The San Diego Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 74 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The San Diego Tour worth booking?
The San Diego Tour is a 3-hour experience in San Diego, United States, from $169 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 74 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (74)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $169 per person
Embark on this 3-hour guided journey throughout San Diego. You'll be transported by your local guide throughout some of the loveliest areas of the city. A few highlights include sparkling Coronado, El Prado, and the beautiful Balboa Park.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on this 3-hour guided journey throughout San Diego. You'll be transported by your local guide throughout some of the loveliest areas of the city. A few highlights include sparkling Coronado, El Prado, and the beautiful Balboa Park.
What's included
Included
- Narration by Professional Tour Guide
- Bottled Water and Small Snacks
- Transport by Luxury Air Conditioned Van
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Another Side Of San Diego Tours
After taking a seat in the comfortable sightseeing van, your tour will depart for a fun and exciting experience. Your professional guide will escort you throughout some of the most renowned parts of San Diego. San Diego is sometimes described as "All that California is" - family friendly wholesomeness, exciting nightlife, gorgeous natural beauty and stunningly crafted architecture too. These attributes combine to create a 'feel' and an atmosphere that defy easy description, but make themselves intrinsically known to visitors. This 3-hour tour will show you why this spectacular city beckons Californians and travelers from far abroad alike to sink their toes into sand and their souls into the fabric of this vibrant place. Throughout this tour you'll get to stop and see lots of beautiful areas throughout the city. A few key spots include Coronado, The Hotel Del Coronado, El Prado, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Embarcadero, and the incredible Balboa Park.
Pass by without stopping
Coronado Bridge
Built in 1969, the Coronado Bridge spans more than 11,000 feet and rises 200ft at maximum clearance. At it's base on the San Diego side sits the Chicano Park, and the bridge is easily visible from both the coast and the air. It's now as synonumous with San Diego as the Golden Gate bridge is with San Francisco.
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.
Pass by without stopping
Gaslamp Quarter
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.
Pass by without stopping
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
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
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
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- 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 3 guests 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
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
74 verified traveler reviews for The San Diego Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Top notch tour of San Diego
Julia was one of the best tour guides we’ve ever had. She was incredibly knowledgeable about San Diego’s history, landmarks, notable people, and all the little things that make the city unique. She kept the tour moving at a great pace and made sure we saw everything we wanted to see, while also keeping us comfortable on a very hot afternoon. We learned a lot, had a great time, and would definitely recommend Julia!
via Tripadvisor
#ilearnedwithfire.
Julia was incredible! We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. She’s you’re go to your guide for a perfect day in San Diego.
Response from the operator: Dear Robert, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review. We are thrilled to hear that Julia provided such an exceptional experience and helped make your day exploring San Diego so memorable. Julia is an incredible guide, and it is always wonderful to hear when her knowledge, personality, and enthusiasm leave such a strong impression. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are so glad you felt you could not have asked for a better guide. Thank you again for choosing Another Side Tours. We sincerely appreciate your support and 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
Wonderful Tour
We took the San Diego Tour on Wednesday, July 29. Our tour guide was Julia. She was great. She covered San Diego and Coronado Island. We explored Balboa Park and drove through many different areas. We learned so much about these places - current and history. One of the best tours we've taken. We would highly recommend this tour company.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review and recommendation! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience exploring San Diego and Coronado with Julia. Julia has an incredible knowledge of San Diego, both its history and what makes the city special today, and we are so glad you enjoyed visiting Balboa Park and seeing so many different neighborhoods and areas along the way. Hearing that this was one of the best tours you have taken is an amazing compliment and means so much to our entire team. Thank you for choosing Another Side Tours and for trusting us to show you around our beautiful city. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for another adventure with us in San Diego, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas! All The Best, Kenneth Another Side Tours
via Tripadvisor
San Diego Tour
Julie was a good guide. Great personality. Small group tour, so it could be personalized. Highlights: international Cottages at Balboa Park was excellent.
Response from the operator: Dear Bridget, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your kind review. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your San Diego Tour and that Julie helped make the experience memorable. We are especially happy to know that her great personality and the small group setting allowed the tour to feel more personalized. It is wonderful to hear that the International Cottages at Balboa Park were such a highlight, as they are such a unique and special part of San Diego. Thank you again for choosing Another Side Tours. We truly appreciate your review and 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 Viator
A great way to get around and see the sights
My husband and I had a delightful tour with Julia. We lucked out and had a private tour, so we were able to ask all the questions we wanted and Julia had all the answers. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and we thoroughly enjoyed our three hours. Due to NASCAR on Coronado, we did not go to the peninsula, but she filled our time easily. Balboa Park was a surprise to us; we had no idea there were so many different things to see and do there. It was a perfect morning and we highly recommend Julia.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you and your husband had such a delightful time touring San Diego with Julia. She truly loves sharing the city, and we are so happy her enthusiasm and knowledge helped make your morning special. While NASCAR on Coronado changed the original route a bit, we are glad Julia was still able to fill the time with great sights, stories, and plenty of local insight. Balboa Park is definitely one of San Diego’s treasures, and we love hearing that it was such a pleasant surprise for you. Thank you again for highly recommending Julia and The San Diego Tour. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure with us in San Diego, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 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 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The San Diego Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Diego.
How much does The San Diego Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $169 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 Tour take?
+
Plan for about 3 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 Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 74 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 Tour?
+
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 Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The San Diego Tour?
+
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?
+
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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The San Diego Tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Tour?
+
Included: Narration by Professional Tour Guide; Bottled Water and Small Snacks; and Transport by Luxury Air Conditioned Van. Not included: 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 Tour?
+
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 Tour offered in?
+
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 Tour?
+
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 Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to The San Diego Tour if the weather is bad?
+
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 Tour?
+
Across 74 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for The San Diego Tour.
Pick your date
