San Diego is one of California’s most appealing cities for a full day of exploring, thanks to its combination of sunny beaches, historic neighborhoods, and lively cultural spots. What makes a great full-day tour here is the flexibility to see multiple highlights without the hassle of figuring out transportation or missing hidden gems. For example, the San Diego GoCar offers a fun, guided way to zip around Balboa Park, Old Town, and the Gaslamp Quarter at your own pace, with a talking GPS that makes navigation a breeze []. If you prefer a more personalized experience, a private tour in a Vanderhall GoCar lets you craft your own itinerary, all while enjoying the comfort and style of a sleek vehicle [].
Whether you want to cruise along the coast, explore historic neighborhoods, or combine sightseeing with shopping, San Diego’s full-day tours make it easy to enjoy the city on your terms. Below, we highlight some of the best options, each with a unique approach to discovering San Diego’s many charms.
1. San Diego GoCar: Best Value, Full Day Option
Rating: 5.0/5 (13 reviews)
Price: $163.00 per person
Duration: 1 to 8 hours (approx.)
Location: San Diego, USA
Exploring San Diego in a GoCar is a standout experience, especially because of its value and flexibility. You get a full-day rental for the same price as a half-day, meaning you can set your own pace and revisit favorite spots. The easy-to-drive mini car comes equipped with a talking GPS, removing the need for maps or guidebooks. You’ll zip through highlights like Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town, the Cabrillo National Monument, and Ocean Beach, with options to stop and soak in the atmosphere.
Many visitors appreciate the informative commentary from the GPS, which combines humor with local insights. The car’s size allows you to access areas larger vehicles can’t reach, such as narrow streets in Old Town or scenic overlooks. Reviewers love the stress-free experience and the chance to explore multiple neighborhoods comfortably, with one noting, “Super fun and perfect way to see many important landmarks in such little time.”
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking great value and total independence, this tour offers a memorable way to see San Diego at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities for spontaneous stops.
2. All Day San Diego Tour in the GPS Guided Vanderhall GoCar
Rating: 5.0/5 (4 reviews)
Price: $455.33 per group (up to 2)
Duration: 5 to 8 hours (approx.)
Location: San Diego, USA
This private Vanderhall GoCar tour is perfect for couples or small groups who want a stylish, personalized adventure around San Diego. It’s driven by a GPS system that guides you through the city, but you’re free to deviate and explore more intimate spots. The package includes a full tank of gas, making it easy to plan your own route without extra costs. The itinerary is flexible—you could spend time at Balboa Park, check out the USS Midway, or cruise along the coast at your leisure.
The tour’s appeal is the customization it offers, along with the luxury feel of the Vanderhall vehicle, which turns heads everywhere you go. Reviewers mention that the experience was “a lot of fun” and appreciated the ability to explore both popular attractions and quieter neighborhoods like Little Italy or Point Loma.
Bottom Line: This private tour suits those looking for an exclusive, self-guided experience with a touch of style, making it ideal for special occasions or romantic getaways.
3. All Day San Diego Scenic Tour
Rating: 3.5/5 (4 reviews)
Price: $125.00 per person
Duration: 7 hours (approx.)
Location: San Diego, USA
If you prefer your sightseeing organized and cohesive, this small-group tour is a solid choice. It combines transportation with guided stops at key spots like Balboa Park, La Jolla, Coronado Island, and Old Town. The itinerary includes free time at locations like La Jolla Shores and the Hotel del Coronado, plus a free trip to Las Americas Outlet for shopping.
While the reviews are mixed, many travelers enjoy the stress-free nature of the tour, especially if they’re short on time or prefer not to drive. The tour’s focus on scenic sights and local culture makes it suitable for travelers who want a guided experience without sacrificing the chance to see multiple neighborhoods in one day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who prefer a guided, all-inclusive day out, particularly if they want to combine sightseeing with shopping or want to avoid navigating on their own.
$125.00 per person
4. GPS Talking Tour Cars: San Diego Full Day Tour
Rating: /5 (reviews)
Price: $159 per person
Duration: 5 hours
Location: California, United States
At number 4, this GPS-guided tour in a GoCar offers an easy, engaging way to explore San Diego’s lively neighborhoods. The storytelling car guides you through the Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, Sunset Cliffs, and the Bankers Hill and Mission Hills districts, with the flexibility to stay longer at your favorite spots.
