About this experience

On the San Diego half-day highlights tour, you will visit many of the city’s major historical sites, neighbourhoods and parks, including Balboa Park, the elegant architecture of the Gaslamp Quarter, the Old Town’s rich culture and the beautiful coastal stretch of some of San Diego's beaches.

Through the local insight of your private guide, you will be introduced to some of San Diego’s lesser-known corners with plenty of opportunities to grab some fabulous photographs of the city’s most picturesque landmarks, be it quaint Victorian streets, bloom-filled gardens, or the stunning cliff-strewn coastline that are home to seals, marine birds and rugged sea caves.

Please note that the Botanical Garden in Balboa Park is closed for major renovation until the end of 2024.

At a glance

Duration: 5 hr
Private experience

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

San Diego Driving Tour: Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park & Old Town

Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour5 hr

Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details

Guide languagesEnglish (live guide)

Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 5 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Local guides to help you plan

Balboa Park without rushing the day

Choose fewer institutions, understand the park’s scale, and leave room for gardens, architecture, and current venue information.

A practical San Diego coastal day from La Jolla to Ocean Beach

Build one flexible coast day around geography, marine conditions, realistic transitions, and a late return to the water.

How to choose a San Diego neighborhood base

Compare coast, park, downtown, and central-neighborhood bases by the trips they make easier, not by one universal center.

What is included

Hotel pickup (if centrally located)
Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places
A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group
Private Transportation

Not included

Food and drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend local favourites along the way
Gratuities (optional)
No tickets required

Itinerary and highlights

Meet your private guide outside Petco Park in 'Park at the Park' and learn about the beloved home baseball team

Admire a fine collection of museums in Balboa Park, a 490 hectare (1,200-acre) urban green space.

See the fine, historical streets and grand Victorian architecture of the Gaslamp Quarter

Be awed by the Old Town’s rich Mexican culture, and grab a bite to eat in Old Town's buzzing food scene (price not included in tour).

See the beautiful coastal stretch of upscale La Jolla and its opulent mansions

Meeting and pickup information

Hotel pick-up is available upon request. Please note that if you do not provide your hotel information, your guide will meet you at Tony Gwynn's Statue in 'Park at the Park' outside Petco Park.
Please ensure to meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel 10 minutes before tour departure time.

Languages and tickets

English — Guide
Mobile Only

Tour operator

Travel Curious

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

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

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?

The supplier lists a duration of 5 hr.

What are the pickup arrangements?

Please ensure to meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel 10 minutes before tour departure time.

Which guide languages are listed?

English (live guide).

What ticket format is listed?

Mobile ticket.

What ticket age bands are listed?

Adult tickets: age 0+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.

What is the cancellation policy?