Essential San Diego Walking Tours Collection
Five self-guided walking tours that capture the essence of San Diego
What to Expect
Experience the best of San Diego with this curated collection of five self-guided walking tours. Explore the city’s most iconic destinations at your own pace, including historic Old Town, the cultural landmarks of Balboa Park, the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, the waterfront views of the Embarcadero, and the coastal beauty of La Jolla. Each tour blends immersive storytelling with GPS-triggered audio, bringing San Diego’s history, architecture, and seaside charm to life as you walk. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this pack offers the perfect way to discover the city’s highlights, all for one low price.
Don’t forget, once purchased, these tours are yours to keep! That means if you don’t have the time to see it all, you can take advantage on your next trip!
Ready to go? Book below or download our app and purchase directly from your phone.
📍 Location: San Diego, CA
🚶♂️ Type: Walking
⏱ Duration: Varies
✅ Includes: App download, GPS-triggered audio, No Expiration
📶 Works Offline: Download ahead of time - no cell service required
🎧 Multiple Languages: English, Spanish
Get Ready for Your San Diego Walking Tours
Discover the essence of San Diego through five self-guided walking tours, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Stroll through the historic streets of Old Town, immerse yourself in the cultural treasures of Balboa Park, delight in the vibrant atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter, enjoy stunning waterfront views along the Embarcadero, and take in the coastal beauty of La Jolla.
Each San Diego walking tour features engaging storytelling paired with GPS-triggered audio, enhancing your experience as you walk.
Perfect for first-timers or returning visitors, these tours are yours to keep, so you can enjoy them now or on your next trip.
Five self-guided walking tours covering iconic San Diego destinations
Blends storytelling with GPS-triggered audio for an immersive experience
Explore at your own pace, perfect for both first-time and returning visitors
Tours are yours to keep for future visits, allowing flexibility in your schedule
What You’ll See on Your San Diego Walking Tours
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This scenic trail offers breathtaking views of the coastline and La Jolla’s dramatic cliffs. Along the way, you’ll spot landmarks like La Jolla Shores, the Scripps Pier, and even Torrey Pines.
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Stretching from the Cove to Scripps Pier, this protected marine area is home to vibrant sea life and kelp forests. It's a prime spot to learn about the unique ecosystem just offshore.
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Here you’ll hear the story of Sunny Jim Cave and how it earned its quirky nickname. If you choose, you can descend the staircase into the cave for a closer look.
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This postcard-perfect cove offers sweeping ocean views and turquoise water. Seals, sea lions, and seabirds often make appearances along the shoreline.
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Nicknamed the Pink Lady, this glamorous landmark has welcomed Hollywood stars and travelers since 1926. Its Mediterranean style and ocean views give it timeless charm.
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This gallery highlights striking photography collections centered on culture, wildlife, and natural beauty. It’s a refined stop for art lovers.
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End your stroll with a craft beer at this laid-back bierhaus featuring rotating local brews. It’s a great place to relax and toast your La Jolla adventure.
Balboa Park Walking Tour
La Jolla Walking Tour
La Jolla Walking Tour Meeting Point
Your La Jolla walking tour begins at 7905 Prospect Place.
Use your favorite navigation app to make your way to the corner of Park Row and Prospect Place in La Jolla. Once there, open the Drives & Detours app to begin.
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Inspired by royal Spanish gardens, this elegant space features colorful tiles, symmetrical flower beds, and carefully tended greenery. It’s a peaceful retreat amid the park’s grand architecture.
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This historic 1915 lath structure houses lush tropical plants and seasonal floral displays. Outside, the lily pond creates one of the most photographed scenes in Balboa Park.
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Stretching across Cabrillo Canyon, this dramatic arched bridge provides a grand and scenic entry into the park. Its early 20th-century design reflects the vision behind Balboa Park's creation.
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This ornate tower rises high above the park with stunning Spanish Colonial details. Visitors can now climb it for some of the best panoramic views in San Diego.
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Built for the Panama–California Exposition, this stately building now houses several museums. Its architecture reflects the blend of beauty and purpose that defines the park.
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Rich with sculptural details and ornate flourishes, Casa del Prado is one of the park’s most photographed buildings. Inside, it hosts museums, programs, and cultural events year-round.
