excurgo
DestinationsToursBlog
Excellent · 4.9 out of 5Based on 128,000+ traveller reviews
Powered byViator
excurgo

Thousands of verified tours and experiences worldwide. Compare and book with trusted partners — no extra fees.

Company
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Partner With Us
Travellers
  • Support 24/7
  • Cancellation
  • FAQ
Explore
  • All Tours
  • Best Tours
  • Destinations
  • Things to Do
  • Tour Deals
  • Tour Price Index
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Partner With Us
  • Support 24/7
  • Cancellation
  • FAQ
  • All Tours
  • Best Tours
  • Destinations
  • Things to Do
  • Tour Deals
  • Tour Price Index
© 2026 Excurgo. Tour aggregator powered by Viator.
PrivacyTermsCookies
Tours/Los Angeles/San Diego Day Trip from LA

San Diego Day Trip from LA

5.0(1)Los Angeles12 hours
TRIPADVISOR5.0(1)
San Diego Day Trip from LA
San Diego Day Trip from LA
San Diego Day Trip from LA
San Diego Day Trip from LA
San Diego Day Trip from LA
+4 photos
San Diego Day Trip from LA
San Diego Day Trip from LA
San Diego Day Trip from LA
San Diego Day Trip from LA
San Diego Day Trip from LA
San Diego Day Trip from LA
San Diego Day Trip from LA
San Diego Day Trip from LA

At a glance

Duration
12 hours
Price from
$449 / person
Location
Los Angeles, United States
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 1 reviews
Languages
EN, ES
Group
Small group, up to 999
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Confirmation
Within 24h
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours
Meeting point
We will pick you up from Santa Fe station when your train arrives to start your tour.

Description

Are you ready to embark on the most epic, unforgettable, and downright fun journey from Los Angeles to San Diego? Well, buckle up and get ready to experience the best of both cities in one mind-blowing day trip! First things first, let's talk about the first star of the show: the Pacific Surfliner Train. This isn't just any old train ride – it's a ticket to stunning coastal views, comfortable seats, and crashing waves that'll make you feel like you're in a movie montage. And the best part? You'll be skipping all the traffic and parking hassles of driving, so you can sit back, relax, and soak up the scenery. But that's just the beginning – once you arrive in San Diego, the real adventure begins. Our expert guide will be waiting for you at the Santa Fe Train Station, ready to whisk you away in a luxurious Mercedes van for a tour of the city's most iconic sights. And trust us, they know their stuff, so we've got the inside scoop on all the best spots.

Tour Options

San Diego Day Trip from LA

Itinerary

San Diego
240 min

San Diego, California, is a city renowned for its mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and diverse attractions. It's located on the Pacific coast, adjacent to the U.S.-Mexico border. The city boasts a large population (over 1.3 million) and a long history as the seat of San Diego County.

Coronado Island
Admission included60 min

Coronado Island is a charming coastal town in San Diego, California, known for its beautiful beaches, the iconic Hotel del Coronado, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. It's easily accessible from downtown San Diego by bridge or ferry, making it a popular day trip destination.

The Coronado Ferry Landing
Admission included30 min

Waterfront marketplace offering spectacular views of the San Diego skyline across the bay. Visitors can enjoy boutique shopping, waterfront dining, and watch boats sail by in the harbor.

30 min

Historic beachfront luxury hotel renowned for its distinctive red-roofed Victorian architecture since 1888. This iconic landmark has hosted presidents, royalty, and celebrities while appearing in numerous films including "Some Like It Hot."

Gaslamp Quarter
60 min

Vibrant downtown district featuring Victorian-era buildings housing restaurants, shops, and nightlife venues. This 16-block historical neighborhood represents the heart of San Diego's dining and entertainment scene.

Balboa Park
30 min

Magnificent 1,200-acre cultural park home to museums, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture dates back to the 1915-1916 Panama-California Exposition.

The Embarcadero
30 min

Scenic waterfront promenade offering sweeping views of San Diego Bay with numerous maritime attractions. Visitors can stroll past navy ships, historic vessels, and watch cruise liners dock at the busy port.

USS Midway Museum
Admission not included30 min

Legendary aircraft carrier transformed into an interactive naval museum featuring over 60 exhibits and 29 restored aircraft. The massive 1,001-foot ship served from 1945 to 1992, making it the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century.

Little Italy
60 min

Charming urban neighborhood filled with Italian restaurants, cafes, and boutiques reflecting its immigrant heritage. This vibrant district hosts numerous festivals and a popular farmers market highlighting its cultural legacy.

