Top San Diego Sightseeing Tours in 2026

Get whisked away to Coronado Island for a personalized tour of the affluent beach resort. A private guide drives you across the San Diego–Coronado Bridge and accompanies you to the iconic Hotel del Coronado for an up-close look at this National Historic Landmark. Spend time at Coronado Beach and the Glorietta Bay Inn, and get plenty of photo ops of San Diego Bay and the city skyline. Bottled water, snacks and round-trip hotel transport by luxury vehicle are included.

Get off the beaten path and explore the San Diego-Tijuana border area in a way most travelers miss when you join a four-wheel-drive off-road tour. Experienced off-roaders will love the adventure and nervous travelers will feel reassured in the presence of expert guides. Trails range from easy to advanced and all offer amazing views, steep ascents and descents, and a lot of fun.

No need to deal with a bus, large groups, or set itineraries when visiting San Diego. Instead, book this private tour where you’ll cruise from place to place in a motorcycle sidecar. You and your driver can decide what interests you most, and then concentrate your time visiting those places with the sunshine in your face.

See all of San Diego's must-see attractions with the fun of driving a Vanderhall GoCar. Each air-conditioned vehicle can travel up to 30 mph and is outfitted with a GPS-enabled tour that takes you throughout the city. Start in Little Italy, and cruise past Downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp District, the Hillcrest neighborhood, and end in Balboa Park. Must be 25 years or older to rent a GoCar. For more than 2 people, place separate bookings.

Head out for a private adventure in the San Diego Bay aboard the 32-foot Sea Esta sailing Catamaran. You'll get the chance to take in views of the city and its naval base as you sail. If you're lucky, you may even sea local aquatic life such as sea lions, dolphins, and even whales.

Tour San Diego Bay by boat with this small-group sailing activity for up to six passengers. You'll sail past the downtown and alongside aircraft carriers and submarines with a professional captain to take the helm. You may even spot marine life such as sea lions and dolphins along the way. Opt for a daytime departure to get time in the sun or choose an evening departure for the best shot at sunset views.

Explore San Diego’s coastline in your own car with GPS-triggered audio that plays automatically as you drive, combining directions with local stories, history, and recommendations. Start at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and follow the coast through La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach to Cabrillo National Monument. Stop whenever you like for beaches, photos, scenic viewpoints, food, or a break. Along the way, see highlights including the Torrey Pines Gliderport, La Jolla Cove, Mount Soledad, and Sunset Cliffs while hearing local stories, history, and recommendations. This flexible, self-paced tour lets you explore on your own schedule, whether you want to stop frequently or enjoy the drive straight through. For the best experience, plan to start earlier in the day to avoid heavier southbound traffic. And don’t forget, one purchase covers everyone in your vehicle.

Are you a foodie? Have you tried traditional Cantonese dim sum--the small plate experience, the chopsticks, the steam-heated carts, the stacked steamer baskets, the lively conversations? The Tea! Perhaps you've never had the opportunity to learn the immense history involved with dim sum from a Cantonese-American guide (dim sum = "to touch the heart!"). This is your chance to join Wild Foodie Tours to enjoy a truly unique dining experience. We'll brunch on Cantonese-style dim sum, served fresh from traditional push-carts & steamer baskets. You'll learn about dim sum's Silk Road roots, flavorful teas, and traditional Southern Chinese etiquette. You'll pick and choose a variety of classic dim sum specialties like barbecue pork buns, rice crepes, and egg tarts--and become touched by the heart! After the meal, enjoy a walking tour through the Asian Cultural District of San Diego and end at a popular Asian supermarket for some quick shopping. Are you ready for the Wild East of dim sum?

Take in the sunshine, sand and surf from your saddle as you cruise along the Pacific with one of your local expert guides. See why La Jolla truly is the "Jewel" of the sea and experience our local marine life including protected reefs, California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals. Check out the "Locals" surf spots, hidden beaches and other historical sites along this 2 hour unforgettable ride.

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.

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.

With beautiful beaches and bays, navy outposts with aircraft carriers and submarines, and abundant sea life, San Diego Bay is best explored on the water. This private charter sightseeing cruise takes groups of up to six travelers around the bay in catamarans, sailboats, or powered luxury yachts. Choose between morning and afternoon trips—or evening cruises that depart just before sunset.

Taco Tour San Diego is the only taco tour in San Diego. It takes you to taco places that only locals will know. It includes a guided tour of points of interest along the way. It's a flexible, fun, and different from any tour you've taken in San Diego.

Take a tour of San Diego's most-popular park during this Segway exploration of Balboa Park. Follow your friendly local guide to all of the hot spots and learn why locals love the laid back vibe of this coastal destination.

Make your own way around San Diego in a GoCar, a pint-sized vehicle that lets you experience the beauty of the City in Motion and visit places tour buses can't easily go – all at your own pace! With a GPS unit onboard, it's easy to stay on course, helping you see more during your tour.

Join us on a journey through one of San Diego's most iconic areas, La Jolla! We will be touring the major sites with the wind in our hair on electric scooters. No walking required ;) See the sea lions at La Jolla Cove, watch the waves crash at Windansea Beach, and check out some of San Diego’s most lavish neighborhoods while learning some history on a tour that’s suitable for all levels of rider. As an added bonus, we will be taking pictures of you along the way at some of our favorite scenic spots which you will receive for free at the end of the tour. If you want to see the jewel of San Diego in a unique way with a local guide, then this is the tour for you!

Discover the fascinating heritage of Southern California on a Private Cultural Discovery Tour of Historic San Diego. Stroll through the charming streets of Old Town and uncover stories of Spanish settlement and early California life. Admire historic adobe architecture and explore landmarks that preserve the city’s rich cultural legacy. From the historic plaza to distinctive heritage sites, each stop offers a glimpse into the people and traditions that shaped San Diego. Enjoy a relaxed walking experience with your private guide and discover the city’s past at your own pace. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

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.

Swap the crowded bus tours for the stress-free alternative of a self-drive tour. You don’t have to worry about getting lost as a smartphone app has GPS playback, with offline functionality and turn-by-turn instructions. Along the way, listen to commentary about the city’s Spanish colonial history and pass by key landmarks, such as SeaWorld San Diego, Balboa Park, and Presidio Park.

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.

Don't miss this exciting foodie adventure with Wild Foodie Tours to learn about and enjoy Chinese food, history, and culture from a Chinese-American guide whose passion is food, culture, and adventure. Prepare to enter the Dragon's Gate to savor the culinary masterpiece once reserved for the Emperor of China.

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.

See San Diego with a local guide who has a fantastic itinerary planned for you. You’ll get around the city, from Old Town to Coronado Island, not missing anything. Your guide will drive you from place to place, explain the history, culture, and more. Plan on having fun, seeing the sights, and then having the rest of the day free.

5 hour private wine tasting tour of the wineries in North County San Diego. This is a very unique tour as most people head to Temecula. North County wineries are very good and produce some lovely wines. The tour itself will be approximately 3 hours the other 2 hours will be the drive time from downtown to Escondido and back to downtown and also the drive time between wineries. You will see some very picturesque scenery of the Mountains in North County and all the beautiful wineries along the way. It’s a very enjoyable tour.