Old Town Trolley Tours

It’s called “the attraction that takes you to the attractions,” but San Diego has so many wonderful things going on. How do the friendly folks at Old Town Trolley Tours choose which attractions to take you to?

The answer sounds simple. “We go to what visitors would want to see,” says Rod LaBranche, Account Sales Manager. Sure, there are the famous and obvious attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park.  And there’s Balboa Park, called “the West Coast Smithsonian” because of its variety of arts, science and natural history museums that feature everything from photography to fossils.

You can’t be in San Diego without wanting the water, so there are stops near the Midway and cruise boarding piers. Shoppers get their kicks at Seaport Village, with its quaint collection of tidy stores selling unique gifts and fanciful souvenirs.

The Gaslamp District, born of the jazz culture and its aficionados, and Old Town, the birthplace of California, hold special places in the hearts of history buffs, who enjoy strolling the sidewalks and pathways. A plethora of eateries at both places satisfies the cravings for ribs and beer or tacos and margaritas.

But even the locals may not be familiar with some of the places where the Trolley stops, Rod says.  There’s the William Heath Davis house, one of the first houses built in 1850 in the “New Town.” This example of a pre-framed lumber "salt box" East Coast home was shipped to California by boat around Cape Horn. The 150-year-old Whaley House and museum in Old Town is a classic example of mid-nineteenth century Greek Revival architecture that complements its reputation as haunted.  The Star of India on the Embarcadero is the world’s oldest active sailing ship, built in 1863, when iron ships were a novelty. 

Fortunately, the Trolley drivers love to share stories and show off their knowledge of each place, whether it’s renowned or unfamiliar.

 “Our conductors are auditioned,” Rod says.  “They are more like actors that drive, than drivers who entertain.  We call it, ‘transportainment!’” 

Not only does Old Towne Trolley get you where you want to go without the stress of navigating and parking, it gets you there without gasoline.  The propane-powered cars boast awards for saving the environment and delivering exceptional service.

Riders can stay aboard the Trolley for the entire 2-hour tour, or hop on and off at whim, to make an entire day of sightseeing.  Locals can download a pass entitling them to a lifetime of free rides whenever they bring a paying guest.  That’s an attraction, all by itself.

For more information: 619-298-8687 or www.historictours.com