The 15 Best Tours & Day Trips in San Diego

San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour - Old Town begins with San Diego’s early story

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,523 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $55Our pick

San Diego’s hop-on trolley links Old Town, Coronado, Balboa Park, the harbor, and Little Italy with live local narration.

“Really enjoyed this tour. We got on at the first stop, stayed on until Coronado Island. Hopped off. Had a delicious lunch at the Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar, visited the famous Del Coronado Hotel, then hopped back on again. On both trolleys the drivers were entertaining and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend this tour for an overview of San Diego.”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Diego Trolley & Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

San Diego: Hop-on Hop-off Narrated Trolley Tour

2.Hop-on Hop-off Narrated Trolley Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,323 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $57

See San Diego and Coronado by narrated trolley, with Old Town, Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, and flexible hop-on stops.

“The trolley is convenient and fun to ride. Learnt a lot about the city and some hidden arts. Rico, Elijah, Mr J are amazing tour guides! Will definitely ride again next time!”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Diego Trolley & Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

San Diego Seal Tour

3.San Diego Seal Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,226 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $53

Ride San Diego streets and bay in an amphibious SEAL vehicle, with sea lions, harbor sights, local history, and practical family-friendly fun.

“The”boat on the Bay was way too long. The engine noise intolerably loud. Could not hear most of what the guide said. I felt seasick into the evening. Mission Bay would have been better for the unseaworthy vessel.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Gaslamp Quarter Tours, San Diego Food Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Gaslamp Quarter Food and Drink Tour: Brothels, Bites & Booze

4.Gaslamp Quarter Food and Drink Tour: Brothels, Bites & Booze

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 786 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $94

Explore San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter through small plates, cocktails, red-light history, and stories from guides such as Blerta, Ben, and Magda.

“Lots and lots of great info. Excellent food. Would have never tried a pork belly taco. The shepherds pie was to die for. Had my very first mule and loved it. The fusion Greek/mexican gyro/quesadilla was the bomb. Could have eaten two. All in all we enjoyed trying new places and enjoying being out of our comfort zone. Would absolutely recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

City Tours, San Diego Trolley & Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

San Diego: SEAL City Tour by Amphibious Bus

5.SEAL City Tour by Amphibious Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 651 reviews · 1h 40m · from $55

Ride San Diego’s SEAL amphibious bus from city streets into the bay for seals, naval sights, local stories, and a memorable splash.

“Our guide Dianna was very cheerful and informative and made a very good experience exceptional. Lots of wildlife and points of interest on the way. The transportation is surprisingly comfortable. Highly recommended”

Check availability →Read our full review

1-Day Tours, San Diego Walking Tours, Tijuana & Baja Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Intro to Mexico Walking Tour: Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego

6.Intro to Mexico Walking Tour: Tijuana Day Trip from San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 616 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $73

Review of the Tijuana walking tour from San Diego, with local food, tequila tasting, history, border tips, costs, and practical advice.

“The tour involves quite a bit of walking so I’m glad I wore my sneakers. Also it was very sunny, so bring sun block and sunglasses. Initially there was confusion about the meeting place. The line to get into the U.S. was very long so I had to meet my guide on the Mexican side. It’s very easy to cross on your own. Tadeo was a great tour guide. I learned a lot. The food was really delicious and tasted very fresh. The tequila sipping was also fun. The aged tequila was so smooth. My only issue was the shopping options - very overpriced. I wish I could have done…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, San Diego Sailing Trips, San Diego Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

Small-Group San Diego Sunset Sailing Excursion

7.Small-Group San Diego Sunset Sailing Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 592 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $127Top rated

Sail San Diego Bay at sunset on a six-person Catalina-style boat with skyline views, complimentary drinks, snacks, blankets, and a relaxed captain.

“Sailing with our family and Captain Dave was so relaxing. Our highlight was seeing a family of dolphins with two youngsters. The weather was beautiful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Diego Ghost Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Haunted San Diego: The Only Ghost Tour with Exclusive Entry

8.Haunted San Diego: The Only Ghost Tour with Exclusive Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 584 reviews · 1 hour 55 minutes (approx.) · from $58

Ride San Diego’s Ghost Coach into haunted homes, hotels, and a cemetery on a small-group tour packed with history, humor, and real access.