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Rebuilt in its original 1915 style, this building now serves as Balboa Park’s visitor center. Its courtyard café is a charming spot for a break during your walk.
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Created in partnership with the iconic Comic-Con, this museum celebrates the world of comics, fandom, and pop culture. Exhibits span everything from superheroes to gaming history.
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A long, shaded colonnade lined with graceful arches connects many of the park’s major buildings. It’s perfect for photos, people-watching, and escaping the midday sun.
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This round Art Deco building from 1935 once showcased innovation—and still does. Inside, you’ll find historic aircraft, space exhibits, and interactive experiences for all ages.
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These charming international cottages host cultural displays, performances, and global traditions each weekend. It’s one of the most diverse and welcoming corners of the park.
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Created by San Diego’s famed horticulturist, this garden features rare cacti and desert plants from around the world. Its peaceful paths overlook sweeping canyon views.
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This bronze statue honors the woman who shaped much of Balboa Park’s landscape through her visionary plantings. It’s a quiet tribute to one of the city’s great trailblazers.
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Built in 1935, this gym blends vintage architecture with modern community activity. It’s a reminder that Balboa Park is also a hub for fitness and recreation.
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Housed in a stunning Spanish Colonial building, this museum explores human culture, identity, and anthropology through immersive exhibits. Its dramatic tower and dome make it a park landmark.
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This central plaza connects many major attractions and offers ample space to relax and people-watch. Surrounded by grand architecture, it’s a lively social hub.
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Showcasing classic cars, motorcycles, and auto memorabilia, this museum highlights the evolution of mobility. Enthusiasts will love the mix of sleek design and quirky vintage models.
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Home to one of the world’s largest outdoor pipe organs, this open-air pavilion hosts free concerts throughout the year. Its soaring architecture creates a memorable musical setting.
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Bright murals and rhythmic drumbeats welcome you to this center dedicated to African and Indigenous arts. Inside, you’ll find performances, workshops, and vibrant cultural displays.
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Once the site of a nudist colony exhibit in the 1935 Exposition, this sunken stone garden now hosts butterflies and shaded paths. It’s one of the park’s most unexpected and charming discoveries.
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This grand 1915 hall features rustic wood beams and Spanish Revival elegance. Today, it hosts dances, events, and community celebrations.
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The park’s premier art museum features masterpieces from around the world alongside rotating exhibitions. Its ornate façade is one of Balboa Park’s most recognizable icons.
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This restored 1915 building now houses the Mingei International Museum and other cultural spaces. Its whimsical architecture fits perfectly with its artistic mission.
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Behind its ornate façade, this intimate theater hosts performances by youth groups and local organizations. It’s a shining example of Balboa Park’s commitment to community arts.
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Brightly painted tiles lead into a lively collective of working artist studios. Visitors can watch artists at work and browse handcrafted pieces in a truly colorful setting.
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This graceful modern fountain honors the preservationist who fought to save Balboa Park’s historic architecture. Its tranquil design makes it a favorite photo spot.
Balboa Park Walking Tour Meeting Point
Your Balboa Park walking tour begins at the Kate Sessions Statue.
The Kate Sessions Statue stands at the west entrance to Balboa Park at the corner of El Prado and Balboa Drive. This can be found at the end of Laurel Street.
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This ornate Victorian commercial building stands out with its detailed brickwork and elegant 19th-century design. It’s a lasting reminder of the early entrepreneurs who helped shape downtown San Diego.
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Once a simple downtown hotel, the Callan is now most famous for its lingering legends and ghost tales. Visitors say its old hallways still carry echoes of its colorful past.
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This intimate museum preserves the heritage of San Diego’s early Chinese community through artifacts, photos, and personal stories. Its exhibits reveal a vibrant neighborhood that once thrived in this very area.
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With its red-brick exterior and classic storefronts, the Cole Block Building reflects the look and feel of old San Diego. Today, it blends historic charm with the rhythm of a modern city block.
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The oldest surviving house downtown now operates as the Gaslamp Museum, filled with stories from the neighborhood’s early days. Inside, rooms and exhibits bring more than 160 years of history to life.
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This iconic archway marks the entrance to one of San Diego’s liveliest districts. It’s also one of the most photographed landmarks in the entire city.
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With its Victorian architecture and elegant details, the Horton Grand is a Gaslamp classic. Guests come for the charm—and sometimes for the ghost stories tied to its past.
