The San Diego Highlights Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 75 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The San Diego Highlights Tour worth booking?
The San Diego Highlights Tour is a 7-hour experience in San Diego, United States, from $249 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 75 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (75)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $249 per person
Enjoy an overview of San Diego's top sights and the stunning northern coastline on a full-day tour by a luxury vehicle that includes Coronado, the Embarcadero and Balboa Park. Check out places of interest in the Gaslamp Quarter, where you’ll have free time to purchase lunch and explore at your leisure. Then spend the afternoon in the enclave of La Jolla — the ‘jewel of San Diego’ — where rugged shoreline cliffs charm all travelers, from both near and far. We do require a minimum of 4 people total (solo travelers are welcome to join) to have the tour go out, in the event of us not achieving 4 guests we'll send you out on our shorter version or supply you with another tour of equal value or issue a full refund! If the tour is booked with less than 4 total guests, then we do the 4 Hour version of the tour. This still hits all of the points of interest, although it eliminates the break that we would normally have for lunch. If we do book more than 4 guests the 7 hour tour will be given.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy an overview of San Diego's top sights and the stunning northern coastline on a full-day tour by a luxury vehicle that includes Coronado, the Embarcadero and Balboa Park. Check out places of interest in the Gaslamp Quarter, where you’ll have free time to purchase lunch and explore at your leisure. Then spend the afternoon in the enclave of La Jolla — the ‘jewel of San Diego’ — where rugged shoreline cliffs charm all travelers, from both near and far. We do require a minimum of 4 people total (solo travelers are welcome to join) to have the tour go out, in the event of us not achieving 4 guests we'll send you out on our shorter version or supply you with another tour of equal value or issue a full refund! If the tour is booked with less than 4 total guests, then we do the 4 Hour version of the tour. This still hits all of the points of interest, although it eliminates the break that we would normally have for lunch. If we do book more than 4 guests the 7 hour tour will be given.
What's included
Included
- Narration by a professional guide
- Transport by Mercedes Tour Van
- Bottled Water and Small Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Another Side Of San Diego Tours
After meeting your insightful guide downtown, take a seat inside the comfortable minivan to start your full-day exploration of San Diego, one of Southern California’s most scenic cities. Throughout this driving tour, you'll stop at a number of prime spots where you can hop out of the van for photo ops and to enjoy bottled water and provided snacks.
Pass by without stopping
Coronado Bridge
The San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge is a symbol of the San Diego area-just as the Golden Gate or San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridges.
Pass by without stopping
Coronado Island
"The Crowned One" in Spanish, Coronado island is a jewel of the coast. Surrounded by silvery mica-laced beaches, and full of art galleries, small shops, and renowned restaurants, it is a beach paradise. The island has been attracting visitors since before the 1880s and is a must-see for any vacationer looking for that SoCal beach experience.
60 minutes here
The Coronado Ferry Landing
The main port from the island to San Diego Downtown offers an unparalleled view of the city. Iconic shops and restaurants line the shoreline as soon as you step off of the dock.
10 minutes here
Coronado Beach
The Coronado Beach is popular with surfers and sunbathers alike. The sands are silvery and smooth, complete with a backdrop of historic homes and a dog run at the end.
Pass by without stopping
The Hotel Del Coronado is a historic building with classic bright red Victorian architecture that's overlooked the waters of Coronado Beach for 130 years. Known for hosting many celebrities and US presidents, the Del was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
Pass by without stopping
Embarcadero
The Embarcadero lays along the eastern side of San Diego Bay, Embarcadero meaning "landing place". The Embarcadero is home to the USS Midway museum, Seaport Village, many popular modern restaurants, and the famous Unconditional Surrender 'victory kiss' statue.
15 minutes here
Gaslamp Quarter
During the tour we stop at the Gaslamp Quarter for a 1 hour lunch-break. The Gaslamp Quarter, known as the Historic Heart of San Diego, is a 16 block downtown neighborhood full of nightlife and world-renowned restaurants. Full of Victorian architecture and small museums, as well as Horton Plaza Park and Petco Park, it's a must-see.
