Cultural & Theme Tours in San Diego

The Gaslamp and Downtown Historical Tour in San Diego (opens in a new tab)

1 2 h

Welcome to the San Diego Gaslamp Historical Walking Tour! Our exclusive tour offers a unique look into San Diego's downtown development from the 1850s to 1915. Discover a city of old Wild West saloons, gambling halls, opium dens and brothels, and gain an unforgettable insight into a bygone era We are your small local tour company and we bring you the truth about San Diego's history in the Gaslamp. Don't be fooled by our out of town national big budget competitors! We have caught them making up stories many times. If you want authentic go with us. If you want a tour company that cares about you and not profit. Us. Our host are costumed passionate people that love this city and love making you happy. Our stories are true based on our reasearch and presented in a theatrical way. So bring a sense of humor and wonder! We have been on all our competitors tours and I can honestly say we are the best. Support local, get the real history and feel great. Join us!

Free cancellation

San Diego Gaslamp Segway Tour (opens in a new tab)

132 2 h

Admire top San Diego attractions on this narrated morning or afternoon Segway tour that includes instruction and is perfect for beginners! See the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Petco Park and the 'USS San Diego' Memorial, stopping for photos along the way. Follow your knowledgeable guide as you learn about the city's history and major landmarks. Touring the city by Segway is a novel, memorable way to cover lots of territory in a short span of time.

San Diego: Old Town Ghost Tour & Haunted History Walk (opens in a new tab)

26 1 h 30 min

The Local SD Tour. SD Only. We Don't Fake or Pay For Reviews. All Real. Exclusive Park Access This tour is a Haunted Ghost Tour with Dark History/True Crime elements. You're going to the top Haunted Places in Old Town San Diego - Plus A Rarely Visited Park with Secrets - Bring Your Camera and Courage. San Diego's Old Town is the birthplace of California, and some say among the most haunted places in the nation. The birth of a state was far from clean; buckets of blood were spilled, and stories must be told. GHOST STORIES, tales of crime, revolution, and dark historic events. Join us, bear witness to the lives and horrors that brought this state into being. On your tour, you'll go to... Heritage Park The Whaley House Grounds Old Adobe Chapel El Campo Santo Old Town's Cemetery Plus stories of being buried alive and ghosts reaching out to the living. Your Old Town ghost tour blends historically accurate events, humor, and the sinister. Come along, it's absolutely dreadful...

Private Julian Goldmine Tour from San Diego with Guide (opens in a new tab)

1 5 h 30 min

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.

Free cancellation

San Diego Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila Small Group Tour (opens in a new tab)

130 2 h 30 min

Meet your guide and group at Old Adobe Chapel, which can be credited for saving Old Town San Diego thanks to a 1884 book. Continue on to one of the most haunted homes in Southern California, also unusual for its architecture and building materials. After a view of some Victorian architecture we'll pass by the original location of the Presidio and Mission when the Spanish first settled in California. Admire the oldest 18th-century structure in the area and learn about the indigenous tribes who lived here for thousands of years. Back in town, we'll see some authentic Mexican handcrafts (no bad souvenirs here!), visit a hundred year old Catholic church that is a descendant of the original Mission, followed by a stroll through a landmark cemetery with graves dating back to the 1850s. Our final stop is a local Tequileria to learn about the many different kinds of tequila. Enjoy a taste or select another beverage of your choice, plus gourmet tacos.

E-Bike Tour in Balboa Park (opens in a new tab)

16 2 h

On this Balboa Park E-Bike Tour you will learn what San Diego locals know, that Balboa Park is San Diego’s best kept secret! As the largest urban cultural park in the country, Balboa Park is one of the most unique attractions in San Diego. From hiking trails, to desert gardens and world-class museums, you could easily spend an entire day in this gorgeous San Diego park.

Private Balboa Park Segway Tour (opens in a new tab)

160 2 h

Join us in one of the largest urban cultural parks in the US on a Segway tour of San Diego’s Balboa Park. Cover the enormous 1,200 acre park on a fun-to-ride self-balancing segway while a guide shares the history and highlights. We start and end in the park ensuring that you cover everything from the 16 museums to artists’ workshops. While stopping to take photos among the amazing gardens and theaters. Let us help you feel like a local as we give you the best overview of one of San Diego's best gems.

