Private Full Day San Diego Tour from Dana Point

8 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

The Private San Diego Tour: The Full Experience from Dana Point

This full-day private tour features tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the larger the group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, or corporate outings.

Start with sweeping coastal views from Mount Soledad, then explore La Jolla Cove’s cliffs, sea lions, and scenic parklands. Step back in time in Old Town San Diego with its adobe buildings and lively plazas. Break for lunch (meals not included) at Seaport Village, with bay views and plenty of dining options.

Cruise through the Gaslamp Quarter as your guide shares tales of its gritty Wild West past. Cross the iconic Coronado Bridge, stop at the historic Hotel del Coronado, and roll down charming Orange Avenue. Pass through Balboa Park’s gardens and Spanish Revival architecture, then finish with a scenic drive through Little Italy.

Includes hotel pickup, narration, and a curated blend of San Diego’s top sights.

What's Included

Perfect picture spots!
Bottled water
Fully narrated tour by your local knowledgeable and fun tour guide/driver
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Dana Point Pickup – Hotels & Short-Term Rentals If you're staying at a hotel or vacation rental near Dana Point, we offer door-to-door pickup for your convenience. Just enter your address at checkout and we’ll confirm if you’re within our normal pickup zone. You’ll receive a text with your exact pickup time on the morning of your tour, and your guide will arrive in a clearly marked tour vehicle. Prefer to meet us instead? Join at Salt Creek Beach Parking Lot – 33333 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629. This is a public lot not affiliated with our company. Parking may be limited or regulated, so we recommend using a rideshare service for the easiest, most relaxed start to your San Diego adventure.

OR
Meeting point

Dana Point Pickup – Salt Creek Beach Meeting us instead? Join at Salt Creek Beach Parking (33333 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629). This public lot isn’t managed by us, and parking may be limited—rideshare is recommended for a smooth start to your tour.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Mount Soledad Memorial Park

    Take in the Views from Mount Soledad Kick off your San Diego adventure with a stop at Mount Soledad—home to sweeping coastal views and one of the city’s most meaningful landmarks. Soak in panoramic sights stretching from La Jolla to Mexico, and take a moment at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, a peaceful tribute to American service members. It’s a stunning and reflective start to your day.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Lifeguard La Jolla Cove

    Stroll the Shores of La Jolla Cove Get up close to San Diego’s wild side at La Jolla Cove, where dramatic cliffs meet crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Watch sea lions lounge on the rocks, wander through tide pools, or relax in the grassy expanse of Ellen Browning Scripps Park. With its postcard-perfect views and lively coastal charm, this stop is a favorite for nature lovers and photographers alike.

    25 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Old Town

    Step Back in Time in Old Town San Diego Known as the birthplace of California, Old Town brings the past to life with adobe buildings, colorful shops, and lively plazas. Stroll through Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, explore the Whaley House Museum, or relax in the gardens of Heritage and Presidio Parks. It’s a charming blend of history, culture, and fun—perfect for soaking up San Diego’s roots.

    40 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Seaport Village

    Lunch Stop (meals not included): Dine and Unwind at the Embarcadero Take a midday break along San Diego’s picturesque Embarcadero waterfront. With plenty of casual and sit-down dining options at Seaport Village—ranging from seafood spots to taco stands and cafes—it’s the perfect place to grab lunch with a view. Soak in harbor breezes, explore boutique shops, or relax by the bay before continuing your San Diego adventure.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Gaslamp Quarter (Pass by)

    Drive-Through: Gaslamp Quarter – San Diego’s Wild West Past As we pass through the Gaslamp Quarter, your guide will dive into its gritty Wild West history—once a haven for saloons, brothels, and shootouts. Legendary lawmen like Wyatt Earp even ran gambling halls here in the late 1800s. Today, the area mixes historic charm with buzzing nightlife, Victorian architecture, and the iconic Gaslamp Archway—offering a vivid glimpse into San Diego’s colorful evolution.

    Admission ticket free
  • Coronado Bridge (Pass by)

    Scenic Drive: Coronado Bridge – A Sky-High View of San Diego As we cross the sweeping Coronado Bridge, enjoy panoramic views of the San Diego Bay, downtown skyline, and even Mexico on a clear day. Your guide will share stories about the bridge’s engineering marvel and its role in connecting the historic island community of Coronado to the mainland. Keep your camera ready—this is one of the most iconic drives in Southern California.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Balboa Park

    Balboa Park: San Diego’s Cultural Heartbeat As we pass through Balboa Park, you’ll glimpse one of the largest urban parks in the country—home to over a dozen museums, lush gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo. This 1,200-acre gem blends nature, architecture, and culture. Look out for the ornate Spanish Colonial Revival buildings lining El Prado, the domed Botanical Building, and outdoor venues like the Starlight Bowl and Old Globe Theatre. It’s the soul of San Diego’s art, history, and science—all in one beautifully walkable space.

    25 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Little Italy (Pass by)

    Explore Little Italy Drive through San Diego’s stylish Little Italy, a lively neighborhood known for its rich Italian heritage, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops. From the bustling Mercato farmers market to bay views at Waterfront Park and the charm of Piazza Basilone, this stop blends history, culture, and culinary flair into one unforgettable district.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Best Coast Tours

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
City Tours
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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