60 minutes here
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a 1,200 acre park full of museums, the beautiful Spanish Art Village, restaurants and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. It was placed in reserve in 1835 and remains one of Americas oldest public parks, right in the heart of downtown San Diego.
45 minutes here
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden
The Rose Garden of Balboa Park features a stunning 1,600 roses of 130 species with new species and verities of roses added every year. The garden is in bloom throughout March to December and is a three-acre walk of color and beauty.
10 minutes here
Village Art Center
The Spanish Art village was originally constructed in 1935 for the California Pacific International Exposition, it designed as a colorful vibrant small courtyard meant to invoke the feeling of being transported to a country village in Spain. Today it is a thriving community of artisans, everything from blacksmiths to glass-blowers to basket weavers.
Pass by without stopping
Botanical Building and Lily Pond
The Botanical Building houses over some 2,100 tropical plants, ferns and palms, and full of seasonal flowers all reflected beautifully in the long glimmering lily pond. Built for the1915 to 1916 California Pacific International Exposition, it is a unique and well loved portion of the park.
Pass by without stopping
La Jolla Cove
A picturesque beach surrounded by water-carved cliffs and full of tidepools and favorite seal spotting areas. The shoreline is protected as part of a marine reserve and full of barely-touched natural beauty.
30 minutes here
El Prado
The El Prado in Balboa Park is a historic district and part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The complex contains the Cabrillo Bridge, the Museum of Man, Alcazar Garden, the Japanese Friendship Garden, the San Diego Museum of Art and much more.
Pass by without stopping
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
Crowned with a white cross, the Mt. Soledad memorial honors living and dead soldiers from the Revolutionary War all the way to the modern War on Terror. It features black granite slabs honoring everyone from Presidents, to the common every-day solider protecting American freedoms.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Diego
Our office is inside the brick-lined courtyard next to the Horton Plaza parking garage, look for the Another Side Tours sign and the blue door. Please see 'Additional Information' for information on where to park or call us at 1-619-239-2111
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our office is inside the brick-lined courtyard next to the Horton Plaza parking garage, look for the Another Side Tours sign and the blue door. Please see 'Additional Information' for information on where to park or call us at 1-619-239-2111
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Another Side Of San Diego Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please arrive at 8:45am to check-in, this is a semi-private tour so there will be other guests! If you are late the tour may depart without you. Please be courteous to other guests by arriving early and on time for the tour.
- Lyft & Uber: We are listed on the ride share apps as 'Another Side Of San Diego Tours'. Ride-shares are the preferred and best way for our guests to come to us.
- Parking Option 1: The LAZ Parking lot is located at 8th Ave. and G Street. The address is: 665 8th Ave San Diego, CA 92101
- Parking Option 2: The Park-It-On-Market lot is located at 7th Ave. and Market Street. The address is: 614 Market St. San Diego, CA 92101
- Parking Option 3: The next closest all day lot is at the corner of 2nd Ave. and Island. The lot is directly across from 100 Harbor Club Dr. San Diego, CA 92101 **Not available from 7/1 thru 7/31 due to Comic Con***
- A minimum of 4 people are required for this tour to go. Solo travelers welcome.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 74 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
74 verified traveler reviews for The San Diego Highlights Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic
My husband and I scheduled this tour while we were in San Diego for the weekend to celebrate our 40th anniversary to see the highlights of this beautiful area. This tour did not disappoint and was well worth the price. Our guide, Julia, picked us up promptly at our hotel and the adventure began. Julia is so pleasant, knowledgeable and engaging. She not only showed us so many beautiful and amazing sights, but she shared history, brought extra books to give greater details, and took our photos at amazing stops. Hearing her talk about the Christmas tree at the Hotel Del Coronado immediately stirred in us a desire to return. Her knowledge of downtown San Diego and life there shows us she is definitely apart of her community. The crystal-clear waters of the La Jolla Cove marine sanctuary were a beautiful treat seeing the sea lions lounging on the sandstone cliffs and beach. But my favorite was Balboa Park, the storybook Julia read us about how all the beautiful trees came to be in San Diego with the added hike to view some of them. Again, can’t wait to return and spend more time in nature at Balboa Park. Thank you so much Julia, for helping make our anniversary weekend so special. We highly recommend this tour and even more so, Julia as your guide!!