Free cancellation

Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in San Diego (opens in a new tab)

5 1 h

Flytographer Private Vacation Photo Shoot Connect with a local hand-picked professional photographer in San Diego and capture your most memorable moments during this private photo shoot. Get insider tips on the best things to do in San Diego, including where to eat & what to see from your vacation photographer. Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality vacation photos — the best souvenir ever. We specialize in: - honeymoons - family trips - engagements - anniversaries - romantic getaways - multi-generational trips - babymoons - solo travellers - and just because! With over 10,000 5-star reviews, Flytographer is the global leader in vacation photography and has captured over 3 million memories for travellers across six continents. We’ve been featured across A-list media, including Conde Nast Traveler, Oprah, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, New York Times, BRIDES, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle Magazine, Elle, Buzzfeed, Refinery29, Huffington Post, & many more.

Free cancellation

2-Hour Downtown and Balboa Tour in GPS Guided Polaris GoCar (opens in a new tab)

29 2 h

This is THE essential San Diego tour and experience it in style with our Polaris GoCar. The GoCar Exotic gets 30 mph, 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. You will see almost all of the greatest sights San Diego has to offer, from the visually stunning Balboa park which is littered with Spanish Renaissance inspired architecture, over a dozen museums, colorful flower gardens, and world renowned outdoor organ pavilion all the way to the always happening Hillcrest, which has a great variety of shops and restaurants, Hillcrest is known to have some of the best food in the county. But best of all you will also get to see Downtown San Diego at its finest, from the Maritime Museum, to the Historic Gaslamp Quarter. Downtown San Diego is one of the best places in the world for its diversity, and visual appeal. Don’t miss the best places San Diego has to offer on this Must-See tour. *If booking more than 2 people please submit separate orders! *Must be 25 years old to rent

Free cancellation

San Salvador Spanish Galleon Adventure Day Sail with General Admission (opens in a new tab)

7 4 h

Your 4-hour San Salvador Adventure Day Sail is your opportunity to step back into time as you step on board this 16th century Spanish galleon. The San Salvador is a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s ship that arrived at the port we now call San Diego on September 28, 1542. These 4-hour Sailing Adventures are for people who love history, and sailing. Very few people have sailed aboard galleons of the 16th century and now you can!

Private LA Tour from SD: Hollywood Beverly Hills Griffith & More (opens in a new tab)

4 10 h

Private 10 hour tour from San Diego to see some great places in LA. First stop is the famous Griffith Observatory with fantastic views across LA. Next stop is to see the iconic Hollywood Sign then to see all the stars at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beautiful Beverley Hills and Venice Beach will top off a fabulous day out that you won’t forget.

Free cancellation

San Diego Chinese Food Tour with Wild Foodie Tours (opens in a new tab)

8 2 h 30 min

Don't miss this exciting foodie adventure with Wild Foodie Tours to learn about and enjoy Chinese food, history, and culture from a Chinese-American guide whose passion is food, culture, and adventure. Prepare to enter the Dragon's Gate to savor the culinary masterpiece once reserved for the Emperor of China.

Historic Bay Cruise Aboard 1914 Pilot boat with General Admission (opens in a new tab)

12 45 min

Launched in 1914 to her removal from regular service in 1996, the Pilot enjoyed an active career as San Diego’s chief pilot craft – assisting almost every one of the thousands of major commercial ships to enter or leave the bay during that time. Visitors will share this narrated historic bay tour aboard one of the few vessels in the country honored with the distinction of being on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.

