The Ultimate San Diego Tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Ultimate San Diego Tour worth booking?
The Ultimate San Diego Tour is a 4-hour experience in San Diego, United States, from $269 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (22)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $269 per person
Let a private guide escort you on a ultimate 4-hour sightseeing tour of San Diego while you relax with personal transportation by luxury car or SUV. Instead of a set itinerary, you can customize your own plans to see that sights that interest you most. You will visit Coronado, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, resplendent and beautiful Balboa park, and the famed and glittering La Jolla, with its attendant cove and pristine beaches. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
What you get
- Round Trip Pick-up and Drop-off
- Narration by professional guide
- Bottled Water and Small Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Mercedes Tour Van
About this experience
Let a private guide escort you on a ultimate 4-hour sightseeing tour of San Diego while you relax with personal transportation by luxury car or SUV. Instead of a set itinerary, you can customize your own plans to see that sights that interest you most. You will visit Coronado, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, resplendent and beautiful Balboa park, and the famed and glittering La Jolla, with its attendant cove and pristine beaches. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
What's included
Included
- Round Trip Pick-up and Drop-off
- Narration by professional guide
- Bottled Water and Small Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Mercedes Tour Van
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified (optional)
What you'll see and do
Another Side Of San Diego Tours
Allow us to escort you on the best private sightseeing tour experience in America’s Finest City! This tour begins when we meet you at your point of origin to transport you throughout the loveliest and most renowned parts of our city.
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
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.
45 minutes here · Admission included
The Coronado Ferry Landing
Located in one, if not the most picturesque settings in Coronado. Coronado Ferry Landing has everything you can ask for in a first-class shopping village.
10 minutes here
An iconic oceanfront presence since 1888 Along the Pacific on Coronado Island, our Victorian-style resort has hosted royalty, celebs, and beach loving families for over 130 years. We offer a wellness spa with pool, an outdoor pool, and activities for the whole family. Take in California sunsets with seven waterfront dining options. Chandelier-lit ballrooms, blooming gardens, and panoramic views make events shine.
15 minutes here
Glorietta Bay Park
Bayside playground with a boat ramp & picnic area, plus views of downtown San Diego.
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 · Admission included
Comic-con Museum
For the past 50 years, San Diego Comic-Con has created one of the biggest, most popular conventions of its kind in the world. But the organizers of Comic-Con wanted to do even more to recognize fans and spread the magic of Comic-Con. They imagined a place where fans could come together to celebrate the things they love, not just for a few days each summer, but all year long. A place where the public could learn about areas of art and pop culture of which they may not even be aware. A space where everyone is included, where old fans and new could enjoy the passion, creativity, and imagination of Comic-Con, while learning about science, technology, art, storytelling and much more. Now, with the help of fans like you, that dream will soon become reality.
Pass by without stopping
Timken Museum Of Art
The Timken Museum of Art sits within walking distance of the Spanish Village and the Botanical Building. It features a collection of European Old Masters, 19th century American art, and Russian Icons. It also features the only Rembrandt painting on display in San Diego.
Pass by without stopping
Museum of Us
Dedicated to the exploration of cultural anthropology, the Museum of Man features exhibits that explore everything from cannibalism to beer history. Currently undergoing a seismic retrofit, the Cannibals and PostSecret exhibitions still remain open to the public.
Pass by without stopping
La Jolla Shores Park
La Jolla Shores, with its northern part Scripps Beach, is a beach and vacation/residential community of the same name in La Jolla, San Diego, California. The La Jolla Shores business district is a mixed-use village encircling Laureate Park on Avenida de la Playa in the village of La Jolla Shores.
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.
Pass by without stopping
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
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a small cove with a beach that is surrounded by cliffs in La Jolla, San Diego, California. Point La Jolla forms the south side of the cove. The area is protected as part of a marine reserve and is popular with snorkelers, swimmers and scuba divers.
10 minutes here
Children's Pool
Children's Pool in La Jolla was originally an area in San Diego designated for children to swim. In 1932, a seawall was built to protect the shore from oncoming waves, making it the ideal spot for children to paddle without danger. While the Children's Pool in La Jolla provides a swimming spot suitable for children, the conditions also prove to be idylic for harbor seals and sea lions. Seal Rock, which is located just north of the beach is home to hundreds of seals, and its close proximity to the Children's Pool La Jolla has increased seal interest in the pool area. Seals have since come to the La Jolla Children's Pool to bathe, bask and even give birth to their seal pups.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
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
- Children 3 and under are free
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- 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.
- Option 1: The LAZ Parking lot is located at 8th Ave. and G Street. The address is: 665 8th Ave San Diego, CA 92101
- 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
- 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***
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 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
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for The Ultimate San Diego Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Judy was fabulous. She...
