Top San Diego Self-guided Tours

Explore San Diego Bay with a glow nighttime pedal boat rental, an affordable and eco-friendly adventure perfect for all ages. Glide through the water on a pedal-powered boat complete with a sunshade and room for up to four passengers—four-legged friends are welcome, too! Enjoy the freedom to chart your own course during the one-hour rental and create unforgettable memories on the bay.

Explore San Diego bay like never before! Start your adventure at the Coronado Ferry Landing shopping center with breath taking views of the downtown San Diego skyline. Once checked in, you will be given a thorough safety briefing by our qualified team who will detail the use of the jet skis, regulations and restrictions during your experience. Once on the water, you can enjoy sightseeing of the beautiful downtown skyline, the Coronado bridge, navy base, the Midway aircraft carrier museum and if you are lucky, you may just see some seals and dolphins! Speeds up to 65mph!

Go with the La Jolla water sports company consistently voted #1 in the area. We are a proud local company that is continually upgrading our equipment and involved in our community helping at-risk youth experience the water. We are also a member of 1% for the Planet, providing 1% of our profits for beach clean-up. Rent from us and you'll enjoy 90 minutes of kayaking for two in the beautiful La Jolla Ecological Reserve.

Located on Shelter Island, a well-known area of San Diego where some of the best seafood restaurants and fishing landings are located. Our crew will explain the basic operation and safety tips, and you will be ready for a fantastic time. The boats are equipped with pedal propulsion, so your hands are free to do anything else. Explore the best photo spots and enjoy amazing sightseeing in San Diego Bay at the same time. Get a good workout and find serenity among the waves.

Learn to kayak on the beautiful San Diego Bay with this relaxed experience that's perfect for beginners. Get a lesson in kayak safety and basic skills, and then set off for an hour-long voyage around the bay. Paddle as much or as little as you like, and explore gentle waterways that are only accessible by boat.

Get ready for FUN for all ages with your 4-Wheel Surrey rental from Wheel Fun Rentals. You’ll cruise the beautiful Embarcadero waterfront in true SoCal style! These easy-to-pedal, four-wheeled bikes are perfect for families, friends, or couples looking for a one-of-a-kind San Diego date idea. Pedal past he top San Diego waterfront attractions like the USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, and the historic Star of India while enjoying unbeatable harbor views, ocean breezes, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. With space for everyone, Surreys make sightseeing a team effort; just add laughter, sunshine, and a sense of adventure! So grab your crew, pick your Surrey – a Double Surrey fits up to 6 adults and 2 small children and a Single Surrey can accommodate up to 3 adults and 2 small kids – and get ready to roll into San Diego’s seaside charm, one pedal at a time!

Explore some of the best eats in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego—and learn insider facts and stories about its sordid past—on this two-in-one, small-group walking tour. Join an expert guide who has the inside scoop on the district's hopping restaurant and bar scene. Sample delicious dishes at several eateries, sip drinks, and learn about the neighborhood's past as a notorious red-light district.

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.

Discover the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego by solving challenges and unlocking stories on your phone. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Ready for an adventure? Highlights include: • Explore San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, the Horton-Davis house, the Balboa Theater and lesser-known places. • Enjoy a uniquely crafted story brought to you by our talented writers. • Learn about the fascinating story of the stingrays. • Discover a haunted room in one of San Diego’s oldest hotels. • Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt. After your booking, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a phone.

"Dive into adventure with us, your go-to for the ultimate app-led adventure hunts! Step into a world where every landmark and hidden gem is waiting to be discovered. Challenge yourself with trivia, tackle brain-teasing puzzles, and embark on an epic journey of exploration! Whether you’re collaborating with your crew or turning up the competition, this Adventure Hunts guarantee a blast for all. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a spontaneous outing, a wild bachelorette bash, a festive birthday celebration, or a team-building extravaganza. Each player gets to dive into an interactive role, ensuring every challenge is as thrilling and unique as the next. So, gather your squad, choose your adventure, and let the good times roll! With us, every outing becomes a treasure trove of memories and excitement. Are you ready to conquer the city and create unforgettable experiences? We make every day an adventure!

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!

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.

Go on a scavenger hunt of San Diego, with an app-led tour from Let’s Roam called Downtown Splendors. You’ll visit some of San Diego’s most popular landmarks and answer trivia questions along the way, so you can get to the next spot. You’ll learn new things about the area, and have fun competing against the other players. Keep this in mind for a bachelorette party.

Ride through Balboa Park and visit the Bea Evenson Fountain and Japanese Friendship Garden Stop and visit the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Air & Space Museum This is a perfect experience for locals and tourists, couples and solo riders, families and friend groups!

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.

Discover San Diego like never before with an electric bike rental from Wheel Fun Rentals –the ultimate way to cruise the city with ease. Skip the traffic and parking hassles and glide through vibrant neighborhoods and to must-see spots like Balboa Park and Mission Bay. Our premium e-bikes make it easy to cover more ground, climb hills with ease, and enjoy every mile in comfort. Whether you’re chasing ocean views, exploring hidden gems, or just soaking up the SoCal sun, an e-bike adventure turns every moment into an unforgettable ride. All electric bike rentals must be returned by end-of-business on the same day; no overnight rentals are available. Electric Bike Riders must be 16 years of age or older and wear a helmet regardless of age.

Set out on an unforgettable adventure in Julian! Discover the stories hidden within the historic Julian Gold Rush Hotel—the oldest operating hotel in Southern California. Dig into the mystery behind the town’s name, wander through the historic Julian Pioneer Cemetery, and explore how apples became the heart of local commerce. Track the legend of the Wheelbarrow Man, decide for yourself who serves the best apple pie, and uncover the history of the Julian Stage Line. And if you’re feeling brave, keep an eye out for a ghostly guest at the Julian Gold Rush Hotel. Adventure is calling!

Wheel Fun Rentals electric bikes are lightweight and easy to ride. Specifically designed with comfort in mind, these bikes allow for easy up-right riding with very little pedal effort. Power up and explore San Diego's historic sights and neighborhoods without breaking a sweat. With a max speed of 20mph and a range of 15-30 miles, you’ll have plenty of new adventures ahead. If you're not a fan of traditional tours, but love to explore, we've also created the perfect self-guided e-bike tour of San Diego! It’s your adventure, on your own time. We provide you with a map, turn-by-turn directions and area points of interest. If you fall in love with a particular shop, restaurant, or viewpoint, stay longer - it’s your tour on your time. All electric bike rentals must be returned by end-of-business on the same day; no overnight rentals are available. Electric Bike Riders must be 16 years of age or older and wear a helmet regardless of age.

Head out on the water—and enjoy an active way to explore the San Diego waterfront—with this stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental. Pick from multiple start times and durations to suit your schedule, make your own way to the facility, and grab your board (as well as all other necessary equipment). Then, practice your paddling, and enjoy a low-intensity workout, as you soak up the scenery.

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.

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.

Turn San Diego into treasure-hunting grounds on this self-guided scavenger hunt through Balboa Park. Combining the fun of the Amazing Race with the information of a walking tour, simply use your smartphone to solve clues and complete challenges as you make your way among well-known and hidden parts of Balboa Park—an ideal choice for families, friends, or work colleagues visiting San Diego. Receive a direct entry ticket for seamless access to the adventure.

While walking tours are helpful for getting oriented, they rely on guides and discourage independent exploration. With this interactive scavenger hunt, explore San Diego at your own pace while completing game-like challenges and hunting for particular items along the way. Communicate with a game host via chat during the hunt, and compare scores with other teams across the country when you’re done.