Top San Diego Culture - page 2

Sail back into history during this visit to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Enjoy one of the world’s biggest collections of historic ocean vessels, including five ships and one submarines. You’ll view the USS Dolphin research submarine, the iconic Star of India and the HMS Surprise (star of the ‘Master and Commander’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean films’) among others. A fun collection kid-friendly exhibits, plus an on-site maritime research library, round out the experience.

Spend an evening gourmet wining and dining aboard the ‘Spirit of San Diego,’ enjoying top-notch food and drink while you soak up skyline views. During this San Diego dinner cruise, you sip a complimentary cocktail and enjoy live on-board entertainment as you cruise 25 miles of California’s coastline and gaze at the stars above.

Experience the thrill of driving a speedboat—and enjoy a new way to sightsee—on this two-in-one San Diego Harbor tour. Learn the basics of boating from your guide before following their boat around the harbor, cruising past highlights such as the USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, the San Diego Maritime Museum, and more. Discover the stories behind the landmarks via the on-board, two-way communication system, and stop for photo ops.

View over 4,000 animals roaming in large enclosures on a 2-day visit to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This admission ticket allows you to spend two days at the Zoo or Safari Park or split your time between the two. Access to all shows and exhibits and all in-park transportation are included. With mobile tickets, scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

Craving some Mexican street food but feeling overwhelmed about where to start? San Diego’s proximity to Mexico makes it ideal for a day trip straight to the source in Tijuana. See a more authentic side to the city as you walk around and try dishes including fresh fruit with lime, delicious corn, and, of course, tacos. Afterwards, unwind with a beer or margarita at an authentic Mexican cantina.

Launched in 1914 to her removal from regular service in 1996, the Pilot enjoyed an active career as San Diego’s chief pilot craft – assisting almost every one of the thousands of major commercial ships to enter or leave the bay during that time. Visitors will share this narrated historic bay tour aboard one of the few vessels in the country honored with the distinction of being on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.

Discover the history and charm of Coronado Island on this self-guided audio walking tour. As you explore at your own pace, you’ll learn about the island’s origins, visit iconic landmarks, and hear stories about the people who helped shape this coastal gem. Featuring a blend of local insights, hidden details, and historical storytelling, we think you'll learning something new whether you're a visitor or a local San Diegan.

Explore Tijuana, Mexico, without getting lost on this day trip from San Diego, a great choice for first-time visitors. Visit cultural attractions, sample authentic Mexican street food at a sidewalk taco stand, and do some shopping and sightseeing. Opt to walk or take public transportation and experience the city like a local. Your guide can suggest stops and adapt the itinerary to fit the needs of the group.

Enjoy a thrilling new way to explore San Diego Bay—and enjoy speed, splashes, and spins along the way—on this high-speed jet boat tour. As you race along the scenic waterway, spot landmarks including the USS Midway, Coronado Island, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, and the city skyline. Then, hang on as your captain takes your boat into power slides, 360-degree spins, and other high-octane maneuvers.

Meet some of the world's most exotic animals with your admission ticket to the renowned San Diego Zoo, one of California's top family-friendly attractions. More than 4,000 animals representing 800 species live in this state-of-the-art zoo, including some that are rarely seen at other zoos. Admire the animals and go in-depth during daily keeper talks. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit.

Balboa Park is a must-do for most San Diego visitors, but many don't appreciate the long and rich history of this treasured cultural center. Go deeper into the park's many museums, gardens, and attractions on a guided walking tour that will help you plan where you want to go and appreciate how Balboa Park came to be. Plus, stay energized with an included coffee drink along the way.

Explore San Diego at your own pace with a full-day ticket to ride a hop-on, hop-off trolley through the city. Simply board the trolley at your cruise ship’s port of call and visit historic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods at eleven centrally-located stops. Get a glimpse of California’s past in Old Town, grab a spot on a beach to watch surfers catch breaking waves, and more.

Watch the sunset over San Diego and admire the city and ocean views during a small-group cruise on a classic 1904-styled sailboat. Pass landmarks such as the Maritime Museum, Coronado Bridge, and the USS Midway. Look out for sea lions, dolphins, and other wildlife around San Diego Harbor while relaxing and sipping on the provided wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drinks.

Join Wild Foodie Tours to eat at your way through Tijuana like a local on our walking street food tour designed for food lovers. You'll also visit Tijuana's largest open-air market, pass by the iconic arch of downtown Tijuana for a photo op, and cross the bustling Avenida Revolución, the heart of Tijuana. Experience all the unique fun, food, and adventure this sister city of San Diego has to offer.

