Top La Jolla Sightseeing Tours in 2026

Enjoy sublime coastal scenery as you spot marine life during this kayaking trip to La Jolla’s sea caves and ecological reserve. Paddle alongside your expert naturalist guide as you observe the numerous species of birds, dolphins, sea lions, and even orcas of the area. Kayak among the lush kelp beds that grow in the reserve and, if conditions permit, explore inside the sea caves that dot the rocky coastline.

Book the Best E-Bike Tour In La Jolla. Your bike adventure will begin at Hike Bike Kayak’s storefront where you’ll check-in and get fitted on your pedal assist-E-bike. Breeze up and down the coastline and appreciate San Diego’s famous scenery including Windansea Beach, Bird Rock, the Children’s Pool, and La Jolla Cove. This tour is one of the best ways to experience San Diego’s jewel coast. Our experienced tour guides (who have been trained by a 3rd generation La Jollan) will steer you in the right direction and show you La Jolla’s hidden treasures. (Must have biking experience, must be at least 5'2 in height as well.)

Guests get to kayak out into the La Jolla Ecological Reserve with trained professional guides to take them to various snorkel sports in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve (spot depends on safety and may change depending on the day.) Once the group arrivals at chosen snorkel spot, the guides will till all of the kayaks together with rope and drop a sea anchor, so the kayaks are stationary, and the guests get to hop out and snorkel in the majestic waters of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve. After the snorkeling portion, guests kayak back to the launching point. Entire duration last two hours. No snorkel experience necessary but preferred. Must be a comfortable swimmer in the ocean to participate.

Guided tours are relatively expensive and can follow rigid itineraries with tight schedules. This self-guided audio tour of La Jolla, a coastal town known for its rugged coastline and posh shopping, helps travelers save money and explore completely at their own pace. Follow your downloaded map app past art galleries, historic churches and hotels, and parks, finishing at the Sunny Jim Sea Cave. Start, stop, and pause the tour whenever you’d like.

Join our seasoned guides with a passion for the ocean for a snorkeling session to see the world underneath the waves. We offer high-quality dive gear and wetsuits to keep you comfortable in the cool ocean temperatures. Leopard sharks, sea turtles, Garibaldi, and sea lions are just some of the sea life you might witness. We’ll tour the famous La Jolla shoreline and make our way to the famous Emerald Cave. (Participants must know how to swim.)

Explore La Jolla Ecological Reserve's sea caves during a 90-minute kayaking tour. Follow your experienced guide through several diverse ecological habitats, home to one of the highest concentrations of sea life in California. Paddle toward the Seven Sea Caves, where you can get stunning views from inside Emerald Cave, the only north-facing cave in the state (conditions permitting). Explore a giant kelp forest inhabited by wildlife like harbor seals and sea lions. Use of all kayaking equipment is included; no kayaking experience is necessary.

Explore La Jolla’s coastline on a self-guided walking tour featuring sea caves, coastal views, and iconic stops like La Jolla Cove and the Children’s Pool. This GPS-guided audio tour follows the scenic Coast Walk Trail, with stories and directions that play automatically as you walk. Start with sweeping views of La Jolla Shores, Scripps Pier, and Torrey Pines in the distance, then hear the story of Sunny Jim and the hidden staircase beneath your feet. As you continue toward La Jolla Cove, you’ll spot cormorants, seals, and sea lions along the rocky shoreline. Learn about Ellen Browning Scripps and her lasting impact on La Jolla before visiting the Children’s Pool, a favorite gathering place for seals. The tour continues into the village, where you’ll pass art galleries, local landmarks, and a few great spots to eat before finishing near where you started. This flexible, self-paced tour lets you explore on your own schedule with the freedom to stop, detour, or linger at viewpoints.

Skip the crowded tour boats. Liberty carries just six guests and that changes everything. Sail San Diego Bay aboard a classic 41-ft Friendship sloop with Captain Phil, a USCG-licensed captain with 55 years of sailing experience. Whether you choose an afternoon sail or stay for sunset, the experience is calm, unhurried, and genuinely personal — less like a tour, more like being invited onto a private yacht. Take in the San Diego skyline, Coronado Bridge, and USS Midway from the water — no narration script, no rushing, just the bay at its best. Afternoon sail — open skies, warm sun, and the city in full view. Sunset sail — watch the sky change over the water as the city lights come on. Ideal for couples and travelers who want an authentic, uncrowded San Diego sailing experience. All sails are 2.5 hours. Included: craft beer, California white wine, soft drinks, and packaged snacks. Paid marina parking available. Gratuity for the captain is appreciated and not included.

A rare sunset sailing adventure aboard our 35-foot sailboat, Luna: small group limited to six people, local captain sharing stories, hands-on sailing, and unforgettable vistas of San Diego. Watch for playful sea lions, dolphins, and pelicans. Participate or sit back and enjoy breathtaking sunset views of the city's skyline and waterfront attractions as we sail among tall ships, mega-yachts, and military vessels. We invite you to celebrate a special occasion with your partner, family or group and capture the moments in breathtaking photos. No sailing experience is needed for this family-friendly outing, but participation is welcome. We love sharing our knowledge and experience. Choose a public or private tour option when you book. Snacks and bottled water included. Feel free to bring your own easy to handle alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Free cancellation, 100% refund up to 24 hours before your reservation.

Slap on some sunscreen, give your legs a light stretch, and get ready to cruise to some of La Jolla’s best sightseeing spots on this popular San Diego e-bike tour! Take in amazing panoramic views at the top of Mount Soledad before an exhilarating descent into Pacific Beach. With the power of an electric bike, you’ll cover more ground with ease while soaking up the sun, surf, and vibrant outdoor San Diego culture. This 2.5 to 3-hour tour is led by our delightful, certified La Jolla tour guides.

Avoid crowds and traffic in San Diego and have a peaceful adventure on the water with this small-group sailing tour. Keeping the group size small ensures a more personalized experience, without the noise and crowds of large group sightseeing boats. Along the way, pass by lots of great photo opportunities—including the Star of India, Coronado Bridge, and views of the city’s skyline.

Pedal the scenic streets of bike-friendly Coronado during this small-group cycle tour. Explore the charming atmosphere of this coastal community in San Diego on two wheels, passing landmarks including the Coronado Bridge, the historic Hotel del Coronado, the Naval Amphibious Base, and much more. It’s a great opportunity for both beginner and more advanced cyclists to discover an entirely different side of this Southern California city.

Explore San Diego's rich history and vibrant food scene on this engaging tour that connects four centuries through four notable stops. Begin at Old Town, the birthplace of California, where you'll enjoy a freshly made churros. Next, enjoy a craft beverage tasting at Liberty Station, a repurposed naval base. Visit Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument for breathtaking views and fascinating history. Conclude your day at Sunset Cliffs, perfectly timed for stunning views. With a local guide who shares insider knowledge, this small group experience ensures a personalized journey through San Diego's past and present. - Walk Old Town's mission-era streets, browse the shops, enjoy a freshly made churro and shop real Mexican crafts - Taste craft beer or wine at Liberty Station, your call — Stone Brewing or Caruth Cellars — and wander the food hall and shops after - Stand where Cabrillo landed in 1542 at Point Loma, then work the tide pools below Everything handled. Just show up.

Embark on an exciting journey from Downtown La Jolla, scaling the heights to reach Mt. Soledad on our state-of-the-art fleet of e-bikes. Brace yourself for an epic adventure that unfolds with breathtaking views of our city. From the summit of the highest coastal mountain, we coast along the sun-drenched beaches of Windansea and Bird Rock, extending our route to encompass La Jolla Cove and the charming village. En route, you'll be captivated by luxury residences, playful sea lions, awe-inspiring ocean vistas, the wonders of Mother Nature, and so much more. To keep you refreshed, we provide complimentary bottled water and snacks. Get ready to embark on this unforgettable excursion! Take advantage of this killer deal offered only twice a day: 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Experience the campus of UCSD (University of California, San Diego), home to world-class architecture, thought-provoking art, and a rich academic history, on this self-guided audio tour. Explore the campus through the eyes of a local and former UCSD staffer, and hear about popular college traditions and iconic landmarks. Discover the unique spirit of a university that’s ranked among the world’s top research institutions. You’ll pass several notable buildings including the Cognitive Science Building, the Mandeville Auditorium, and the Tata Hall for Sciences. Along the way, you’ll hear about the various colleges, student organizations and some of the resources and services that are available to new and prospective students, like the Student Health Services. Even if you’re a local or have visited before, this 45-minute UCSD tour reveals hidden gems and intriguing backstories that you’re unlikely to have heard. Dive into the Triton spirit and explore all it has to offer!

