Day Trips from California to San Diego

The Tour offers an unforgettable way to experience the very best of America’s Finest City in a single, expertly curated itinerary. This full-day adventure is perfect for first-time visitors or those looking to rediscover the city’s iconic sights and hidden gems. Travel in comfort with a private guide and luxury vehicle, leaving all the driving and planning to the experts.

Experience the best wines of the San Diego area without worrying about a designated driver on this tour through Temecula Wine Country. Visit three local wineries to taste their finest vintages while learning how the region’s unique microclimates influence flavor and tasting notes. At one winery, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour to deepen your understanding of winemaking and enhance your tasting experience.

This comprehensive city tour is ideal for first-time visitors to San Diego who want to see and experience the highlights without the hassle of finding their own way around. With a small group you'll visit the white-sand beaches of La Jolla, the Spanish settlement of Old Town, the Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado Island, and more. Hotel pickup adds convenience to your day. Find your new favorite spots to visit independently later.

From the moment we pick you up in Orange County, you’ll be in for a fun-filled adventure throughout the best of San Diego. “America’s Finest City” has so much to see, from the museums of Balboa Park to the sea lions of La Jolla. Best Coast Tours will show you the best of the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, Downtown San Diego, Little Italy, Coronado Island and everything in between.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Pacific Beach This private tour includes tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, or team outings. Start your adventure with panoramic views from Mount Soledad, then explore sea cliffs and sea lions at La Jolla Cove. Step into California’s early days in Old Town San Diego, then enjoy lunch by the bay at Seaport Village (meals not included). Cruise through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares tales of the Wild West, then cross the Coronado Bridge for iconic skyline views. Stop at the historic Hotel del Coronado, then return via scenic Orange Avenue. Pass through Balboa Park’s gardens and Spanish-style architecture, and wrap up with a drive through vibrant Little Italy. With hotel pickup, narration, and a curated mix of scenery, history, and culture, it’s the ultimate San Diego day trip from Pacific Beach.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Coronado Island Tiered pricing available for private groups — the more in your group, the lower the per-person cost. Start your day with sweeping views from Mount Soledad, then explore sea cliffs and sea lions at La Jolla Cove. Step back in time in Old Town San Diego, where adobe buildings and plazas bring California’s past to life. Stop for lunch at Seaport Village (meals not included), then cruise through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares stories of its Wild West past. Cross the Coronado Bridge for sky-high views, stop at the historic Hotel del Coronado, and continue down scenic Orange Avenue. Pass through Balboa Park’s gardens and Spanish Revival buildings before a final drive through Little Italy—known for bayfront views and old-world charm. Includes hotel pickup, narration, and a full day of San Diego’s best sights and stories.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Downtown San Diego This private tour accommodates up to 14 guests and offers tiered pricing—the more guests, the lower the per-person cost. Perfect for families, friends, or team outings. Start your tour with sweeping coastal views from Mount Soledad, then visit La Jolla Cove to see sea lions, tide pools, and ocean cliffs. Step back in time in Old Town San Diego, then enjoy lunch and shopping at Seaport Village (meals not included). Cruise through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares tales of Wyatt Earp and San Diego’s Wild West past. Cross the scenic Coronado Bridge for panoramic bay views, stopping at the historic Hotel del Coronado before driving down Orange Avenue. You’ll also pass through Balboa Park’s gardens and Spanish Revival architecture, and finish with a drive through vibrant Little Italy. With hotel pickup, narration, and curated highlights, it’s the ultimate San Diego day—starting right from downtown.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from La Jolla This private tour offers tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, or corporate outings. Start w/ panoramic coastal views from Mount Soledad, then head to La Jolla Cove to see sea lions lounging on the rocks and waves crashing below the cliffs. In Old Town San Diego, explore adobe buildings, historic plazas, and vibrant shops that bring California’s past to life. Break for lunch at Seaport Village along the Embarcadero (meals not included), where harbor breezes and waterfront dining set the tone. Drive through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares tales of its Wild West past—think Wyatt Earp and saloons. Cross the Coronado Bridge for sweeping bay views, stop at the legendary Hotel del Coronado, then cruise down Orange Avenue. Wrap up with scenic drives through Balboa Park and Little Italy for a perfect blend of history, beauty, and SoCal charm.