From Hilltops to Harbors: A Scenic Day in San Diego, Departing from San Clemente

Your journey begins with a morning departure from San Clemente, heading south along the coast. The first stop on your private tour is Mount Soledad, a veterans memorial perched high above La Jolla. From this vantage point, take in unobstructed views of the Pacific, downtown San Diego, and even northern Baja. It’s a moving and panoramic way to begin your experience.

Descending into La Jolla, your next destination is La Jolla Cove, a protected marine area filled with rocky outcrops, sea lions, and bluffside paths. Walk along Ellen Browning Scripps Park, photograph the sea life, or relax to the sound of the surf.

From there, travel into the heart of early California at Old Town San Diego—where adobe buildings, cobbled streets, and historic plazas tell the story of Spanish missions and Mexican independence. Enjoy time to explore heritage sites like the Whaley House, shop artisan markets, or taste traditional foods.

Afterward, head to the waterfront at Seaport Village, where you’ll enjoy an hour of free time for lunch (meals not included) and shopping along the harbor promenade. Ride the antique carousel, browse coastal gift shops, or simply soak in views of passing boats.

Post-lunch, your guide will lead a narrated drive through the Gaslamp Quarter, home to preserved Victorian buildings, lively streets, and San Diego’s modern downtown vibe. You’ll see the Gaslamp Arch, rooftop bars, and restored 19th-century hotels.

Then it’s over the bridge to Coronado Island, where you’ll visit the legendary Hotel Del Coronado. Built in 1888, this beachfront resort is full of stories—from royal visits to classic films. Stroll the hotel’s wraparound verandas, walk the soft sand, or check out the shops along Orange Avenue.

Finally, unwind in Balboa Park, San Diego’s most beloved cultural space. Explore the Botanical Building, Alcazar Garden, or simply walk the promenades lined with Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The park’s beauty and serenity make for a perfect final chapter to the tour.

As your vehicle returns north to San Clemente, enjoy one last narrated drive through Little Italy, San Diego’s culinary and cultural district. Learn about the Italian fishing families that built the neighborhood, and see how the area has evolved into a vibrant dining and arts scene.

By day’s end, you’ll return to San Clemente enriched by coastal views, deep history, and the relaxed yet vivid character that defines San Diego.

• Private pickup and drop-off from your hotel, vacation rental, or custom location in San Clemente
• Air-conditioned vehicle reserved exclusively for your group
• Live narration by a knowledgeable San Diego guide throughout the day
• Free time at six of San Diego’s most iconic locations:
• Mount Soledad – scenic overlook and veterans tribute
• La Jolla Cove – marine sanctuary and ocean pathways
• Old Town – adobe architecture, history museums, and local crafts
• Seaport Village – waterfront lunch and boutique shopping
• Hotel Del Coronado – historic beachfront resort with Victorian charm
• Balboa Park – cultural gardens and Spanish-style pavilions
• Narrated pass-by tours through the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy
• Bottled water and light snacks onboard

• Lunch (available for purchase in Seaport Village)
• Gratuities for your guide and driver (optional but appreciated)