From San Diego: Coronado Island Segway Tour

From San Diego: Coronado Island Segway Tour — A Detailed Review

When you think about exploring San Diego, visions of bustling city streets, scenic waterfronts, and historic landmarks come to mind. This Coronado Island Segway Tour offers a unique way to cover ground efficiently and enjoyably, combining a 3-hour guided ride through downtown San Diego, along the Embarcadero, and across the famous bay by ferry to Coronado Island. Priced at $209 per person, it’s a bit of an investment, but one that promises a significant payoff in memorable sights, fun, and insider stories.

What we love about this experience is how it balances adventure with education. The guides, like Preston and Adam, aren’t just riding along—they’re engaging, patient, and passionate about sharing San Diego’s stories, making even nervous first-timers feel comfortable on the Segway. Plus, the ferry ride offers spectacular coastline views that you can’t get from land, and the visit to the iconic Hotel del Coronado feels like stepping into a postcard.

One aspect to keep in mind is that children under 12 aren’t eligible** for this tour**, so it’s best suited for families with older kids, couples, or groups of friends ready for a bit of outdoor fun. Also, since it requires a minimum of four guests to operate, it might be worth checking if your timing aligns, especially during off-peak periods.

All in all, this tour caters well to those seeking an active, scenic, and engaging way to explore San Diego’s highlights with knowledgeable guides and a touch of adventure. Let’s dig into what makes it stand out—and what you should consider before booking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary: Combines land exploration with a scenic ferry ride, giving you diverse perspectives of San Diego and Coronado.
• Expert guides: Guides like Preston and Adam are praised for their patience, storytelling, and engaging approach.
• Iconic sights: Highlights include the Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Beach, historic mansions, and stunning harbor views.
• Inclusive package: Helmet, snacks, beverages, and ferry ride included—good value for the experience.
• Limited age range: Not suitable for children under 12, making it more tailored to older kids and adults.
• Self-contained adventure: No hotel pickup, but easy meeting instructions provided.

Exploring the Tour in Detail

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins in the Gaslamp Quarter, a lively neighborhood packed with restaurants, shops, and historic buildings. The guide’s briefing on safety and Segway controls is thorough—essential for first-timers or those a bit anxious about balancing. As some reviewers noted, guides like Preston and Kenny excel at calming nerves and making learning fun, which is key to enjoying your ride.

The Land Portion: Downtown to the Embarcadero

Once underway, you’ll meander through downtown San Diego, taking in the city’s vibrant skyline and bustling streets. The ride along the Embarcadero offers a scenic view of the waterfront and harbor, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the sights.

We loved the way guides share stories about the area—about San Diego being the first city in California, and tales behind its historic buildings. As one reviewer said, “My guide Preston and the owner Kenny were absolutely terrific. They were calming and very encouraging and helped me learn how to safely manage a Segway and ENJOY not only sightseeing, but also learning a new mechanism for getting around the city.”

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Crossing to Coronado by Ferry

After covering a good stretch on land, the group boards a roundtrip ferry to Coronado—an element that elevates this tour from typical land-based sightseeing. The ferry ride itself is relaxing, with fabulous coastline views and the chance to see San Diego’s skyline from the water. It’s a favorite part for many, with reviews highlighting how the ferry allows for a broader perspective that’s hard to get from street level.

Coronado Island: Sights and Stories

Once on Coronado, you’ll glide around the iconic Hotel del Coronado, famous for its Victorian architecture and Hollywood glamour. The guide might also point out the historic mansion of the Glorietta Bay Inn—a lovely stop, and if time permits, a brief interior visit.

A highlight for many is the Coronado Beach, renowned for its wide, sandy shores and gentle waves. The guides share fascinating tidbits about the island’s history and culture, making the ride both fun and informative. As one review states, “Amazingly, the private tour with Adam was a highlight. He made the experience feel special.”

Return and Reflection

After a scenic ride back across the bay by ferry, you’ll have a better sense of San Diego’s coastal beauty and architectural elegance. The tour wraps up back in the Gaslamp Quarter, leaving you with a memorable mix of cityscapes, waterfront views, and island charm.

What Makes This Tour Special?

This experience stands out because of its combination of modes of transport—land, water, and glide—each providing a different perspective of San Diego. The expert guides, praised for their patience and storytelling, turn what might be a simple sightseeing trip into a genuine, engaging adventure. The inclusion of snacks and beverages adds a touch of hospitality, making the 3-hour journey feel well-rounded and relaxed.

Considerations and Caveats

While many rave about the experience, it’s worth noting that not everyone may feel comfortable on a Segway, especially first-timers or those with mobility concerns. The tour requires a minimum of four guests to operate, so check your group size ahead of time. Also, children under 12 aren’t eligible, so it’s more suited for older kids and adults.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a fun, active way to see San Diego’s highlights without spending hours on foot. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy scenic water crossings and want to learn interesting stories about the city and Coronado. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure, sightseeing, and local flavor, this experience hits the mark.

It’s also ideal for those who appreciate guided insights—many reviews mention how guides like Adam and Preston elevate the tour with their enthusiasm and knowledge. The ferry ride adds a layer of spectacular views that are a real highlight, especially on a clear day.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy active excursions that combine scenic views with engaging storytelling, this tour is a great pick. It offers a balance of urban exploration and coastal scenery, perfect for those wanting to see both sides of San Diego and Coronado without the hassle of navigating alone.

Travelers who appreciate small-group experiences with knowledgeable guides will find this tour both enjoyable and informative. It suits adventurous families with older children, couples looking for a fun day out, or friends wanting a memorable shared activity.

However, if you’re nervous about riding a Segway, or traveling with very young children, you might want to consider other options. Still, for those ready to embrace a little fun and adventure, this tour offers a unique, scenic slice of San Diego that’s hard to beat.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for first-time Segway riders?
Yes. The guides provide a thorough safety briefing and are praised for their patience and encouragement, making it accessible for beginners.

Are children under 12 allowed on the tour?
No. This tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, so it’s best for older kids, teens, and adults.

What does the price include?
The fee covers the Segway rental, helmet, snacks and beverages, and the roundtrip ferry ride to Coronado.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry ride is part of the overall 3-hour experience, providing excellent views of San Diego’s coastline and skyline.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet at the Another Side Of San Diego Tours office in the Gaslamp Quarter, with clear directions provided in advance.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activity, and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses if it’s sunny.

Is hotel transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the meeting point isn’t included, so plan accordingly.

This Coronado Island Segway Tour offers a lively, scenic, and well-guided way to discover San Diego’s mix of city charm and coastal beauty. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, it’s a memorable experience that captures the essence of San Diego in just a few hours.

You can check availability for your dates here: