Best Ways to See San Diego
Looking to plan a fun-filled vacation to San Diego? This beautiful California city offers tons of adventure in the form of historical and cultural attractions, gorgeous beaches, museums, art galleries and much more. To see it all, make sure to plan ahead and read our guide about the best ways to see San Diego on vacation.
Climb aboard the SEAL!
One of the most extraordinary sightseeing tours in the city, the San Diego SEAL Tour takes place aboard an amphibious vehicle that goes from land to water without stopping. This unique, Hydra Terra vessel is designed to comfortably transport guests on the highway and in the sea. A totally cool way to see the sights, the SEAL takes you from Seaport Village through the streets of San Diego then heads straight for the bay and plunges right in! You’ll learn about the city’s military history, see various maritime sights and even catch a glimpse of the adorable California Sea Lions.
Take the Old Town Trolley Tour
If you want to hop on and hop off at various attractions throughout the city and learn all about the history, Old Town Trolley is the way to go. The open-air San Diego tour is a relaxing and comfortable way to see more than 100 different places that are significant to the city’s rich past. You’ll also be amused and enlightened by the onboard guide who will share many interesting facts and stories about San Diego with you.
Hop on the San Diego Beach Shuttle
You simply cannot visit San Diego without hitting the beach at least once. The city is known for its magnificent miles of beaches and you can see many of them if you take a beach tour. The La Jolla and San Diego Beaches Day-Tripper Tour makes a continuous 24-mile loop to San Diego’s most popular beaches. Whether you’d like to explore tide pools, climb to the edge of a rocky cliff or take a long walk along a secluded stretch of sand, this tour will take you there. Included in the stops are La Jolla, Mission Beach, Mt. Soledad and Old Town. Pack your sun block, towel, and slip on your flip-flops for an adventurous beach day you’ll never forget.
Segway Tour, anyone?
If you’ve ever had the chance to ride a Segway, you know how much fun it is. If not, you’re in for an exciting new experience. There are numerous companies in San Diego that offer Segway Tours, guiding you to various attractions in the city aboard contemporary personal transportation vehicles. It’s fast and easy once you get the hang of it; you’ll have a blast exploring the city.
Hit the Skies
A thrilling way to see the city is aboard an aircraft. San Diego looks amazing from the sky and you can take a tour aboard various types of vessels. There are several companies that offer San Diego sky tours and the prices and tour packages vary. This option is, of course, a little more pricey and because you’ll be seeing the sights from afar you won’t have the same opportunity to spend time at each as you would on the other tours. But if you’re looking for adventure and perhaps an adrenaline rush, a San Diego sky tour might be just the thing.
Tickets - Select Your Journey
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Splash into San Diego and Sea It All with our Ultimate SEAL Tour! Journey through both the city streets and the sparkling bay in our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles, which are Coast Guard-approved for safety and fun. This unique, one-of-a-kind tour allows you to truly see it all—from San Diego’s hidden gems on land to a spectacular splash into the water for a different perspective.
Book your ticket now and embark on an unforgettable adventure where the city’s vibrant life meets the tranquility of the sea.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Embarcadero
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets
- Splash down for a cruise through the waters of San Diego Bay
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours (adult ticket)
- 4.5-star review rating
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Old Town Trolley Tours: As you explore the scenic coastal landscape, you’ll learn why San Diego is called “America’s Finest City.” Since 1989, Old Town Trolley Tours has provided sightseeing tours highlighting the best of San Diego.
SEAL Tour: Splash into San Diego’s most unique sightseeing adventure! Both tour bus and boat, the San Diego SEAL Tour journeys through San Diego by land AND sea. Our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles are Coast Guard approved, ensuring you a safe, one of a kind experience.
- Old Town Trolley Tours:
- 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
- Hop on & off at 11 Old Town Trolley stops
- FREE discount coupons ($30 value)
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours
- FREE map brochure with day planner
- SEAL Tour:
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- SEAL Tour departs from Seaport Village
- State-of-the-art U.S. Coast Guard certified Hydra-Terra vehicles
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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SEE THE WHALEY HOUSE BY DAY & NIGHT
Daytime Self-Guided Tour: Crossover to San Diego’s history by taking a self-guided tour through the prominent Whaley House Museum. Visit the exhibit rooms and enjoy this historical experience through the interior and surrounding grounds of the house.
Evening Guided Tour*: Crossover to the dark side of San Diego history in California’s Oldest Town and let us enchant you with spirited tales of the past.
- Daytime Self-Guided Tour:
- Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
- Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
- Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
- Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.
- Evening Guided Tour:
- As seen on the Travel Channel, SyFy Channel and Discovery Channel.
- Be part of the historic legacy, mystery and legends of the Whaley Family, and hear of their myths and misconceptions.
- Approximately 30-minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds.
- Regale in the tales of the spirits from the past and perhaps even experience the paranormal.
- Tour tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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Ghosts & Gravestones
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Dying to Take a Ride on the Dark Side? Travel back in time with us and learn of the spirits of the notorious wild characters like Gunslingers, Gamblers and Ladies of the Night who lived and died in San Diego. It is possible that their spirits live on in the dark recesses of our historic buildings and neighborhoods.
- Hop aboard the Trolley of the Doomed
- Join our spirited & entertaining tour built on stories, history, mystery and legends
- Travel back and hear about the spirits of characters who lived & died in San Diego
- Hear stories of how Pioneer Park changes to the darker side when the sun goes down
- Journey through Old Town, walking through El Campo Santo Cemetery
- Includes outside of the Whaley House and grounds. Tour does not enter the house.
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO AT NIGHT
San Diego sparkles at night, and what better way to see it than with Old Town Trolley Tours! Hop aboard our trolley for a picturesque evening you won’t forget.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Old Town Market
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Approximately 1 hour and 40 minute tour
- See San Diego’s famous sights illuminated at night
- Take in romantic views of the city and cruise past notable landmarks
- Highlights include The Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado’s Ferry Landing, USS Midway and more
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How to See San Diego in 1 Day
Even if you only have 24 hours to experience San Diego, you’re going to want to see as many of the most popular sites and attractions as possible. If you’re pressed for time, here’s an itinerary that will help to maximize the day.
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