The Birthplace of California, a name often given to San Diego. And the reason behind this name is its history. The ancient home of “Kumeyaay People” now known as the west coast of the United States was the first place in Europe to be inhabited.
The major metropolitan region of America and the oldest city of California is “San Diego.” It is the eighth-most populous city of America and the second-most populous city of California. San Diego lies adjacent to the Mexican border at the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
The foundation of San Diego’s economy lies in its defense and military-related activities as well as international trade. Another huge hand in the economy of this city is tourism. A rise in manufacturing industries and research institutes is also contributing a lot to the economic engine of San Diego.
The San Ysidro Port of Entry is the primary border that crosses between San Diego and Tijuana and is considered as world crossing busiest international land border outside of Asia. San Diego Airport is the world’s busiest single runway airport.
Ultimate things to do in San Diego with family
San Diego provides a great deal to globetrotters. It provides plenty of stuff to do in there. From beaches and shore excursions to theme parks and wide-life & nature or even if you are a foodie or an oenophile, just visit San diego as it has everything covered for you.
We intent in providing you an insight and a virtual tour to almost all the best activities to do with your family.
What is keeping you away from a city that has palm tree-lined beaches to surf on, mountains to scale, desert hikes to embark and most importantly sea-food and Mexican cuisine to offer and much more!
Pack your bag , Grab tickets and leave for SAN DIEGO!
Best San Diego Tours for kids
San Diego Zoo (Safari Park)
When planning family trips, you can choose countless destinations, but these five stand out as the best for unforgettable kids’ tours.
In San Diego, you can embark on an adventure that feels like an African safari, right in the heart of a safari park that perfectly replicates natural habitats. Here, animals roam freely, creating a cinematic experience that your family will cherish.
The world-renowned San Diego Zoo is more than just a zoo—it’s an expansive safari park, home to over 12,000 animals representing 680 different species and sub-species. The sheer size of the park is awe-inspiring, offering a unique opportunity to explore a vast array of wildlife in a setting that mimics their natural environments.
This incredible safari park also features rare and exotic animals from around the globe. As you follow the walking trails, you’ll have the chance to see these extraordinary creatures up close, making it a truly unforgettable experience for both kids and adults alike.
Trolley ride Hop-on, Hop-off
Trolley ride includes 11 stops in total hoping on and off during tour. It covers famous sites including the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway, Little Italy, the Gas-lamp Quarter, and the cruise ship terminal and much more.
An on-board guide will be there for you for featuring live commentary.
But Don’t forget to bring your own food if you are not intending to buy from stops!
The Magical Seal Tour
The speciality of the ride lies in the adventure of amphibious vehicle that can ride on both land and water just like a seal.
This duck tour starts from the streets of Seaport Village and rolls down the Harbor Drive that goes alongside the San Diego bay. And it transits into the water departing from the seaport village.
Experience Sea world and Vacation isle in this family-friendly tour. During this cruise trip you will be able to go around Quivira Beach and San Diego bay and the popular Ski beach as well.
A proper Guide will inform you about all the landmarks and history.
So Make a Splash in the water on the Seal!
San Diego Zoo
Top rated family-friendly attraction is San Diego Zoo. A home to 800 different species of more than 4000 animals with couple of rare animals included. It is among one of the best tourist attractions of California.
A detailed comprehensive commentary of the information about Zoo with a complementary bus tour. A marvel of endangered animal species can be seen in this zoo.
Go Car Tour
Old town and down town sights are the tracks for this tour. It is one of the best visit to make if you have young kids with you.
Your kids will enjoy stories while covering the popular sites of Little Italy, Mission Hills, the Gaslamp and Presidio Park and Quarters.
The cars have in-built GPS system which will keep telling you the directions so you don’t have to worry about route.
A hassle free tour is always good with a family consisting of kids. It can go to places where buses can’t.
Best San Diego Tours for Adventure Loving Youngsters
Teens, youngsters and adventure explorer are mostly the people who rush for the exciting journeys.