La Jolla Cove
30 min

Small picturesque cove with crystal-clear blue waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and watching marine life. This protected ecological reserve offers close encounters with sea lions, seals, and colorful garibaldi fish.

La Jolla Village Park
60 min

Upscale coastal community featuring luxury boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining establishments. The village's Mediterranean atmosphere and cliff-top location offer breathtaking ocean views.

Children's Pool
30 min

Small protected beach area originally built as a safe swimming spot for children that has become a popular harbor seal sanctuary. Visitors can observe dozens of seals sunbathing and caring for their pups from a safe distance on the seawall.

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
30 min

Prominent hill featuring a veterans memorial and offering spectacular 360-degree views of San Diego County and the Pacific Ocean. The landmark cross and memorial walls honor U.S. military service members while providing one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Southern California.

What's included

Included
Small snacks. For example, chips or a granola bar
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
Tour Guide Gratuity is not included.
Tickets to attractions & museums (we do not go inside where paid admission is required)
We include a 1 hour lunch break, however lunch cost is on your own.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
1 reviews
5
1
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • 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

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does San Diego Day Trip from LA take?

San Diego Day Trip from LA lasts about 12 hours. The itinerary has 13 stops.

How much does San Diego Day Trip from LA cost?

Prices start at $449 per person for this Los Angeles experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

Can I cancel San Diego Day Trip from LA for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is We will pick you up from Santa Fe station when your train arrives to start your tour. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.

What languages is San Diego Day Trip from LA offered in?

The experience is available in EN, ES.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 999 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.

Reviews(1)

L
louisgY2465RH
August 13, 2024
A memorable one-day tour of San Diego from Los Angeles

I had an amazing experience when I embarked on the one-day tour of San Diego from Los Angeles in early August 2024. My guide, Amy, was knowledgeable, patient and easygoing and she made my time in San Diego enjoyable and enriching. Not only did she take me to the most popular tourist spots in the city, but she also gave me many insights into the monuments, history, anecdotes, typical food and so on. Lots of great views both in San Diego and on board the Pacific Surfliner train.

Operator response

Dear LouisgY2465RH, Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your one-day tour of San Diego from Los Angeles in early August 2024. It's fantastic to know that Amy was able to provide such an enriching and enjoyable experience for you. Our guides take great pride in sharing not just the popular tourist spots, but also their deep knowledge of the city's history, culture, and hidden gems. We're glad Amy's insights added depth to your visit. We're thrilled that you appreciated the variety of experiences on the tour - from the iconic sights of San Diego to the scenic views from the Pacific Surfliner train. It's this mix of destinations and modes of travel that we believe makes for a truly memorable day trip. Your mention of Amy's patience and easygoing nature is particularly gratifying. We strive to ensure all our guides create a comfortable and personalized experience for our guests. Thank you again for choosing Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours for your San Diego excursion. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in Southern California in the future! Best regards, Kenneth, CEO Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours

$449/ person
5.0(1)
Duration12 hours
LanguagesEN, ES
ConfirmationWithin 24h
Check availability on Viator →
Booking on the official Viator website
Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Best price — we compare across partners
Secure booking on official partner site
Excurgo support 24/7

Compare similar tours in Los Angeles

  • Lowest price: West Harbor LA 45-Minute Narrated Harbor Cruise of San Pedro — $15
  • Best rated: Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More — 4.9 (6,659 reviews)
  • Shortest: West Harbor LA 45-Minute Narrated Harbor Cruise of San Pedro — 45 min
TourDurationRatingPrice
San Diego Day Trip from LASan Diego Day Trip from LA12 hours 5.0 (1)$449
West Harbor LA 45-Minute Narrated Harbor Cruise of San PedroWest Harbor LA 45-Minute Narrated Harbor Cruise of San Pedro45 min 4.6 (37)$15View
San Francisco, Yosemite & 17-Mile Drive 3-Day Tour from LASan Francisco, Yosemite & 17-Mile Drive 3-Day Tour from LA3 days 3.9 (10)$432View
Los Angeles to San Francisco and Yosemite Three Day TourLos Angeles to San Francisco and Yosemite Three Day Tour3 days 5.0 (1)$628View
Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and MoreFull-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More7h 30min 4.9 (6,659)$99View
Warner Bros. Studio Tour HollywoodWarner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood2–3 hours 4.6 (5,655)$79View
Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Air BusHollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Air Bus2 hours 4.8 (3,253)$31View
from$449
5.0(1) Free cancellation
Check availability