Cultural & Theme Tours in San Diego

San Diego Haunted Gaslamp Quarter Self Guided Audio Walking Tour (opens in a new tab)

50 min – 1 h

Welcome, brave soul, to the haunted side of San Diego, where history and the afterlife intertwine. Beneath the surface of this vibrant city lies a haunting history of restless spirits, unsolved mysteries, and lingering echoes of tragedy. You'll see many haunted sites. Discover the old red light district known as the Stingaree District, and hear the hauntings and history of the area. Go at your own pace, anytime. Want to go at 3am? No problem. 2pm? Also no problem. The tour is hands free and plays as you walk, making it a heads up immersive experience. This is all on our walking tour app.

Free cancellation

San Diego Electric Bike Rentals (opens in a new tab)

5 2 h – 10 h

Boost your ride with a pedal assist electric bike! Bike through the historic Gaslamp Quarter and ride towards the Embarcadero, which has the best views of San Diego See all the downtown gems including the USS Midway, Embarcadero Marina Park, Billionaire Row, Maritime Museum, Bob Hope Memorial, Tuna Pier and Seaport Village! Riders should be at least 13 to rent e-bikes.

Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour (opens in a new tab)

17 4 h – 6 h

Explore San Diego’s mountains, desert, and backcountry on a self-guided scenic driving tour from Escondido to Julian via Palomar Mountain and Borrego Springs. This 152-mile route takes you along some of the best backroads in Southern California, with GPS-triggered audio guiding you to overlooks, historic sites, and hidden stops along the way. Climb to the summit of Palomar Mountain to visit the famous Palomar Observatory, then descend into the desert landscapes of Anza-Borrego. Along the way, you’ll spot Borrego Springs’ iconic metal sculptures, sweeping valley views, and roadside viewpoints worth stopping for. The route finishes in the historic town of Julian—perfect for a slice of its famous apple pie. This flexible, self-paced tour lets you explore on your own schedule. Allow a full day to take in viewpoints, small towns, and optional short hikes like Borrego Palm Canyon. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection if you plan to stop and explore.

Free cancellation

Tijuana Local Walking Tour from San Diego (opens in a new tab)

296 4 h 30 min

This is a Local Guide service to show you around Tijuana in a walking tour, no amenities are included. We will offer to stop and eat something of the group convenience. And time to shop if the group requires it. We have a pit stop for Alcohol drink too. This tour it's for does with limited time on the visit to San Diego. The group will experience the local perspective as all our tours

The Story of San Diego's Balboa Park A Walk Down El Prado (opens in a new tab)

2 h – 2 h 30 min

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.

Free cancellation

Self-Guided Walking Tour of San Diego's Historic Old Town (opens in a new tab)

1 h 25 min

Discover the rich history of California's first city on this self-guided audio tour of San Diego's historic Old Town. This self-paced walking tour invites you to stroll the streets where Native, Spanish, Mexican, and early American settlers once converged. With immersive GPS-triggered narration, uncover the stories and history that reflect the evolution of San Diego from a modest pueblo to a vibrant city. Download the app and explore at your own pace as you discover the hidden history beyond the shops and restaurants. - Self-guided tour lets you explore at your own pace - GPS-triggered narration with insights into San Diego's history - Focus on sites outside Old Town State Historic Park - Perfect for both locals and first-time visitors

Free cancellation

Discover San Diego: Self-Guided Walking Tour (opens in a new tab)

1 8 h

Discover San Diego with your self-guided audio tour, exploring America’s Finest City at your own pace. Begin in Balboa Park where Spanish Colonial architecture, 17 museums, and the famous San Diego Zoo fill 1,200 acres in the heart of the city. Wander the historic Gaslamp Quarter where Victorian buildings house restaurants and rooftop bars. Explore the USS Midway aircraft carrier and the Embarcadero waterfront celebrating San Diego’s naval heritage. Discover La Jolla’s sea cliffs and sea lions, Pacific Beach’s surf culture, and Coronado’s iconic Hotel del Coronado. Visit Old Town where adobe buildings preserve the Spanish and Mexican heritage of California’s birthplace. Marvel at the Cabrillo National Monument with views stretching to Mexico. Sample fish tacos at the source, craft beer from over 150 local breweries, and the Baja-influenced cuisine that defines this border city where beach culture, military pride, and Mexican flavors create America’s most livable city.

Free cancellation

1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego (opens in a new tab)

3 1 h

Date nights and new adventures can be tough to plan sometimes. We have always loved visiting wine country, immersing ourselves in its rich history, and enjoying the freedom of the backroads on a motorcycle. We figured why not give everyone the opportunity to experience all of the things we love in a new way! And with that, we were born.

Private tourFree cancellation

The Famous San Diego Private Tour with Pickup (opens in a new tab)

8 2 h

The Famous San Diego Tour is a private 2-hour sightseeing tour of San Diego. This tour begins when we come and pick you up and whisk you away on a fantastic sightseeing experience. On this tour we drive you through the most gorgeous landscape of coastline, trees, and real estate in San Diego. See the famous Gaslamp Quarter, like a portal through time, and the rest of our pristine downtown center. We also visit the opulent and crystalline Coronado Island; and see the historic Balboa Park where the roots of our fine city were largely laid. Although leisurely, you will be amazed at how much substantive and thorough knowledge we will share with you on this private driving tour. Take this tour and experience one of our most popular private tours. You will be glad you did. Complimentary snacks and beverages, along with a professional tour guide will entertain you throughout.

