We had an excellent day with Joseph and Best Coast Tours today. There were 8 adults in our group. We were picking up at our hotel right on time. Joseph has a very engaging personality . He is full of information about San Diego and can answer any question you may have. We saw so many things we would not have been able to see if we had not taken the tour. It was a really fun day and worth every penny we spent. If you are on the fence about booking with Best Coast Tours, I will tell you to do it now. You will be glad you did
Shared San Diego Tour





At a glance
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Price from
- $120 / person
- Rating
- 4.7 / 5 · 22 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 14
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Meeting point
- We will arrive in our brightly colored Best Coast Tours van to pick you up.
- Confirmation
- Instant
Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in San Diego
Description
The Shared San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Downtown San Diego This full-day shared tour departs from Downtown San Diego and covers the city's most iconic highlights—perfect for visitors or locals hosting out-of-town guests. Start your day with panoramic views from Mount Soledad, then visit La Jolla Cove to see sea lions and dramatic coastal cliffs. In Old Town San Diego, explore adobe buildings, museums, and vibrant plazas in the birthplace of California. Next, enjoy a lunch break on your own at Seaport Village (meals not included), with options ranging from taco stands to waterfront cafés. After lunch, cruise through the historic Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares stories of its gritty Wild West days. Cross the Coronado Bridge for a stop at the legendary Hotel del Coronado, then return via scenic Orange Avenue. Finish with drives through Balboa Park and Little Italy before returning to Downtown—capping off a day rich in scenery, history, and local culture.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Take in the Views from Mount Soledad Kick off your San Diego adventure with a stop at Mount Soledad—home to sweeping coastal views and one of the city’s most meaningful landmarks. Soak in panoramic sights stretching from La Jolla to Mexico, and take a moment at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, a peaceful tribute to American service members. It’s a stunning and reflective start to your day.
Stroll the Shores of La Jolla Cove Get up close to San Diego’s wild side at La Jolla Cove, where dramatic cliffs meet crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Watch sea lions lounge on the rocks, wander through tide pools, or relax in the grassy expanse of Ellen Browning Scripps Park. With its postcard-perfect views and lively coastal charm, this stop is a favorite for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Step Back in Time in Old Town San Diego Known as the birthplace of California, Old Town brings the past to life with adobe buildings, colorful shops, and lively plazas. Stroll through Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, explore the Whaley House Museum, or relax in the gardens of Heritage and Presidio Parks. It’s a charming blend of history, culture, and fun—perfect for soaking up San Diego’s roots.
Lunch Stop (meals not included): Dine and Unwind at the Embarcadero Take a midday break along San Diego’s picturesque Embarcadero waterfront. With plenty of casual and sit-down dining options at Seaport Village—ranging from seafood spots to taco stands and cafes—it’s the perfect place to grab lunch with a view. Soak in harbor breezes, explore boutique shops, or relax by the bay before continuing your San Diego adventure.
Drive-Through: Gaslamp Quarter – San Diego’s Wild West Past As we pass through the Gaslamp Quarter, your guide will dive into its gritty Wild West history—once a haven for saloons, brothels, and shootouts. Legendary lawmen like Wyatt Earp even ran gambling halls here in the late 1800s. Today, the area mixes historic charm with buzzing nightlife, Victorian architecture, and the iconic Gaslamp Archway—offering a vivid glimpse into San Diego’s colorful evolution.
Scenic Drive: Coronado Bridge – A Sky-High View of San Diego As we cross the sweeping Coronado Bridge, enjoy panoramic views of the San Diego Bay, downtown skyline, and even Mexico on a clear day. Your guide will share stories about the bridge’s engineering marvel and its role in connecting the historic island community of Coronado to the mainland. Keep your camera ready—this is one of the most iconic drives in Southern California.
Coronado Island: Naval History, Iconic Views, and a Stop at Hotel del Coronado As we cross onto Coronado Island, we’ll first pass by the historic North Island Naval Air Station—home to the U.S. Navy’s oldest airfield. Then, we’ll stop at the legendary Hotel del Coronado, a grand Victorian-era resort that has welcomed presidents, royalty, and movie stars since 1888. You'll have time to explore the grounds, stroll along the beach, or grab a coffee. Afterward, we’ll cruise down scenic Orange Avenue, lined with shops and charming neighborhoods, before making our way back over the Coronado Bridge with stunning views of the bay.
