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
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Partner With Us
  • Support 24/7
  • Cancellation
  • FAQ
  • All Tours
  • Best Tours
  • Destinations
© 2026 Excurgo. Tour aggregator powered by Viator.
PrivacyTermsCookies
Tours/San Diego/The San Diego Highlights Tour

The San Diego Highlights Tour

4.9(74)San Diego7 hours
VIATOR4.8(21)TRIPADVISOR5.0(53)
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
+18 photos
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour
The San Diego Highlights Tour

At a glance

Duration
7 hours
Price from
$229 / person
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 74 reviews
Languages
EN, ES
Group
Small group, up to 999
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Meeting point
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
Confirmation
Within 24h

Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in San Diego

Description

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.

Tour Options

The San Diego Highlights Tour

Itinerary

Pass by

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

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.

60 min

"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.

10 min

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.

Pass by

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

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.

15 min

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.

60 min

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.

45 min

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.

10 min

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.

Pass by

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

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.

30 min

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.

Pass by

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.

15 min

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.

Highlights

Narration by a professional guide
Transport by Mercedes Tour Van
Bottled Water and Small Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle

What's included

Included
Narration by a professional guide
Transport by Mercedes Tour Van
Bottled Water and Small Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
Lunch
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Traveller Ratings

4.9
74 reviews
5
70
4
2
3
1
2
1
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
  • 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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does The San Diego Highlights Tour take?

The San Diego Highlights Tour lasts about 7 hours. The itinerary has 15 stops.

How much does The San Diego Highlights Tour cost?

Prices start at $229 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 The San Diego Highlights Tour 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 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 is not part of this experience.

What languages is The San Diego Highlights Tour 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(74)

R
RobinK337
June 13, 2026
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!!

Operator response

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.

A
Alan D
February 20, 2026
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

Operator response

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

N
Navigate26010963513
February 19, 2026
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!

Operator response

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

S
stevedE6372ZL
February 14, 2026
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!

Operator response

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

N
nancyhH285JR
February 5, 2026
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!

Operator response

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

M
maryfT9189GW
January 30, 2026
Great tour of San Diego

Totally enjoyed our day with our tour guide Julia . Styczynski. We appreciated your enthusiasm and knowledge. You took our interests to heart and made sure we had a great time . What a wonderful experience .

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Dear maryfT9189GW, Thank you so much for your kind words, We’re thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your San Diego Highlights Tour. Julia will be so happy to read your review. Her enthusiasm, local knowledge, and attention to each guest’s interests are exactly what we strive for, and it means a lot to know she helped make your day such a wonderful experience. Thank you again for choosing to explore San Diego with us. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope to welcome you back again in the future, whether here in San Diego or on one of our tours in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or Maui. All The Best, Kenneth

F
Flyer19210
December 19, 2025
A fun, informative learning experience!

This tour is fantastic! Julia, our tour guide was outstanding! She is very knowledgeable and personable. After starting out downtown, we went to Coronado Island, Balboa Park, and La Jolla. You also see a lot on the way to these places. Julia shared a lot about the history of San Diego. This was my first guided tour of San Diego and I learned so much! We were a group of six counting Julia. I highly recommend this 7 hour tour! Fun day!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. I am thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed the San Diego Highlights Tour and that Julia made such a strong impression. She truly loves what she does, and it means a great deal to hear that her knowledge, personality, and storytelling helped make your day both fun and informative. It is wonderful to know this was your first guided tour of San Diego and that you were able to experience so many iconic areas including Downtown, Coronado Island, Balboa Park, and La Jolla. That full day experience is designed to give guests a deeper understanding of the city while still keeping the day relaxed and enjoyable. Thank you again for choosing our small, family run company and for recommending the tour. We would absolutely love to welcome you back again in San Diego or on one of our experiences in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or Maui. All The Best, Kenneth

R
Reimer_H
December 16, 2025
San Diego day tour by Julia

Highly recommended. 8 hours of great experience. Were in the small group of five on the road in Mercedes. Great tour with Julia.