Free cancellation

Hand Roll Your Cigar (opens in a new tab)

23 45 min

The rich tradition and artistry behind hand-rolled cigars at our exclusive cigar lounge in sunny San Diego, California. This immersive experience is perfect for aficionados, enthusiasts, and novices alike, eager to learn the intricate process of crafting premium cigars. Our expert cigar rollers will guide you on a journey through the history of cigar making and teach you the time-honored techniques used by masters of the craft.

Free cancellation

San Diego Tour, Top Gun Bar, Miramar, Charlies House & More (opens in a new tab)

5 5 h

This is the only tour to my knowledge where you can visit many of the Top Gun filming locations in San Diego County. You will get to see why movie producers selected this part of the world when choosing a great movie location.

Free cancellation

Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Downtown Splendors (opens in a new tab)

1 2 h

Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led adventure hunt company. Explore the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and tackling challenges along the way. Team up with your friends or go head-to-head as you uncover fascinating facts and create unforgettable memories. Let’s Roam Adventure Hunts are perfect for any occasion—whether it's an everyday outing, a bachelorette bash, a birthday celebration, or a corporate team-building extravaganza! Each player gets to choose an interactive role, with unique challenges for everyone. Ready for an adventure? Let's Roam!

Discover San Diego’s Little Italy on a Self-Guided Audio Tour (opens in a new tab)

45 min – 1 h

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.

Free cancellation

Specters and Sinners Walking Tour (opens in a new tab)

39 1 h 30 min

The Specters & Sinners Ghost Tour is our Adults-Only Tour in San Diego. It's also the most unique. We use San Diego's haunted locations to tell the lesser-known stories of our Founding Fathers and the hauntings tied to them. If you're looking for an amazing, through-provoking Ghost Tour, this is the tour for you.

Sinister Shadows of San Diego Gaslamp Ghost Tours (opens in a new tab)

118 1 h

Embark on a spine-chilling journey through San Diego’s haunted heart with our immersive walking ghost tour. Explore the historic district with an experienced local guide, delving into iconic sites like the eerie Carriage Works and the storied Horton Grand Hotel. As you wander these haunted grounds, your guide will share chilling tales of ancient turf wars, tragic events, and restless spirits. Discover real-life accounts of the inexplicable and uncover dark secrets beneath San Diego’s sunny facade. This mile-long tour offers intrigue at every turn, featuring the historic William Heath Davis House and Yamada Building. While entry into private buildings isn’t included, the ghostly atmosphere will surround you, making it feel like a living history book. Experience thrilling stories of life, death, and the supernatural, gaining insight into the city’s tumultuous past and its lingering spirits. Join us for an evening of thrills and unforgettable memories in America’s Finest City!

The Private San Diego Highlights Tour (opens in a new tab)

5 5 h

The Private San Diego Highlights Tour introduces our guests to a private VIP guided experience that is unparalleled in its detail and scope. No other tour can include so much fun sightseeing and at so leisurely a pace. In five hours, you will see the best of America’s Finest City! Our tour begins daily at your desired pick-up location and from there we transport you throughout the loveliest and most renowned parts of our city.

Free cancellation

The Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour (opens in a new tab)

2 1 h 30 min

Discover the fascinating history of San Diego’s Historic Gaslamp Quarter on a 90-minute guided walking tour through one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll hear engaging stories about the people, buildings, businesses, and events that helped shape downtown San Diego. Learn about early developer William Heath Davis and the beginnings of New Town, explore beautifully preserved Victorian-era architecture, and uncover colorful stories from the neighborhood’s past. Along the way, see notable landmarks including the Davis-Horton House, Horton Grand Hotel, historic theaters, Old City Hall, the Yuma Building, and more. Your guide will share historical context, interesting facts, and memorable local stories while allowing time for questions and photos. With a relaxed walking pace and a carefully planned route, this tour is ideal for guests who enjoy history, architecture, and discovering the stories behind the places they visit.

San Diego National Comedy Theatre Ticket (opens in a new tab)

1 h 50 min

For more than 25 years, National Comedy Theatre has entertained San Diego with professional, completely unscripted comedy. Every performance is created live, so no two shows are ever the same. Guests can share suggestions from their seats, cheer for their favorite performers, and meet the cast afterward. Participation is always optional, and no one is put on the spot—making it a welcoming night out for couples, families, groups, and San Diego visitors. The show is appropriate for all audiences.

Coronado Island Segway Tour (opens in a new tab)

50 3 h

Explore downtown San Diego, the Embarcadero and Coronado Island by Segway on a morning or afternoon tour narrated by an informative guide. Admire gorgeous views of San Diego Bay from the Embarcadero. Take a ferry ride to Coronado Island to check out more sights including Coronado Beach and the Hotel del Coronado. Traveling by Segway is not only fun and different, but allows you to easily cover much more ground than walking.

Gaslamp Quarter Walking Audio Tour (opens in a new tab)

3 h – 3 h 30 min

Explore the Gaslamp Quarter, where Victorian elegance meets the vibrant history of San Diego. This engaging walking tour reveals the rich tapestry of stories woven through the streets, from 19th-century architectural gems to the enigmatic alleys of Stingaree. You'll stroll along Fifth Avenue, uncovering tales of ambition, vice, and resilience, and witnessing the remnants of Chinatown and labor movements. Each stop unveils the contributions of preservationists, performers, and reformers who shaped this iconic neighborhood. The Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour is ideal for history enthusiasts and ghost story lovers. It delves into the complexities of the past, ensuring a captivating experience. — Discover the layered history of the Gaslamp Quarter — Walk past iconic Victorian architecture and haunted hotels — Uncover stories of Chinatown and historical labor uprisings — Perfect for history buffs and those intrigued by ghost tales

Free cancellation