From Del Mar to San Diego: A Perfect Full-Day Coastal & City Adventure

Start your day in beautiful Del Mar—famous for its beaches, bluffs, racetrack, and relaxed coastal lifestyle—before heading south for a full-day exploration of San Diego’s most iconic attractions. Your shared sightseeing tour begins at the La Jolla Village Starbucks, an easy and convenient meeting point just minutes from Del Mar with fast freeway access, nearby parking, and several breakfast options.

Your first stop takes you high above the coastline to Mount Soledad, a peaceful veterans memorial with sweeping 360° views over La Jolla’s cliffs, downtown San Diego, Mission Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s an incredible way to start your day and take in the region’s natural beauty.

Next, you’ll visit La Jolla Cove, one of California’s most photographed natural spots. Stroll the oceanfront paths at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, watch sea lions resting on the rocky shoreline, explore tide pools when the tide is low, or simply enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery.

Your tour then continues into Old Town San Diego, the cultural birthplace of California. Walk among preserved adobe buildings, colorful plazas, museums, and artisan shops. You’ll have free time to explore historic courtyards, visit Heritage Park, or browse local boutiques.

By midday, you’ll arrive at Seaport Village, a classic bayfront destination with restaurants, shops, and views of the Coronado Bridge. This is your opportunity to purchase lunch (not included), enjoy a waterfront walk, or relax along the harbor.

After lunch, sit back for a narrated drive through the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s historic downtown entertainment district. Your guide will point out restored Victorian architecture, the Gaslamp Arch, and share fascinating stories from the neighborhood’s past.

You’ll then head across the bridge to Hotel Del Coronado, the renowned Victorian beachfront resort known worldwide for its architecture and rich history. Walk the pristine white-sand beach, explore the hotel’s shops, or admire views of Point Loma from the shoreline.

The final major stop is Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural park featuring gardens, museums, Spanish-style architecture, and open plazas. Enjoy time to explore pathways, take photos, or simply unwind in the shade of the historic trees.

As the day concludes, you’ll get a narrated pass through Little Italy, now one of San Diego’s most vibrant food and cultural districts, before your guide returns you to the La Jolla Village Starbucks in the early evening.

• Free meeting point at La Jolla Village Starbucks
• 8657 Villa La Jolla Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
• Comfortable shared vehicle
• Live narration from a professional 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 museum or attraction admissions
• Gratuities for the guide (optional but appreciated)