San Diego Highlights Tour: Discover Top Sights & Coastal Beauty
See more
Discover the best of San Diego on a full-day tour that covers iconic sights and hidden gems. Travel comfortably in a luxury Mercedes van as you explore neighborhoods like Coronado, the Embarcadero, and Balboa Park. Enjoy the flexibility to hop out at key spots for photos, quick walks, or just to soak in the scenery.
Start your day downtown, then cross the stunning San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. Spend time on Coronado Island, known for its beautiful beaches, charming shops, and historic Hotel Del Coronado. Afterward, cruise along the waterfront, passing by the USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village, before heading to the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter for a leisurely lunch.
The afternoon takes you into Balboa Park, home to world-class museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Highlights include the Rose Garden, the Spanish Art Village, and the Botanical Building. The tour wraps up with scenic views from Mt. Soledad, honoring military heroes, and a peaceful visit to tidepools and protected beaches. This San Diego highlights tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, culture, and coastal beauty.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the San Diego Highlights Tour?
The full tour lasts approximately 7 hours, covering many of San Diego's top sights.
What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is offered in English and Spanish.
What is included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy narration by a professional guide, transport in a Mercedes van, bottled water, and small snacks. The vehicle is air-conditioned for comfort.
Are meals included?
Lunch is not included, but there is a scheduled stop in the Gaslamp Quarter for you to purchase and enjoy your meal at your leisure.
Is the tour suitable for children and all fitness levels?
Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
What happens if there are fewer than 4 guests?
If fewer than 4 people book, you'll be offered a shorter 4-hour version of the tour that covers key sights without the lunch break, or a different tour of equal value, or a full refund.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 7 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English, Spanish
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Narration by a professional guide
- Transport by Mercedes Tour Van
- Bottled Water and Small Snacks
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Itinerary
-
Stop 1
Meet your guide downtown and hop into a comfortable Mercedes van to begin your San Diego exploration. Stops along the way include scenic photo ops and quick visits to highlights.
-
Stop 2
Drive over the iconic San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge, a symbol of the area.
-
Stop 3
Spend about an hour on Coronado Island, known for its beautiful beaches, art galleries, shops, and the historic Hotel Del Coronado.
-
Stop 4
Enjoy a quick 10-minute view of the port from the dock, offering a stunning perspective of the city skyline.
-
Stop 5
Relax on Coronado Beach, popular with surfers and sunbathers, with historic homes and a dog run nearby.
-
Stop 6
See the Hotel Del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark with bright red Victorian architecture, hosting celebrities and presidents for over 130 years.
-
Stop 7
Visit the Embarcadero, home to the USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, and the famous 'Victory Kiss' statue, for about 15 minutes.
-
Stop 8
Enjoy a 1-hour lunch break in the lively Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s historic downtown hub filled with restaurants, Victorian architecture, and parks.
-
Stop 9
Explore Balboa Park for about 45 minutes, visiting museums, the San Diego Zoo, and beautiful gardens.
-
Stop 10
Visit the Rose Garden, home to 1,600 roses across 130 species, in bloom from March to December.
-
Stop 11
See the Spanish Art Village, a vibrant community of artisans, originally built for the 1935 exposition.
-
Stop 12
Tour the Botanical Building, housing over 2,100 tropical plants and seasonal flowers, reflected in a long lily pond.
-
Stop 13
Relax at a scenic beach surrounded by cliffs, tidepools, and marine life, for about 30 minutes.
-
Stop 14
Explore the historic El Prado district in Balboa Park, featuring landmarks like the Cabrillo Bridge, museums, and gardens.
-
Stop 15
End your tour at Mt. Soledad, a memorial honoring soldiers, with panoramic views and a white cross, for about 15 minutes.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
Our office is inside the brick-lined courtyard next to the Horton Plaza parking garage. Look for the 'Another Side Tours' sign and the blue door. For parking info, see 'Additional Information' or call us at 1-619-239-2111.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure for a full refund.
- 100% refund if cancelled at least 1 day prior
- No refund if cancelled within 24 hours
- Tours may be canceled if there are not enough travelers
Confirmation within 24 hours
The supplier reviews your request and usually confirms within 24 hours.
From $229.00 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