San Diego has designed fun activities for these kind of people. Just go and have fun there!
Coronado’s electric bike ride
Coronado’s beach has beautiful bike trail for its tourists. The surf culture is adopted by California’s woody wagons. The artisan boats and electric bikes on the beach allow six individuals to enjoy around the beach trail.
Don’t be extra excited if you are under age 21 or coming alone without parents in age of 16. They are restricted for bike ride.
One should have proficiency in bike riding to experience this new and exciting memorable ride.
Your historical thirst will be drenched and you will be able to take scenic shots.
Balboa Park Segway Tour
A private tour on two wheels. Your family with a private guide can cover a 2 hours ride in most famous balboa park.
The adventure lies in wearing helmet and riding a two-wheeled Segway in the entire park.
Your Guide will brief you about the reason of likings of locals towards this coastal destination.
Gas-lamp Tour
If you want to dive in history with a true crime tour, visit Gas-lamp. If you are family of above 13 years of age, exploring the crime stories in downtown can be intriguing.
As the crime stories involve the topics of murder, rape and assault that might be disturbing for some heart patients or people under-age.
You will be told how San Diego emerged out of its dark history where it was called Stingaree. How was the era of Stingaree. You will be visiting the historic hotel where its claimed that the Stingaree’s room is still haunted by a ghost.
You will get to know the third victim of serial killer by your Guide.
And lastly the Guide will share one of the horrific crime prevailing in modern downtown.
A planned 2-days visit to Safari Park
In-door transportation in Safari Park allows you to explore more than 4000 animals. You can experience the African and Asian savanna right here.
The safari trail of 32-acre gives a detailed view of lions, zebras and tigers from a far distance.
The most amazing fact about this safari is that it contains 3500 rare and endangered species that you can not see in any other zoo of United States.
You can visit safari park twice. Or else you can explore zoo in a day and safari on another day.
If you want to discover this safari from a kangaroo bus or Skyfari Aerial Tram or African Tram or A Guided bus tour, lets go!
Mission Bay Cruise trip
If you love exploring giant creatures, then this one is for you. Magnificent creatures like whales and other mighty animals can provide the scenic sight.
To add more details to the sight on-board marine biologists provide complete commentary and information about whatever comes along way.
The boat will take you through deep oceans without stopping within 10 minutes of voyage.
Jet Boat Ride in San Diego Bay
A jet boat, 360 degree spins, splashes around the waters of San Diego bay depicts the ride well.
The routes and sights that you are going to cover include USS midway, Seaport Village, Coronado island, the Embarcadero and the city skyline. Be careful as your jet captain takes you into power slides and thrilling high-octane twist.
You can grab a package for tour here.
Haunted Tour of San Diego
Do you know why San Diego is often called the most haunted cities in the west?
If you don’t know and have chaos for this mystery then take this special package and explore!
You can visit Five different locations with a variety of supernatural stories. The visit can be made by bus or on foot as convenient. Your Guide will narrate some sine-tingling stories to you. But still…
Fret not! You’ll be provided with history, humor and rumor!
A club Crawl in San Diego
San Diego has a vibrant Nightlife. A party person alive in you will love to go in the bars and nightclubs of San Diego.
In Gaslamp Quarters, you will be able to visit 3 to 4 well-known bars and nightclubs to turn your mood on for night.
For turning it into your best night in San Diego, just make a decision right on spot. A VIP host for the party will take you in without any entrance issues.
Scavenger Hunt
By using your feet or public transport begin from the heart of the city to a 2.5 miles tracing route. This route involves historic landmarks, waterfronts scenarios and neighbourhoods of downtown.
What you have to do to play it?
Make a team of 2 to 5 persons and assume San Diego as a virtual gaming board. With the help of your smart phone gadget, you’ll have to solve the puzzles and explore entirely by yourself.
Also along the route you will be able to have food and drinks of your choice that you can purchase from the streets.
