Private Customizable Iconic City Highlights Tour - Cultural, Historic, Shuttled
San Diego, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Explore the cultural heartbeat of Balboa Park
- Discover the vibrant history of the Gaslamp Quarter
- Experience the essentials of downtown San Diego
- Travel back in time to Old Town San Diego
- Learn about the rich Spanish and Mexican heritage
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Private transportation included
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Expert guide included
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Bottled water provided
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Fully customizable tour
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Duration 4 hours
Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of San Diego on a private tour with award-winning guide Julie Kremen. Discover the origins of Balboa Park as you explore its stunning architecture and lush gardens. In the Gaslamp Quarter, learn about the district's original name and see the beautifully renovated Victorian-era buildings. Delve into downtown San Diego, strolling along the scenic Embarcadero, exploring the trendy Little Italy, and visiting Petco Park. Finally, immerse yourself in the colorful and festive Old Town, the birthplace of California, where you can learn about the city's Spanish and Mexican heritage. With a fully customizable itinerary, this 4-hour tour ensures a personalized experience that will leave you with a deep understanding and appreciation for San Diego's transformation through time. Book now and discover why so many visitors end up calling San Diego home!
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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4 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore San Diego's cultural heritage on a private 4-hour customizable tour led by expert guide Julie Kremen. Discover iconic sights and rich history.
Included
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Private transportation -
Bottled water
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Air-conditioned vehicle
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Your expert guide julie will take as many photos of you as you want
Excluded
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Gratuities -
Child car seat not provided
Meeting Point
Meet by the backside of the big fountain facing Columbia Street by the Little Italy Food Hall in the Piazza della Famiglia. Please call, text or What'sapp Julie if you are going to be late or cannot find it.
523 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101 , United States
End Point
Meet by the backside of the big fountain facing Columbia Street by the Little Italy Food Hall in the Piazza della Famiglia. Please call, text or What'sapp Julie if you are going to be late or cannot find it.
523 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101 , United States
What to expect
Balboa Park
BALBOA PARK is the cultural heartbeat of our city; you will fall in love with the country’s largest urban cultural park and be dazzled discovering its origins as you take in its incredible vegetation, gorgeous flowers and ornate architecture. TOUR TIDBITS: One of San Diego's biggest tourist destinations contains a tranquil garden purposely landscaped to attract countless beautiful butterflies. But this garden was not always so tranquil! Over the years it has served as a dance hall, a mining camp, and stagecoach station. And, at one point, it was surrounded by a big redwood fence with a few strategically placed holes that visitors could peek through to spy on… a nudist colony!
90 minutes
Gaslamp Quarter
TOUR TIDBITS: In the 1980s, when the city of San Diego was reinventing its downtown area—now known as "The Gaslamp Quarter"—they made plans and even produced signs with the original name for this soon-to-be resurrected historic district. (The original name was actually not "The Gaslamp Quarter.”) The original name caused a huge public outcry, and the city ended up renaming it "The Gaslamp Quarter." On the tour, you'll find out what the original name was, why they changed it, and you'll see the beautifully renovated architectural details from the Victorian era when gas lamps lit this historic district.
15 minutes
San Diego
DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO: Explore these San Diego Downtown essentials: scenic San Diego Bay’s Embarcadero waterfront, the famous and vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, hip and historic Little Italy, and Petco Park.
45 minutes
Old Town San Diego
OLD TOWN: Take a trip into the past and learn about our rich Spanish and Mexican heritage and why we are the “Birthplace of California.” Experience our original city—colorful and festive now, but find out why it wasn’t always that way. TOUR TIDBITS: For entertainment, early settlers in San Diego would tie the leg of a bull to the leg of a grizzly bear (which they would hunt down in our local mountains) and then let them fight. Find out where these brawls took place, and see the beautiful buildings surrounding this historic landmark. And if we’re lucky, you’ll feel like you were there in the early days if we happen to catch some artisans in period dress, folkloric dancers or Mariachis!
45 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Public transportation options are available nearby -
Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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If you have a child in your party under 8 years old, you must bring your own child car seat or booster seat, depending on their age. It is NOT okay for the child to sit on your lap.
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You will be shuttled in a midsize car. If there are 4 adults in your party this might be uncomfortable since 3 sit in the back.
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On this tour we do mini walking tours around Balboa Park and Old Town which total approx. 1-2 miles. We can limit the walking if you have any mobility issues - just let us know and we will adjust the itinerary.
What our experts say
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Visit nearby Little Italy for lunch. -
Bring your camera for great photos!
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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Adjust the itinerary based on mobility.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Step into the past and dive deep into San Diego's rich cultural and historic sites on a private tour with award-winning guide Julie Kremen. This customizable tour will take you on a captivating journey through the city's fascinating history, from its Spanish and Mexican roots to its transformation into a modern, world-class city. With Julie as your guide, you'll uncover the secrets and stories that make San Diego truly special.What to Expect
During this 4-hour private tour, you can expect a well-rounded experience of San Diego's iconic highlights. From exploring the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter to discovering the historic charm of Old Town, every step of the way will be filled with fascinating tidbits and insights. Julie will share interesting details about each location, such as Balboa Park's transformation from a dance hall to a nudist colony, and the original name of the Gaslamp Quarter that caused public outrage. You'll also get to explore Downtown San Diego, Little Italy, and enjoy scenic views of the Embarcadero waterfront.Who is This For?
This private tour is perfect for anyone with an interest in history, culture, and the vibrant tapestry that makes San Diego unique. Whether you're a history buff or simply eager to learn more about the city you're visiting, Julie will cater the tour to suit your needs and interests. Families, couples, and solo travelers will all find this tour enriching and enjoyable.Why Book This?
Booking this private tour with Julie Kremen is an opportunity to discover San Diego through the eyes of an experienced traveler and knowledgeable guide. Julie's expertise in the city's history and culture will bring the past to life, allowing you to fully appreciate the significance of each site. Moreover, the customizable nature of this tour ensures that your specific interests and preferences will be taken into account, guaranteeing a personalized and unforgettable experience.Good to Know
It's important to note that this tour has a duration of 4 hours and can be customized according to your needs. The meeting point is by the backside of the big fountain facing Columbia Street at the Little Italy Food Hall. If you are running late or having trouble finding the meeting point, Julie can be reached by phone, text, or WhatsApp. Be prepared to immerse yourself in the historical wonders of San Diego and come away with a deep appreciation for the city's vibrant past.Reviews
Past customers have raved about their experiences with Julie on this tour. They have praised her ability to engage and entertain, making history come alive with her storytelling. Travelers have expressed their satisfaction with the personalized nature of the tour, appreciating how Julie catered to their unique interests and preferences. Overall, visitors have left this tour feeling enriched and inspired, gaining a deeper understanding of San Diego and its remarkable history.
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