Balboa Park in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Bus Tour Transports Millions

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 6, 2025

1. Bus Tour Transports Millions Marker

Inscription. In 1926, a retired schoolteacher donated two Model T buses to bring children from school to a field trip at the Zoo. It soon became apparent that the buses could also be used to transport Zoo guests around the grounds. What began as a small courtesy for children turned into the most popular tour at the Zoo.

Over time, the Guided Bus Tour has followed many routes and passed by many exhibits. Today, the 35-minute tour is the perfect way to start your adventure.

[Caption]
Since it first rolled out, the bus tour has hosted an estimated 55 million people.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.

Location. 32° 44.144′ N, 117° 8.998′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Balboa Park. It can be reached from Zoo Dr.. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego CA 92101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Celebrating 100 Years of Animal Care and Conservation (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth (approx. 0.2 miles away); Elmer C. Otto (approx. 0.2 miles away); 1915-16 Isthmus (Fun Zone)

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Balboa Park Carousel (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Botanical Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Laguna de Las Flores (approx. ¼ mile away); Casa del Prado (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Additional commentary.
1. Admission fee required to view marker(s)
An admission fee is required to view any markers within the Zoo.

— Submitted July 28, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 6, 2025

2. Bus Tour Transports Millions Marker

The marker is located near the entrance to the bus tour loading dock.

Bus Tour Transport Loading Dock image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 6, 2025

3. Bus Tour Transport Loading Dock

Tour Bus Being Loaded with Passengers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 6, 2025

4. Tour Bus Being Loaded with Passengers

Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 73 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 28, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.