Best to enjoy along with your family and friends.
Search for new hidden gem corners around the place.
Balboa Park Amazing Fun Race
Enjoy this 2.5 hours long scavenger hunt race. Your family and friends will be using their own personal cell phones to find new clues and sort the puzzles.
It’s a self-guided game where you will be searching routes completely by yourself. And who knows what gem site you find in way.
The freedom it gives you allows to follow your own pace and begin at your convenient time. It allows you to make your own customised technique of attempt.
San Diego Best Things to do for all Ages
San Diego is a place for all. Every age has variety of stuff to experience in this place. Trust me! You won’t regret exploring it!
If you are lacking family outdoor visits or looking for some theatre night. Or your family loves beaches and surfing. You can get all of it at one city altogether.
That’s San Diego!
Illusion Theatre and Bar
A perfect night plan for family having kids or individuals of all ages. Illusion theatre is a place that presents best magic shows to its little and young audience, special comedy content for adults and teens and alcoholic beverages for wine lovers.
Get your family there for fun and laughter’s!
San Diego Harbor Cruise
San Diego’s harbor is inhabited by sea lions and seals you can catch them sunbathing on rocks during your cruise ride. You can sit back and relax while sunbathing and sightseeing the calm waters.
You can also enjoy the skyline and the bridge of Coronado in your ride of cruise. A comfortable indoor and outdoor sitting can be availed.
Don’t worry for the snacks and beverages, make a purchase there!
Whale watching Cruise
More into marine? Go cruise ride and watch whales and dolphins playing.
Heading out on the pacific ocean, united states navy sites can be seen. The guide on the cruise will provide you with informative details of the marine life that you can explore there. And the history of the navy sites there.
The history of the world’s first America’s Cup won through sailing competition dates back to 1851 and the same place.
Don’t forget to bring blankets to the cruise, it can be cold out there. Get your tickets here.
Luxury Sail Tour in San Diego bay
A couple or crew of folks or a small family can celebrate special occasions in this luxury sail at best times of day- sunset.
Just board a sail yacht that is comfy. It covers waterfronts that are scenic, military vessels and landmarks that made history.
The view provides best photography background. And you can share a toast of wine with your loved one’s in this yacht trip.
USS Midway Museum
An extremely important place in American naval history is narrated through audio clips. It’s a complete self-guided trip in the longest-serving aircraft carrier as this ship is supposed to be of 20th century.
Its one of the huge aircraft of American navy fleet. The world’s famous volunteers of midway will keep serving you with tons of information.
Best of the bay
Will you mind one and a half hour ride? Obviously Nope! Right?
This last trip opportunity to a 90 minutes cruise ride involves sight of sea lions, sea birds and marine life.
You can enjoy snacks while listening to your captain’s live narration. You can closely view Point Loma ,Submarine base, The Navy fleet of US and much more.
The marine vintage point is waiting for you and your family. All the local sites of interest are narrated by the guide.
The Highlights Tour
If you are that family who has one day to plan and visit complete San Diego than this one is for you. Mostly people prefer this tour as it is longer than usual trips and covers all the detailed highlights of San Diego.
The trip starts from skirts of the bay to Coronado island to Embarcadero following the lush roads to Balboa park and museums.
You can stop at Gas lamp Quarter Restaurant for lunch and world-class shopping area of La-Jolla’s for some shopping. Your trip will end in San Diego’s heart, downtown.
A scenic tour to San Diego
In this tour, you can explore all the scenic experiences of San Diego and its neighboring cities within 4 hours. It includes the beaches of La Jolla where you can come across the resident pelicans and sea lions.
You can take shots from the top of mountain of Soledad. On further proceeding you can visit hotel Del on Coronado Island. You can relax in Balboa park for march through downtown and old town San Diego.
In this trip, you will be narrated the history of all the ideal places visited. Here’s how you can complete this detailed trip of San Diego in just 4 hours
Tijuana Day Trip
Settling your gaze on the street food and filling your appetite with Mexican cuisine, you can explore more out of tourists attraction.
