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Cultural & Theme Tours in San Diego

Live prices, traveller ratings and availability. San Diego guide

165 tours & activities

Gua Sha Self-Care Workshop in San Diego (opens in a new tab)

1 1 h 30 min

Unlock the secrets of radiant skin at a Gua Sha Self-Care Workshop in San Diego, led by skincare expert Lini. This intimate session invites you to learn essential techniques to release jaw tension, sculpt cheekbones, and integrate ancient beauty rituals into your daily life. Participants will discover the art of using Gua Sha tools, including the perfect oil application and pressure for glowing results. Enjoy hands-on guidance, complimentary refreshments, and the opportunity to purchase exclusive skincare products post-workshop for continued self-care at home.

from$88

San Diego Private Yacht Charter on a Classic Sailboat (opens in a new tab)

4 2 h 30 min

Book the entire boat for your group — no strangers, no shared space, just your crew and Captain Phil on San Diego Bay. Liberty is a classic 41-ft Friendship sloop skippered by a USCG-licensed captain with 55 years of sailing experience. Your private charter delivers the most personal way to experience San Diego from the water — calm, unhurried, and entirely yours. Included: craft beer, California white wine, soft drinks, and packaged snacks. Sail past the San Diego skyline, Coronado Bridge, and USS Midway at your own pace. Ideal for celebrations, anniversaries, and groups who simply want the boat to themselves. All private charters are 2.5 hours. Paid marina parking available. Gratuity for the captain is appreciated and not included.

from$810

Create Your Own Perfumery Body Oil Workshop in San Diego (opens in a new tab)

2 h

Why You’ll Love This Experience A journey of scent, self-expression, and self-care. At Lini Skinfood, we believe fragrance is personal — it’s memory, mood, and magic all in one. Discover the art of perfume-making while connecting with your senses and intuition. Unlike traditional perfume workshops that use synthetic ingredients, you’ll work with clean, natural botanicals and skin-loving oils, hand-picked for their beauty and wellness benefits. Your creation isn’t just a scent — it’s a body oil perfume that nourishes your skin while leaving a lasting aroma unique to you. What makes it special: Personalization: Every scent is one-of-a-kind — no two blends are the same. Guided by Lini: A skincare artisan and scent curator who blends beauty, wellness, and creativity into every moment. You’ll leave not only with your own custom body oil perfume, but also a sense of calm, inspiration, and confidence — the kind that lingers long after the scent fades. CALL 24-48 HOURS TO BOOK TIME

from$99.88

Ocean Beach San Diego Walking Tour Experience (opens in a new tab)

1 h 20 min

Ocean Beach Walking Tour – Discover San Diego’s Sun-kissed Rebel Step into the laid-back, rebellious heart of San Diego. Ocean Beach (OB) is where barefoot surfers, punk rock spirit, and salty sea air collide. Join our local guides on a one-of-a-kind walking tour through vibrant murals, haunted bars, indie record stores, and hidden pirate ruins. You’ll hear tales of shipwrecks, odd sightings, surfer legends, and underground music icons like Jewel who got her start right here. This is a living postcard of real San Diego culture. With small groups, playful storytelling, and access to spots only locals know, it’s perfect for travelers craving authenticity, locals rediscovering their backyard, or anyone drawn to the weird and wonderful. Walk the streets, hear the stories, feel the vibe—book your OB adventure today! - Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes, covering approximately 1.5 miles - Open for all ages and most pets - Bring comfy shoes and your camera for memorable photo opportunities

from$25

Old Town Walking Tour (opens in a new tab)

4 1 h 30 min

Your Old Town Walking Tour is very much like taking a step back into history. To see San Diego as it was during the very beginning of the city. From the first Mission of Father Junipero Serra, to the expedition of Gaspar de Portola, and the history of our entire city. The backstories along with the back drop of Old Town sparks the imaginations of the guests and literally takes you back in time. Known as the birthplace of San Diego and all of California, Old Town is a cultural hotspot. With stunning views of Mission Bay from the top of Presidio Park, to the smells of fresh-cooking Mexican cuisine and the beautiful Spanish architecture below, the Old Town Tour abounds with the vibe and flair for which Spanish and Mexican cultures are known.

from$129

San Diego in a Day: Private Full-Day Highlights Driving Tour (opens in a new tab)

1 10 h

Explore the best of San Diego in a day, with its spectacular Spanish colonial architecture, rich Mexican heritage, and seventy miles of coastline with a private guide on this full-day driving tour where you will have the opportunity to see its most popular highlights and stop at your favourite spots. On the San Diego Private Half-Day Highlights tour, you will visit several of the city’s major historical sites –including Cabrillo National Monument and Balboa Park, quaint neighbourhoods, and Coronado Island - a picturesque peninsula blessed by gorgeous beaches, tidal pools, and coves. Soak up the buzz of the Gaslamp Quarter, the architecture of Old Town, and the sprawling green space of Balboa Park. San Diego offers plenty of mouth-watering options for lunch, from delicious fish tacos to homemade pasta, and your guide will happily direct you to their favourites in Old Town.

