Top San Diego Sightseeing Tours

Swap city sightseeing for some time on the water with this exciting whale-watching cruise. Avoid the guesswork when trying to figure out where to spot whales, and let the experienced crew take you directly to places known for sightings. As well as whales, you may spot sea lions, sea birds, and sometimes dolphins—with commentary from the naturalist guides who can share plenty of facts about marine life.

Spend a few hours relaxing and sightseeing in the waters just off San Diego during this 1- or 2-hour San Diego Harbor cruise. Sit back and relax as you take in a fully narrated tour, offering top-notch sight lines of the San Diego skyline, a cruise under Coronado Bridge, a look at the bustling US Naval fleet, and a chance to spot some of the harbor’s resident sea lions.

In just four hours, experience the scenic highlights of San Diego and its neighboring areas. Watch sea lions and pelicans on the beaches of La Jolla and capture fantastic views from the top of Mt Soledad. Soak up the Old World elegance of the mansions and Hotel Del on Coronado Island, and find peace in the urban oasis of Balboa Park. Wind through downtown and Old Town San Diego, learning about the city’s history along the way. Enjoy personalized attention on this small-group tour limited to just 14 people.

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.

Encounter some of Earth's most magnificent creatures on a 2–3-hour whale-watching cruise in San Diego. The voyage departs right from Mission Bay, so you’ll be out into the open Pacific Ocean and looking for animals in just 10 minutes. Expert Guides and Naturalists on board help you spot whales and dolphins and learn about their lives in the deep blue sea.

Set sail at one of the best times of day—sunset—during this San Diego Bay cruise. Board a comfortable sailing yacht and cruise along San Diego's coastline, taking in views of the scenic waterfront, military vessels, and historical landmarks. Catch sight of marine life and enjoy spectacular photo ops. Gorgeous sunset views and comfortable bean bag seating makes this tour a great choice for travelers celebrating a special occasion.

See San Diego from a marine vantage point on this 90min harbor cruise, including a look at the marina, seabirds and potential sea lion sightings. Listen to live narration from your captain and enjoy for-purchase snacks from the onboard snack bar.

Explore San Diego at your own pace with a full-day ticket to ride a hop-on, hop-off trolley through the city. Simply board the trolley at your cruise ship’s port of call and visit historic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods at eleven centrally-located stops. Get a glimpse of California’s past in Old Town, grab a spot on a beach to watch surfers catch breaking waves, and more.

Enjoy a San Diego sunset cruise from Mission Bay as the sun sets behind the Pacific Ocean’s horizon, painting the coastal waters in golden hues. Catch views of SeaWorld and incredible view of the Ocean Beach Pier. Unwind with a drink, snap some memorable photos with loved ones on the deck, and soak up the relaxing vibe with soft music in the background. It’s the perfect way to wind down and savor California’s laid-back charm.

A rare sunset sailing adventure aboard our 35-foot sailboat, Luna: small group, local captain sharing hidden stories, hands-on sailing, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable vistas of San Diego Bay. Participate or sit back and enjoy breathtaking sunset views of the city's skyline and waterfront attractions as we sail among tall ships, mega-yachts, and military vessels. Watch for playful sea lions, dolphins, pelicans, and maybe even a whale. Look to the skies for pelicans, ospreys, and other marine birds. We invite you to celebrate a special occasion with your partner, family or group and capture the moments in breathtaking photos. No sailing experience is needed for this family-friendly outing, but participation is welcome. We love sharing our knowledge and experience. Choose a public or private tour option when you book. Feel free to bring easy to handle snacks and drinks. Food and drink are not included. Free cancellation, 100% refund up to 24 hours before your reservation.

With this San Diego harbor cruise, you can check off views of a selection of San Diego’s most important monuments, without encountering crowds or traffic. Simply enjoy a stress-free sail through the water in a large catamaran, and benefit from a full bar on board, so you can purchase drinks along the way.

Experience the beauty of the San Diego coastline on a peaceful sunset sailing tour, avoiding the crowds at popular viewing spots. Relax aboard your vessel as you take in stunning sunset views, along with possible sightings of dolphins, vibrant seabirds, and sea lions. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of the Coronado Bridge, Point Loma, and San Diego Bay.

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.

Spend an evening gourmet wining and dining aboard the ‘Spirit of San Diego,’ enjoying top-notch food and drink while you soak up skyline views. During this San Diego dinner cruise, you sip a complimentary cocktail and enjoy live on-board entertainment as you cruise 25 miles of California’s coastline and gaze at the stars above.

Experience San Diego at its most atmospheric and see a side tho the city that most travelers miss. This city lights tour takes you from the Gaslamp Quarter to Balboa Park and the Embarcadero; past the historic San Diego County Administration Center, the USS Midway Museum, and the Star of India. Plus ride to the top of the Coronado Bridge and see sights lit up all over the city, as well as some from Tijuana.

Get more out of limited time in San Diego by going on a tour that helps you check off multiple highlights, including city and beach locations. As you set off on a scenic drive, a guide helps you get the most out of your trip with live narration and video footage too. Stops along the way include the historic Hotel Del Coronado, the Coronado Bridge, and La Jolla Cove.

While San Diego may be best known for beaches and sunshine, the city does have a darker side. Delve into San Diego's haunted history tour through Old Town. Hear tales of gamblers, gunslingers, and other shady characters whose spirits are said to live beyond the grave, and be on the lookout for paranormal activity as you visit graveyards, historic buildings, the Campo Santo Cemetery, and the grounds of the Whaley House—considered one of the most haunted homes in America.

Enjoy a thrilling new way to explore San Diego Bay—and enjoy speed, splashes, and spins along the way—on this high-speed jet boat tour. As you race along the scenic waterway, spot landmarks including the USS Midway, Coronado Island, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, and the city skyline. Then, hang on as your captain takes your boat into power slides, 360-degree spins, and other high-octane maneuvers.

This intimate, small-group tour in San Diego lets you get up close and personal to whales and dolphins. You’re not on a huge tour boat. Rather there is a maximum of six guests, where you have plenty of space for viewing marine life. Your captain takes you to the best spots while you relax aboard your boat.

We’re excited to introduce our 60-minute Glow Boat Experience on Electric Boats — a romantic night date in San Diego Bay. The boats glow beautifully after dark and come equipped with a stereo system so you can enjoy music while cruising. Each boat fits up to 4 adults and 1 small child (4–5 years old), with a maximum total weight of 650 lbs. **Note: If your group of 4 is under 650 lbs and you’d like to stay on one boat, purchase 2 tickets. Our crew provides full instructions and guides all boats on the water, with safety crew present. You’ll stay dry and comfortable the entire ride.

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.

The Gondola Company is your Passport to Italy. Indulge in all the magic and tradition of Venice right here in San Diego as you gently cruise in a private gondola through the enchanting canals of the Coronado Cays. Whether it’s a relaxing journey or a romantic adventure, each cruise is A Truly Memorable Experience.

Discover the great eats of Tijuana with this small-group street food walking tour. The tour takes you to diverse food spots, such as an open-air market, a Mexican bakery, and small eateries that locals love. Along the way, learn fun facts about the local food scene and best of all—enjoy lots of different tastings, such as tacos, fish ceviche, fresh fruit, and churros.