Balboa Park: San Diego’s Cultural Heartbeat As we pass through Balboa Park, you’ll glimpse one of the largest urban parks in the country—home to over a dozen museums, lush gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo. This 1,200-acre gem blends nature, architecture, and culture. Look out for the ornate Spanish Colonial Revival buildings lining El Prado, the domed Botanical Building, and outdoor venues like the Starlight Bowl and Old Globe Theatre. It’s the soul of San Diego’s art, history, and science—all in one beautifully walkable space.
Explore Little Italy Drive through San Diego’s stylish Little Italy, a lively neighborhood known for its rich Italian heritage, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops. From the bustling Mercato farmers market to bay views at Waterfront Park and the charm of Piazza Basilone, this stop blends history, culture, and culinary flair into one unforgettable district.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We'll meet you at your area hotel or custom location of choice.
Traveller Ratings
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
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shared San Diego Tour take?
Shared San Diego Tour lasts about 7 hours. The itinerary has 9 stops.
How much does Shared San Diego Tour cost?
Prices start at $120 per person for this San Diego 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 Shared San Diego Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We'll meet you at your area hotel or custom location of choice. Pickup points include MEET_AT_DEPARTURE_POINT, CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyBrTbfvZah87Xphowp0abAI=.
What languages is Shared San Diego Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 14 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(22)
Joseph, our Guide, was very friendly, engaging with us travelers, and a wealth of knowledge! He was also very prompt with scheduled stops and pick ups, and a safe driver! The Motor Coach was clean, quiet, comfortable, and rode well! Highly Recommended overview of San Diego!
We used the Go City inclusive five day passes. Worked great with no surprise fees from any of the attractions included. We spent a day at the SD Zoo, one day at Sea World, two days visiting Balboa park, a half day bus tour, a half day harbor cruise, and a half day at Birch aquarium. We also drove out to Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument. As an adult couple, we were only disappointed in Sea World. Mostly rides and expensive food and souvenirs. We discovered Sea World was more of an amusement park experience for children. Long lines to see the handful of shows. We were only able to see the orca and dolphin shows. We did not have time to go to the Maritime Museum or SD Safariland Zoo. Maybe next time. We did not do the Midway tour because we had already done it on earlier trips to SD. It is the best single attraction in SD IMHO with a great selection of aircraft as well as the carrier itself. We stayed at Bay Club and Fairfield at Old City. Bay Club was great except for no free breakfast. Fairfield was only fair except for a very good free breakfast.
Hello, these are unrelated to our San Diego Sightseeing tour. I apologize, but it seems there might be a mistake with the business. Could you kindly assist us in removing these, as they have a negative impact on our business? Once again, our focus is on sightseeing tours, and this is unrelated to our services. Thank you.
A unique old school vibe, nice original design, safe area with beach access and nice pool areas. Far from downtown with rather austere rooms.
Hello, these are unrelated to our San Diego Sightseeing tour. I apologize, but it seems there might be a mistake with the business. Could you kindly assist us in removing these, as they have a negative impact on our business? Once again, our focus is on sightseeing tours, and this is unrelated to our services. Thank you.
It was an interesting experience, to be able to return to the places that we liked the most. For example, Balboa Park. Joseph very attentive and kind in all details.
Wonderful tour but not enough time to see them all. Just like what Joseph said, only "a glimpse of San Diego". Joseph is such a good tourist guide and a safe driver.
Excellent tour. Joseph was a great tour guide and it was an excellent way to see the city. We really enjoyed the experience and we will definitely recommend to others.
This was our first visit to San Diego and the tour covered the many of the most interesting areas. Joe was a great tour guide! The tour van was modern and clean. We had a great experience and recommend this tour! Thanks!
Great tour. Joe was a great tour guide. He was friendly and very knowledgeable. Excellent tour with great sites and time to see the sites. Highly recommend this tour
Chris was very informative. We hit all the major areas and had time to walk and explore. This tour is great if you so not know all of the areas in San Diego. Then you will know where you want to visit and spend time. The vehicle was comfortable.
Compare similar tours in San Diego
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shared San Diego Tour | 7 hours | 4.7 (22) | $120 | |
San Diego Whale/Dolphin Watching Cruise Aboard Luxury Vessel | 3h 30min | 4.8 (310) | $76 | View |
San Diego Seal Tour | 1h 45min | 4.7 (1,368) | $56 | View |
San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket | 1–4 hours | 4.7 (4,644) | $78 | View |
San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour | 2 hours | 4.7 (2,811) | $57 | View |
San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise | 2–3 hours | 4.6 (1,748) | $71 | View |
San Diego: 3 Hour Whale Watch Cruise with Legacy Whale Watch | 3 hours | 4.5 (364) | $34 | View |





