from$820

Private Haunted Cultural Tour of Historic San Diego (opens in a new tab)

3 h

Private evening exploration through historic San Diego reveals a fascinating blend of culture, mystery, and centuries of transformation. Walk through Old Town streets where historic landmarks, architectural treasures, and cultural sites preserve stories from the city's remarkable past. As one of California’s oldest settlements, San Diego offers a cultural legacy rooted in history older than the United States. Cultures where stories of former residents and significant moments continue to intrigue visitors. Cultural influences from Spanish, Mexican, and American eras reveal the city's extraordinary journey through time. Historic settings and captivating local legends combine to create an inspiring experience filled with stories of civilization, resilience, and transformation. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

from$639

Private Walking Tour San Diego: Little Italy and Gaslamp Quarter (opens in a new tab)

3 3 h

Enjoy this private 3 hour walking tour of San Diego. Two of the great areas of the city. This private tour will begin at a walking location in Little Italy. If your hotel is walking distance, please inform at the time of booking. Discover two of the most unique areas of San Diego with a local expert. Stroll around the cafés, restaurants and beautiful houses that the Italian immigrants shaped since 1920 in what today is the vibrant Little Italy neighbourhood. You will also visit the oldest quarter in the city; Gaslamp quarter. You will wander around renovated victorian-era buildings and restaurants, cafés, art galleries and more, while learning the fascinating history of this historical area of San Diego. Your private licensed tour guide will be at your entire disposition during the total duration of the tour.

from$255

Vacation Photographer in San Diego (opens in a new tab)

1 30 min

Localgrapher is the largest network of professional photographers and videographers with more than 600 destinations around the globe! Book your private photographer and guide in San Diego to capture your picture-perfect moments while visiting amazing sites! SOLO TRAVELERS Fancy an insta-perfect photoshoot from your San Diego vacation? Localgrapher has years of experience with fashion and solo travel photography! Make your memories last a lifetime and share them on social media or display them in your home to receive an avalanche of compliments. COUPLES If you are about to propose to your loved one, honeymooning or just exploring what San Diego has to offer, put the selfie stick aside and let Localgrapher’s superb photographers take care of the photos for you both. FAMILIES & GROUPS A family trip, wedding, bachelorette party or grand get-together? Forget missing someone from pictures, we’ll capture them all!

from$284

San Diego Downtown and Maritime History Audio Tour (opens in a new tab)

1 h 30 min

• Trace the multicultural frontier past of San Diego with your audio tour • Discover San Diego's must-see landmarks telling their tales ashore and afloat • Get to know the surprisingly wicked background of the hip central neighborhood • Recall Top Gun movies as you pass by the aircraft carriers floating the Pacific • Find one of the oldest buildings that could be destroyed because of the explosion

from$9

Private Tijuana Food Tour Culinary and Cultural Experience (opens in a new tab)

5 h

Explore Tijuana's vibrant culinary and cultural scene on this immersive 5-hour tour from San Diego. With a bilingual guide, venture beyond the border to discover artistic alleys and bustling markets, indulging in handpicked street tacos and regional tequila. The tour highlights include a visit to Pasaje Rodríguez, filled with murals and indie shops, and Mercado Hidalgo, renowned for its local produce and crafts. Enjoy a hassle-free experience with private transportation and insider insights into Tijuana's rich traditions. 5-hour guided food and culture tour from San Diego to Tijuana Visit iconic spots like Pasaje Rodríguez and Mercado Hidalgo Savor authentic tacos and enjoy a private tequila tasting Includes round-trip private transportation and picnic box lunch

from$414

Podcast Tour San Diego The 1915 Dreamscape (opens in a new tab)

1 h 35 min

Step into a deliberate fantasy. In 1915, San Diego transformed itself from a struggling border town into a Mediterranean-inspired cultural metropolis. Join Clara, an architectural historian, and Sergio, a local insider, as they guide you through Bertram Goodhue's grandiose Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece. You will uncover hidden engineering, controversial exhibits, grassroots preservation battles, and lush botanical wonders. This is not just a walk through a park; it is a journey through a century-old theatrical illusion that became a city's beating heart. A 1.6 km self-guided tour with 8 stops over 95 min Ideal for travelers interested in Art, Design & Aesthetics and History & Memory Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

from$6.80

Private Newborn Posing and Photography Mentoring Session (opens in a new tab)

