10 Best San Diego Tours for First-Time Visitors (2023)
From the San Diego Zoo to the Gaslamp District, you’ll never tire of things to do in San Diego. While you could create your own tour of San Diego (possibly with the help of this weekend itinerary), I suggest you enhance your visit by taking at least one guided tour on your first visit to San Diego.
BEST SAN DIEGO TOUR OVERALL
My pick is the San Diego Whale Watching Tour because you can see whales, dolphins, and other marine life in the wild! Great for all ages, the Whale Watching Tour is a MUST during your trip to San Diego.
How do I know these tours are the best? I live in Southern California and I visit San Diego often to enjoy the beautiful beaches and whale watching.
In this post, we’ll go over the best tours to take in San Diego in 2023, which can all be booked through Viator, one of the most well-known and reputable tour guide companies around. I’ve taken several tours by Viator all across the world, from Spain to Italy and Costa Rica, and I’ve loved every experience.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to purchase at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with high quality content for free.
Depending on what you like to do and your budget, you can enjoy tours that take you sailing, kayaking, tasting local flavors, or even whale watching. San Diego is a fantastic vacation spot for its warm weather, attractions like the zoo and Legoland, and its nightlife brimming with excitement.
The city is also just a short drive away from destinations like Disneyland, Los Angeles, and Joshua Tree National Park, making it easy to get the most out of your trip. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a little bit of both, San Diego has something for everyone.
Now, let’s dive into the list of the best San Diego tours!
Top 10 San Diego Tours
1. San Diego Whale Watching Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars – With more than 900 positive reviews! | Length: 2-3 hours | Check Rates and Availability ⭐️
Why choose this tour? The excitement of spotting a real whale or dolphin in the wild is unlike anything else. It truly feels magical when you see a sea creature in the ocean! And since this tour brings marine biologists on the trip with you, you have the opportunity to make the tour educational as well. Plus, views of the ocean and city from the boat are breathtaking.
I highly recommend this tour because there are few places in the United States where you can take a tour like this one. Whale-watching tours are some of my favorite things to do when I travel, and this one makes your trip to San Diego extra memorable. The top San Diego tour available!
The Whale Watching Tour includes:
- Venture out into the open ocean on a San Diego whale-watching cruise
- See whales, dolphins, and other marine life in their natural environment
- The boat’s captain and onboard biologists know the best places to look for wildlife
- Cruise across scenic Mission Bay with a convenient departure point
Check out a highlight from one of the many reviews:
“We saw whales and dolphin. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The photos that we took were unbelievable! Well worth the trip!” – Jason (see more reviews here)
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2. San Diego Seal Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars – With more than 700 positive reviews! | Length: 1-2 hours | Check Rates and Availability ⭐️
Embark on an exciting sightseeing tour of San Diego Bay by an amphibious vehicle that will take you on a journey on both land and water! Starting off from Seaport Village, you’ll be taken through the streets and onto Harbor Drive, where you can enjoy the picturesque views of San Diego Bay.
The tour then heads into the water, where you will be cruising past the famous SeaWorld and Vacation Isle, experiencing the best of San Diego’s maritime beauty. You will also get to splash into the water to cruise around popular Ski Beach, taking in the stunning sights of San Diego Bay and the Quivira Basin. One of the best San Diego tours you can book!
The tour guide provides informative commentary on the history and landmarks of San Diego, making it a fun and educational experience for everybody of all ages. The tour is available throughout the day, so you can choose a departure time that works for you best.
Check out a highlight from one of the many reviews:
“We loved every second of it!! It was a nice and calm environment! Our tour guide, Lila, was spectacular!!” – Taylor (see more reviews here)
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3. San Diego Harbor Cruise
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars – With over 1,700 positive reviews! | Length: 2 hours | Check Rates and Availability ⭐️
Unwind and relax with a lovely San Diego Harbor cruise that lasts for 1 or 2 hours (you can choose either when you book!). Take in the beautiful views of the San Diego skyline and observe the bustling U.S. Naval fleet.
You’ll even have the chance to spot some of the harbor’s sea lions! They’re SO cute! With fully-narrated tours available, you can select the cruise option that best caters to your schedule and preferences. If you love being on the water, don’t miss out on this amazing experience.
Check out one of the many reviews sharing why the Harbor Cruise is one of the best San Diego tours:
“Seeing San Diego from a different viewpoint. I’m a native here and had never taken a boat ride on the bay. Seeing all the areas I know, from downtown, Coronado, Shelter Island and Harbor Island from this vantage point expanded my views.” – Sharon (see more reviews here)
4. Skip the Line: USS Midway Museum Admission Ticket in San Diego
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars – With more than 1,550 positive reviews! | Length: 2-5 hours | Check Rates and Availability ⭐️
Why is this one of the best tours in San Diego? When you reserve your tickets in advance with this tour, you are guaranteed admission to the USS Midway Museum, one of the most popular museums in San Diego.
You also get ahead of the line with these tickets, saving you precious time on your vacation – you can go directly to the front gate for admission.
The USS Midway is an enormous ship that was the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, operating between 1945 and 1992. It’s now been transformed into a museum. You can also see resorted aircraft right on the ship, which is great for military history buffs.
The entire flight deck comes in at 4 acres! Massive, right? More than 225,000 sailors have worked on the ship over the decades. You can explore over 60 exhibits within the museum.
A highlight from one of the many reviews:
“Really cool to explore the ship on your own at your own pace with knowledgeable friendly staff there to guide you.” – Barbara (see more reviews here)
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5. San Diego Sunset Cruise from Mission Bay
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | Length: 1-1.5 hours | Check Rates and Availability ⭐️
If you’re traveling with your significant other and you’re looking to do something romantic, book this Sunset Cruise. Complete with an open bar, the cruise takes you out on the water for a relaxing ride watching the sun dip into the horizon.