Operator response

Dear Reimer_H, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your review. We truly appreciate your kind recommendation and are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your San Diego Highlights Tour. An eight hour day exploring the city in a small group is a wonderful way to experience San Diego, and we are so glad the Mercedes transport and intimate group size added to the comfort and overall experience. Julia is an exceptional guide, and we are thrilled to hear that her hosting, knowledge, and enthusiasm helped make the day so memorable for you. We will be sure to share your kind words with her. Thank you again for choosing to tour with us. Reviews like yours mean a great deal to our team and to our small business. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again in San Diego, or on one of our tours in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or Maui in the future. Kenneth Owner, Another Side Tours, Inc.

E
Explorer26946751631
October 30, 2025
Great tour, knowledgeable guide, see lots of the area

Julia was a great tour guide. You can see that she really loves San Diego and even though she has lived there a long time, she is still learning more about it every day. We only wish we could have spent more time watching the sea lions and maybe some less time at other stops.

Operator response

Dear Explorer26946751631, Thank you so much for joining us on The San Diego Highlights Tour and for taking the time to share your experience. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed exploring our beautiful city with Julia. She truly loves San Diego and brings that passion and curiosity to every tour she leads. It means a lot to us that you noticed her enthusiasm and dedication to providing a memorable experience for our guests. We also appreciate your thoughtful feedback about wanting more time to watch the sea lions. La Jolla’s coastline is one of our favorite stops, and your note is a great reminder of how special that part of the tour is. We are always looking for ways to make our tours even better, and your input helps us do just that. If your travels bring you back to Southern California, we would love to welcome you again for another adventure. We also invite you to experience our tours in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or Maui, where we offer the same five star hospitality and local expertise that make our San Diego tours so popular. Thank you again for your kind words and for supporting our family run company. We truly appreciate it and hope to host you again soon. All The Best, Kenneth President & CEO

M
Martha_C
October 21, 2025
Priceless memory making tour of San Diego

The overview of San Diego was one of our best-ever VIATOR tours Julia is an excellent guide. She is friendly, helpful, and obviously loves the city. She has an in-depth knowledge of its history, as well as the old and the new parts of San Diego. She had fun behind the scene stories to share. We shopped, ate great food and saw absolutely beautiful spots in and around the city. Our seven hour tour was priceless. We will recommend this tour to friends who plan to visit San Diego.

Operator response

Dear Martha, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a wonderful review. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your San Diego Highlights Tour and that Julia made the experience so special. She truly loves sharing the beauty and history of our city, and your kind words mean the world to her and our entire team. Your message truly made our year. If you have a moment, we would be so grateful if you could share your experience across the web on sites like Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. Your words help other guests discover us and support our small, family-run company. We are so glad that your day was filled with great food, fun stories, and beautiful sights. We would be honored to welcome you back again, whether in San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or Maui, for more priceless memories with Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours. All The Best, Kenneth

$229/ person
4.9(74)
Duration7 hours
LanguagesEN, ES
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
Travellers1–15 pax
ConfirmationWithin 24h
OperatorAnother Side Of San Diego Tours
Book on Viator →
Booking on the official Viator website
Free cancellation

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

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Best price — we compare across partners
Secure booking on official partner site
Excurgo support 24/7

Compare similar tours in San Diego

TourDurationRatingPrice
The San Diego Highlights TourThe San Diego Highlights Tour7 hours 4.9 (74)$229
San Diego Whale/Dolphin Watching Cruise Aboard Luxury VesselSan Diego Whale/Dolphin Watching Cruise Aboard Luxury Vessel3h 30min 4.8 (310)$76View
San Diego Seal TourSan Diego Seal Tour1h 45min 4.7 (1,368)$56View
San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day TicketSan Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket1–4 hours 4.7 (4,644)$78View
San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley TourSan Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour2 hours 4.7 (2,811)$57View
San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin CruiseSan Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise2–3 hours 4.6 (1,748)$71View
San Diego: 3 Hour Whale Watch Cruise with Legacy Whale WatchSan Diego: 3 Hour Whale Watch Cruise with Legacy Whale Watch3 hours 4.5 (364)$34View
4.9(74)
Book now