Day Trips from San Diego

Our most recommended San Diego Day Trips From

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  1. La Jolla: 2-Hour Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves

  Take a lesson before the tour begins and grab all the necessary kayak equipment. The tour takes place in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve. There are 3 different habitats in the reserve, and on your tour you will have the chance paddle to all three - the rocky reefs, sandy flats, and kelp beds. Paddle to the seven caves of La Jolla and go into the Clam’s cave, which is the largest cave on the tour. See the local marine life on the tour including sea lions, harbor seals, Garibaldi, leopard sharks, and the occasional dolphin.

  George & Randy were the coolest & most knowledgeable guides! They made our experience enjoyably memorable!

  Reviewed by Mary, 9/26/2021
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  2. La Jolla: 90-Minute Sea Cave Kayaking Tour with Guide

  Discover San Diego's Marine Protected Area, home to a variety of fish, birds, dolphins, turtles, sea-lions, and whales. With the help of an experienced guide, explore the famous Sea Caves of La Jolla and kayak inside Emerald Cave. Watch sea lions sunbathing on the rocks and swimming in the sanctuary. Marvel at the bright orange garibaldi as they stand out among the vibrant green sea grass and numerous other fish swimming around and delighting the eye. In the summer and fall months, tour groups will often see harmless leopard sharks, and you may also find grey whales in their migration during the winter. You might even see dolphins cruising alongside your kayak before you make your way back and prepare to surf your kayak back to shore.

  All the staff was so friendly and professional. The guides were very knowledgeable. We had a great time.

  Reviewed by Georgina, United States, 9/26/2021
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  3. San Diego: Patriot Jet Boat Thrill Ride

  Embark on a thrilling adventure on the San Diego bay as you zip and zoom past military ships, along the downtown skyline, and under the iconic Coronado Bridge. With rock music pumping, feel the wind and the refreshing spray of the San Diego bay as the Patriot carves 360-degree turns and reaches speeds upwards of 50 miles per hour. There's no experience like it. Enjoy gorgeous views on a 30-minute tour on an open-air jet boat. No two Patriot trips are the same, but this is not just a random joy ride through the bay. You will be taken past San Diego's most beautiful waterfront sights including: USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, North Island Naval Air Station, Coronado Bridge, Star of India and the iconic ships of the Maritime Museum, as well as the San Diego skyline. You may get wet, but ponchos are provided.

  Took my brother and friends out on this boat and we all loved it! Catching drifts and getting splashed! It’s like a speed tour around SD! 10/10 recommended!

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 9/19/2021
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  4. La Jolla Underwater Park: Kayak and Snorkel Tour

  Kayak out into the reserve with your guides, who will lead the group to the best snorkeling spot on that day. One of your guides will drop anchor, secure your kayaks, and lead you snorkeling in the reserve, pointing out the marine life as you go.  Explore the area around the Seven Caves, set within a sea cliff, six of them only being accessible by kayak. Here, have the chance to swim with La Jolla’s best such as sea lions, garibaldi, bat rays, shovel nose guitar fish, and even dolphins and sea turtles, if you’re lucky.

  This was a great adventure we booked while on vacation!! Mark and Nora were our guides, they kept it fun and entertaining the whole time. They informed us about the marine life and history behind the rock caves. Loved this experience and would book it again in a heart beat.

  Reviewed by Amberly, 9/21/2021
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  5. San Diego's Balboa Park: 3-Hour Scavenger Hunt Adventure

  Turn Balboa Park into a giant game board on a small-group, interactive scavenger hunt. Combine the thrill of the race with a sightseeing tour of this popular San Diego destination. Guided by any smartphone, you and your group will make your way to well-known and some overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning about local history. Begin at the Veterans Museum, and take in the iconic art and impressive architecture, and admire historical theaters and hidden gardens. The activity involves around 2 miles of walking and generally takes between 2-3 hours to complete.

  It was an excellent way to see a part of the city that I would have not gotten a chance to see.

