LA to San Diego: History, Harbor & USS Midway Magic in One Day
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter
- Enjoy a scenic harbor cruise with city skyline views
- Visit the iconic USS Midway aircraft carrier
- Discover the vibrant Old Town State Historic Park
- Experience the lively Seaport Village shopping area
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of San Diego's historic sites
- Harbor cruise with panoramic city views
- Admission to the USS Midway Museum
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: Buckle up for a scenic coastal journey from Los Angeles to San Diego! As we cruise down the iconic I-5, watch the urban sprawl melt into rolling hills, golden beaches, and sparkling Pacific views. We will pass through charming beach towns like Dana Point and Carlsbad, with glimpses of surfers riding waves and palm trees swaying in the breeze. This relaxing drive sets the tone for a day of discovery—where history, harbor views, and cultural gems await. With comfortable transport and curated stops, it’s more than a day trip—it’s the start of your Southern California adventure. Itinerary: Los Angeles → Old Town San Diego (30 mins) → San Diego Harbor Cruise (60 mins, include ticket) → USS Midway (80 mins, include ticket) → Balboa Park (120 mins) → Los Angeles Note: Due to the closure of the USS Midway on Thanksgiving and Christmas, the attraction will be replaced by Hotel del Coronado (40 mins) on the day of the tour.
Step into the soul of San Diego at Old Town — a vibrant, centuries-old neighborhood where California’s story began. Wander cobblestone streets lined with adobe buildings, lively cantinas, and artisan shops that echo the charm of early Spanish settlers. Explore the iconic Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and Presidio Park, both steeped in history and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From mariachi melodies to mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, Old Town offers a colorful, immersive glimpse into the birthplace of California. It’s not just a visit — it’s a time-traveling experience wrapped in culture, flavor, and unforgettable stories.
Set sail on a captivating San Diego Harbor Cruise — your front-row seat to one of North America’s most stunning natural harbors. Glide past iconic naval ships, sweeping skyline views, and storied landmarks while soaking in the sun and sea breeze. With live narration from expert guides, each cruise blends fascinating history, scenic beauty, and laid-back coastal vibes into one unforgettable experience. Whether you're snapping photos or simply unwinding, this is the perfect way to see San Diego from a whole new angle. 1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
* Note: On Thanksgiving and Christmas, when the USS Midway is closed, your tour will include a visit to the iconic Hotel del Coronado instead — a seaside Victorian masterpiece rich in charm and history. Please check with your tour guide for details on the day’s itinerary. There is no ticket fee will be refunded. On most tour days, you'll step aboard the legendary USS Midway — a colossal aircraft carrier-turned museum that brings naval history to life. Commissioned just days after WWII, the Midway served for nearly five decades, from Vietnam to Operation Desert Storm, and was once the largest ship in the world. Explore its towering flight deck, vintage aircraft, and immersive exhibits that honor the bravery of those who served.
Discover Balboa Park — San Diego’s crown jewel and a cultural wonderland spanning 1,200 lush acres. Home to 17 world-class museums, stunning gardens, and the renowned San Diego Zoo, this iconic urban park offers something for every curious traveler. Just minutes from downtown, Balboa Park enchants with its Spanish-Renaissance architecture, captivating exhibits, and vibrant cultural events year-round. Whether you're strolling through botanical gardens or diving into art and science, every corner of the park tells a story. It’s not just a destination — it’s an experience that inspires, educates, and delights.
Pass by: Buckle up for a scenic road trip from San Diego’s cultural heart — Balboa Park — to the vibrant pulse of Downtown Los Angeles. In just over 2 hours, you’ll cruise along the iconic I-5 and I-405 highways, passing coastal views, rolling hills, and glimpses of Southern California’s diverse landscape. Whether you're heading to LA for; Hollywood glamour and lights, historic landmarks, or world-class dining, this journey back from San Diego offers a smooth blend of relaxation and anticipation. It’s not just a transfer — it’s your gateway back to the energy, creativity, and culture of LA.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour involves a full day of activities; ensure you're prepared for a 12-hour excursion.