Turn UCSD into a game while partaking on a 2-hour Walking Adventure. Your smartphone will act as your guide, while you solve clues and complete challenges around the city. Entry price is per team.

Experience Southern California’s iconic sights with this self-guided driving and walking audio tour bundle! Visit the star-studded Hollywood Celebrity Homes, explore famous filming locations in Los Angeles, wander through the unique landscapes of Joshua Tree and Death Valley, and discover the architectural beauty of Palm Springs. From the glitzy Rodeo Drive to the serene La Jolla Cove, this bundle offers an unforgettable road trip through California’s diverse attractions. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email, then download the Action Tour Guide App, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

SDBK is the top ranked kayak operator by the City of San Diego for kayak operations. This ranking is based on meaningful criteria including the extensiveness and quality of our training programs, our proprietary guide certification process and stringent guidelines, our operating procedures, the quality and content of our opperations, our Water Safety Plan and Emergency Response Plan. Additionally, we are the closest operator to the beach in La Jolla and we also have the most available tours as the top ranked largest operator. Cave entry is not permitted on a rental; however, you can book one of our guided tours. If conditions do permit entry into the largest sea cave we access on our guided tours. Our priority is guest safety and we are unable to enter the Clam's Cave is ocean conditions do not permit.

Discover the essence of San Diego through five self-guided walking tours, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Town, immerse yourself in the cultural treasures of Balboa Park, delight in the vibrant atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter, enjoy stunning waterfront views along the Embarcadero, and take in the coastal beauty of La Jolla. Each tour features engaging storytelling paired with GPS-triggered audio, enhancing your experience as you walk. Perfect for first-timers or returning visitors, these tours are yours to keep, so you can enjoy them now or on your next trip. - Five self-guided walking tours covering iconic San Diego destinations - Blends storytelling with GPS-triggered audio for an immersive experience - Explore at your own pace, perfect for both first-time and returning visitors - Tours are yours to keep for future visits, allowing flexibility in your schedule

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from La Jolla This private tour offers tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, or corporate outings. Start w/ panoramic coastal views from Mount Soledad, then head to La Jolla Cove to see sea lions lounging on the rocks and waves crashing below the cliffs. In Old Town San Diego, explore adobe buildings, historic plazas, and vibrant shops that bring California’s past to life. Break for lunch at Seaport Village along the Embarcadero (meals not included), where harbor breezes and waterfront dining set the tone. Drive through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares tales of its Wild West past—think Wyatt Earp and saloons. Cross the Coronado Bridge for sweeping bay views, stop at the legendary Hotel del Coronado, then cruise down Orange Avenue. Wrap up with scenic drives through Balboa Park and Little Italy for a perfect blend of history, beauty, and SoCal charm.

Explore La Jolla, the Jewel of San Diego, on this private Ultimate La Jolla Combo package featuring self-guided driving and walking tours. Discover Coast Boulevard, Prospect Street, and La Jolla Village on the famous Coast Walk and uncover historic roots with ocean views. Get the app, apply your code, and download the tour on your phone for lifetime use with no expiry.

Sip, Savor, and Explore Temecula Wine Country Your tiered pricing makes this private tour even better—the larger your group, the lower the per-person rate. Perfect for couples, friends, or private groups of up to 14 guests. Departing from La Jolla, this full-day wine tour offers a scenic, stress-free getaway to the vineyards of Temecula Valley. Begin with free time in Old Town Temecula for coffee, boutique shopping, or the Saturday farmers market. Next, visit Somerset Vineyard & Winery for tastings and a guided production tour, then head to Oak Mountain Winery for tastings, optional charcuterie boards, and a tour of their underground wine cave. Lunch follows at Cougar Winery (Mon–Fri) or Bel Vino Winery (Sat). Meals and tastings not included. End the day with a final tasting at Callaway Winery, known for sweeping views. Book your La Jolla wine tour today and enjoy Temecula’s best with none of the hassle.

Explore the wonderful coast outside of San Diego with a local expert and discover some the beautiful coast and its wonderful beaches. Your drive/guide will show you the most beautiful beaches and its villages. Learn the history of the area, see the beach lifestyle and marine life of San Diego.