Top San Diego Historical Tours - page 3

San Diego City Lights Night Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Admire views of San Diego that many other visitors miss—and help keep your sightseeing personal—on this small-group sailing excursion that's timed for sunset. Travel aboard a Catalina–style sailboat, and soak up the peaceful ambiance, plus a photo-worthy perspective on the city skyline, Old Point Loma Lighthouse, Coronado Island, and other highlights. Along the way, enjoy beer, soft drinks, and snacks, plus blankets in case you get cold.

Small-Group San Diego Sunset Sailing Excursion

3 hoursFree Cancellation

The Famous San Diego Private Tour with Pickup

Tall Ship Adventure aboard the Schooner Californian with General Admission

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.

Mexican Street Food: Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego

7 hoursFree Cancellation

City Cruises San Diego: Gourmet Dinner Cruise & Skyline Views

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Come on our history walking tour presented by US Ghost Adventures! San Diego is one of the most historic cities in the state of California, and the men who built San Diego built California. On this tour, you'll visit several of the most historically important and architecturally unique locations in San Diego's famed Gaslamp Quarter. From the Davis-Horton House, to the Horton Grand Hotel, to the Balboa Theatre, you'll marvel at the unique structures while learning about the fascinating cast of characters who shaped San Diego into the city it is today.

San Diego War for the West History Experience By Junket

One of the best ways to experience the history of Coronado is to go on a historic walking tour. This is the secret that Coronado locals know: it takes time to sense the past. When you slow down, you have a chance to see, hear, and remember this place that Hollywood stars, princes, and presidents have enjoyed. Everywhere you look in this charming beach town, you find history. And, that history is easiest to see on foot–when you have a chance to linger in front of a tiny, shingled house, perhaps, and meet the resident as he comes out into the yard to water his roses and tells you about the multiple generations who have lived in the home. Or, when you seemingly stumble upon the magical Wizard of Oz house.

Coronado Historic Walking Tour

1 hourFree Cancellation

San Diego provides the perfect launching point for a whale-watching tour in California. Cruise on the Pacific Ocean in a sturdy boat with a professional crew, looking for gray whales as they migrate along the coast of North America. Dolphins, seals and seabirds are often spotted during this whale-watching tour and the crew provides informative commentary about the marine animals and environment. Bonus: if the crew does not find any whales during your cruise, you receive a complimentary ticket for another trip.

City Cruises San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover the historic Gaslamp Quarter, explore the cultural landmarks, and the stories of the people who shaped San Diego's history. Go at your own pace, anytime. The tour is location aware and plays as you walk. It's theatrically created to tell the story and bring the area to life. You’ll hear about Wyatt Earp’s, The Stingaree, the story of Bud and how this wild west town became the Birthplace of California.

San Diego Historic Gaslamp Quarter Self-Guided Walking Tour

1 to 2 hoursFree Cancellation

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 Coronado Island on a Self Guided Audio Tour

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hoursFree Cancellation

Unravel the spooky secrets of Old Town San Diego with this interactive scavenger hunt that blends thrilling exploration with historical lore. Navigate through haunted sites like the Cosmopolitan Hotel, where spectral stories linger, and the Whaley House, echoing with the tales of 'Yankee Jim'. As you piece together clues, uncover the chilling past of Pioneer Park, where the living tread lightly over the resting places of the departed. Perfect for families, friends, or couples looking for a unique outing, this adventure allows you to explore at your own pace while enjoying a day filled with eerie excitement.

San Diego Haunted Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Your Old Town Walking Tour is very much like taking a step back into history. To see San Diego as it was during the very beginning of the city. From the first Mission of Father Junipero Serra, to the expedition of Gaspar de Portola, and the history of our entire city. The backstories along with the back drop of Old Town sparks the imaginations of the guests and literally takes you back in time. Known as the birthplace of San Diego and all of California, Old Town is a cultural hotspot. With stunning views of Mission Bay from the top of Presidio Park, to the smells of fresh-cooking Mexican cuisine and the beautiful Spanish architecture below, the Old Town Tour abounds with the vibe and flair for which Spanish and Mexican cultures are known.

