USA · SAN DIEGO TOURS
Good san diego tours fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Review of the San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass, with panda tips, tram advice, costs, walking demands, exhibits, and practical planning help.
“Wear good walking shoes! The San Diego Zoo is an amazing place to spend a day! Great scenery and great weather!”
Tour the USS Midway in San Diego with aircraft, flight simulators, veteran docents, an audio guide, and access to the ship’s working spaces.
“This was a great exhibit, with very knowledgeable docents”
San Diego Harbor Cruise review: compare the one and two-hour routes, Navy ship views, wildlife, seating, price, and practical tips before booking.
“We had to sit on the main level because of a handicap and not being able to walk up the stairs. It was lacking airflow and could barely hear the captain/tour master of the commentary. We just enjoyed our view and what we could hear. The snack bar was only upstairs where we could not go. If you have a party where it is tough to walk upstairs, I would suggest you use the restroom beforehand, maybe bring a water bottle and snack if you want, and try to sit close to some kind of open door.. which didn't really give much airflow anyway. Other than this, it was way…”
See San Diego’s top sights by vintage trolley, with 11 stops, live guides, and flexible one or two-day access.
“It’s a must if you’ve never been to San Diego before. It stops at the most important landmarks and gives a good overview of the city.”
Sail San Diego’s historic schooner America for gray whales, dolphins, Navy views, snacks, and a whale sighting guarantee.
“Very professional crew. Grandson helped hoist the sails! Saw a few whales and lots of dolphins. Dress warmly! Blankets, soft drinks, snacks (chips, etc.) provided. Bring some lunch.”
Explore the USS Midway in San Diego with flexible admission, an audio tour, restored aircraft, naval history, and panoramic harbor views.
“Definitely recommeded. The ship was impressive and my mum and partner wete really happy. I suggest coming in early then have lunch onsite and continue the tour of the ship in the afternoon as the ship was massive!”
Review LEGOLAND California tickets, rides, Miniland, Sea Life, Water Park, prices, timing, value, and tips for families.
“So overpriced! Lines horrible, I can't believe how much money we had spend. Made the day memorable for the grandchildren. I personally would never go back.”
Review of San Diego’s 2 to 3 hour whale and dolphin cruise, with practical tips on wildlife, views, price, parking, and what to expect.
“Amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed our whale watching trip. The boat and the crew/naturalist made this fun as well as educational. Whales, dolphins, sea lions, blue water, sunshine and a nice boat ride … what’s not to love? This was the best of our many experiences while vacationing in San Diego! Do not pass up this company and their whale watching trip. Highly recommended tour.”
Review of San Diego’s Flagship Harbor Cruise, with naval sights, sea lions, Coronado Bridge views, prices, access tips, and tour advice.
“Excellent tour of the harbour area, both north and south. Guide lacked a bit of enthusiasm during commentary although information imparted was good.”
Review the San Diego Zoo ticket, with tips on animals, Skyfari, bus tours, costs, crowds, food, and planning a full day in Balboa Park.
“I went to the San Diego Zoo with my wife and daughter. Our daughter loves pandas and she’s been wanting to see one in person. She was super happy to see the pandas! They’re so adorable. We actually got to see most of the animals. Sometimes the animals are either sleeping or being fed and not seen. This time around they were available!”
Review of San Diego’s narrated hop-on hop-off trolley, covering Old Town, Coronado, Balboa Park, timing, stops, value, and practical tips.
“Amazing to see parts of the city u would not usually choose. Old town being the best. What made the trip was Frank the tour guide. We were from father/son from UK so his knowledge of the city and where to go was priceless but also what a friendly lovely man. Made the trip for us 👍”
Paddle La Jolla’s sea caves and kelp beds with a naturalist guide, spotting sea lions, sharks, dolphins, and coastal birds.
“Jake and Ryan were very knowledgeable about the history and lore of the caves. They were helpful and friendly and made the tour very enjoyable.”
Review the San Diego Zoo’s $76 day ticket, with Skyfari, bus tours, animal habitats, practical tips, value advice, and honest drawbacks.
“Beautiful zoo Will definitely be back too big to finish the first time around”
Review of Oceanside’s two-hour luxury whale watching tour, with catamaran details, wildlife odds, pricing, tips, and booking advice.
“Not guaranteed to see a whale but the staff made every effort to do that. Boat was well maintained and staff was knowledgeable and friendly.”
Paddle La Jolla’s Ecological Reserve to spot sea lions, leopard sharks, birds, and Emerald Cave on a guided 90-minute kayak tour.
“Such a fun experience! Seeing the caves up close with an awesome guide [Devon] was so much fun! We saw tons of Leopard Sharks and babies, fish and more. Learned a ton about the marine life and history of the area, amazing tour would come back again for sure!”
Every kind of American day out, and the best of each.