Hop on an electric scooter with your guide and explore the heart of San Diego's beauty, Balboa Park, during this 1.5-hour tour. First up, snap some pics at the stunning botanical building and lily pond. Then, cruise by the San Diego Zoo and make a pit stop at the Spanish Village Arts Center. Your journey won't be complete without getting a glimpse of the iconic Morton Bay Fig Tree and a ride down the El Prado.

Venture south of the border from San Diego to explore the Mexican border city of Tijuana in a safe and engaging way. Tijuana can be somewhat daunting for tourists, but a local guide shows you around, from historic landmarks like the Tijuana Arch and Avenida Revolucion to shopping hotspots like the El Popo market, where you can pick up handmade Mexican souvenirs.

Learn about American history, especially early California history, while exploring the haunted house of Thomas Whaley. This self-guided tour transports you back to the 1800s and lasts around 30 minutes. Docents are available to answer questions. Don’t get too scared in America’s most haunted house. Entry is direct with this ticket, no exchange needed.

See San Diego from a marine vantage point on this 90min harbor cruise, including a look at the marina, seabirds and potential sea lion sightings. Listen to live narration from your captain and enjoy for-purchase snacks from the onboard snack bar.

Step into the 16th century when you board the San Salvador Spanish galleon for a 4-hour sailing. The ship is a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's ship that arrived in San Diego on September 28, 1542. For those who love history, or simply want an unforgettable San Diego sailing, this is an unconventional adventure tailor made for you.

With this small-group walking tour, you can uncover the highlights of Old Town San Diego without putting in the hours of research time. Instead, follow a guide around the city, and stop off at interesting places—such as Heritage Country Park, El Campo Santo Cemetery, and Casa de Carillo—with stories, humor, and fun facts from your guide.

Boost your ride with a pedal assist electric bike! Bike through the historic Gaslamp Quarter and ride towards the Embarcadero, which has the best views of San Diego See all the downtown gems including the USS Midway, Embarcadero Marina Park, Billionaire Row, Maritime Museum, Bob Hope Memorial, Tuna Pier and Seaport Village!

Just over an hour from San Diego, Julian sits at an elevation of 4,226 feet and offers a charming mountain escape, with a rich gold rush history, delicious apple pies, and stunning scenery. Take a stroll down Julian's historic Main Street on this self-guided audio tour as the echoes of mining pioneers mingle with the sweet smell of apple pies. You'll get a bird's-eye view of town from atop the cemetery hill as you hear stories about the lives of some of Julian's early residents. You'll also discover how this once bustling mining town transitioned to the charming mountain escape that it is today.

Explore San Diego’s mountains, desert, and backcountry on a self-guided scenic driving tour from Escondido to Julian via Palomar Mountain and Borrego Springs. This 152-mile route takes you along some of the best backroads in Southern California, with GPS-triggered audio guiding you to overlooks, historic sites, and hidden stops along the way. Climb to the summit of Palomar Mountain to visit the famous Palomar Observatory, then descend into the desert landscapes of Anza-Borrego. Along the way, you’ll spot Borrego Springs’ iconic metal sculptures, sweeping valley views, and roadside viewpoints worth stopping for. The route finishes in the historic town of Julian—perfect for a slice of its famous apple pie. This flexible, self-paced tour lets you explore on your own schedule. Allow a full day to take in viewpoints, small towns, and optional short hikes like Borrego Palm Canyon. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection if you plan to stop and explore.

Join us for a 2.5 hour guided electric bike tour around the stunning city of San Diego. Beginning from our store location, the first stop on this leisurely tour is the historic Gaslamp Quarter, established in the 1860s and redeveloped in the 1980s. From there, you’ll ride your pedal assist eBikes to the San Diego Bay, where you’ll learn the history of the USS Midway, Billionaire Row, and The Bob Hope Memorial. Our licensed tour guides will then lead you through Balboa Park, measuring just under five kilometers or 1,200 acres. In Balboa Park, you will ride past and learn about the San Diego Zoo, the Spanish Village Art Center, and the famous Casa de Balboa. This city is perfect for animal lovers, beach enthusiasts, and outdoorsy folks! Our guides are happy to take plenty of pictures for you so you can cherish the memories. The tour ends back at our store location on K Street. Please note: there will be a good deal of street riding on this tour.