Top San Diego Art Tours

Step into the heart of Balboa Park and discover El Prado like never before. This self-guided walking tour invites you to look beyond the beauty and explore the stories, styles, and surprises behind San Diego’s most beloved promenade. You’ll uncover how architecture, ambition, and artistry transformed a temporary exposition into a timeless cultural icon at every stop. As you stroll past ornate facades, hidden courtyards, and dramatic colonnades, you’ll learn how theatrical design and clever engineering helped shape not just the park and San Diego’s identity. GPS-triggered audio brings each structure to life with rich history and unexpected insights along the way. This tour offers a thoughtful, immersive experience at your own pace, whether you're a first-time visitor or a local seeing the park with fresh eyes. Come for the beauty—stay for the stories hidden in the walls.

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.

Take a trip through American naval history when you go for a self-led tour of the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, with the benefit of prebooked admission tickets. This enormous ship, the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, now offers a range of interactive exhibits, an audio tour, and numerous restored aircraft across its 4 acres (1.6 hectares). It’s an essential piece of the country's military history.

Explore San Diego’s Downtown and Old Town sights in a fun and fast-paced way—on a self-drive GoCar tour. This sightseeing adventure takes the stress out of reading a map, as the car talks and shows you the way with its built-in GPS. Enjoy hearing stories as you explore the city’s most popular areas, including Old Town, Little Italy, Balboa Park, Downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Tijuana, Mexico is a short trip across the border from San Diego. The Mexican border town had at one point achieved notoriety as a town of ill-repute, but this reputation is only a small part of the history of this colorful, interesting city. Dip your toe into the fun and hospitality of this town with locals who are eager to share the true story of Tijuana with you.

Explore some of the top highlights of San Diego with your or or two day trolley pass (depending on option selected) for the city’s Hop-on, Hop-off Trolley Tour. Choose your own adventure as you get on and off the trolley at any of the 11 included stops, covering famous sights including the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway and the Cruise Ship Terminal, Little Italy, and many more. This San Diego trolley tour also features live commentary from the on-board guide during your ride.

Experience a day of imagination and fun at LEGOLAND® California Resort with over 60 rides, shows, and attractions made for families with kids ages 2–12. Explore Miniland USA, drive at Fun Town, and splash around at the Water Park. Visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium and dive into ocean wonders. Book a Sea Life or Resort Hopper and get a second day free to revisit the adventure.

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.

What can a masterpiece tell you about a city's soul? Enjoy Skip-the-Line access to the San Diego Museum of Art with a Private Licensed Guide and uncover cultural treasures, timeless works, and global influences that define San Diego’s artistic heritage. Highlights: - Discover the best of San Diego art with a 5-Star Private Licensed Guide - Beat the crowds with Skip-the-Line access to the San Diego Museum of Art - Explore masterworks from Spanish Old Masters to modern American icons - Learn how Balboa Park became the cultural heart of San Diego - Admire stunning architecture and hear the stories behind each gallery Discover the artistic treasures of San Diego with Rosotravel on a Private Tour featuring Skip-the-Line Tickets and a Licensed Guide. Experience personalized storytelling, iconic landmarks, and exclusive access to world-class art. Discover the cultural heart of San Diego today!

Fans of true crime won't want to miss this tour of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. Your guide will take you through the area formerly known as Stingaree, telling you the back stories of some gruesome crimes that have taken place over the years, with a stop to visit a haunted hotel along the way.

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.

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.

Get to know the wide world of beer in San Diego's hip North Park neighborhood. You'll be guided by a local beer expert to learn about different styles of beer, how to properly pair foods and beer, what it takes to start a successful brewery, and the brewing process. We'll walk into about 3 or 4 craft breweries to taste local beers, have some snacks, and talk beer. This tour is open to anyone, beer nerds or not.

The renowned San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents more than 3,500 animals roaming in large enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. Go on a safari adventure unlike any other outside of Africa itself, with exhibits inspired by the African Serengeti and the Asian Savanna. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the Safari Park. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected. Tickets must be purchased at least one day prior to visit. After 3+ years of construction, Elephant Valley is now officially open! Come immerse yourself in this incredible conservation habitat and meet a multi-generational herd of eight African savanna elephants.

Embark on a captivating 90-minute walking tour along San Diego's picturesque Embarcadero, where the city meets the sea. This immersive journey combines stunning waterfront views with rich historical insights, offering a perfect blend of leisure and exploration. Begin your journey when we meet you at Starbucks at the Hilton Bayfront, and set forth towards The Rady Shell. Revel in the modern architectural marvel of this open-air concert venue and enjoy views of the bay. Continue towards Seaport Village, immersing yourself in unique shops and eateries with stunning bayfront views. Discover the charm of this iconic waterfront marketplace. Marvel at the colossal USS Midway, a floating museum showcasing naval aviation history. Enjoy panoramic views from the flight deck. This tour will undoubtedly leave you with a profound appreciation for the dynamic blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that defines San Diego's iconic waterfront.