Top San Diego Arts & Design in 2026

Discover a world where reality bends at Museum of Illusions San Diego. With over 50 interactive exhibits, guests can challenge their perceptions and engage their sense of wonder. Experience gravity-defying installations, life-size kaleidoscopes, and mind-bending holograms that play tricks on your senses. This unique attraction is perfect for families, friends, and couples looking for a memorable outing. Located in beautiful downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, we are minutes away from Petco Park, the San Diego Convention Center and an abundance of hotel and restaurant options.

Discover one of America’s most famous haunted houses: the Whaley House in San Diego. On your guided tour of the historic house dating back to 1857 you’ll learn about California history and the Whaley family as you explore the home’s Greek Revival architecture, historic décor, and uncover its mysterious and chilling past.

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.

Learn about American history, especially early California history, while exploring the haunted house of Thomas Whaley. This self-guided tour transports you back to the 1800s and lasts around 30 minutes. Docents are available to answer questions. Don’t get too scared in America’s most haunted house. Entry is direct with this ticket, no exchange needed.

Explore the legacy of the U.S. Navy SEALs at the Navy SEAL Museum in San Diego, where history comes alive. This museum, situated near the historic Embarcadero, presents authentic artifacts and exhibits that highlight the valor and dedication of these elite warriors. Discover the rich heritage of SEAL Team One, formed in Coronado, and understand the profound impact of their operations across land, sea, and air. A visit to this unique museum not only honors their commitment but also deepens your connection to the local community of retired SEALs and Special Warfare personnel.

Discover everything San Diego with this comprehensive bundle of 18 self-guided audio tours. From the history of Old Town to the stunning coastline of La Jolla, immerse yourself in the cultural and historical richness of each location through GPS-triggered audio narratives. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, this collection allows you to explore iconic sites like Balboa Park and Coronado while also venturing into day-trip destinations like Julian and Borrego Springs. Enjoy the flexibility to experience the city at your own pace, any day, for an unbeatable value. - 18 self-guided audio tours covering San Diego’s highlights and hidden gems - Explore iconic destinations like Balboa Park, La Jolla, and Old Town - Includes day-trip options to Julian and Borrego Springs - Yours to keep! Explore now or revisit them on your next trip.

Discover the heart and soul of San Diego’s Little Italy on this immersive self-guided audio tour. Stroll through vibrant piazzas, past historic landmarks, and into hidden corners as you uncover stories of immigrant families, World War II heroes, and the neighborhood’s rich fishing past. From the iconic Little Italy landmark sign to the charming 19th-century M Winehouse cottage, this hands-free experience brings history to life with GPS-triggered narration and local insights. From locals to first-time visitors, we're pretty sure you'll learn something new on this self-paced journey through Little Italy.

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.

Balboa Park is a must-do for most San Diego visitors, but many don't appreciate the long and rich history of this treasured cultural center. Go deeper into the park's many museums, gardens, and attractions on a guided walking tour that will help you plan where you want to go and appreciate how Balboa Park came to be. Plus, stay energized with an included coffee drink along the way.

Take in the highlights of San Diego Bay during a sightseeing tour by amphibious vehicle. Travel on both land and water, starting on the streets of Seaport Village and rolling down Harbor Drive alongside San Diego Bay. Transition into the water after departing Seaport Village. Cruise past the SeaWorld and Vacation Isle, experiencing the best of maritime San Diego on this fun and informative tour.

The city is a canvas! Come enjoy beautiful street art and graffiti in San Diego with this guided tour.

Discover the essence of San Diego through five self-guided walking tours, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Town, immerse yourself in the cultural treasures of Balboa Park, delight in the vibrant atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter, enjoy stunning waterfront views along the Embarcadero, and take in the coastal beauty of La Jolla. Each tour features engaging storytelling paired with GPS-triggered audio, enhancing your experience as you walk. Perfect for first-timers or returning visitors, these tours are yours to keep, so you can enjoy them now or on your next trip. - Five self-guided walking tours covering iconic San Diego destinations - Blends storytelling with GPS-triggered audio for an immersive experience - Explore at your own pace, perfect for both first-time and returning visitors - Tours are yours to keep for future visits, allowing flexibility in your schedule

Explore San Diego’s vibrant Embarcadero with a self-guided audio tour that brings the city’s waterfront to life. Uncover the stories of historic ships, public art, peaceful parks, and lively bay-side restaurants. This tour allows you to experience the maritime heritage and cultural landmarks of San Diego, all at your own pace. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families, the audio plays automatically as you walk, turning a simple stroll into a rich narrative journey. - Self-paced audio tour along San Diego’s iconic Embarcadero - Discover history behind the ships and architecture - Family-friendly experience suitable for all types of travelers - The app provides seamless audio playback as you explore

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.

Charming Julian, an hour east of downtown, could aptly be described “as American as apple pie.” Nestled in the picturesque Cuyamaca Mountains in East County, Julian is famous for its mouth-watering apple pies and cider from local orchards along with a rich California gold rush history. You can find Victorian-style architecture, old-fashioned stores, country-style restaurants, scenic hiking trails and a friendly country atmosphere in one of San Diego’s rural treasures. Discover an exciting learning experience at The Eagle Mining Co. in Julian, California. Our old-fashioned gold mine offers terrific and informative California tours that guide adventures through the world of a 1870s mining operation.

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.

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.

Come on our history walking tour presented by US Ghost Adventures! San Diego is one of the most historic cities in the state of California, and the men who built San Diego built California. On this tour, you'll visit several of the most historically important and architecturally unique locations in San Diego's famed Gaslamp Quarter. From the Davis-Horton House, to the Horton Grand Hotel, to the Balboa Theatre, you'll marvel at the unique structures while learning about the fascinating cast of characters who shaped San Diego into the city it is today.