San Diego Downtown Highlights Private Guided Walking Tour

2 to 3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

What echoes through San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and historic theatres? Trace the city’s vibrant past with a Private Licensed Guide on a downtown walk full of culture and charm. Optional: extend to Petco Park, Chinese Museum & Children’s Park.

Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:

2-hour: Downtown Highlights Tour
Visit downtown San Diego to see Symphony Hall, Civic Theatre, Balboa Theatre, Gaslamp Quarter, and Davis-Horton House while learning about architecture, legends, and history.

3-hour: Downtown Highlights, Petco Park & More Tour
Visit downtown San Diego including Petco Park, Chinese Museum, Children’s Park, Symphony Hall, Gaslamp Quarter, and more. Discover local heritage, art, and vibrant city life.

This fun and story-rich tour will guide you through the historic heart of San Diego, uncovering its cultural tapestry and downtown landmarks.

What's Included

Fascinating commentary on San Diego’s theatres, Gaslamp Quarter & more highlights
Private Walking Tour of Downtown San Diego (number of attractions depends on the selected option)
5-Star Licensed Guide fluent in your chosen language
Insightful facts about architecture, civil rights, and local legends
Extended route with Chinese Museum, Children’s Park & Petco Park (in the 3-hour option only)
Extended walking route with additional stops (in the 2-hour tour option)
Food and drinks

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel; 1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 to 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Meet your guide in front of Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel; 1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Begin at the elegant San Diego Symphony Hall, where your Private Licensed Guide will lead you through streets steeped in history.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Pause at the Civic Theatre and the restored Balboa Theatre to hear how these venues shaped the city’s performing arts scene.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Gaslamp Quarter

    Step into the Gaslamp Quarter, where preserved Victorian buildings whisper tales of boomtown beginnings, saloons, and colorful characters who defined early San Diego.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Pass by the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, the city’s oldest standing structure, and uncover stories of resilience, reinvention, and 19th-century life.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Conclude along the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, where art installations and memorials celebrate civil rights and community values. This route blends major landmarks with hidden corners, offering a rich, engaging glimpse into downtown’s past and present.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Enjoy more time and stops that reveal the city’s diverse cultural roots, starting at the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, where your guide shares stories of immigration and heritage.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8

    Continue to the peaceful Children’s Park, a hidden oasis with water features and modern sculptures.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Petco Park

    End with views of Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, and hear how sports and redevelopment have shaped the Marina District.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by New York City Tours

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Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Architecture Tours
Cultural Tours
Walking Tours
City Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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