6 h

Are you looking to learn or perfect your newborn photography posing skills? I am proud to offer one-on-one hands-on newborn mentoring in Southern California for photographers. Yep! Right here in my San Diego newborn studio! These newborn mentoring sessions are catered to what YOU need. Although I will have prepared a general newborn mentoring session for you, each and every mentoring session will be slightly different based on what you wish to work on.

from$850

San Diego Scavenger Hunt Walking Activity at UTC Mall (opens in a new tab)

2 h

Explore the UTC Mall in San Diego like never before with an interactive scavenger hunt that blends adventure and learning. Teams of any size can embark on this unique quest, solving puzzles, snapping team selfies, and uncovering trivia about everything from Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to the origins of ice hockey. Navigate through kinetic art displays and bubble gum sculptures while unraveling anagrams and identifying flags. Celebrate your achievements at the iconic clock tower, making this activity perfect for families, friends, or a fun date.

from$29.99

San Diego Downtown Highlights Private Guided Walking Tour (opens in a new tab)

2 h – 3 h

What echoes through San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and historic theatres? Trace the city’s vibrant past with a Private Licensed Guide on a downtown walk full of culture and charm. Optional: extend to Petco Park, Chinese Museum & Children’s Park. Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests: 2-hour: Downtown Highlights Tour Visit downtown San Diego to see Symphony Hall, Civic Theatre, Balboa Theatre, Gaslamp Quarter, and Davis-Horton House while learning about architecture, legends, and history. 3-hour: Downtown Highlights, Petco Park & More Tour Visit downtown San Diego including Petco Park, Chinese Museum, Children’s Park, Symphony Hall, Gaslamp Quarter, and more. Discover local heritage, art, and vibrant city life. This fun and story-rich tour will guide you through the historic heart of San Diego, uncovering its cultural tapestry and downtown landmarks.

from$169

San Diego Pacific Naval Power GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game (opens in a new tab)

1 h – 2 h

Explore San Diego's legendary naval waterfront on this immersive self-guided tour. Visit historic ships like the USS Midway, marvel at the Unconditional Surrender Statue, and stroll piers that launched Pacific fleets. Discover how the city became a powerhouse of American naval history, from World War II to the modern era. Perfect for history buffs, families, and anyone seeking seaside adventure! Solve puzzles, explore the city, and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt.

from$11.34

San Diego History & Food Tour: Old Town, Liberty Station, Pt Loma (opens in a new tab)

4 h 30 min

Explore San Diego's rich history and vibrant food scene on this engaging tour that connects four centuries through four notable stops. Begin at Old Town, the birthplace of California, where you'll enjoy a freshly made churros. Next, enjoy a craft beverage tasting at Liberty Station, a repurposed naval base. Visit Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument for breathtaking views and fascinating history. Conclude your day at Sunset Cliffs, perfectly timed for stunning views. With a local guide who shares insider knowledge, this small group experience ensures a personalized journey through San Diego's past and present. - Walk Old Town's mission-era streets, browse the shops, enjoy a freshly made churro and shop real Mexican crafts - Taste craft beer or wine at Liberty Station, your call — Stone Brewing or Caruth Cellars — and wander the food hall and shops after - Stand where Cabrillo landed in 1542 at Point Loma, then work the tide pools below Everything handled. Just show up.

from$550

Essential San Diego 5 Self Guided Walking Tours Bundle (opens in a new tab)

2 h – 8 h

Discover the essence of San Diego through five self-guided walking tours, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Town, immerse yourself in the cultural treasures of Balboa Park, delight in the vibrant atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter, enjoy stunning waterfront views along the Embarcadero, and take in the coastal beauty of La Jolla. Each tour features engaging storytelling paired with GPS-triggered audio, enhancing your experience as you walk. Perfect for first-timers or returning visitors, these tours are yours to keep, so you can enjoy them now or on your next trip. - Five self-guided walking tours covering iconic San Diego destinations - Blends storytelling with GPS-triggered audio for an immersive experience - Explore at your own pace, perfect for both first-time and returning visitors - Tours are yours to keep for future visits, allowing flexibility in your schedule

from$29.99

Private Balboa Park Walking Tour in San Diego (opens in a new tab)

3 h

Enjoy this private 3-hour walking tour of Balboa Park in San Diego. This private tour will begin at a walking location near Balboa Park. If your hotel is within walking distance, please inform us at the time of booking. Enjoy the unique Balboa Park with one of our private tour guides. This is a great private tour of San Diego National Historic District. Explore the 1,200-acre (485-hectare) cultural icon with your own personal guide and customize your 2-hour itinerary with your choice of sights, including complimentary admission to the Spanish Village Art Center; Botanical Garden, Rose Garden and Cactus Garden; and the Timken Museum of Art. Pass by numerous museums and hear informative commentary about the park's history and architecture. Your private licensed tour guide will be at your entire disposition during the total duration of the tour.

from$457

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