Combos

Combo (Save 5%): San Diego Zoo Tickets + Old Town Trolley Tour

Family observing a giraffe at San Diego Zoo during guided bus tour.

Guide feeding an okapi while guests observe at San Diego Zoo.

Old Town Trolley in front of Old Town Market, San Diego, with tourists exploring shops.

Couple walking near marina and historic building on Old Town Trolley Tour.

Open today

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Guided tour

4.7/5(2,501)

Kimberly G

Couple

Verified booking

4 days ago

There was so much to see and do. What I appreciated most was that each tour works hard to upgrade and make new areas for visitors. No two visits are the same

Charlene B

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

We were blown away by how kind and helpful every employee we encountered was. Getting through the gate was quick and easy, and from the moment we walked in, it truly felt like stepping into a real jungle with the lush plants, birds chirping, and relaxing waterfalls everywhere. The atmosphere was so peaceful and immersive. The animals were incredible and did the coolest things! Some of the highlights were hearing a leopard roar, seeing a crocodile underwater with its mouth wide open, and watching the monkeys be so sweet and playful. We especially loved how close you can get to many of the animals — it made the whole experience feel so special. The app also made it really easy to find the animals we wanted to see. My family and I had an absolute blast and made such fun memories here. We also really appreciated the free drink refills, which were such a nice bonus during the day. Thank you for such an amazing experience! Best Zoo day ever!

Sandra H

Couple

Verified booking

6 days ago

Was a special day sat may 30 2026. Reunited with my niece and met her husband and 4 kids. from vernal ut After 10 years. I just moved to CA from Wyoming few years ago.. We met and spent the day at the zoo. Kids ages 11,10,8,2. . Only at this time I knew the 8 year old . We laughed took so many pictures. There isn't a zoo animal there. That didn't get there picture taken.Sharing a great experience for first time zoo to for many of us. The staff was amazing. When we needed to make sure where to go on the map. They were always polite. Directed us in the right direction. Seeing animals that never even heard of. This day brought the family together. Know better place then this amazing zoo. Thank you San Diego zoo.

Carol L

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

We have been to San Diego many times, but never taken the Hop on Hop off Trolley before. All of the drivers were friendly and informative. We saw and learned about places we had never been, like the Barrio Logan, Little Italy, and the amazing Star of India and other ships that we could explore! It was a great way to see the beautiful architecture of the city and enjoy the variety of the areas so conveniently. We give it 10 stars!!

Emmanuel G

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Excellent experience with Headout! Buying our San Diego Zoo tickets in advance made everything so easy and stress-free. We skipped the hassle at the entrance and went straight in to enjoy the day. Great prices, smooth process, and super convenient. Highly recommend!

Zenaida A

Solo

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

A moment that made my day is that I saw all animals and I just love it,there is no where us to be with the animals,they are my inspiration,Thank you San diego,CA Zoo,you don't know how much I love it,I would be there every day if I could,thank you.

Get up close with exotic animals at the San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s most celebrated zoos.

See San Diego’s landmarks your way with the flexible Old Town Trolley, featuring live commentary and 11 stops.

Stop J on the trolley route makes it easy to combine your city tour with a visit to the San Diego Zoo.