The key advantage here is the combination of guided narration and the ability to break away and explore on your own. It’s a good option for travelers who want to balance structure with freedom. Reviewers highlight how easy it is to navigate with the GPS, making the experience both informative and fun.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a guided adventure with a personal touch, especially if you’re keen to cover a diverse set of neighborhoods in a limited time.
$159 per person
5. Full Day Private SD Tour from Coronado Island
Rating: 0/5 (0 reviews)
Price: $175.63 per person
Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Starting from the charming Coronado Island, this private tour offers a full San Diego experience. It begins with views from Mount Soledad, then moves on to La Jolla Cove to see sea lions and the scenic coastline. The tour continues to Old Town for a glimpse of California’s early days, then includes a lunch stop at Seaport Village (meals not included). The itinerary is flexible, allowing you to spend more time at your preferred locations.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, personalized experience and are comfortable with an itinerary that covers the coast, historic districts, and seaside parks. The private nature means fewer crowds and more tailored sightseeing, making it suitable for families, couples, or groups.
Bottom Line: Best for visitors seeking a full, custom experience starting from Coronado, with the convenience of a private guide and flexible schedule.
$175.63 per person
6. Full Day Private SD Tour from Downtown San Diego
Rating: 0/5 (0 reviews)
Price: $175.63 per person
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
This private tour departs from Downtown San Diego, making it an excellent choice if you’re based in the city center. It hits all the major highlights: Mount Soledad, La Jolla Cove, and Old Town, with a lunch stop at Seaport Village. The tour’s flexibility allows you to customize the route, with plenty of time to enjoy each spot.
Ideal for groups or families who want a tailored, stress-free day, this tour emphasizes ease of access from your hotel or cruise port. Its smaller group size ensures a personalized experience that’s less hurried and more in-depth.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re staying downtown and prefer a private, customizable tour that covers all the essentials with comfort.
$175.63 per person
7. Full Day Private SD Tour from Pacific Beach
Rating: 0/5 (0 reviews)
Price: $175.63 per person
Duration: 7 hours (approx.)
From the vibrant Pacific Beach, this private full-day tour takes you through San Diego’s must-see spots, including Mount Soledad, La Jolla Cove, and Old Town. The tour is designed for groups up to 14, with tiered pricing ensuring better value for larger groups. The itinerary includes a stop for lunch at Seaport Village, with time to explore and shop.
This tour is best suited for families or groups of friends who want a comfortable, private experience with the freedom to explore at their own pace. The flexibility and organized stops make it a solid choice for those who want to cover a lot in a single day without the hassle of planning.
Bottom Line: A practical option for groups based in Pacific Beach who want a comprehensive, private day out.
$175.63 per person
8. Private Full Day Coastal Tour from San Diego with private driver/guide
Rating: 0/5 (0 reviews)
Price: $833.47 per person
Duration: 7 hours (approx.)
For those seeking a luxurious, tailored experience, this private coastal tour offers a professional driver and guide to explore outside San Diego. It includes stops at Torrey Pines Golf Course, Mission Bay, La Jolla Cove, and Swami’s Beach, all with a focus on beach lifestyle, marine life, and local history.
This tour is suited for travelers with a larger budget who want an exclusive, in-depth look at the coast and beaches. It’s perfect for special occasions or travelers who value comfort and personalized attention. The tour’s customized route and expert guide deliver a uniquely comfortable experience, though at a significantly higher price.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting ultimate comfort and customization on a private, full-day coastal adventure.
$833.47 per person
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in San Diego
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, interest level, and whether you prefer a guided group experience or a private, customizable day. If you want a cost-effective, flexible option, the San Diego GoCar offers fantastic value. For personalized exploration, private tours like those from Coronado or Pacific Beach are ideal, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends. Budget-conscious travelers might enjoy the organized small-group Scenic Tour, while those seeking luxury should consider the Private Coastal Tour.
Think about your fitness level and time constraints—some tours include longer stops at beaches or parks, while others focus on quick highlights. Remember to book early, especially for private or high-demand experiences, to secure your preferred dates.
Final Thoughts
San Diego’s diverse full-day tour options make it easy to tailor your sightseeing experience. You can go for the value-packed GoCar, enjoy a private tailored day, or explore the coast with a luxury guide. For a quick overview, the San Diego GoCar stands out for its affordability and fun. Meanwhile, private tours such as the Coronado Island experience are perfect for those wanting a more personalized touch.
No matter your style or budget, San Diego’s full-day tours ensure you won’t miss its best sights. Booking ahead is wise, especially during peak seasons, to guarantee a smooth and memorable adventure.