This will be more easy with a local guide and conversational commentary all the way to the down south border line. This deal involves a Mexican breakfast or Mexican lunch or Mexican dinner or your choice.
Also you will be visiting famous markets and museums and alleys on the way.
San Diego Tour
San Diego is the best of Southern California due to its year round perfect weather. Vibrant nightlife, adorable beaches, top-notch attractions and all enhance the beauty of San Diego.
In this tour specifically, you will get a chance of finding out the best outdoor attractions in urban sites of San Diego.
You can visit Hotel del Coronado for some early delights with your own Californian dreamin’.
The trip namely encounters are Coronado Islands and the lovely Hotel Del Coronado. Its perfect for the first-time visitors, see at the waterfront Embarcadero, the cruise ships and water vessels going their way.
Best ones for the foodie in You!
Heart of a foodie tends always towards Eatries!
Food is all essential while planning a vacation. And a real foodie always first hunts for good food places before visiting any region.
San Diego has much to offer in this regard as well. Its Mexican cuisine is waiting for feeding you well.
Culinary Tour
Food and walks never bother anyone. Right?
It’s a walking tour through Old Town where you will be visiting some of the best restaurants for Mexican food.
You will be tasting tequila cocktails and sample tasty dishes from Mexican restaurants. And for your auditory senses it brings mariachi music.
While your tour, at whaley house and an old cemetery, they are going to tell you some ghostly stories.
Your guide can provide you some authentic insights to “must-try cuisines”.
So bring your foodie family to try best Mexican cuisines to Culinary Tour.
Premiere Brunch Cruise
The Coronado bridge, the Naval Air Station and the historical Star of India sailing ship are the main sights of this specific trip. A package of lavish brunch and with a complimentary drink suits well to the view.
Family-friendly cruise ride makes it possible and accessible for many families to make a visit here.
Dinner Cruise
An evening out in water and along a fancy dinner under star-filled sky in cruise is picture perfect for a family gathering.
And if you want that dinner and tour in package then here is the solution. A complimentary cocktail is a great present after an entertaining night and mouth-watering dinner.
Famous Tijuana Tacos
An ultimate local food experience in form of tacos and that particularly from Tijuana.
In your tour from San Diego to Tijuana, explore Tijuana’s special tacos and make any day a food festival for your foodie self and family.
Best San Diego Photo spots
If you are a photo person there are a lot of sites and scenes to capture.
But if you love making your pictures and don’t know how to get beautiful ones then professional photographers are waiting for you.
30 minutes Photo-shoot by Local Photographer
Local Photographer with 5 star rating can make your visit all-times favorite. You can get insider tips for things to do in San Diego from these professionals.
They have a list of special offers they are making. Either it be a family tour or any fiesta, engagement ceremony or a baby moon pictures they are experts in all services.
Best Place for Wine Lovers
San Diego is famous for serving best beers in town. There are the worlds renowned and famous and old wine makers and breweries. You get tons of options in customizing your drinks.
San Diego Private Brewery Tour
You can arrange your brewery drinks according to your taste matches and customise them completely. Select any of the world renowned breweries that include Ballast Point, Societe Brewing company, green flash or any else.
You can find one by the insight provided to you from the side of other brew lovers.
After dealing with your taste buds you can explore San Diego on a luxurious VW Eurovan. It will be a complete 3 hours tour with a personal guide.
San Diego Transport & Internet
Transport is not an issue at all. A variety of packages is available for having a ride along your defined route or for trips.
If you can afford costly on your budget , you can rent car as well for your friends and family picnics, trips and tours.
Its all in your POCKETS!
You can arrange a trip or tour to any of above given places by just checking out the website of Tourteller.com.
They have all the information aligned for you either it be reservations to be made or tickets to be purchased. They have covered it all for you. Just you need to click on the website link and find suitable option for yourself.