The cruise is a great opportunity to take a few photos and videos, sip on drinks (booze cruise, anyone?), and enjoy the beautiful scenery. I recommend this tour if you’re looking for an outing on the water without the narration of a tour guide and the hoopla of a daytime boat cruise. This is good for those seeking a chill and laid-back experience.
Read a highlight from one of the reviews:
“Sharing the sunset in Mission Bay with others with a drink was quite memorable. The captain was good about providing the best views and photo opportunities along the sailing route.” – Mark (see more reviews here)
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6. Sunset Sails Catamaran in San Diego. 2.5 hours. Small Groups
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | Length: 2.5 hours | Check Rates and Availability ⭐️
Why book this tour? The small group size! This is an amazing opportunity to have a peaceful and semi-private experience on the water. If dealing with crowds bugs you, this tour is the perfect fit for you.
You can sit back and relax while taking in views of the stunning San Diego skyline from the water. During this tour, you might even have the chance to see sea lions and sometimes, dolphins!
This is a great option for bachelorette parties and/or couples who are looking for a romantic evening.
A few more great reasons this tour is one of the best in San Diego:
- Easily meet your captain on Harbor Island
- The motor gets turned off as soon as possible to spend as much time sailing as possible
- Enjoy white wine, beer, and soft drinks on the water as the sun sets
Check out a highlight from one of the reviews:
“Capt. Matt was exceptionally knowledgeable of the area, sharing stories the entire trip. Don’t be afraid to ask about taking the helm, as Captain Matt will masterfully and patiently guide you to success. Excellent experience. Highly recommend!” – Jennifer (see more reviews here)
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7. San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter Historic True Crime Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars – With more than 170 positive reviews! | Length: 1.5 hours | Check Rates and Availability ⭐️
If you’re a fan of true crime, take a tour of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and discover its dark past. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the area once called Stingaree, providing the chilling backstories of some of the most gruesome crimes that have occurred over the years, with a visit to a haunted hotel included in the itinerary.
This tour is perfect for those who want to learn about San Diego’s history in a unique and engaging way! Group sizes are limited to 25 travelers to ensure a personalized experience.
I always think tours like these are fun, especially if you’re in the mood to get spooky. Great for trips taking place in October!
Read a rave review of the tour here:
“Layla was knowledgeable, kind, and funny. It was a nice walk around town and great information. It’s a must do for true crime fans.” – Sarah (see more reviews here)
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8. San Diego Club Crawl – Nightlife Party Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | Length: 4 hours | Check Rates and Availability ⭐️
Partygoers, rejoice! Finally, the perfect pub crawl created with you in mind. For an unforgettable night out in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, book this club-hopping tour!
You’ll get to visit four of the hottest bars and nightclubs in the area, all with the guidance of a professional host and the company of fellow travelers. One of the best San Diego tours for sure!!
Not only will you get to enjoy a FREE welcome shot at American Junkie, but all club admission fees are included in your ticket price – that’s a good deal!
And if you’re looking for something a little more unique, consider the true crime tour that takes you through the area’s dark past, a visit to a haunted hotel is included. Book now and get ready for a night you won’t forget!
Check out a highlight from one of the many reviews:
“Great bars and clubs shown… and a lot of bach parties… the host are informative and super cool!! Well worth it! Free and discounted drinks available!!” – Lina (see more reviews here)
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9. Libations on the East Side: A Food and Drink Journey Through The East Village
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars – With more than 1,600 positive reviews! | Length: 1-4 hours | Check Rates and Availability ⭐️
Are you a foodie looking for a unique culinary experience in San Diego? Check out this awesome tour of the East Side where old warehouses and factories have turned into cool new spots for some seriously tasty eats.
I always love a food tour when I take any trip, and this one through the East Village is going to be AWESOME. Led by a local guide in tune with San Diego’s underground culinary scene, you’ll get to visit 4-5 local eateries and bars to sample the newest cocktails and local brews.
Plus, you’ll learn about the city’s history and culture as you chow down and work your way through the area.
Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience! Book now and get ready to taste your way through San Diego’s newest culinary scene.
One of the many reviews of this tour:
“We had a fantastic time exploring the East Village with Stefan! Delicious food, tasty cocktails, and plenty of neighborhood history to boot. Would highly recommend if you want to branch out & discover a different neighborhood of San Diego!” – Rachael (see more reviews here)
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10. San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars – With more than 1,600 positive reviews! | Length: 1-4 hours | Check Rates and Availability ⭐️
Why choose this tour? When you reserve your tickets in advance with this tour, you are guaranteed admission to the San Diego Zoo, the most visited zoo in the United States (4 million visitors were recorded in 2018 alone).
You also get to skip the line ahead of people waiting to purchase tickets onsite, and simply scan your tickets for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo. The zoo offers more than 4,000 animals on view – fun for all ages, adults included!
A few of the top favorites at the zoo are the koala and giant panda exhibits, along with the orangutans and siamangs. So fun!
The San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass includes:
- Unlimited use of Kangaroo Bus
- Unlimited use of Skyfari Aerial Tram
- Unlimited use of the Guided Bus Tour
Check out a highlight from one of the many reviews:
“It was our daughter’s first time to a large zoo and she loved it!! We walked all around and enjoyed the whole experience!” – Lauren (see more reviews here)
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Looking for more info on traveling to San Diego? Check out these additional San Diego travel guides:
Planning a trip right now? Here are a few of my top resources I use to book every trip.
Booking.com for great deals on hotels.
Get Your Guide for incredible tours around the world.
SafetyWing for travel insurance for digital nomads and long-term travelers.
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