From Leucadia to San Diego: A Full-Day Southern California Exploration

Begin your day in Leucadia—Encinitas’ relaxed, surf-centric neighborhood—before heading out on a full-day adventure through San Diego. Your shared tour meets at the Carlsbad Windmill Food Hall, an easy landmark just minutes from Leucadia with simple freeway access, coffee options, and plenty of space to meet your guide.

From Carlsbad, you’ll travel south into La Jolla, where your first stop is Mount Soledad. This hilltop memorial offers panoramic 360° views of the coastline, the Pacific Ocean, downtown San Diego, and the surrounding mountains. It’s the ideal introduction to the city and its stunning geography.

Next, descend to La Jolla Cove, one of California’s most picturesque coastal settings. Walk along the shoreline at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, enjoy close-up views of sea lions relaxing on the rocks, explore tide pools when conditions are right, or simply take in the ocean breeze and dramatic sandstone cliffs.

Your journey continues into Old Town San Diego, where California’s early history comes alive through preserved adobe buildings, shaded courtyards, museums, and artisan shops. You’ll have free time to wander Heritage Park, browse the local marketplace, or explore the historic grounds.

Around midday, you’ll arrive at Seaport Village, a classic waterfront stop with shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the Coronado Bridge and Navy ships. This is your opportunity to purchase lunch, explore the boutique stores, or stroll the harbor walkway.

After lunch, settle in for a narrated drive through the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s historic downtown district known for its restored Victorian architecture, entertainment venues, and vibrant history—from red-light tales to its modern-day revival.

Then, travel across the bridge to the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, a world-famous Victorian beach resort. Explore the hotel’s grounds and shops or walk the wide, white-sand beach—considered one of the best in Southern California—with views of Point Loma across the water.

Your final major stop is Balboa Park, San Diego’s 1,200-acre cultural oasis filled with lush gardens, Spanish Colonial architecture, and scenic walking paths. Enjoy time to explore plazas, take photos, or simply unwind under the shade of the park’s historic trees.

To wrap up the day, your guide will drive you through Little Italy, now one of San Diego’s most popular dining and cultural neighborhoods, before returning you to the Carlsbad Windmill Food Hall in the early evening.

• Free central meeting point at Carlsbad Windmill Food Hall
• 890 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92011
• Comfortable shared vehicle
• Knowledgeable local guide with live narration
• Free time at six signature stops:
• Mount Soledad
• La Jolla Cove
• Old Town San Diego
• Seaport Village
• Hotel Del Coronado
• Balboa Park
• Bottled water and light snacks onboard

• Lunch (available for purchase in Seaport Village)
• Museum/admission tickets (optional if guests choose to enter venues)
• Guide gratuities (optional but appreciated)