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Old Town Walking Tour

Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

San Diego Chinese Food Tour with Wild Foodie Tours

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Take the guesswork out of your sightseeing experience in San Diego on this half-day, small-group tour that checks off many of the city's top sights. Leave the driving to your guide, and enjoy an easy and comfortable way to get around town by luxury car or SUV. Look forward to strolling the landscaped gardens of Balboa Park, exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter, driving across the bridge to Coronado Island, and more.

The Ultimate San Diego Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Rosarito like a local Day trip from San Diego

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Enjoy a professionally escorted historical walking tour of Balboa Park in San Diego, California. Relax as your Tour Guide Extraordinaire from Another Side Tours makes sure you see all of the most interesting and historic spots without skipping a thing. We take our guests to Balboa Park daily and we are the experts on this crown jewel in the heart of San Diego. Balboa Park is America’s largest urban cultural park, but it is so much more than that! Balboa Park is a national treasure and it is just a fascinating place with a rich history and it is here waiting to be explored by YOU! Besides open areas and natural vegetation, the park contains a variety of cultural attractions including the Spanish Village Art Center, an assortment of museums, theaters, numerous beautiful gardens, shops and restaurants as well as being the home to The World Famous San Diego Zoo. Balboa Park was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977 and we are sure that you will love it too.

The Balboa Park Walking Tour

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.

The San Diego Highlights Tour

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Step into a time machine and travel back to the vibrant days of old San Diego in 1850s. Picture a determined visionary named William Heath Davis, a San Franciscan with big dreams, setting his sights on creating a thriving town. Davis rolls up his sleeves and begins transforming the land near Market Street, pioneering the birth of what would become the remarkable Historic Gaslamp Quarter. In a stroke of genius, Davis constructs a magnificent pre-framed lumber "salt box" house for his family, right at the heart of the action. Fast forward to today, and we invite you to join us on a captivating walking tour through the streets of what was once playfully called "Rabbitville." Welcome to the one and only Historic Gaslamp Quarter! As you step into this time capsule of Victorian charm, get ready for an unforgettable experience that will transport you back in time.

The Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

An Epic Scavenger Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl

Early Bird GoCar Tour: San Diego

Price varies by group size

San Diego Mountain Hike and Meditation Tour

Tour Participants taking a moment to breathe

Ride in a luxury vehicle to Balboa Park for a private tour of this National Historic Landmark District of San Diego. Explore the 1,200-acre (485-hectare) cultural icon with your own personal guide and customize your 2-hour itinerary with your choice of sights, including complimentary admission to the Spanish Village Art Center; Botanical Garden, Rose Garden and Cactus Garden; and Timken Art Museum. Pass by numerous museums and hear informative commentary about the park’s history and architecture. Bottled water and snacks are provided.

The Private Balboa Park Tour

Intro to Mexico Walking Tour: Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego

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What are people saying about San Diego

phil, Aug 2026

The tour guide made the day

Humberto made us feel comfortable and was great company. We had a group of vegetarians and he ensured the lunch was appropriate to accommodate us. The city itself can be done in a few hours so no need to stay there more than a few hours. Be prepared nothing has any AC and crossing can take 1.5 hours on foot in the heat. However the USA side customs house is air conditioned. Just be prepared you’re not going to cancun and set your expectations but at no time we feel unsafe. Personally, I found nothing of interest there but it’s a good day trip to see the other side. But we’re very experienced travellers so maybe the reason for the underwhel. The tour guide was great.

Haunted Whaley House Guided Night Tour

Judy_B, Jun 2026

We did night tour. The...

We did night tour. The house was only lit by gas lanterns which made the house feel creepy because it was so dim. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the Whaleys. Our guide must have had some theatre training because she gave the right amount of pause and facial expressions as she told their story. Our group asked a lot of good questions. No one felt any presence but it was still fun and informative.

San Diego Coronado History and Highlights Small Group Tour

Heather_G, Jun 2026

Great Introduction to the Island!

The guide, Jennifer, is all about providing excellent customer service. She gives young helpful information to get you to and from the tour. Great historical and cultural narrative is given along with practical info as to restrooms, food, and shopping. Along the way and at the end great suggestions are provided as to what the rest of your day/vacation. We are repeat customers!

