Top San Diego Day Trips

This is the only tour to my knowledge where you can visit many of the Top Gun filming locations in San Diego County. You will get to see why movie producers selected this part of the world when choosing a great movie location.

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.

The Private San Diego Highlights Tour introduces our guests to a private VIP guided experience that is unparalleled in its detail and scope. No other tour can include so much fun sightseeing and at so leisurely a pace. In five hours, you will see the best of America’s Finest City! Our tour begins daily at your desired pick-up location and from there we transport you throughout the loveliest and most renowned parts of our city.

Experience San Diego’s scenic highlights and historic landmarks all in one day on this hassle-free, time-saving tour. Skirt the bay to Coronado Island, explore the Embarcadero, and then follow lush roads into Balboa Park’s elegant gardens and museums. Pause to find lunch in a Gaslamp Quarter restaurant, take in La Jolla’s world-class shopping district and sweeping coastline, and more, and while learning insider facts and stories along the way.

Experience a luxury private wine tour in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s premier wine region, with a fully customized itinerary featuring three to four amazing wineries, stunning vineyard views, and authentic Baja charm. Guests travel in style by BMW X1 (up to 4 people), XL SUV (5-8 people), or passenger van (up to 12 people) while enjoying curated tastings, boutique wineries, and the option to visit just wineries or pair their day with a Michelin-recognized lunch at Deckman’s en el Mogor, Finca Altozano, or Envero en el Valle. Perfect for romantic getaways, group celebrations, and serious food and wine lovers, this owner-curated Valle de Guadalupe wine tour delivers a personalized, seamless, and unforgettable Baja wine country experience.

Get to know a side of Tijuana that many tourists miss on this private cultural day tour. You'll visit the market to check out local produce and chat with the vendors and everyday folk. Stop by the museum and the botanical gardens, sample authentic tequila and mezcal, and enjoy Mexican tacos or lunch, plus much more. You'll get to know Tijuana on this off-beat tour.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Coronado Island Tiered pricing available for private groups — the more in your group, the lower the per-person cost. Start your day with sweeping views from Mount Soledad, then explore sea cliffs and sea lions at La Jolla Cove. Step back in time in Old Town San Diego, where adobe buildings and plazas bring California’s past to life. Stop for lunch at Seaport Village (meals not included), then cruise through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares stories of its Wild West past. Cross the Coronado Bridge for sky-high views, stop at the historic Hotel del Coronado, and continue down scenic Orange Avenue. Pass through Balboa Park’s gardens and Spanish Revival buildings before a final drive through Little Italy—known for bayfront views and old-world charm. Includes hotel pickup, narration, and a full day of San Diego’s best sights and stories.

DIscover ‘America’s Finest City’ Cozy beach towns, an origin story and incredible wildlife! San Diego offers miles of sandy shores lined with beach towns along the Pacific Ocean. Let us take you on a tour of the best this city has to offer: wildlife viewing in glamorous La Jolla, artsy vibes in Balboa Park and the birthplace of California in Old Town. Nature, culture, and history come together perfectly in this unforgettable tour.

Pickups available on Mexico side of the San Ysidro border, Rosarito, Puerto Nuevo, La Mision, Ensenada, and Valle de Guadalupe. Your Private Valle de Guadalupe tour includes 10 hours of useable service with us. We can also create an itinerary and make all necessary reservations for your group if you require for an additional fee. You will visit unique and beautiful wineries along with lunch at one of the top restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe. Consumption of food and drink will be paid by you and is NOT INCLUDED. We are THE ORIGINAL COMPANY to specialize in tours to Valle de Guadalupe. Do not be fooled by imitators. There is a reason we rank so high and have so many outstanding reviews. Come experience Valle de Guadalupe in the best hands possible.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Solana Beach This private tour includes tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the larger your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, or corporate outings. Begin your day with panoramic views atop Mount Soledad, then head to La Jolla Cove to spot sea lions along the cliffs. Stroll the historic plazas of Old Town San Diego before enjoying lunch along the scenic Embarcadero at Seaport Village (meals not included). Cruise through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares stories of its Wild West past, then cross the sweeping Coronado Bridge for unforgettable views of the bay. Stop at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, then drive scenic Orange Avenue. Pass through Balboa Park’s gardens and Spanish Revival architecture, and finish with a drive through Little Italy—known for its lively charm and bayfront atmosphere. A full day of SoCal’s best, with hotel pickup included.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Pacific Beach This private tour includes tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, or team outings. Start your adventure with panoramic views from Mount Soledad, then explore sea cliffs and sea lions at La Jolla Cove. Step into California’s early days in Old Town San Diego, then enjoy lunch by the bay at Seaport Village (meals not included). Cruise through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares tales of the Wild West, then cross the Coronado Bridge for iconic skyline views. Stop at the historic Hotel del Coronado, then return via scenic Orange Avenue. Pass through Balboa Park’s gardens and Spanish-style architecture, and wrap up with a drive through vibrant Little Italy. With hotel pickup, narration, and a curated mix of scenery, history, and culture, it’s the ultimate San Diego day trip from Pacific Beach.

