Are you looking to see all of San Diego in its entirety from a new perspective? We have compiled some of the most fun ways to sightsee and tour San Diego County. So, pick the one or all of them that is perfect for you. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to see the sights, we have something for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about each tour and find the one that’s right for you!
San Diego Zoo
Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-231-1515
Website: www.sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org
The first stop on our list is the San Diego Zoo which first opened its doors in 1916 with nearly 4 million annual visitors. This world-famous zoo is home to over 12,000 animals and more than 650 species of animals, so you’re sure to see something new and exciting. Some of the most notable include the Xiao Liwu, known as a giant panda, and Angalifu, known as a rhinoceros.
You’ll find everything from an African rain forest (with gorillas) to the Arctic tundra in the summertime (with polar bears). The Owens Aviary and the Scripps Aviary are among the world’s largest free-flight aviaries, with exhibits ranging from a tropical rain forest (with primates) to an arctic taiga and tundra during the summer season. Many of the displays are “natural,” with hidden wires and lowered blinds allowing you to see birds without disturbing them (to view animals), as well as accessible pools and open-air moats for larger species.
The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs, so you can learn about the animals while you’re there.
If you’re looking for a fun-filled day, the San Diego Zoo is a perfect choice!
USS Midway Museum
Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-544-9600
Website: www.midway.org
Next up is the USS Midway Museum which was founded in June 2004.
The USS Midway was the 20th century’s longest-serving aircraft carrier. Commissioned on September 10, 1945, Midway is named for the climactic Battle of Midway of June 1942, which it narrowly missed participating in.
The museum offers tours of the ship, as well as exhibits on naval history.
You can take your own tour of the museum with its 60 exhibits, including 29 aircraft. You may spend as much or as little time as you like in the museum, but we recommend spending at least 2.5 hours to see all of it.
If you’re interested in learning more about our country’s military history, this is a great place to start.
Go City Pass (San Diego Explorer Pass)
Website: www.gocity.com
With a city pass that allows you to visit two, three, four, five, or seven attractions and activities for free, you can discover San Diego. The San Diego Explorer Pass from Go City helps save you up to 60% over purchasing attraction tickets separately and is valid for 60 days after your first visit. You may go sightseeing at popular locations like the San Diego Zoo, Natural History Museum of San Diego, USS Midway Museum, or take speedboat tours around La Jolla Bay or Coronado Beach. See the entire list of places and details on their website.
These tickets will run you about $71 per adult and are valid for 60 days.
Your Explorer Pass is entirely digital, so you may download it to your mobile device or print it at home and use contactless entry to your favorite sites.
GoCar Tour
Address: 3918 Mason St, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: 800-914-6227
Website: www.gocartours.com
On a GoCar tour, you may explore San Diego’s downtown and Old Town sights in a fun and fast-paced manner for two hours. The vehicle talks and shows you the way with its in-built GPS, taking the strain of reading a map away. Visit the city’s most popular sites, including Little Italy, Mission Hills, Presidio Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter, while listening to tales.
You will want to book your ticket in advance for $86.46 per adult, however, prices vary depending on your group size.
Whale Watching Cruise (Next Level Sailing)
Address: 2050 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: 844-684-4400
Email: info@nextlevelsailing.com
Website: www.nextlevelsailing.com
If you’re looking for an up-close and personal encounter with some of the world’s most majestic creatures, a whale-watching cruise is perfect for you. You might be skeptical at first if you tend to get seasick, however, they offer a no seasick guaranteed policy.
Boarding a replica 1851 ship for the whale watching cruise, you will be sure to enjoy 4.5 hours of unobstructed views from the decks, get a smooth ride, and see a few sea creatures during the trip.
Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages (including wine) are available on the cruise. They allow you to bring a picnic lunch or your favorite bottle of wine aboard to enjoy.
You’ll also learn about the different types of whales that call San Diego home and get tips on how to spot them. This tour is perfect for nature lovers of all ages.
Plus, there’s nothing quite like being out on the open water, surrounded by beautiful scenery. And when you’re sailing in San Diego, you’ll have plenty of that! From the stunning coastline to the amazing wildlife, there’s so much to see and enjoy.
La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour
Address: 2222 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858-454-0111
Website: www.lajollaseacavekayaks.com
On a sea caves kayak tour, you’ll get a fresh perspective on the lovely La Jolla coast. To paddle along the coast with a guide, looking for marine creatures such as sea lions, dolphins, and even orcas while exploring sea caves and rock formations is easy; no gear or experience is required. Although, life jackets are included, wet suit rentals are offered during fall, winter, and spring.
This is a great activity for both beginners and experienced kayakers alike.
The duration of the tour runs about 90 minutes for $45 per adult. This is great for ages five years old and above. There is a max group size of 20 people.
Hats, sunscreen, and towels are strongly recommended, especially during the summer.
Hop-on-Hop Off Trolley
Address: 500 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 800-844-7601
Website: www.trolleytours.com/san-diego
The Old Town Trolley Tour is a great way to see San Diego. Ride high above in this 25-mile tour with 12 convenient stops and unlimited re-boarding.
You can hop on and off the trolley at any of the stops along the way, and it’s a great way to get around if you don’t want to walk. The tour includes all the major sights in San Diego, including Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, and Coronado Island.
Gray Line Tours also offers a hop-on-hop-off bus tour that goes to all the same places as the Old Town Trolley Tour. The main difference is that Gray Line Tours has an open-air bus, so you can enjoy the weather while you sightsee.
If you’d rather not deal with the crowds on a tour, consider renting a car and driving yourself around San Diego. You can easily find parking near all the major sights, and you’ll have the freedom to go at your own pace. Just be sure to put the top up on your convertible if it’s a sunny day!
San Diego is a beautiful city, and there are plenty of ways to see it. Whether you take a tour or explore on your own, you’re sure to have a great time.
Conclusion for the Best Sightseeing Tours in San Diego
San Diego, California’s second-largest metropolis, is accessible via plane, boats, train, and automobile. With the Pacific Ocean to the west and Mexico to the south, it offers a blend of customs and cuisine that draws in many tourists to see the city.
San Diego has so much to see and do. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these sightseeing tours are a great way to learn about the city and its many attractions.
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