San Diego City Lights Night Tour

Anne_H, Jun 2026

Fun tour with great city views

This was a fun tour! The driver, Steven, was very engaging and provided a lot of fun information about the buildings. The views from Coronado looking to downtown San Diego were my favorite. The tour we t through different areas of distance Diego that I will visit on my own.

San Diego Balboa Park Highlights Small Group Tour with Coffee

Susan_M, May 2026

Great Balboa Park Experience

Easy to book... several clear reminders of time and place of tour. Good directions. Jennifer was a very pleasant, knowledgeable and organized guide. She gave us a head's up on the Friday's night special at the natural museum with their night-time viewing, and light and delicious dinner on the rooftop terrace. A very nice way to end the day. We loved the history of all that we saw and felt we learned quite a bit. We felt we got a great overview of Balboa Park, and we were able to make mindful decisions for the next day explorations. We even stopped for another refreshing drink at Daniel's :-)

Tijuana Local Walking Tour from San Diego

Emily_H, Apr 2026

Mom & Daughter day in Tijuana

A lot of people told me it was a very bad idea to go into Tijuana, especially with my teenage daughter. I am glad I didn’t listen to them because we had a great day with no problems. I am however very glad we did a tour, we would have been lost on our own, and definitely stood out as tourists. We had two guides for this trip. Tabitha met us on the US side, she called to confirm our reservations & took us across the pedestrian crossing. In Mexico, Tadeo met us, got a cab (van) to take us all to the city center and showed us all the sites: buildings, museum, cathedral, markets, etc. He was very knowledgeable and shared interesting information. We also had lunch (YUM) and a tequila tasting (I didn’t do that but others in our group enjoyed it). We had time at the end for souvenir shopping before Tadeo took us back to the line to cross into the US. Tijuana is like any big city, you should be aware of your surroundings and stay in certain areas, but it is a colorful fun place, and not the dangerous chaos the news might portray. I would definitely recommend going on a tour, and if you are lucky enough to get Tadeo as a guide I promise you’ll have a great experience!

Old Town San Diego Walking Food Tour: Tequila, Tacos & Tombstones

Deann_W, Apr 2026

Great Tour Guide

Our tour guide, Magda, was well informed about the food, the sites we visited as well as the whole San Diego area. My family and I felt she gave us an authentic look at “Old Town” and its history and current happenings. The food was amazing and we enjoyed margaritas, overall very fun! Definitely recommend this tour and Magda!

Best of San Diego eBike Tour (English or Spanish)

Erica_S, Jan 2026

Fun time!

Fantastic! This was a very enjoyable & fun way to explore San Diego. Our guide Brian was amazing! He’s very comfortable traveling on a bike, knows the best routes to rake on a bike & very knowledgeable about the sites we went to! It was our first time in an e-bike & it was so much fun! Easy to learn. Biking without having to worry about the route was just perfect 😊 and the weather couldn’t have been better! Highly recommend this experience and our guide Brian.

Old Town Walking History Tour in San Diego

Susan_F, Jan 2026

Definitely hear the Old Towns history with this tour

Branwell provided a great overview of the history of Old Town & the people that developed the area. His pace & repeat of some info was helpful. The only disappointment (not his fault) is that the Victorian homes are not renovated so we weren’t able to enter any of them.

San Diego Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila Small Group Tour

Andreonna_F, Nov 2025

Great tour of old town!

We had such a wonderful and personal experience on our Old Town San Diego tour with Jennifer. She shared so much history and fun facts that really brought the area to life. The fresh tortilla tasting was incredible, and the tacos and tequila were absolutely delicious. Jennifer made the whole thing feel relaxed and genuine, like exploring with a friend who knows all the best spots. We’d highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting San Diego!

Mexican Street Food: Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego

Meliz_M, Sep 2025

Best Tour

I had a wonderful time on my tour of Tijuana. Victor our guide was excellent, I was beyond impressed with his knowledge of the history and culture. The food was amazing!!! Best street tacos. The tequila tasting was very fun. It was safe and easy to get around. Definitely recommend this tour if you're curious about the border city.