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Completed in 1890, the Keating became San Diego’s first skyscraper. Its bold Romanesque Revival style continues to dominate the block.
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Originally home to one of the city’s earliest hardware stores, this building reflects the Gaslamp’s entrepreneurial beginnings. Its preserved details make it a standout example of 1880s craftsmanship.
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This elaborate French Renaissance Revival building once operated as a bank before gaining fame as the site of a notorious brothel. Its striking towers and ornate façade make it one of the district’s most photographed structures.
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Built in 1888, this handsome brick commercial building once housed bustling businesses during San Diego’s boom years. Today, it remains a graceful example of Victorian architecture.
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This grand structure once served as San Diego’s city hall and still carries the air of civic pride. Its clock tower remains one of the Gaslamp’s defining landmarks.
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Added to Old City Hall in 1909, the Bijou once brought lively entertainment to downtown. Though the theater is long closed, its presence hints at the area’s early nightlife scene.
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This sturdy red-brick warehouse reflects the working-class roots of the neighborhood. It once played a key role in local trade and industry during San Diego’s early development.
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Once a luxurious hotel known for its sweeping rooftop views, the St. James was a downtown favorite in its heyday. Its history remains an important chapter in the Gaslamp’s story.
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Just steps from the Gaslamp, this waterfront stretch opens to sweeping views of San Diego Bay. It’s an ideal place to pause and enjoy the maritime atmosphere.
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Built in 1894, the Timken showcases the district’s shift into a thriving commercial center. Its design blends practical purpose with elegant late-Victorian style.
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Standing within the old Stingaree district, this former hotel was once surrounded by saloons and red-light establishments. Its surviving brickwork offers a glimpse into the Gaslamp’s wild past.
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One of the few remaining Romanesque Revival structures in the area, the Yuma Building has survived fires, decline, and several reinventions. It stands today as a testament to the district’s resilience.
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Once the city’s largest vaudeville venue, the Casino Theatre entertained crowds with music, comedy, and variety shows. It now serves as a reminder of San Diego’s early entertainment scene.
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Restored to its 1924 splendor, the Balboa Theatre continues to host performances in a beautifully preserved setting. Its Spanish Revival touches make it one of downtown’s architectural gems.
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A lively gathering place since the 1870s, Horton Plaza Park has hosted everything from concerts to political rallies. Today, it remains a vibrant public hub on the edge of the Quarter.
Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour Meeting Point
Your Gaslamp Quarter walking tour begins at the Gaslamp Quarter Sign.
The Gaslamp Quarter Sign is an archway over Fifth Avenue, near the junction with L Street. It is close to the Gaslamp Quarter light rail station.
San Diego Embarcadero Walking Tour
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This stop features one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, including the legendary Star of India. Explore San Diego’s maritime history through stories of exploration, trade, and naval innovation.
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This modern waterfront hangout offers fresh seafood, open-air dining, and sweeping bay views. It’s the perfect place to pause and soak in the harbor atmosphere.
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Home to the city’s cruise terminal, this pier highlights San Diego’s role as a Pacific gateway. Watching ships arrive and depart adds to the energy of the waterfront.
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This historic pier blends bayfront views with stories of early commerce and coastal development. It’s a striking stop along the city’s maritime corridor.
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Built in 1915, this beautiful train station blends Spanish Colonial architecture with modern transportation. It remains one of downtown’s most elegant landmarks.
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Explore one of America’s most famous aircraft carriers, now transformed into an interactive museum. Its exhibits honor decades of service at sea and in the sky.
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This stretch of the waterfront is home to moving memorials honoring service members and military history. It’s a reflective place to appreciate courage, sacrifice, and homecoming.
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This towering sculpture captures the joy of World War II’s end through an iconic embrace. It’s a popular photo stop and symbol of peace.
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Once the city’s police headquarters, this restored complex now features boutiques, restaurants, and public art. It’s a lively example of historic preservation with a modern twist.
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A charming waterfront village of shops, eateries, and open-air plazas, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Its historic carousel and bayfront views make it a longtime favorite.
San Diego Embarcadero Walking Tour Meeting Point
Your San Diego Embarcadero walking tour begins at 1492 N Harbor Drive.
Make your way to the path along the waterfront, just in front of the San Diego Maritime Museum.
