The 10 Best Tours in San Diego

San Diego, a city where the sun kisses the sea and history dances with modern vibrancy, beckons travelers with its enchanting allure. Here are the 10 best tours in San Diego that promise to whisk you away on unforgettable adventures, from the sparkling waters of the Pacific to the heart-pounding excitement of its lively districts.

San Diego Harbor Cruise

Board on the San Diego Harbor Cruise for a memorable journey along the beautiful Pacific Ocean and San Diego’s skyline. Sail smoothly under the tall Coronado Bridge and discover the bay’s highlights, including the famous USS Midway Museum and other landmarks.

This boat trip becomes magical as the sunset colors the sky and the city shines in golden light. Perfect for those looking to enjoy peaceful waters or capture stunning views of San Diego, this harbor cruise offers gorgeous and unforgettable moments, making it a must-do for all visitors.

• Tour Fee: Starting at $30
• Schedule: Daily departures
• Inclusions: Indoor viewing, snacks available for purchase

San Diego Seal City Tour

The San Diego Seal City Tour offers an adventure like no other, blending urban exploration with nautical wonder. Begin your journey aboard an amphibious craft, diving into the heart of San Diego’s bustling streets before making a splash into the cool waters of the bay. The tour unveils the city’s storied naval heritage and introduces you to the playful sea lions and seals.

As the vessel transitions from land to sea, passengers are treated to a rare glimpse of Shelter Island’s natural allure and the marine life within San Diego Bay. This distinctive tour captures the essence of the city’s rich history and vibrant coastal culture. It provides an experience brimming with discovery and enchantment, perfect for adventurers of all ages seeking to uncover San Diego.

• Tour Fee: Starting at $42
• Schedule: Multiple departures daily
• Inclusions: Land and sea tour, live narration

Hop-on Hop-Off Narrated Tour of Old Town

Take a journey back in time with the Hop-on Hop-Off Narrated Tour of Old Town San Diego. This tour takes you through the city’s rich history, from stories at the Mormon Battalion Historic Site to the stunning buildings in the Gaslamp Quarter. Each stop is a chance to explore San Diego’s historical sites and learn about the events and people that shaped the city.

Opt for a one-day ticket for a quick tour or a two-day pass for a more relaxed exploration of over 100 historical and cultural sites. This guided tour provides a detailed overview of San Diego’s history and architectural highlights, making it a must-do for history enthusiasts and explorers.

• Tour Fee: Starting at $40
• Schedule: Daily departures
• Inclusions: Unlimited hop-on hop-off access, live narration

Sightseeing Dinner Cruise

The Sightseeing Dinner Cruise combines delicious gourmet food with stunning views of San Diego’s lit-up skyline at night. As the evening starts and the city lights shine, guests enjoy a luxurious three-course meal. The cruise’s gentle movement and the live DJ’s music add to the sophisticated and lively atmosphere.

This dinner cruise is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of San Diego’s night-time charm, perfect for creating special memories. From toasting to music or enjoying the magical evening, the cruise offers a night of delicious food, beautiful sights, and unforgettable entertainment under the stars.

• Tour Fee: Starting at $115
• Schedule: Evening departures
• Inclusions: Three-course meal, DJ entertainment

La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaking

Embark on an exciting La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaking tour and discover the secrets under La Jolla Cove’s cliffs. Glide over clear waters, see sea lions, and paddle through kelp forests filled with marine life like the bright garibaldi fish and shy leopard sharks. Explore ancient sea caves, each with its own story to tell.

This kayaking adventure in La Jolla is thrilling and gives a special view of San Diego’s natural beauty. From exploring caves to enjoying the peaceful ocean, it’s a perfect activity for those who love nature and want to discover San Diego’s wonders.

• Tour Fee: Starting at $45
• Schedule: Multiple departures daily
• Inclusions: Kayak rental, guide, safety equipment

Carlsbad Village Food Tour

Take a pleasant walk through Carlsbad Village, enjoying a variety of delicious foods that showcase San Diego’s diverse cuisine. Try everything from spicy Mexican tacos to elegant crab cakes, with each stop introducing you to new and exciting flavors.

As you wander through the picturesque streets, the Carlsbad Village Food Tour combines delicious food with beautiful street art. Colorful murals decorate every corner, enhancing the lively food scene. The tour picks the best places to eat, showing off the top local dishes and award-winning wines that make this area famous. It’s a full sensory experience, creating lasting memories.

• Tour Fee: Starting at $69
• Schedule: Select days
• Inclusions: Food tastings at 8 eateries, wine sampling

Gaslamp Quarter Brewery Tour

Explore San Diego’s vibrant nightlife on a brewery tour through the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Discover how this area changed from a red-light district to a top spot for food and beer. Enjoy tastings of the city’s best craft beers at each brewery stop, learning about the local beer scene along the way.

As the sun goes down, the Gaslamp Quarter lights up, turning your tour into a vibrant journey of taste and history. The lively scene of today’s bars and restaurants comes with its unique vibe. Enjoy the craft beers and tasty snacks at each stop, adding to your San Diego experience. This tour is more than just beer tasting; it celebrates the city’s lively culture.

• Tour Fee: Starting at $50
• Schedule: Evening departures
• Inclusions: Brewery visits, food tastings

Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour

Join the Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour for a spooky journey through San Diego’s haunted history. As darkness falls, hop on the trolley and visit places like the eerie Whaley House. Feel the chill of old tales and ghost stories that still hang in the air, just like the evening fog.

Explore the spooky El Campo Cemetery and uncover the stories of San Diego’s past residents by moonlight. Every stop on this tour is full of mystery, giving you a peek into the ghostly happenings at the city’s ancient sites. It’s the perfect mix of history and chills for those intrigued by the secrets history books don’t cover.

• Tour Fee: Starting at $42
• Schedule: Nightly departures
• Inclusions: Visit haunted sites, live narration

Drive Your Own Speed Boat Tour

Feel the thrill of piloting your own speed boat with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. The Drive Your Own Speed Boat Tour is an action-packed escapade across the glistening waters of San Diego Bay. Follow your guide and navigate past iconic sights, feeling the rush of freedom and excitement as you go.

This tour combines thrilling high-speed boat rides with the chance to see San Diego’s beautiful skyline, including Point Loma, the Maritime Museum, and the Hotel del Coronado. It’s a unique and exciting way to explore the city, ideal for adventure lovers.

• Tour Fee: Starting at $70 per person
• Schedule: Multiple departures daily
• Inclusions: Speed boat rental, guide, safety briefing

Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

Set out on the Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise to meet the ocean’s incredible wildlife up close. This peaceful trip into the Pacific reveals the stunning world of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as these majestic animals play and leap, creating unforgettable moments of beauty.

On this peaceful cruise, you’ll escape from the busy land to the calm sea, surrounded only by the sound of waves and sea life. Watch as whales gracefully move through the water and dolphins play around the boat. This isn’t just a simple trip; it’s a journey into the ocean’s beauty and wonders, perfect for anyone who loves nature and adventure.

• Tour Fee: Starting at $85
• Schedule: Seasonal departures
• Inclusions: Guided cruise, potential marine sightings

San Diego, with its endless sunshine and captivating tours, promises an array of experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking thrills, culinary delights, or historical insights, these top 10 tours in San Diego offer a gateway to the city’s heart and soul. Dive in and discover the magic for yourself.