San Diego · HISTORICAL TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 history tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Explore San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter through true-crime cases, haunted history, and lively storytelling on a 90-minute guided walk.
“Did not enjoy this tour. The person leading the tour was very nice, but it was hard to hear with the background noises of being in a downtown area. Just not what I was expecting!”
Tour three Temecula wineries, historic Old Town, wine tastings, lunch, and San Diego hotel transport in one relaxed nine-hour day.
“Tour was ok lunch was served late but other than that is was ok I thought Wilson creek was the best winery we visited”
Review of San Diego’s Coronado walking tour, with local history, architecture, beach views, museum stop, gelato, and practical booking tips.
“Jennifer is an absolute treasure. A wealth of knowledge about architecture, history, arts, gastro-chic spots and eclectic shopping , all within a few hours of a very enjoyable walk. Highly recommended !”
San Diego’s Gaslamp pub crawl pairs local history with four bars, craft beer, and a small group for a lively 2-hour evening.
“We had a great time. Levi was very informative and did a great job. It was a great way to see and have a drink at 4 Fun bars in the gaslamp district of San Diego”
Explore San Diego’s beginnings, railroad boom, and military past on Josh’s affordable 75-minute downtown history walk.
“My mother and I had an amazing time on our tour. Josh did a great job of explaining the historical and cultural influences to the city and how they affected each other. He also gave great recommendations for restaurants and activities to do throughout the city. We highly recommend this experience if you are visiting San Diego!”
Explore 75 million years of Southern California nature at The Nat, with fossils, live animals, films, family exhibits, and Baja science.
“Very good I enjoy how it’s helping animals around the world while still informing the general public about what they’re doing”
Explore San Diego’s haunted Old Town with Heritage Park, El Campo Santo Cemetery, true crime tales, and no jump scares.
“Bernice is very knowledgeable and a great and entertaining storyteller! It was an enjoyable evening!”
Explore Old Town San Diego with a costumed guide, entering Heritage Park, hearing local stories, and ending at the eerie El Campo Santo Cemetery.
“Great experience! So much history; I was impressed the depth of knowledge. Funny and personable Guide made it more interesting. 2 hours flew by even at a slower paced walk.”
Explore San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter through four historic pubs, local beer, and stories of conquistadors, bootleggers, and aviation pioneers.
“Had a great time and learned lots of history on the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. Beer was delicious too. Would definitely recommend this tour to visitors or even locals wanting to learn more about their city.”
Cruise San Diego Bay aboard a 1914 pilot boat, with carrier views, Coronado Bridge, naval history, and Maritime Museum admission.
“Many different types (steam, sail, ferry, pilot, swift) ships to explore with the feeling of being in a floating piece of history. Much exercise for active and mobile people”
Explore San Diego your way with Julie’s private four-hour tour of Balboa Park, Old Town, downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, and more.
“Julie was an absolute star, collected me from my hotel and showed me all the main sights in four hours. A mine of information which she shared in relaxed way so not to overload my jet lagged brain! Fun and informative so would definitely recommend if you only have a short time in the city or want an over view before exploring more.”
Explore Old Town San Diego by app, from adobe homes and the Whaley House to tequila culture and Presidio Hill for $10.
“Fun way to learn about old town and the history behind san diego, so much Spanish influence! Absolutely recommend”
Ride PCF 816 through San Diego Bay, hear its naval story, see military landmarks, and feel the power of a genuine Swift Boat.
“Couldn’t hear the guide. Due to the noise of the boat there should be some type of headset to hear the history and facts presented on the tour. Otherwise it was an expensive boat ride.”
Explore San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter through the Stingaree era, serial-killer cases, haunted history, and graphic true crime stories on foot.
“Learning about crimes and the history of the gas lamp district was a worthy endeavor”
Explore 75 million years at San Diego’s Natural History Museum after dark, with fossils, films, family activities, café treats, and rooftop views.
Pick a stretch of coast, a park or a taproom.
