Think you’ve explored everything San Diego has to offer? Well, get ready because there’s more than meets the eye in this amazing city! Take a deep dive into your favorite spots (and discover new ones) with guided or behind-the-scenes tours. Below are some of the best tours around San Diego County.
Climb the California Tower at Museum of Us
Balboa Park
www.museumofus.org/exhibits/california-tower
Explore the inside of San Diego’s most iconic landmark, the California Tower in Balboa Park. A 40-minute tour promises 360-degree views of San Diego from the Tower’s eighth-floor viewing deck (accessible only by steps; there is no elevator). Ages 6 & up. Photo credit: Lisa Gipson
The Old Globe Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Balboa Park
www.theoldglobe.org/arts-engagement/discovery-programs/tours
Learn about costume, prop and set design, lighting, sound and more. Docents guide visitors (ages 8+) on a one-hour tour through three theaters and craft shops while sharing stories about past, present and future shows. Resident Free Tours available on third Tuesdays. Check website for details. While this is a photo looking down on The Old Globe, it was taken during a tour of the California Tower. Photo credit: Lisa Gipson
UCSD Stuart Collection
La Jolla
https://stuartcollection.ucsd.edu/
Enjoy a free, self-guided walking tour of more than 20 modern-art installations throughout UC San Diego’s campus. Highlights include the iconic “Fallen Star,” a fully-furnished cottage that appears to be balancing on the edge of the Jacobs Hall roof, Niki de Saint Phalle’s Sun God statue and Alexis Smith’s Snake Path. Check website for Fallen Star visiting hours. Photo credit: Lisa Gipson
USS Midway Tours
Downtown San Diego
www.midway.org
Take a fascinating Family Self-Guided Audio tour (perfect for little skippers) or a VIP Docent Tour of the USS Midway aircraft carrier. Docent-led tours, which have limited-capacity, include the command center for Flight Deck Operations, the Navigational Chart Room, Captain’s Bridge, captain’s cabin and more. Photo credit: Adrienne Sigeti
SeaWorld Animal Tours & Interactions
Mission Bay
www.seaworld.com/san-diego/experiences
Make the most of your visit to SeaWorld with a VIP Tour or up-close animal experience. Choose from exciting encounters and interactions where you meet and learn about animals such as sharks, sloths, jellyfish, dolphins, walruses, belugas, sea otters, penguins and more. Photo credit: Lisa Gipson
Old Town Trolley Tour
www.trolleytours.com/san-diego
San Diego’s only hop-on hop-off tour! Climb aboard for a fun, narrated excursion that includes 11 popular spots to explore with unlimited free re-boarding. Use the mobile-friendly interactive map to make the most of your day. Special nighttime tours and promo offers for veterans available. Hometown Pass eligible. Photo credit: Lisa Gipson
Taylor Guitar Factory Tours
El Cajon
www.taylorguitars.com/contact/factory-tours
Free, guided factory tours offer an immersive look into the state-of-the-art manufacturing, artistry and craftsmanship that brings Taylor Guitars to life. Online registration is required; no walk-ins. Fridays and now Mondays (starting June 1, 2026). Tours last a little over an hour. Photo credit: Rik Thiesfeld
La Jolla Kayak Cave Tours
La Jolla
www.lajollakayak.com
Embark on a guided kayak tour through La Jolla Ecological Reserve and the stunning La Jolla Sea Caves. Keep your eyes peeled for leopard sharks, Garibaldi, sea lions and dolphins. Ages 6 & up. No experience required. La Jolla Shores snorkel tours also available. Photo courtesy of Ashley Marlow
Birch Aquarium Behind-the-Scenes Penguin Tours
La Jolla
https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/all
Enjoy an exclusive look at Birch Aquarium's Penguin Care and Conservation Center. Meet a member of the care team and get behind-the-scenes access to these special seabirds. Learn what makes Little Blue Penguins so unique and discover how to help protect their habitats. Ages 8 & up. Tour tickets include aquarium admission. Behind-the-scenes seahorse tours also available. Photo courtesy of Birch Aquarium
Petco Park Guided Stadium Tours
Downtown San Diego
www.mlb.com/padres/ballpark/tours
Learn the history of the ballpark and the San Diego Padres while touring the Padres Hall of Fame, a private luxury suite, press box, Cutwater Coronado Club seating and more. If you choose a pre-game tour, it will end with an exclusive opportunity to watch some of the Padres batting practice. Photo credit: Tony Andrews Photography
San Diego Zoo Tours and Safari Park Safaris
Balboa Park and Escondido
www.sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/tours-safaris
Enhance your visits to the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Safari Park with a guided tour or safari park excursion. Embark on an African adventure across expansive savanna habitats, experience up-close animal encounters, take a Morning Pandas Walking Tour and more. Check website for the full list of opportunities. Photo credit: Adrienne Sigeti
San Diego SEAL Tours
Seaport Village or Embarcadero
www.sealtours.com
See the best of San Diego on land AND sea during a narrated SEAL tour. Wind your way through the streets of San Diego before cruising on San Diego Bay, in the same Hydra-Terra vehicle! Learn about San Diego’s rich military history and ecological wonders. Hometown Pass eligible. Photo courtesy of San Diego SEAL Tours
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Balboa Park
www.sdmrm.org/docent-tours
Learn about the museum’s permanent exhibits, the art of model railroading and Southern California railroad history during a 45-minute docent-led tour. Tours are the second Friday of every month and are included in museum admission. Check website for timing. Private tours may also be scheduled. Photo courtesy of San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Oasis Camel Dairy
Ramona
www.cameldairy.com
Camels in San Diego County? Yes! Visit with, feed and learn about these amazing animals while exploring our local camel farm. Register for an Open Farm Tour (monthly) or schedule a private tour for your group. Photo credit: Adrienne Sigeti
Slice of Little Italy Food Tour
Downtown SD
www.littleitalytours.com/tickets
Taste your way through the best pizza spots in town! Tour guides share stories and history about Little Italy and the evolution of Italian food. Tour typically includes tastings at neighborhood pizzerias, one gourmet wood-fired pizza, one glass of wine (or non-alcoholic beverage) and dessert.
Snapdragon Stadium Tours
Mission Valley
www.snapdragonstadium.com/visit/tours
Take a guided tour of this multi-purpose outdoor stadium home to SDSU Aztec Football, San Diego FC and San Diego Wave FC. Get an insider’s view of spots like the press box, private suites and team locker rooms (when available) and discover San Diego landmarks throughout the stadium.
The Whaley House Museum: America’s Most Haunted House
Old Town San Diego
www.whaleyhousesandiego.com
Embark on a journey through San Diego’s (haunted) past. Master storytellers share stories about the Whaley Family and the integral role their home played in Old Town’s history. Evening guided tours and daytime self-guided tours offered. Hometown Pass eligible.
San Diego GoCar Tours
Downtown San Diego, Coronado, Sunset Cliffs
www.gocartours.com/san-diego
Explore Sunset Cliffs & beaches, Balboa Park & Downtown San Diego or Coronado in a two-person GoCart. In-vehicle GPS and audio commentary guides people around town, tells stories and provides recommendations. Explore at your own pace. Electric scooter and ebike rentals also available.
Insider tip: San Diego residents can register for San Diego's Hometown Pass for free admission to Whaley House Day Tour, SEAL tour and Old Town Trolley Tour; Requires paid full-fare adult ticket. Find information at www.hometownpass.com.
Adrienne Sigeti was the editorial assistant at San Diego Family for nine years. She is a native San Diegan who is always the ready to learn something new about her hometown.