Judy was fabulous. She was well versed in San Diego history. She also tailored our tour to suit our interests. I would highly recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Dear Danielle, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review of The Ultimate San Diego Tour. We are thrilled to hear that Judy made your experience so enjoyable with her knowledge of San Diego’s history and her ability to personalize the tour around your interests. Creating a tour that feels personal to each guest is exactly what we strive for, and we will be sure to share your kind words with Judy. Your recommendation truly means a great deal to all of us. Thank you for choosing Another Side Tours. We would love the opportunity to welcome you back for another adventure in San Diego, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas in the future! Warmly, Kenneth C. Lippman President & CEO Another Side Tours, Inc.
via Viator
Fabulous tour of San Diego!!
This was an awesome tour!! Julia was a fantastic guide, giving us the history of the city and interesting info about every site. You could tell she loves her job!! The van was comfortable and had large windows for good viewing! Had multiple stops for photo ops and to see the sea lions!! Great introduction to San Diego!!
Response from the operator: Hi 991rochellea, Thank you so much for this incredible review. It truly means the world to us. We are thrilled to hear that you had such a fabulous time on The Ultimate San Diego Tour and that Julia made the experience so memorable. She genuinely loves what she does, and it shows in the way she shares the history, the stories, and the little details that bring San Diego to life. I cannot wait to share your kind words with her. I am also so glad you enjoyed the comfort of the vehicle, the large viewing windows, the photo stops, and of course our famous sea lions. We design this tour to be the perfect introduction to San Diego, and it is wonderful to know it delivered for you. As a small, family-run business operating in San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Maui, reviews like yours truly help us continue doing what we love. If you ever find yourself in any of those cities, we would be honored to host you again. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience. All The Best, Kenneth
via Tripadvisor
Excellent experience
We had the most pleasant experience. Amy was polite and responsive to our needs. She was very knowledgeable and showed us the best San Diego has to offer. We would recommend Amy to everybody who wants to order a San Diego private tour.
Response from the operator: Dear Irene, Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful review. We are thrilled to know that you had such a pleasant experience on The Ultimate San Diego Tour. Amy will be so happy to hear your kind words, and I will be sure to share them with her personally. She truly loves showing guests the best that our beautiful city has to offer. Your recommendation means the world to us and helps others discover our company. We sincerely appreciate your support and hope to welcome you again soon in San Diego or at one of our other locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or Maui. All The Best, Kenneth
via Viator
Great way to see the sites
Booked this private tour and it was worth every penny! Doyle was our tour guide. He picked us up and drove us to the nicest places. He was very informative and friendly. I would reccommend this tour for people who wanted some history and see the great sites.
Response from the operator: Dear 586leslieh, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with our Ultimate Private San Diego Sightseeing Tour. We're thrilled to hear that you found the tour to be worth every penny and that Doyle provided such excellent service as your guide. We take pride in offering informative and friendly tours that showcase the best of San Diego's history and landmarks. It's wonderful to know that Doyle successfully delivered on this promise, making your experience both enjoyable and educational. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're grateful for your kind words. We hope to welcome you back to San Diego for more adventures in the future! Best regards, Kenneth CEO, Another Side Of San Diego Tours
via Tripadvisor
Experience was okay…
The Tour Guide seemed to have low energy and did not put a lot of effort into providing information and making sure we enjoyed our time. It was very relaxed and seemed to have an entitled mentality. Tour Guides should be certified to do the job.
Response from the operator: Dear Devin, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback on our Ultimate Private San Diego Sightseeing Tour. We appreciate your honest review and are sorry to hear that your experience did not fully meet your expectations. We take pride in offering high-quality, informative, and engaging tours, so it's concerning to hear that your guide didn't demonstrate the enthusiasm and attentiveness we strive for. Our guides are typically known for their energy and wealth of knowledge, so this seems to have been an unfortunate deviation from our usual standards. Your comment about guide certification is valuable. While our guides undergo thorough training, adn they are members of the professional tour guide association in San Diego, we're always looking for ways to improve our service. We'll consider how we might further enhance our guide qualifications and training programs. We would love the opportunity to make this right. Please contact our customer service team, and we'll be happy to discuss how we can address your concerns and potentially offer you a chance to experience the level of service we're known for. Again, thank you for your feedback. It helps us improve and maintain the high standards our customers deserve. Sincerely, Kenneth
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $269 to $299
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
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 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Ultimate San Diego Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Diego.
How much does The Ultimate San Diego Tour cost?
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Prices start at $269 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 Ultimate San Diego Tour take?
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Plan for about 4 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 Ultimate San Diego Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 22 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 Ultimate San Diego 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 Ultimate San Diego Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Ultimate San Diego Tour?
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Around 8 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Ultimate San Diego 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 Ultimate San Diego Tour?
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Included: Round Trip Pick-up and Drop-off; Narration by professional guide; Bottled Water and Small Snacks; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Mercedes Tour Van. Not included: Gratuities; and Food and drinks, unless specified (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does The Ultimate San Diego Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 261 listed pickup locations in and around San Diego. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is The Ultimate San Diego 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 Ultimate San Diego 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 Ultimate San Diego Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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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 Ultimate San Diego 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 Ultimate San Diego Tour?
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Across 22 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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