From Solana Beach to San Diego: A Scenic and Cultural Day Trip

Start your day in Solana Beach—one of North County’s most artistic and coastal communities—before joining your shared sightseeing tour of San Diego. Guests can choose between two easy meeting points:

From your chosen pickup spot, your guide begins the journey south toward the scenic hills of La Jolla, where your first stop is Mount Soledad. This striking veterans memorial offers panoramic views of the coastline, the Pacific Ocean, and downtown San Diego—a breathtaking way to begin the day.

You’ll then descend to La Jolla Cove, one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal viewpoints. Explore tide pools when conditions allow, watch sea lions on the rocks, or stroll the oceanfront paths at Ellen Browning Scripps Park. The sandstone cliffs and turquoise water create the perfect backdrop for photos.

Next, you’ll arrive in Old Town San Diego, the cultural birthplace of California. Walk along historic adobe buildings, browse local artisan shops, visit courtyards, or explore Heritage Park and the surrounding museum areas. You’ll have free time to enjoy at your own pace.

Around midday, the group heads to Seaport Village, a bayfront hub offering lunch options (not included), charming boutiques, and waterfront views of the Coronado Bridge and passing naval ships. Relax, dine, or simply stroll the harbor promenade.

After lunch, enjoy a narrated drive through the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s downtown entertainment district. Your guide will point out restored Victorian architecture, the Gaslamp Arch, and share stories of the area’s lively past.

You’ll then cross over to the legendary Hotel Del Coronado. Explore the historic resort’s grounds, browse its shops, or wander the wide, sparkling white-sand beach with views of Point Loma.

Your final major stop is Balboa Park, San Diego’s world-famous cultural park featuring 1,200 acres of gardens, plazas, and Spanish-style architecture. Whether you choose to explore the Botanical Building area or wander the shaded pathways, it’s a relaxing close to the day’s adventure.

On your return north, enjoy a final narrated pass through Little Italy, a lively neighborhood filled with restaurants and cultural charm, before being dropped off at your chosen meeting point.

• Choice of Two Free Meeting Points:
• Comfortable shared vehicle
• Live narration from a knowledgeable local guide
• Free time at six major sightseeing stops
• Narrated drive-throughs of the Gaslamp Quarter & Little Italy
• Bottled water and light snacks onboard

• Lunch (available for purchase in Seaport Village)
• Optional attraction or museum admissions
• Guide gratuities (optional but appreciated)