Response from the operator: Dear Robin, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and wonderful review. We are truly honored that you and your husband chose to spend part of your 40th anniversary weekend with us here in San Diego. I am so happy to hear that Julia helped make the experience so special. She is an exceptional guide, and it means so much to know that her knowledge, warmth, storytelling, and attention to detail made such a lasting impression. From the Hotel Del Coronado and downtown San Diego to La Jolla Cove and beautiful Balboa Park, it sounds like you were able to experience so many of the places that make San Diego truly unforgettable. We especially love hearing that the tour inspired you to return and spend even more time exploring our city. That is exactly what we hope for. Thank you again for your kind words, your recommendation, and for allowing us to be a small part of such a meaningful celebration. We hope to welcome you back again soon in San Diego, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas. Warmly, Kenneth C. Lippman President & CEO Another Side Tours, Inc.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic tour and guide!
Julia was excellent on this solo tour—offering options and choices; using personal experience as a meaningful aspect of her storytelling; and providing a very articulate commentary. Four hours very well spent . I wish it were longer
Response from the operator: Hi Alan, Thank you so much for this fantastic review. I love hearing that you felt the four hours were very well spent and that you even wished it were longer. That is truly the greatest compliment we can receive. Julia has a special way of blending personal experience, thoughtful storytelling, and flexibility into each tour so that it feels less like a checklist and more like a meaningful journey through San Diego. Offering options and tailoring the experience, especially on a solo tour, is something we take great pride in. Every guest deserves to feel like the day was designed just for them. I will absolutely share your kind words with Julia. Recognition like this means so much to our team. As a small, family run company, reviews like yours help us continue delivering 5 star experiences not only in San Diego, but also in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Maui. If you ever find yourself back in town, we would love to extend the adventure and show you even more of what our beautiful city has to offer. Thank you again for choosing to spend part of your trip with us. All The Best, Kenneth
via Tripadvisor
The Highlights Express Tour
We did the 4 hour express tour with Julia and we certainly got our money's worth! Julia was so friendly with a bubbly personality and full of great knowledge and trivia about San Diego. Our day turned rainy later in the morning but Julia anticipated that so she drove us to La Jolla first to see the seals/sea lions and got a good look at a lot of million dollar plus homes! Then off to Coronado Island with a nice stop to go inside the Coronado Hotel. A drive around Balboa park was also interesting and again Julia knew so much about it! We need to come back for a week just to tour Balboa park and all it has to offer next time! Then, with the rain steadily coming down, Julia kindly drove us back to our hotel in the Gas Lamp quarter so we didn't have to walk the few blocks back to it in the rain! Thank you so much Julia! And a shout out to Kenneth also from Another Side of San Diego Tours for contacting me a few weeks prior to our stay about the original tour we had booked and helped us reschedule to this tour. He was so helpful and kind over the phone!
Response from the operator: Hi Navigate26010963513, Thank you so much for this incredibly thoughtful review. I love the way you described your day, and I am so glad Julia was able to pivot with the weather and make the most of every moment. Starting in La Jolla to catch the sea lions and those beautiful coastal homes before the rain rolled in is exactly the kind of proactive hosting we pride ourselves on. From Coronado Island and stepping inside the historic Hotel del Coronado, to exploring Balboa Park and finishing comfortably back at your hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, it sounds like the day flowed just as it should. Julia truly does bring that bubbly energy and deep local knowledge that turns a tour into something memorable, and I will be sure to share your kind words with her. Recognition like this means so much to our guides. I also appreciate the shout out regarding the rescheduling before your trip. Taking care of guests before they even arrive in San Diego is something I take personally. I am glad we were able to adjust your plans smoothly and get you into the Highlights Express Tour that worked best for your stay. Your comment about needing a full week just to explore Balboa Park made me smile. There is so much history, culture, and beauty there that one visit only scratches the surface. We would absolutely love to host you again whenever you return. As a small, family run company, reviews like yours truly help support our team and allow us to continue delivering 5 star experiences in San Diego, as well as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Maui. If you ever know anyone traveling our way, your referral means the world to us. Thank you again for spending part of your trip with us. All The Best, Kenneth
via Tripadvisor
Great day in San Diego
Had a great tour! We really enjoyed the all day tour and saw sights we would not have found on our own. The CEO was a great help in booking and working with us and our guide Julia was so accomodating. Thank you both for a GREAT day!
