San Diego offers more than just beautiful beaches and sunny weather. Its diverse neighborhoods, historic sites, and vibrant culture make it a fantastic destination for unique tours and experiences. Whether you’re interested in spooky ghost stories, diving into natural history, or sampling local brews, San Diego has something to engage every traveler. We’re particularly fond of the Gaslamp Quarter Ghosts and Crime Walking Tour, which combines San Diego’s haunted past with its lively nightlife, and the Maritime Museum for a hands-on history lesson at sea. For active explorers, a bike rental offers freedom to carve your own path through Balboa Park and beyond.
One thing’s clear — San Diego’s tours aren’t just about sightseeing; they’re about immersive stories, fascinating history, and local flavors. With options suited for families, history enthusiasts, and party-goers alike, there’s no reason not to get out and experience this city beyond the standard tourist spots.
1. San Diego: Gaslamp Quarter Ghosts and Crime Walking Tour
At number 1, this chilling tour by US Ghost Adventures explores the haunted side of downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. For just $27 per person, you’ll spend about an hour walking through the historic streets, hearing stories about ghostly apparitions and unsolved crimes. The tour visits landmarks like the Davis-Horton House, Carriage Works, and Old City Hall, each with its own eerie tale. The guide’s storytelling makes the past come alive, with tales of secret rooms, hieroglyphics, and ghostly sightings.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of history, spooky stories, and the lively Gaslamp nightlife. The reviews highlight how Fernando, the guide, makes the experience fun and informative—adding local recommendations along the way. Many guests appreciate the storytelling approach, though some wish for more ghostly encounters. Still, this tour offers a balanced mix of history and hauntings, perfect if you enjoy a little scare with your city stroll.
Bottom line: If you’re curious about San Diego’s darker stories and want a fun, affordable way to explore the city at night, this tour ticks all the boxes.
2. San Diego: San Diego Natural History Museum Ticket
Number 2 on our list is the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park, with tickets costing only $12. This museum offers an immersive look into 75 million years of natural history, including fossils, dioramas, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore the fossil halls, featuring dinosaurs and mastodons, or watch captivating films like T. REX and Wild San Diego in the giant-screen theater. The museum’s anniversary photo exhibition showcases 150 years of its own history and contributions to science.
The museum’s exhibits are engaging for all ages, with a special appeal to families or anyone interested in Southern California’s prehistoric past. Many visitors mention how unexpected it was to find such a lively, educational experience at such a low price. A couple of reviews note minor inconveniences, like elevator access issues, but overall the experience is highly valued for its quality exhibits and affordability.
Bottom line: Perfect for a rainy day or a family outing, this museum combines education with fun and is a great way to learn about San Diego’s natural environment.
3. History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter
Number 3 offers a two-hour pub crawl that blends history with craft beer. For $30 per person, you’ll visit some of the best local bars in the Gaslamp Quarter, learning about San Diego’s colorful past—from conquistadors and bootleggers to aviation pioneers. The tour is led by an expert guide who shares stories behind the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, making it perfect for those who want a laid-back way to explore San Diego’s drinking culture with a historical twist.
Guests rave about the unique stories and the chance to sample exclusive local brews. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy socializing and learning simultaneously. The informal atmosphere means you can taste different beers while discovering the city’s lesser-known past.
Bottom line: If you love craft beer and history, this pub crawl offers a fun, relaxed way to see San Diego’s historic and current side.
4. San Diego: Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission
Number 4 on our list is the Maritime Museum of San Diego, which offers an inside look at 500 years of seafaring history. For $24, visitors get access to dozens of exhibits including historic ships like the H.M.S. Surprise, made famous in Master and Commander, and the Star of India, the world’s oldest sailing ship still afloat. The museum offers a self-guided tour that can last from 45 to 75 minutes, allowing you to explore ships below deck and learn about maritime adventures in the Pacific.
This site is particularly appealing for boat lovers and those interested in naval history and ship design. The views of San Diego Bay add to the experience, and many reviews highlight the interactive exhibits and the opportunity to step aboard authentic historic vessels. The museum is both educational and visually impressive, making it a great family outing or a solo exploration.
Bottom line: For a hands-on history lesson at sea, the Maritime Museum provides a memorable experience that combines learning and sightseeing.
5. San Diego: Bike or eBike Rental with map
Number 5 is all about exploring San Diego at your own pace with a bike or eBike rental. The rental costs $22 and allows you to spend anywhere from 2 to 8 hours discovering the city. You’ll get a map to guide your ride through highlights like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the Embarcadero.
Guests love the flexibility this offers, especially those who prefer self-directed adventures. Riding through Balboa Park allows you to appreciate the gardens and museums without the crowds, while a trip along the waterfront offers ocean views and a chance to see local street performers. The reviews mention how easy the bikes are to use and how much fun it is to combine sightseeing with physical activity.
Bottom line: If you’re comfortable navigating on your own and want to see multiple sights, this rental provides great value and freedom.