Visit Rosarito Baja from San Diego, come and taste the sea food of this village in Rosarito and walk along the beach.

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 Downtown San Diego This private tour accommodates up to 14 guests and offers tiered pricing—the more guests, the lower the per-person cost. Perfect for families, friends, or team outings. Start your tour with sweeping coastal views from Mount Soledad, then visit La Jolla Cove to see sea lions, tide pools, and ocean cliffs. Step back in time in Old Town San Diego, then enjoy lunch and shopping at Seaport Village (meals not included). Cruise through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares tales of Wyatt Earp and San Diego’s Wild West past. Cross the scenic Coronado Bridge for panoramic bay views, stopping at the historic Hotel del Coronado before driving down Orange Avenue. You’ll also pass through Balboa Park’s gardens and Spanish Revival architecture, and finish with a drive through vibrant Little Italy. With hotel pickup, narration, and curated highlights, it’s the ultimate San Diego day—starting right from downtown.

Cross the border from San Diego to Tijuana to have and adventure in a day trip where you will see high quality urban art. The tour includes a local guide to show you the city, a meal of authentic Mexican food and a craft beer tasting.

Explore the craft beer culture in Tijuana on an all-day excursion from San Diego. Motivated by famous breweries in southern California, Tijuana brewers have crafted excellent beers that you can explore. Your guide offers an overview of Mexico’s craft beer culture and its progression in Tijuana. Your excursion offers lunch, tacos, beer tastings, and round-trip transport from San Ysidro.

In Baja we are known for our beautiful, one of a kind, virgin beaches and the most popular one you will find it in Rosarito territory. Becoming the tourism center of Baja California this a great destination you don’t want to miss, don’t worry if you are short of time or budget, this introduction experience it ideal for you

Discover the colorful culture and flavors of Baja California on this private full-day tour from San Diego. Visit the vibrant seaside village of Puerto Nuevo, renowned for its delicious lobster, and immerse yourself in the artistic vibes of Rosarito. Enjoy a guided tour of stunning street murals, connect with local artisans, and relish ample beach time. This exclusive tour includes round-trip private transportation, making it easy to unwind and take in the sights at your own pace. Indulge in a delicious lunch and local beer tasting, all while experiencing the laid-back coastal lifestyle of Baja. - Full-day private tour with 8 hours of exploration - Visit Puerto Nuevo for authentic Baja-style lobster - Enjoy guided art walks and artisan market visits in Rosarito - Includes round-trip private transportation and lunch

When visiting San Diego, take a trip south of the border to Baja California on a private tour that makes it easy to experience the culture and flavor of Mexico. Border crossing on your own can be tricky, and there is no direct public transit connection, but your private driver and guide will get you there easily and safely. Enjoy a coastal lobster lunch with margaritas or craft beer tastings, accompanied by live, authentic Mariachi music.

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.

Enjoy a 5 1/2 hour private sightseeing tour of The Hotel Del Coronado and Imperial Beach Pier along with time for shopping at Las Americas premium outlets it has over 125 stores. On the way back to San Diego we can stop off in Old Town if you would like to purchase any San Diego souveniers.

Private round-trip transportation from San Diego Visit to 3 carefully selected wineries in Valle de Guadalupe Premium wine tastings at each winery Gourmet farm-to-table lunch with Baja Med flavors Scenic drive through Baja’s Wine Route English-speaking tour host or driver All taxes and coordination fees

Discover San Diego on a private, locally hosted experience designed to feel effortless and personalized. Travel comfortably between iconic highlights like La Jolla Cove, Coronado Island, and the city’s vibrant waterfront while your guide shares insider insights and adapts the pace to your group. With a thoughtful route and flexible timing, this tour offers a more relaxed and memorable way to experience San Diego. Ideal for couples, families, and small groups seeking a more personal experience.

Taste your way through the Guadalupe Valley wine country with this tour from San Diego. You'll meet three different wine producers, learn about how wine is produced, and sit down for an included lunch at Finca Altozano, and sample plenty of locally produced wine, all with a private driver/guide so that you can drink responsibly.