E-Bike Tour

Ride with ease to the best parts of San Diego on an e-bike. Experience the iconic sights of Downtown, Balboa, and the Old Town, with plenty of time to explore all three. See all the major attractions on a prepared route, or venture out on your own. Begin your journey in San Diego's Old Town and take your time at the Maritime Museum, known for its bold restorations and interesting exhibits. Navigate through the unique Horton Plaza Mall and the Gaslamp Quarter to make your way to the rest of Downtown. Peruse Balboa Park by foot and breathe in the fresh air and beautiful sights and sounds. Take the option to enter some of the many museums or smell the roses in the Rose Garden with over 800 different varieties. Grab a bite to eat at an authentic Mexican food restaurant after meandering through many of the city's historic buildings. Visit the spookiest location, the Whaley House, named one of America's most haunted houses. Stop and take pictures, try different foods, drink and relax, and truly discover why San Diego is America's Finest City.

Urban Adventure Quest: 3-Hour Interactive Tour in San Diego

8. Urban Adventure Quest: 3-Hour Interactive Tour in San Diego

If you’re looking for a way to turn San Diego into a giant board game, try the Urban Adventure Quest. This is an interactive scavenger hunt that combines the fun of the Amazing Race with a 3-hour sightseeing tour of San Diego. Guided from any smartphone, groups make their way among well-known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning about local history. The adventure begins at the Waterfront Park and takes you on a well-designed course through Little Italy, the waterfront, and down to the war memorials. The tour involves approximately 2.5 miles of walking and uses the downtown transit system at one point in the game. Using a smart phone as your guide means that you can begin when you like and determine your own pace of play. Stop for a stroll in the park or gelato in Little Italy. The Quest is offered at a fixed price per group rather than per person, making this city tour/game great value for those on a budget. Points of Interest on Your Quest: • Little Italy • Maritime Museum • USS Midway • Bob Hope Memorial • "Kissing the War Goodbye" Statue

San Diego: Segway Tour of the Gaslamp District

9. San Diego: Segway Tour of the Gaslamp District

Get the perfect overview of San Diego’s landmarks and history on this 2-hour Segway tour. From downtown, through the Gaslamp Quarter to the Embarcadero and waterfront, we cover the main sights of the first city in California. The Gaslamp Segway Tour is a great introduction to San Diego. The Gaslamp district is where we started our business, and gives this tour its name. Get to know the historic heart of San Diego and see what makes the Gaslamp District home to the city’s most exciting events and nightlife, but there’s more to the tour than this charming quarter. Take in the impressive San Diego The Convention Center and breathe in Pacific air at the Seaport Pier. Enjoy a beautiful San Diego skyline view, see the USS San Diego Memorial and USS Midway on the water, check out the urban tree exhibit and Inez Parker Rose Garden, and much more! Explore San Diego by Segway to experience the sights and history of the first city in California.

San Diego: Self-Guided Scooter Tour of Downtown & Old Town

10. San Diego: Self-Guided Scooter Tour of Downtown & Old Town

Start your tour with a trip through historic Little Italy. Once home to the city’s Italian community, the neighborhood has now become a modern business and arts district. Make your way to the bay and see ships that explored the new world, and patrolled the waters in time of war. Then cruise down the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter which was once San Diego’s red-light district, but is now the center of the city’s nightlife.  Leave modern San Diego and take a trip through the past as you check out the beautiful Mission Hills and the historic Fort Stockton. Visit Presidio Park where see the old Spanish mission used to stand. Ride through Old town San Diego and see how the city looked in the era of the old west when its Spanish and American residents were just laying the foundation for a thriving community.

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Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
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What people are saying about Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 414 reviews

There was free parking across from the trolley prick up point and that was pretty great! My mom and I enjoyed the tour very much. Our driver, Sherry, was extremely knowledgeable! The weather was perfect for December and I highly recommend that you take this tour, regardless of whether you’re a stranger to San Diego or a local.

Loved all the sights and history that was given. Freedom to hop off and explore and the jump back on. So much fun and the tour guides were terrific... thank you!!!

This was a great way to see San Diego as a whole when you can’t decide what to see and are on a time crunch.

Old Town trolley is a great way to see the city without worrying about parking.

The tour was interesting, the tour guides were terrific.