San Diego: Scenic Small Group Tour with La Jolla & Coronado

Summary

La Jolla sea lions, Old Town colors, and Coronado beach walks in one easy day

You’ll ride with a small group from downtown San Diego to La Jolla’s sea lions, take in sweeping views from Mt. Soledad, walk Balboa Park’s tiled paths, and end with your toes in Coronado’s sand. Local stories and snacks along the way make it feel less like a tour and more like wandering with someone who knows where to look.

What’s the experience like?

I’d barely buckled my seatbelt before our guide — I think his name was Tony? — started pointing out little things you’d never notice driving yourself through San Diego. The murals in Downtown flashed by, then suddenly we were winding up to Mt. Soledad. The view up there is wild — city on one side, endless blue on the other. You can smell eucalyptus if you stand still long enough. I tried to take a photo but it didn’t really catch how wide it all feels.

La Jolla Cove was next, and honestly, I didn’t expect the sea lions to be so loud (or so… fishy). There were kids laughing at their barking, and someone’s dog looked very confused by the whole thing. We wandered along the path for a bit — sun on your face, salt in the air. Tony handed around some snacks (I grabbed way too many almonds), then we headed off again. He told us stories about Old Town as we drove; apparently his grandmother used to bring him there for tamales when he was a kid. That made me smile.

Balboa Park felt like walking through a movie set — Spanish tiles underfoot, musicians playing somewhere off in the shade. I got distracted by a couple arguing softly in Spanish near the fountain; not sure what about, but it sounded important. By the time we reached Coronado and saw that stretch of white sand and the old Hotel Del, I was pretty much ready to just stay there for the rest of the day. But yeah — four hours goes fast when you’re actually living it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — San Diego scenic highlights tour

• Pass by Downtown San Diego
• See sea lions at La Jolla Cove
• Visit Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial
• Explore Old Town Mexican neighborhood
• Walk around Balboa Park
• Visit Coronado Island and Hotel Del
• Pass by Downtown San Diego again

Top questions

How long is the San Diego scenic tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

What stops are included on this San Diego small group tour?

The tour visits Downtown San Diego, La Jolla Cove, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, Old Town San Diego, Balboa Park, and Coronado Island.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water and snacks are included.

Is this San Diego scenic tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What days does this scenic San Diego tour run?

The tour runs Monday to Friday from 9:30am–1:30pm; Saturday & Sunday 9am–1pm or 1:30pm–5:30pm.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; meet at designated location.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; only snacks and bottled water are provided.

What’s included

Your day includes small group transport around San Diego’s best spots with a local driver-guide sharing stories as you go; bottled water and snacks are passed around so you don’t have to worry about getting hungry between stops like La Jolla Cove or Balboa Park before heading back downtown together.