San Diego Historic Old Town Walking Tour
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This historic church marks the site where San Diego’s first Holy Mass was celebrated in 1769. Today, it remains an important spiritual and cultural landmark in Old Town.
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This simple adobe building holds a surprisingly complex history tied to early San Diego. Inside, exhibits reveal its evolution from home to chapel to community landmark.
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One of San Diego’s oldest cemeteries, this small burial ground preserves the stories of early settlers, soldiers, and outlaws. Some say not all of its residents rest quietly, adding a touch of mystery to your visit.
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Before the Whaley House was built, this site served as San Diego’s public gallows, setting the stage for its ghostly reputation. Today, the museum explores both the family’s story and the legends surrounding the property.
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This historic white house was prefabricated in Maine, shipped around Cape Horn, and reassembled in San Diego in the 1850s. Its long journey and varied uses make it one of Old Town’s most unique landmarks.
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Heritage Park gathers beautifully restored Victorian homes that were relocated here to save them from demolition. Each structure showcases a different piece of the city’s architectural past.
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This interactive museum shares the incredible 2,000-mile march of the Mormon Battalion during the Mexican-American War. Hands-on exhibits bring the group's contributions to early San Diego to life.
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Originally built as a rectory in 1908, this building was relocated to Old Town and served various roles over the decades. Its preserved architecture highlights the city’s commitment to historic conservation.
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Once home to one of Old Town’s most influential families, this adobe now houses a small museum with artifacts from its early residents and later role as a Catholic industrial school. It offers a nuanced look at both privilege and hardship in early San Diego.
San Diego Historic Old Town Walking Tour Meeting Point
Your San Diego Historic Old Town walking tour begins at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
The tour starts directly in front of the Immaculate Conception Church at 2540 San Diego Avenue.
Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour
FAQs About Our San Diego Walking Tours
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No pass is required for your visit to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, and free parking is available nearby. Visit the California State Parks website for more information.
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Tickets to the USS Midway Museum cost the following:
Adults (13+): $39
Youth (4–12): $26
Veterans With ID: $26
Children 3 years old and younger, active-duty military (with valid ID), and reservists receive free admission.
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Tickets to the San Diego Air & Space Museum cost the following:
Adults (12 and Over): $35.00
Seniors (65+) / Student / Retired Military (With ID): $29.00
Youth (3–11): $22.00
Children 2 and Under: Free
SDASM Members: Free
Active Duty Military: Free
Docent Basement Tours per Person Over 12 (Free for Children Under 12 With a Paid Adult): $20
Visit the San Diego Air & Space Museum website for more information.
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Tickets to the Comic-Con Museum cost the following:
Adult (18+): $30.00
Senior (65+): $20.00
Military (With ID): $20.00
Junior (13–17): $20.00
Student (With ID): $20.00
Youth (6–12): $15.00
Child (Under 6 Years Old): $0.00
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Tickets to The San Diego Museum of Art cost the following:
Adult: $25.00
Senior (65+): $15.00
Youth (Under 17): Free
Current Students (With ID): Free
Military, Active, Retired, Plus One Guest (With ID): Free
Visit The San Diego Museum of Art website for more information.
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Admission to the Adobe Chapel Museum is free, but a donation is strongly encouraged. Visit the Save Our Heritage Organisation website for more information.
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A day pass to the San Diego Automotive Museum costs the following:
Adults (18–64): $19.50
Seniors (65+): $17.00
Military (Active or Veteran, With ID): $17.00
Student (With ID): $17.00
Youth (3–15): $15.00
Visit the San Diego Automotive Museum website for more information.
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General Admission to the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House is $8.00. Visit the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House website for more information.
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Tickets to the Balboa Theatre vary in price depending on the show and the seats you choose. Visit the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House website for more information.
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Admission to the California Tower costs the following:
Adults (18+): $19.95
Seniors (62+), Military, Teachers, Students (With ID) & Youth (6-17): $16.95
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Tickets to the Casa del Prado Theater vary in price depending on the show and the seats you choose. Visit the Casa del Prado Theater website for more information.
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Entrance to the Star of India is included in General Admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Prices are as follows:
Adults: $28
Military & Senior (62+): $20
Youth (6–17): $15
Ages 5 & Under: Free
Visit the Maritime Museum of San Diego website for more information.