“This was a fun tour with beautiful homes and places to visit. As far as accessibility, there is very little walking but a lot of standing, which is really hard for me. I think if I'd had a rollator it would have been much easier for me. But I did out and Josephine was great, with jokes so bad they were good and Mike, our driver, was so kind and great. Quiet but ready to assist in any way he could and dropping a good line a few times. I highly recommend this but be ready to stand.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Tour Reviews, Tours

San Diego Scenic Tour

9.San Diego Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 564 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $79

See La Jolla sea lions, Mt. Soledad, Old Town, Balboa Park, and Coronado on a four-hour San Diego minibus tour.

“Our tour guide, Jim Houliston, was fantastic throughout our entire San Diego tour. Jim is very knowledgeable and he shared information about all of our stops during the tour. You will not be disappointed if you take a tour with Jim.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cruises & Boat Tours, San Diego Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Small-Group San Diego Afternoon Sailing Excursion

10.Small-Group San Diego Afternoon Sailing Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 531 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $116

Review of Sail San Diego’s small-group afternoon sail, with harbor views, wildlife, drinks, music, route details, pricing, and practical tips.

“It was fantastic. We opted for the open water excursion. The captain was very chill and professional. The sailboat was much nicer than the photos indicated. I plan on taking this ride on my next trip to San Diego.”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Diego Harbor Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

City Cruises San Diego: Scenic 90-Minute Narrated Harbor Tour

11.City Cruises San Diego: Scenic 90-Minute Narrated Harbor Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 507 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $37

Review of City Cruises San Diego’s 90-minute harbor tour, with Navy ships, Point Loma views, narration, practical tips, and honest value advice.

“Grab a table on the boat as soon as you board if you want seating outside. You can also purchase snacks, beer, and cocktails on board. Restrooms available.”

Check availability →Read our full review

City Tours, Evening Experiences, San Diego Trolley & Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

San Diego: City Lights Night Trolley Tour

12.City Lights Night Trolley Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 418 reviews · from $44

San Diego glows on this 90-minute trolley tour, with Balboa Park, Coronado Bridge, skyline views, music, and a 20-minute photo stop.

“This is a lovely way to see San Diego. Our guide was funny and very informative. He played music the entire time and it was obvious he designed the music to complement where we were touring. City lights were beautiful. The trolley was fun. I would recommend this tour company.”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Diego Harbor Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

City Cruises San Diego: Best of the Bay Scenic Harbor Tour

13.City Cruises San Diego: Best of the Bay Scenic Harbor Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 370 reviews · 1h 30m · from $37

Cruise San Diego Bay for 90 minutes past naval ships, Coronado Bridge, Point Loma, and the USS Midway with live narration.

“It’s was so fun and informative ! You have to do it at least once in your life for the experience! Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Diego Whale & Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours

San Diego: Whale Watching Tour – Flagship Cruises & Events

14.Whale Watching Tour – Flagship Cruises & Events

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 315 reviews · 3h 30m · from $54

Review of Flagship’s San Diego whale-watching cruise, with gray whales, dolphins, expert guides, bay views, boat tips, and honest value advice.

“WE WERE REALLY LUCKY. WE FOUND A POD OF DOLPHINS AND THEY HUNG WITH US ALONG THE BOAT FOR 30 MINUTES. THAT MADE THE DAY. OUR GUIDE SAID THERE WERE PROBABLY OVER 500 IN THE POD.”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Diego Walking Tours, Tijuana & Baja Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tijuana Local Walking Tour from San Diego

15.Tijuana Local Walking Tour from San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 283 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $53

Explore Tijuana from San Diego with border assistance, local markets, Revolution Street, art, shopping, and tequila tasting time.

“One of the best experience of my life! I always dreamed to cross the border between USA and Mexico and I couldn't ask for anything more. Humberto is a very nice person who knows everything about Tijuana. The best moment was when we did the tequila tasting. I felt safe ALL the time, Tijuana has special vibes! 🇲🇽🌮☀️ IMPORTANT: feedbacks where people say you have to cross the border alone are old and outdated. That problem was only during Covid-19, but now they are perfectly organized. You'll meet at McDonald's in San Ysidro with Andres, a very nice guys who will take you to the border checking. No problems, I…”

Check availability →Read our full review