San Diego Old Town Trolley Tours

1-day unlimited hop-on hop-off tour

Access to Orange Route

Live guide/conductor

Free audio-guided walking tours

Discount coupons worth $30

Map brochure with day planner

San Diego Zoo

Entry to the San Diego Zoo

Kangaroo Express bus tour

Guided bus tour

Skyfari aerial tram

Access to all shows and exhibits

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

2,501 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
1.9K
390
85
16
44
Guests from Mexico, Canada, France and over 26 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Kimberly G
Couple
Verified booking
4 days ago
There was so much to see and do. What I appreciated most was that each tour works hard to upgrade and make new areas for visitors. No two visits are the same
David I
Family
Verified booking
4 days ago
Very good zoo. For me it was confusing to get around. The app map didn't help a lot. I felt like the signage could be improved.
William H
Group
Verified booking
4 days ago
Very easy to obtain and use the digital tickets.
Charlene B
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
We were blown away by how kind and helpful every employee we encountered was. Getting through the gate was quick and easy, and from the moment we walked in, it truly felt like stepping into a real jungle with the lush plants, birds chirping, and relaxing waterfalls everywhere. The atmosphere was so peaceful and immersive. The animals were incredible and did the coolest things! Some of the highlights were hearing a leopard roar, seeing a crocodile underwater with its mouth wide open, and watching the monkeys be so sweet and playful. We especially loved how close you can get to many of the animals — it made the whole experience feel so special. The app also made it really easy to find the animals we wanted to see. My family and I had an absolute blast and made such fun memories here. We also really appreciated the free drink refills, which were such a nice bonus during the day. Thank you for such an amazing experience! Best Zoo day ever!
Gisele G
Family
Verified booking
May 2026
We absolutely loved the drivers—they were very friendly and cheerful. We are Brazilians, and they spoke with us very patiently, as we haven't quite mastered the language yet. The only thing we missed were the headphones with translation.

Old Town Trolley

Hop on the Old Town Trolley to explore San Diego at your own pace. With 11 stops at top attractions like the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and Coronado, enjoy lively guides sharing stories and trivia as you navigate the city with ease.

Hop-on Hop-off Route - Orange Route

Ready to soak up the sunny vibes of San Diego’s coastline? Ride down the orange route to explore the city’s must-see landmarks and the scenic Coronado shoreline at your own pace.

Schedule

Jan 1–Mar 9, July 4, Nov 3–Dec 31

First bus: 9am from Stop 1, Old Town Market

Last bus: 3pm from Stop 1, Old Town Market

Frequency: Every 20 minutes

Popular stops: Seaport Village, Balboa Park, Little Italy

Mar 10–July 3, July 5–Nov 2

First bus: 9am from Stop 1, Old Town Market

Last bus: 4pm from Stop 1, Old Town Market

Frequency: Every 20 minutes

Popular stops: Seaport Village, Balboa Park, Little Italy

NOTE:

Please note that the tour does not run on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Please click here for a detailed route map and its boarding points.

You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

San Diego Zoo

Step into the lush, open-air sanctuary of the San Diego Zoo, home to over 12,000 animals across 650 species. Explore immersive habitats like the Lost Forest with playful primates, Elephant Odyssey for gentle giants, and the Polar Bear Plunge for Arctic life. Enjoy engaging keeper talks, interactive exhibits, and surprises at every turn. Conveniently located near trolley Stop 'J', it’s easy to combine both experiences for a perfect day out.

What's not allowed

San Diego Old Town Trolley Tours

Due to operator restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

Accessibility

San Diego Old Town Trolley Tours

The buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Your guide dogs are welcome onboard.

Additional information

San Diego Old Town Trolley Tours

The tour does not run on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Please note that on special event days, the tours may be delayed, face street closures, or skip certain stops. So expect some changes in the tour schedule if you’re traveling during Memorial Weekend, Rock-N-Roll Marathon, Independence Day, Comic Con, AFC Half Marathon, Labor Day Weekend, or December nights.

San Diego Zoo

With your voucher, you can skip the ticketing window and proceed directly to the entrance. Please be aware that this privilege is only applicable for bypassing the admission ticket line and does not extend to the bus or Skyfari lines.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.

Ticket redemption points

San Diego Zoo

Show your ticket at San Diego Zoo.

Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States.

Get directions to the redemption point

Old Town Trolley

Please redeem this voucher from the bus driver or a member of staff at any of the stops.

Tours depart from boarding locations approximately every half hour.

You can then board the bus at any designated stops. The recommended stops are Stop A - Old Town Market, Stop C - Embarcadero Marina, Stop D – Headquarters at Seaport District, Stop E – Seaport Village, Stop G – Gaslamp Quarter, Stop J – Coronado – Orange Ave.