Response from the operator: Hi Steve, Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. It truly means a lot. I am so glad you had such a great day on The San Diego Highlights Tour. That experience is designed to show guests the very best of our city, including those hidden gems that most visitors would never discover on their own. Hearing that you felt taken care of from the booking process all the way through your time with Julia makes me incredibly proud. Julia is a true hospitality professional, and I will absolutely share your kind words with her. She works hard to make each day feel seamless, personalized, and memorable, and your recognition means the world. As a small, family run business, reviews like yours are everything to us. They help future guests feel confident choosing us and allow us to continue doing what we love in San Diego, as well as in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Maui. If you ever find yourself in any of those cities, we would be honored to host you again. And of course, we always appreciate referrals to friends or family who may be traveling our way. Thank you again for trusting us with your day. All The Best, Kenneth
via Tripadvisor
Beauty All Around
We had a wonderful day with Julia our tour guide and driver. She knew so much about the history of the area and the plants and wildlife. We liked that we got to get out and walk around at different times. We really feel that we learned the lay of the land. Julia told us many stories about people who were important to the area. We were lucky to have 80 degrees and sunshine. Thanks Julia!
Response from the operator: Hi nancyhH285JR, Thank you so much for taking the time to share this beautiful review from February 5. We truly appreciate it. I am so happy to hear that you had such a wonderful day on The San Diego Highlights Tour with Julia. She has a real gift for blending history, local stories, and knowledge about the plants and wildlife in a way that makes everything come alive. It sounds like you had the perfect San Diego day with 80 degrees and sunshine to top it all off. I especially love that you mentioned feeling like you learned the lay of the land. That is exactly what we hope our guests walk away with, not just seeing the sights, but truly understanding and connecting with the area. We are a small, family run company operating in San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Maui, and reviews like yours make a meaningful difference for us. I will be sure to pass your kind words along to Julia, she will be so grateful. We hope to host you again someday, whether back in San Diego or in one of our other cities. All The Best, Kenneth
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 26
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Another Side Of San Diego Tours, who run 29 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.6.
See everything Another Side Of San Diego Tours runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The San Diego Highlights Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Diego.
How much does The San Diego Highlights Tour cost?
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Prices start at $249 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Diego usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does The San Diego Highlights Tour take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Diego is not rushed.
Is The San Diego Highlights Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 75 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Diego, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule The San Diego Highlights Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is The San Diego Highlights Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The San Diego Highlights Tour?
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Around 26 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Diego can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Diego and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The San Diego Highlights Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Diego within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Diego?
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San Diego is an outdoor-first city: whale watching from December through April, La Jolla kayak and snorkel runs year round, harbour cruises and the USS Midway, plus Balboa Park museums when the marine layer sits low. We rank water operators on group ratios and gear quality, which is where the cheap La Jolla trips fall down. On Outty we rank every San Diego experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include USS Midway Museum Admission: Valid Any Date, Taste of Little Italy in San Diego, San Diego Whale Watching Cruise. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Diego?
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March to May and September to November, either side of the June overcast. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Diego?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in The San Diego Highlights Tour?
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Included: Narration by a professional guide; Transport by Mercedes Tour Van; Bottled Water and Small Snacks; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch; Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for The San Diego Highlights Tour?
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Our office is inside the brick-lined courtyard next to the Horton Plaza parking garage, look for the Another Side Tours sign and the blue door. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is The San Diego Highlights Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The San Diego Highlights Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is The San Diego Highlights Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to The San Diego Highlights Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in San Diego. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about The San Diego Highlights Tour?
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Across 75 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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