Old Town Trolley Tours

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Neli B.via Google

2 months ago

A bit expensive at ~$70 per person for 1 day, but Cesar was amazing today! Very sweet, funny, and gave all the important facts. This was my third time on the trolly and I appreciate some personal additions, but they should at least tell you the “pre approved” history as well (Cesar did it all!). I would definitely recommend! Overall, I’d recommend doing the full tour first thing (about 2 hrs), and then you can get off wherever you need to.

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Anca Ciuciuivia Google

3 months ago

This review of our San Diego trolley tour with Bini may be ‘doing too much’, but it was so refreshing to see so much care, preparation, and intentionality put into a public-facing role. We had Bini as our conductor for nearly the entire route (we stayed with him through Balboa Park). If it hadn’t been our last day in the city and our schedule hadn’t required us to get off for the San Diego Zoo, we would have happily stayed on to finish the entire tour with him. He was that exceptional. What immediately stood out was the depth and quality of his historical knowledge. He didn’t just state dates or isolated events, he placed history in context, weaving together local San Diego history with national and even global timelines. This made events not feel abstract or disconnected - they suddenly made a lot more sense, and I was able to remember them. His cadence and pacing were remarkable. He spoke at a measured, intentional rhythm, where it seemed like he was pacing himself, but it was very engaging, it never felt dull. He was somehow able to maintain that slightly paced cadence seamlessly the entire tour. That level of control and consistency was really impressive. He also had flawless command of language and syntax. He was precise, articulate, and thoughtful in his choice of words. Again, somehow nothing felt improvised but it also never felt scripted. Bini’s attentiveness and memory were also extraordinary. When groups would board, he remembered very specific details they shared and carried those details forward throughout the time they were on the trolley, but not just superficial details, he paid attention to the way people would answer his questions and crafted the follow-ups in very personalized ways to what it seemed the people’s personalities were - which made me think he was able to very quickly assess their personalities. There was also an intangible quality to his presentation that I think deserves special mention. Throughout the tour - whether discussing history, civics, human rights, art or current events, he presented everything in a very even-keeled, and respectful way - it seemed like he took special care not to pass judgment (even in the choice of language) - his language just lacked any trace of disparagement. He also never pressured people to participate, yet people naturally engaged. I think he was able to strike a balance between being engaging and relaxed but focused. His descriptive ability was also exceptional. A small but telling example: when the trolley stopped slightly away from the curb, instead of simply saying “mind the gap,” he took a moment to explain the phrase, knowing there were international visitors on the trolley who might not be familiar with the expression. That level of consideration and clarity was consistent during the tour. He enriched the experience with beautifully chosen details. For example, when describing how the ‘Little Del’ house was moved from Portland, Maine, he explained the actual route taken — turning a simple fact into a vivid, memorable story. He told many of the same stories other tours cover, but with a level of care, continuity, and detail that made them feel alive. You truly felt like you were getting to know the people who founded the city. His humor was another highlight - it was witty, intelligent, and seamlessly woven into the narrative. It was never crass or embarrassing. It even had continuity, like a little Easter egg for people who were on the earlier parts of the tour, while being fully accessible to those who joined the tour later. It just made the stories better. Finally, little bits of suggestions and logistics were outstanding. At every stop, he offered thoughtful, specific suggestions that were far from generic - ideas for how to explore each area, what to notice, and what made each place special. His descriptions genuinely made me want to go explore the city, which feels like the ultimate goal of a tour like this. This tour was the highlight of my San Diego activities.

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Dave Lindvia Google

3 months ago

My tour guide James was absolutely fantastic. What a dedication and professionalism! It was the best introduction to the city of San Diego I could think of and unforgettable experience. You will see and learn a lot, and the bus trip offers a great opportunity to take some really nice photos . Thank you, James!

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Mandy Kogelvia Google

4 months ago

We have visited San Diego many times and have never experienced the city more than on this tour. The staff was great. Rico was our guide for our first and last stop he was amazing lots of information and very fun. This tour is a must and we will definitely take it again on our next visit. Thank you Old Town Trolley Tours!

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kazumi makwanavia Google

6 months ago

Worth the price. though little experience side. (around 55-60/person) takes around 1-2hr if you don't get off at any locations. but its easy way to commute to different locations without hassle of car parking. one of the spot worth visit is "Coronado island". not many tourist know about this when they visit sandiego. really nice island acces by the "sandiego-Coronado bridge".