  Reviewed by Jonathan, 7/19/2021
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  6. La Jolla: 1.5-Hour Surfing Lesson

  Has learning to surf been your dream? Your dream can become a reality on the calm waters of La Jolla Shores, the best spot to learn. Your experienced instructors are eager to share their passion for surfing with beginners and intermediates alike: no experience necessary, all equipment provided. Your instructors respect each student’s choice regarding his or her level of participation in the lesson, and comfort in the water. You’ll have fun learning how to surf in a safe environment. Your experienced instructor will teach you the fundamentals of surfing and ocean safety on land, before heading into the water to catch some waves with your group. Continually voted one of the best spots for beginner and intermediate surfers in San Diego, the calm waters of La Jolla Shores are an ideal place to learn how to surf in a fun, yet safe environment. Public and private options are available.

  It was the best experience I’ve ever had. I had a great instructor that new what he was doing & gave me the one on on time I needed. It was unforgettable.

  Reviewed by Caylee, 10/12/2020
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  7. San Diego: 3-Hour Sunset Sail

  Enjoy an awe-inspiring sunset as you discover the beauty of San Diego Bay with a U.S. Coast Guard-certified captain. In 3 hours, you will be able to visit the most memorable landmarks in San Diego Bay. Sail through the Maritime Museum, the Midway Museum, Downtown San Diego, and other exciting spots, or head out to the Pacific Ocean. If you're lucky, you may even see a host of wildlife along the way such as sea lions, seals, dolphins, and whales. With multiple departures daily, you'll be sure to find a tour to fit perfectly into your schedule. All beer, white wine, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are complimentary and unlimited. Just in case it gets a bit chilly on the bay, jackets, hats, and blankets are provided. And to protect yourself from the hot California sun, sunscreen and sunglasses are also provided.

  We had an excellent Captain, Theo, for our sunset cruise. The ship was comfortable and conditions were just right for sailing to the end of Point Loma.

  Reviewed by Jeff, 2/20/2020
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  8. La Jolla: Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

  Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is one of the best ways to get out and enjoy the water. The sport began as an ancient Hawaiian tradition that was reintroduced to the world in the mid-60s.  SUP boarding is one of the best ways to explore the Seven Sea Caves of La Jolla, a remarkable creation full of marine wildlife. These 7 unique sea caves are filled with local history and natural beauty. The La Jolla Ecological Reserve starts at the Seven Sea Caves and extends north to Scripps Pier. This remarkable stretch of water is home to an underwater park, part of La Jolla's submarine canyon, giant kelp forests and a rocky reef.  The preserve shelters numerous species, including leopard sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, dolphins and migrating whales. Only 2% of the world's ocean water is protected by state and federal law, which also makes La Jolla's ecological reserve a rare place to see undistur...

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  9. San Diego: 3-Hour Sailing Tour

  Cruise past the most memorable sights in San Diego Bay on a 3-hour sailing trip. Pass the Maritime Museum, the USS Midway Museum, Downtown San Diego, and other famous landmarks. Choose to sail out in to the beautiful Pacific Ocean, along the beautiful southern California coastline. Choose from either a private or a group tour. Enjoy a fun-filled trip as you discover San Diego Bay with a coast guard-certified captain. If you’re lucky, you may see seals, sea lions dolphins, and whales. Unlimited beer, white wine, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are  provided throughout the tour. Sunscreen and sunglasses are provided, and in case it gets chilly, jackets, hats, and blankets are also available.

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  10. From San Diego: Tijuana City Guided Tour and Food Tasting

  Join your guide for an authentic Mexican experience as you leave San Diego to explore Tijuana City. Start your sightseeing tour with a convenient hotel pickup and head to your first stop, the Tijuana Cultural Center. Visit the museum and learn about the early history of the Baja peninsula, and take a walk through the botanical gardens. Leave the cultural center and head to the beach to see the wall that separates Mexico from the United States. Enjoy a couple of cocktails and ceviche tostadas before continuing your adventure. Walk down the Avenida Revolucion. Admire the sights, including the Jai Alai building and Caliente Casino. See where Caesar salad was invented, do some shopping, and enjoy a craft beer and tequila tasting. Take a break for lunch at the Plaza Rio Tijuana and refuel at local Taco restaurant. End your day with a trip to the city market for a taste of the local cultur...

  The family and I had a great time on this well planned guided tour. Our tour guide Mario was so informative I would definitely recommend this fun experience.

  Reviewed by Edward, United States, 8/1/2021