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Del Mar This private tour features tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Perfect for families, friends, or corporate outings. Begin your day atop Mount Soledad with sweeping coastal views, then explore La Jolla Cove’s sea cliffs, tide pools, and sunbathing sea lions. In Old Town San Diego, stroll through adobe buildings and historic plazas before stopping for lunch along the waterfront at Seaport Village (meals not included). Cruise through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares stories of its Wild West roots. Cross the Coronado Bridge to the legendary Hotel del Coronado, then enjoy a scenic drive down Orange Avenue. Pass Balboa Park’s museums and gardens, and end with a cruise through Little Italy—a lively district filled with cafés, charm, and bay views. Pickup is available from Del Mar hotels or the Solana Beach Station.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Solana Beach This private tour includes tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the larger your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, or corporate outings. Begin your day with panoramic views atop Mount Soledad, then head to La Jolla Cove to spot sea lions along the cliffs. Stroll the historic plazas of Old Town San Diego before enjoying lunch along the scenic Embarcadero at Seaport Village (meals not included). Cruise through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares stories of its Wild West past, then cross the sweeping Coronado Bridge for unforgettable views of the bay. Stop at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, then drive scenic Orange Avenue. Pass through Balboa Park’s gardens and Spanish Revival architecture, and finish with a drive through Little Italy—known for its lively charm and bayfront atmosphere. A full day of SoCal’s best, with hotel pickup included.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Encinitas This private tour includes tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, or team outings. Begin with sweeping coastal views from Mount Soledad, then visit La Jolla Cove to see sea lions and tide pools. Continue to Old Town San Diego to explore adobe buildings and California’s early history, followed by a lunch break (meals not included) at Seaport Village on the bay. Next, enjoy a narrated drive through the Gaslamp Quarter, filled with tales of Wyatt Earp and the city’s Wild West roots. Cross the Coronado Bridge for incredible views and stop at the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Cruise down Orange Avenue before returning via Balboa Park and Little Italy, with its cafés and historic charm.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Leucadia This private tour offers tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for couples, families, and team outings. Start your adventure with coastal views at Mount Soledad, then meet sea lions and explore tide pools at La Jolla Cove. Walk through California’s past in Old Town San Diego, then enjoy lunch (meals not included) at the waterfront shops and eateries of Seaport Village. Drive through the historic Gaslamp Quarter as your guide reveals tales of its Wild West roots and Wyatt Earp’s legacy. Cross the scenic Coronado Bridge and stop at the legendary Hotel del Coronado before cruising down Orange Avenue. Pass by the Naval Base and wrap up with drives through Balboa Park and Little Italy—two vibrant neighborhoods rich in culture, gardens, and bay views. With hotel pickup and engaging narration, it’s a curated day of San Diego’s top highlights.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Carlsbad This private tour offers tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, or corporate outings. Your day begins with a stop at Mount Soledad, offering panoramic views from La Jolla to Mexico. Next, stroll the shoreline at La Jolla Cove, where sea lions bask on the rocks and tide pools dot the coast. Continue to Old Town San Diego to explore adobe buildings, museums, and historic plazas. Break for lunch (meals not included) along the Embarcadero waterfront at Seaport Village. Then drive through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares stories of its Wild West days. Cross the iconic Coronado Bridge for a scenic drive and a stop at Hotel del Coronado before returning via charming Orange Avenue. You'll also pass through Balboa Park and Little Italy—blending culture, scenery, and history into one unforgettable San Diego day.

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Oceanside This private tour features tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, or corporate outings. Begin your day at Mount Soledad for sweeping coastal views, then explore sea lions and tide pools at La Jolla Cove. Step back in time in Old Town San Diego with adobe landmarks and vibrant plazas. Enjoy lunch (meals not included) at Seaport Village on the waterfront. Cruise through the historic Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares tales of Wyatt Earp and the Wild West era. Cross the scenic Coronado Bridge to visit the iconic Hotel del Coronado and drive down charming Orange Avenue. Finish with drive-through views of Balboa Park’s cultural landmarks and Little Italy’s bayfront charm. With hotel pickup, expert narration, and a curated mix of history, scenery, and city life—it’s the perfect way to experience San Diego in a day.

