Maybe one of the first of a few I'll have in the next few days as we start focusing on our post-cruise w/e in SD next month. But for now, I just wanted to be sure I've 'got this': that SD trolley is one of those pay a single fee ($27-30) for a 2 hour tour with all day, hop on/hop off privileges. Is that right? There's no other, lower-priced trolley for visitors wanting to just poke about on their own? Thanks!

You're thinking of the Old Town Trolley Tour, which many posters here have used and think is terrific. I live in San Diego and I haven't been on it!

http://www.trolleytours.com/

There is also the San Diego Trolley, which is public transportation and which can take you to several of the main tourist areas. It is really only helpful if you stay in a hotel near one of the stations.

http://www.sdmts.com/Trolley/Trolley.asp

Thanks Barbara! That's actually what I was hoping - that there was a reasonably priced, public trans option. We have one day before we sail, when we'll be at the Downtown Courtyard, quite handy to the 5th Ave. station, looks like. On our return, we'll have two days, which I haven't yet pricelined. Hoping a Sat/Sun in early April won't be too hard to get something downtown.

Thanks again for the clarification and the link!

Glad I could help. Enjoy San Diego.

The day before you sail, take the 5th Avenue bus (#3 or #120, $2.25 per person) or walk the 1 1/4 miles (slightly uphill) to Laurel Street, then walk to the right (east) for about 1/3 of a mile into the center of Balboa Park where you will find far more than one day's worth of museums, interesting architecture, the Zoo, gardens, etc. (We, ages 61 and 65, live 2/3 of a mile north of 6th and Laurel and walk from our home to downtown and back quite often, so the walk to the park may be very do-able for you.) You could also take a cab from the hotel for less that $10, including tip.

Get a map and other info at the Visitor's Center. There are also detailed maps posted at a few key places in the park itself. If you are there on a Sunday, the International Cottages will be open, and there is a free outdoor organ concert at 2:00.

You can walk back (slightly downhill in that direction) or catch the same buses at 4th and Laurel.

The trolley is $5 for an all day pass. That also includes most bus routes except the express runs. You can also take the commuter ferry from the cruise port (Broadway Pier) over to Coronado Island for a few bucks. It's the "poor man's" harbor cruise.

Tell me more about the Old Town trolley tour....on Sundays? How long is it?