Local’s Guide To San Diego
With its beautiful beaches, perfect weather and warm California personality, San Diego is an ideal vacation destination. While most visitors know the main attractions and touristy things to do in town, getting an insider’s perspective is always helpful. Learn more about local favorites in San Diego, including sightseeing tours, unique attractions, beaches and roller coasters.
Watch as sharks and lobsters eat
At the Birch Aquarium in San Diego, you can see all kinds of unique and interesting marine animals in their natural habitats. This oceanographic institute provides a fascinating, entertaining and educational experience for kids and adults. At Birch, you get an up close view of Pacific marine life including sharks, seahorses and living coral reefs in 60 habitats. There are interactive, hands-on exhibits, living tide pools, a 13,000-gallon shark tank that is home to a variety of shark species, rays and other animals and much more.
Jump off a cliff
If you’ve ever wondered or dreamed about what it would be like to fly, here’s your chance. A local favorite, Torrey Pines Glider Port is the place to go for the thrill of a lifetime. You can glide above the magnificent ocean with the wind in your hair alongside an experienced pilot. Well known as one of the top places to learn how to hang glide, there are locals here nearly every day of the year experiencing the exhilaration of flight. Of course, if you’re not into flying, just watching these people is a thrill. Bring a picnic, find a good spot to sit and enjoy the spectacle.
Take a ride on the SEAL
The San Diego SEAL tour is one of the most unique and fun ways to see the sights. Half the fun is riding aboard the SEAL, an amphibious vehicle that goes from land to water and back again. The unique San Diego tour takes you past many significant places on the streets of the city, then plunges into the harbor like a James Bond vessel. You’ll learn all about the rich military history and see the Maritime Museum, Seaport Village and much more. Fun for kids and adults!
Hit the beach
You simply cannot visit San Diego without spending some time at one of the gorgeous beaches. There are so many to choose from and each has its own personality. For a truly authentic, local experience, head to Mission Beach, La Jolla Shores or Ocean Beach and have your own beach party complete with bonfire and smores. These beaches actually have fire rings set up on the beach; but you should scope one out early or you may have to share. There’s nothing quite like watching the sun go down as the tide rolls in. A bonfire on the beach just makes it even better.
Ride a beach roller coaster
Mission Beach is not only home to beautiful white sand and shimmering seas, it’s also home to Belmont Park, a historic beachfront amusement park that has been around nearly 100 years. If you love a good roller coaster or any sort of amusement park rides, you’ll have a blast at Belmont. From the Giant Dipper and Beach Blaster to the Control Freak and Octotron, there’s something for everyone. Of course, Belmont also has bumper cars, the Tilt-A-Whirl, Vertical Plunge and a carousel.
Tickets - Select Your Journey
Save up
to 5%
to 5%
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
Save up
to 12%
to 12%
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
Save up
to 13%
to 13%
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
Save up
to 5%
Ghosts & Gravestones
to 5%
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.
Save up
to 5%
to 5%
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
Prev
Next