6. San Diego: Gaslamp Quarter Historic True Crime Walking Tour
Number 6 explores San Diego’s darker side with a true crime walking tour of the Gaslamp Quarter. For $30, you’ll walk for about 1.5 hours through historic streets, hearing about infamous crimes, murders, and secret stories from the late 19th century when the area was known as the Stingaree. Led by a crime history enthusiast, this tour reveals San Diego’s unsavory past, including tales of espionage, disease, and death.
Guests praise the guide’s engaging storytelling and the graphic, detailed accounts of criminal events. It’s ideal for those interested in mysterious stories and local legends. Some find the darker theme a bit intense but appreciate the rich, real stories that add depth to their visit.
Bottom line: Perfect for history lovers who want a different perspective on San Diego’s past, this tour is both educational and slightly thrilling.
7. San Diego: Old Town Ghost-Themed Walking Tour
Number 7 is a family-friendly ghost tour offering a spooky stroll through Old Town San Diego. For $25, you’ll walk approximately 1.5 hours, exploring haunted sites like the Whaley House and learning about their ghostly legends. The guide makes it lively and entertaining, sharing stories of spectral sightings and spooky happenings that have made Old Town a ghostly magnet.
While this tour is lighter in scare factor, it’s a fun way for families or those interested in local ghost stories to explore San Diego’s historical neighborhoods after dark with a knowledgeable guide.
Bottom line: Ideal for families or anyone curious about San Diego’s haunted past without too much fright.
8. San Diego: Self-guided Bike Tour App – Audio + Written
Number 8 offers a self-guided tour app that covers San Diego and Balboa Park. Costing only $5, it’s available year-round. Download the app, enable location services, and explore at your own speed, learning about the city’s highlights with audio and written guides.
It’s perfect for travelers who want flexibility and don’t mind navigating independently. The app includes photo ops, movie locations, and food recommendations, making it a convenient way to explore without a guide. Reviews note how easy it is to use and how much fun it is to discover sites on your own.
Bottom line: Budget-friendly and flexible, this app suits those comfortable with self-guided adventures.
9. San Diego: Embarcadero Waterfront Ghost Walking Tour
Number 9 focuses on the spooky secrets of San Diego’s waterfront. For $22, this one-hour tour explores haunted ships, ghost stories of the harbor, and mysterious spirits at Dead Man’s Point, the USS Midway, and the Maritime Museum. Participants use paranormal investigation equipment to seek out spirits, adding a fun, hands-on element.
This tour blends history, ghost stories, and paranormal fun, making it perfect for those interested in spectral tales and ghost hunting. Many reviews mention the eerie stories and the thrill of trying to detect ghosts, making it engaging for both adults and older children.
Bottom line: If ghost stories and paranormal activity fascinate you, this tour’s brief but lively format offers a memorable, spooky experience.
10. San Diego: Gaslamp Quarter Ghost Walking Tour
Number 10 provides a ghost walk through the Gaslamp Quarter with a focus on sinister spirits, murders, and death. For $30, the 1.5-hour tour takes you past some of the area’s most haunted locations, with stories of murder, disease, and grisly deaths. Guests can even experiment with ghost-hunting equipment as they visit sites like the historic hotels and alleys.
The guide’s storytelling is lively, making this a great choice for those who want a spine-tingling experience while learning about San Diego’s haunting past. Reviewers particularly enjoy the use of paranormal equipment and the mystery stories shared along the way.
Bottom line: Best suited for those intrigued by paranormal activity and ghost stories, this tour combines history with a fun ghost-hunting element.
How to Choose
When selecting the best tour for your San Diego visit, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. For a haunted adventure, the Gaslamp Quarter Ghosts and Crime Walking Tour offers a compelling mix of stories and spooky sites. If you prefer educational experiences, the Natural History Museum is a great value for learning about local fossils and natural history.
Active travelers might enjoy bike rentals, like the Bike or eBike Rental with map, which provide the freedom to explore at your own pace. For those interested in maritime history, the Maritime Museum is an immersive and affordable option.
Finally, if ghost stories are your thing, consider the Gaslamp Quarter Ghost Walking Tour or the Embarcadero Ghost Tour, both offering spine-chilling tales and paranormal investigations.
Final Thoughts
San Diego boasts a wide variety of tours that highlight its history, natural beauty, and spooky legends. For a fun blend of history and haunted tales, the Gaslamp Quarter Ghosts and Crime Tour is a top choice. If museums and outdoor exploration are more your style, the Natural History Museum or a bike rental will keep you engaged.
Travelers with a taste for the dark side will find the ghost walks both entertaining and atmospheric, especially along the waterfront or in Old Town. Whatever your interests and budget, booking early is recommended—many tours fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
San Diego’s diverse offerings ensure everyone can find a memorable way to experience the city beyond just its beaches. Whether you’re after ghost stories, history, or local brews, the city’s tours promise a lively, authentic experience.