When in Los Angeles, don’t miss the chance to visit sunny San Diego on this hassle-free group tour. Travel comfortably from Los Angeles to San Diego to visit the USS Midway Museum, take a harbor cruise to see military boats and the skyline, plus explore Balboa Park and Old Town. Gratuities for the driver and guide are included, and the tour lasts about 9 to 10 hours before returning to LA.

Explore the highlights of San Diego on this full-day trip from Los Angeles. Visit the USS Midway Museum, where you can dive into naval history, and enjoy a scenic Harbor Cruise that showcases military vessels and the stunning skyline. Stroll through Balboa Park with its beautiful gardens and museums, and take in the charm of Old Town San Diego, rich with history and culture. This group tour includes convenient pick-up points in LA, a professional guide, and admission to key attractions, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable adventure. - Full-day guided tour from Los Angeles to San Diego (8-10 hours) - Admission included for USS Midway Museum and Harbor Cruise - Visit Balboa Park and Old Town San Diego with ample time to explore - Comfortable transportation with a maximum of 55 travelers for an intimate experience

California is where some of the US’s best wines are grown. Avoid the hassle of self-driving and set out on a guided tour to several San Diego vineyards that includes comfortable transportation by an expert driver. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of several establishments and sample some of the region’s most popular vintages before stopping for an included dinner at a local winery.

Follow the Pacific Coast Highway between Los Angeles and San Diego in either direction on a self-guided smartphone audio drive. Hear 40+ GPS-triggered stories about beaches, surf towns, wildlife and coastal history, from Manhattan Beach and the Queen Mary to Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Oceanside and Torrey Pines. A live GPS map shows the route while audio plays through your phone or connected car speakers. Download before departure for offline use, then start anywhere, pause for viewpoints and travel at your own pace. Allow about 4–5 hours plus optional stops and traffic. Bring your own vehicle and smartphone; there is no in-person guide. This is a one-way drive between LA and San Diego, not a return to your starting point. Attractions and interior visits are optional and admission is separate. Seal Beach refuge has restricted entry, and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is currently closed to visitors; the audio route can be completed without entering either site.

Explore the Mexican influence in San Diego in this small group (max 4) tour of San Diego, starting and finishing in Los Angeles. Stop at some of San Diego’s best spots including Old Town State Historic Park, Coronado Island, the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and the USS Midway Museum and Seaport village.

Taste your way through the Guadalupe Valley wine country with this tour from San Diego. You'll meet three different wine producers, learn about how wine is produced, and sit down for an included lunch at Finca Altozano, and sample plenty of locally produced wine, all with a private driver/guide so that you can drink responsibly.

Get to know a side of Tijuana that many tourists miss on this private cultural day tour. You'll visit the market to check out local produce and chat with the vendors and everyday folk. Stop by the museum and the botanical gardens, sample authentic tequila and mezcal, and enjoy Mexican tacos or lunch, plus much more. You'll get to know Tijuana on this off-beat tour.

Make the most of your limited time in San Diego on a 7-hour small group tour.  Provided transportation takes you to each location, which spares you the stress of navigating the city’s traffic on your own.  Stop to explore La Jolla, Balboa Park, Old Town, and much more. The tour also includes a free trip to Las Americas Outlet, where you enjoy unbeatable deals at 125 stores.

Come & spend the day with us in Julian, a delightful blend of history, natural beauty and small town charm. Amazing journey through the beautiful landscapes of SoCal The tour will depart from San Diego, the first stop is at the Eagle Mine, with a guided tour of the underground tunnels & learn about the challenges faced by the early miners during the California Gold Rush. Gain a deeper understanding of Julian's mining heritage. After the guided tour, take a stroll on Main Street, exploring the charming shops and boutiques that line the historic downtown area. Browse through antique stores, art galleries and speciality shops that offer unique gifts, locally made crafts. You will also have time for a delightful lunch at one of the Julian's charming eateries. Variety of options, ranging from homemade sandwich to soups, to savoury burgers... One the way back to San Diego, we will make one quick stop, to offer a complementary slice of the famous Julian Apple Pie to everyone!