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Admission to the Whaley House Museum varies in price. The base rate for tickets appears to be the following:
Adults: $13.30
Child: $9.50
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Admission to the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum costs the following
Adults: $8
Seniors (65+), Groups of 10+, SDTA’s Show Your Badge Program, Educators and Students (With School or University ID): $6
Children Under 12: Free
Visit the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum website for more information.
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Entrance to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave costs the following:
Adults: $13
Youth (3–17): $7
Active Veterans and Seniors: $8
Everyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or have a letter of permission. Visit the Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave website for more information.
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Tours are fully refundable up to 24 hours in advance.
If it’s within 24 hours or you had an issue during your tour, email support@drivesanddetours.com. We review all requests individually and will always do our best to make things right.
Our goal is to ensure every traveler has a great experience exploring with Drives & Detours.
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You will walk for about 1.5 miles on Drives & Detours’ La Jolla walking tour. This is mostly easy and along flat, well-paved surfaces. There are some hills to climb.
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You will walk for about 1.5 miles on Drives & Detours’ Balboa Park walking tour. This is mostly easy and along flat, well-paved surfaces. There are some hills to climb.
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You will walk for about one mile on Drives & Detours’ Gaslamp Quarter walking tour. This is mostly easy and along flat, well-paved surfaces. There are some hills to climb.
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You will walk for about 2.5 miles on Drives & Detours’ San Diego Embarcadero walking tour. This is mostly easy and along flat, well-paved surfaces. There are some hills to climb.
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You will walk for about one hour on Drives & Detours’ San Diego Embarcadero walking tour. This is mostly easy and along flat, well-paved surfaces. There are some hills to climb.
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Yes, downloading the Drives & Detours app will give you full access to the tour you have purchased, as well as many other self-guided tours.
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Download the tour before you go. Some areas have poor signal, which can make downloading the tour difficult. Once the tour is downloaded, it will work without any cell signal
The tour audio plays automatically as you approach each stop
Want to see more? Tap “View Stop” to see photos and bonus content
To return to the map, tap the small down arrow between the “previous” and “next” buttons
Follow the blue line and audio directions to stay on route
Use audio controls to pause, rewind, or skip—just like a podcast
Safety first: Keep your eyes on the road or sidewalk, follow traffic laws, and stay aware of your surroundings
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No—download your San Diego tour before you go, and you won't need a cell signal. Drives & Detours’ tours work without any cell signal once they are downloaded to your device.
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Once you have purchased your San Diego walking tour from Drives & Detours, you can use it whenever you want. You can always take the tour another day if the weather is bad on the day you plan to take it.
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Unfortunately, Drives & Detours cannot guarantee that the San Diego self-guided tour is accessible. People with wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility impairments are very welcome, but we recommend checking the San Diego Tourism Authority website for detailed information.
Pro Tips for Your Drives & Detours San Diego Walking Tours
Download before you go.
Enable location services—GPS triggers the audio.
Use earbuds, headphones, or your car speakers.
Pause and resume anytime. If you take a break, just reopen the app and head back toward your last stop.
Lost your way? Tap any pin on the map, then tap the right-turn-arrow icon to open your default maps app for turn-by-turn directions to that spot.
Drives & Detours' San Diego Tours
La Jolla Seaside Stroll
Embark on a self-guided tour of La Jolla’s hidden wonders. Discover tucked-away coastal caves, watch seals and sea lions lounging along the shore, and hear little-known stories about the artists, innovators, and personalities who left their mark on this seaside enclave. It’s the perfect blend of ocean views, local lore, and natural surprises.
Apple Pies & Desert Skies
Head out on a self-guided adventure through the dramatic landscapes of San Diego’s backcountry. This self-guided driving route takes you from the sweeping vistas around Palomar Observatory to the whimsical metal sculptures of Borrego Springs, with a stop in the historic gold-rush town of Julian. Tap to explore the full route and details.
Coronado: Discover the Crown City
Take a leisurely walk through the rich heritage of Coronado Island with this self-guided audio tour. Wander past iconic sites, uncover captivating stories from its early days, and meet the characters—famous and everyday—who helped shape this beloved San Diego coastal destination.
Discover More About San Diego
Check out some of the most of popular tourist destinations in San Diego. From Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo to Legoland and the USS Midway. We think everything on this list is worth seeing at least once.