Departing from the elegant seaside town of Del Mar, this private half-day tour offers a seamless journey into the heart of San Diego. Designed for travelers who want to experience the city’s most iconic sights without dedicating a full day, this tour includes a well-paced blend of coastal beauty, historical exploration, and cultural landmarks.
Your first stop is Old Town San Diego, the city’s original settlement and a living museum of early California life. Walk through adobe homes, browse handcrafted goods, and explore shaded plazas that reflect the Spanish, Mexican, and American influences that shaped the region.
Next, enjoy free time for lunch at Seaport Village, a breezy bayside destination filled with waterfront dining, unique shops, and panoramic views of the harbor and Coronado Bridge. It’s the perfect break to relax and take in the marina atmosphere (meals not included).
Afterward, your guide will lead you through a narrated drive of the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s historic downtown core. Once home to saloons and gambling halls, the area now blends Victorian architecture with a vibrant urban energy.
Your journey continues across the dramatic San Diego–Coronado Bridge to the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, a legendary red-roofed resort known for hosting dignitaries, film stars, and royalty since 1888. Walk the beach, explore the shops, or take in the grandeur of this historic property.
Your final stop is Balboa Park, a cultural and architectural treasure in the heart of the city. Stroll through botanical gardens, admire ornate Spanish Colonial buildings, or relax among fountains and palm-lined promenades.
As you make your way back to Del Mar, enjoy a narrated drive through Little Italy, a neighborhood rich in immigrant history and now a top destination for food lovers and design fans alike.
In just a few hours, this half-day tour from Del Mar brings you face-to-face with the spirit of San Diego—coastal, cultural, and full of character.
🚶 Stops (get out and explore on foot):
• Old Town San Diego – adobe buildings, museums, and California’s birthplace
• Seaport Village – lunch stop (meals not included), waterfront shops, and bay views
• Hotel Del Coronado – Victorian architecture, beach walk, and historic charm
• Balboa Park – botanical gardens, museums, and Spanish-style promenades
🚐 Pass-By Locations (see from the vehicle with narration):
• Gaslamp Quarter – iconic archway, Victorian buildings, and nightlife district
• Little Italy – Italian cafés, open-air piazza, and immigrant history
Your perfect day is just a click away. Reserve your tour now and get ready to explore!
Only 4 seats left for this weekend!
📅 Live calendar and final price 💲
shown in our secure booking portal.
*Not including the reservation system fee
Victorian Buildings
Gaslamp Quarter Archway
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Whaley House Museum
Heritage Park
Presidio Park
North island naval air station
Victorian Homes
Orange Ave
The Hotel Del Coronado
San Diego Museum of Art
Museum of Us
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
Fleet Science Center
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Botanical Building and Lily Pond
Japanese Friendship Garden
Alcazar Garden
Old Globe Theatre
Starlight Bowl
San Diego Zoo
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
Balboa Park Visitors Center
Little Italy Mercato (Farmers’ Market)
Piazza Basilone
We offer the perfect balance of convenience, affordability, and camaraderie, providing you with the opportunity to make new friends while experiencing the best of what our Southern California tours have to offer.
