Best Sights to See While Cruising the San Diego Harbor
With its picture perfect scenery, boats gliding along the water as they make their way into dock and the sight of the Coronado Bridge in the distance, the San Diego Harbor is an attraction in and of itself. For visitors and locals alike, the waterfront of America’s Finest City provides a myriad of outdoor activities that allow you to enjoy the beauty San Diego is known for and the best harbor sightseeing. From waterfront dining and strolling along the Embarcadero to simply taking in the views, there’s something to suit everyone. And for those looking for a dash of excitement while exploring San Diego, hop aboard a San Diego SEAL tour for a unique vantage point of the harbor. Here are the best sights to see while cruising along the San Diego Harbor.
Point Loma
A beautiful seaside community, Point Loma is not only a delightful sight to see while cruising in the San Diego Harbor, it holds a special place in the history of California. It was here that the first European expedition came ashore in what we now know as California. A peninsula that defines the San Diego Bay and separates it from the Pacific Ocean, Point Loma is home to two military bases, a national cemetery, a national memorial, a university and magnificent homes.
North Island Naval Air Station
Located at the north end of the Coronado peninsula, the North Island Naval Air Station is recognized as the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation” and was first commissioned in 1917. Among its notable achievements, the Naval Air Station is where the navy’s first aviator, Lieutenant Ellyson, was trained. Today, its airfield is home to over 230 stationed aircraft and its quay wall is home-port to two aircraft carriers, the USS Carl Vinson and the USS Theodore Roosevelt. A truly impressive sight to see, the North Island Naval Air Station is much like a small city, housing its own police and fire departments, as well as recreation facilities including officer and chief petty officer enlisted clubs, a movie theater, golf course, tennis courts, bowling alley, parks, harbor sighting areas and beaches.
The Scripps Institute of Oceanography
Founded in 1903, the Scripps Institute of Oceanography is one of the oldest and largest centers for ocean and Earth science research training in the world, with both undergraduate and graduate levels. With the mission of creating a healthier planet for all generations, present and future, Scripps Institute conducts research via physical, chemical, biological, geological and geophysical studies of the oceans, the Earth and the planets. The Scripps Fleet of four oceanographic research vessels and the research platform make up one of the largest academic fleets in the world. While harbor sightseeing in San Diego stop by to explore this exciting ocean research center.
The Marine Mammal Training Center
If you thought that bottle-nose dolphins and California sea lions were just adorable marine mammals that frolic in the San Diego Bay, think again. At the Marine Mammal Training Center, these and other marine mammals are being trained to perform such tasks as ship and protection, mine detection and clearance and equipment recovery. As you are sightseeing in San Diego by this unique facility, it’s common for people to spot handlers working with the dolphins.
Shelter Island
As you pass by Shelter Island while harbor sightseeing in the San Diego Bay, it will be hard to imagine that this place was once considered a “mudbank.” After a renovation to transform what was a sandbank into dry land using material that was dredged from the bay, this 1.2 mile strip is known as a top destination for super-yachts. Home to a yacht club and various pieces of renowned public art, Shelter Island is one of the best sights to see in the San Diego Harbor.
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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