Drink, Mingle and Dance Club Tour (opens in a new tab)

14 5 h

Our motto is simple: Meet. Make Memories. Repeat. With us, you'll experience 4 vibrant and upbeat dance clubs, along with exclusive drink specials at select venues. Each club has its own unique vibe and appeals to keep interest and energy high through the night. This tour is perfect for travelers that would like to enjoy San Diego's nightlife, but are not sure where to go. First you'll meet us and warm up those dancing shoes at the multi-level/multi-room ONYX ROOM NIGHTCLUB! Free welcome shot included! Next , we'll go down the rabbit hole and take in all the lights & sounds at the Alice in Wonderland inspired club: VIN DE SYRAH. We'll keep the excitement going with a stop in the local go-to club, WHISKEY GIRL. Exclusive drink specials for those on the tour here! To end on a high note, we'll settle in one of the Vegas-caliber clubs in town: PARQ NIGHTCLUB *or* OXFORD SOCIAL CLUB. Oh yeah!!

Tea By The Sea (opens in a new tab)

24 2 h

Imagine sipping tea by the sea and savoring local treats where the stunning ocean view and soothing sound of waves create a tranquil backdrop. The salty breeze and warm sunlight enhance the experience, making each sip of tea more refreshing. This peaceful setting offers a perfect escape from everyday life, inviting relaxation and mindfulness. The natural beauty and serene atmosphere of the sea elevate the simple act of enjoying tea into a beautiful and memorable moment. find us on Instagram by @teabytheseacalifornia

Free cancellation

California Dreaming San Diego Beaches GoCar Buggy Tour (opens in a new tab)

2 3 h

Drive your GoBuggy, the world’s first storytelling car, through San Diego’s Old Town, where Mexican and Western cultures blend seamlessly. Departing from Old Town, you'll head to Point Loma, stopping at Liberty Station, a former Naval Training Center closed in 1997 and now transformed into a vibrant community of homes, recreational centers, restaurants, and hotels. Next, your GoBuggy will direct you to Shelter Island, offering a stunning view of the Attack Submarine Base. Continue to Cabrillo National Monument and the Point Loma Ecological Reserve to see the historic lighthouse. As you pass the tide pools, be sure to stop and explore the rich aquatic life. Conclude your tour at the romantic Sunset Cliffs, surrounded by eclectic Ocean Beach homes and charming shops, free from chain businesses.

Free cancellation

Tall Ship Adventure aboard the Schooner Californian with General Admission (opens in a new tab)

6 4 h

Californian was built from the ground up in 1984 at Spanish Landing in San Diego Bay. She was launched with great fanfare for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In July 2003, the Governor signed a bill into law designating the Californian as the official tall ship of the State of California. She is the only ship to carry this prestigious title. Since her launching in San Diego the Californian has played host to thousands of adventure travelers, sailing enthusiasts, students and history buffs up and down the West coast. She has also made voyages to Hawaii, Mexico and the East coast of the United States. Californian casts a distinctive and instantly recognizable silhouette and has become one of the most well known tall ships in America. Sailing the Californian and experiencing a tall ship adventure with the Maritime Museum sail crew on San Diego Bay is a Top Thing To Do when in San Diego!

Temecula Wine Country Tour from San Diego (opens in a new tab)

3 6 h – 7 h

Soak in the the California Sun with a glass of wine.. Temecula Valley also known as “Wine Country” is an hour drive from San Diego. The unique weather in Temecula is perfect for growing most grape varietals.

Free cancellation

San Diego's North Park Tour (opens in a new tab)

43 1 h 30 min

The city is a canvas! Come enjoy a thriving neighborhood with beautiful street art, shops, cafes and breweries. North Park is known as a fun, hip, walkable neighborhood. It's very welcoming to visitors, while remaining mostly frequented by local San Diegans. Guests are consistently impressed by how much they learn on this tour, and appreciate the wonderful photo opportunities along the way!

Early Bird GoCar Tour: San Diego (opens in a new tab)

16 2 h

1 HR free. Early Bird Special. Let GoCar take you off the beaten path through many of San Diego’s iconic parks like the Balboa Park and Petco Park on the way to Hillcrest and back. Snap some amazing photos along the Pacific Ocean and see the San Diego up close. You can even park and take a stroll along if you choose. On the way back explore the boutique shopping districts of Hillcrest. This tour is approximately two hours drive time at a slow pace and has several fun, informative detours and stop options along the way. If you want to extend the tour you have the option of taking the Oldtown loop at the end of the tour.

Free cancellation