- Meals and beverages are not included; plan accordingly for lunch and snacks.
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic sites and the USS Midway.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater, as harbor breezes can be cool.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning harbor views and historic landmarks.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Tour duration includes visit times, travel, traffic, and driving between locations. The roundtrip traveling time between Los Anegeles and San Diego will be around 3-4 hours depends to the traffic on the day.
- Note: Due to the closure of the USS Midway on Thanksgiving and Christmas, the attraction will be replaced by Hotel del Coronado (40 mins) on the day of the tour. And no ticket fee will be refunded.
- Travelers under 18 must be with an adult. Pregnant travelers allowed if under 24 weeks.
- Please verify your name and contact details; errors may incur additional costs.
- You must provide your pick-up location to the operator at least 3 days before departure. If not received, the default pick-up will be: 07:00am Departure Pico House Los Angeles--424 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Tickets & Admission: Third-party attraction tickets or city passes are not accepted.
- By selecting an option and completing your booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the tour's full product description, including all details about itinerary, included and excluded fees. Your payment indicates your acceptance of these terms.
- For multiple bookings, please provide all confirmation numbers after booking to ensure you travel on the same bus.
- Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and water for hydration. A valid reachable phone number is required for safety and trip communication.
- Children under 6 may require a booster seat by law. Coach buses usually do not need one, but winter tours using vans/minivans may. Please contact the operator in advance if needed; rental available on request.
Traveler reviews
My tour
This tour was a great way to see San Diego in one day. The schedule was well planned and we had enough time at each stop. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. The bus was clean and comfortable for the drive. Old Town had a lot of history and character. The harbor cruise was relaxing with beautiful views. The USS Midway was very impressive and full of interesting exhibits. Balboa Park was a lovely final stop with plenty of photo spots. I really enjoyed this tour and would recommend it to anyone looking for a convenient and enjoyable way to explore San Diego.
not worth the effort
A very disappointing experience.it turned out that the driver was also the guide . The driver does not know how to guide and does not speak english very well.IN our opinion poor value for money. I participated in the copanys tours in the past and it was very successful,hence our disappointment.
Overpriced and no guide
For what it was, this excursion was very overpriced. The driver/guide spoke broken English and never introduced himself. We got dumped in the harbour at 10:40 and told “cruise goes from there at 11:15 then go to the Midway and be back here for 1:30” and then he was gone. Cruise was nice and the crew were very friendly and informative. By the time got to the USS Midway I had about 45mins to explore the attraction. This was amazing but nowhere near enough time. We were then driven to Balboa park and dumped there with a pick up time 2h later. Finally we visited the Old Town but due to others being later at previous points we only had 25 minutes here. The journey was probably the most uncomfortable I have ever been on an excursion with the aircon on full blast for most of the journey (despite the driver been asked to turn it off). To cap things off the driver tried to insist on a $15 per person service charge.
Very nice trip
very nice trip. We saw many places, very many in one day. The guide-driver Daniel tried to show us everything that was on the itinerary and did his job very well.
Terrible Tour 2025
I am writing this review because after a terrible experience with this tour company and asking for a complete refund, they only offered only a 15% refund of the total cost of the tour. After several emails, they refused to give anywhere near what I felt was a reasonable refund. After a phone call to Tripadvisor, they included an additional 10% to the tour company's original refund. This was very much appreciated from Tripadvisor, and I thank them for this, but any additional refund should have come from Jupiter Legend Corporation which was the host tour company. Signing up for the tour, which in the tour information, it said the tour was in English, this was not the case. Other than myself and my wife, the tour group was entirely Chinese, and although the tour guide spoke some English, it obviously was not his first language. Many highlights along the tour were lost in translation and the tour guide not having a mic and speakers to spread his voice throughout the van made it very difficult to hear any commentary, especially the times when he did try and speak some English. The van that took us on this tour, had some issues as well. The seats did recline for the passengers' comfort, but when fully reclined, made if very uncomfortable for those behind, which this happened with my wife. I usually have a good time on any tour I and my wife have taken in the past, but on this date, the tour provided only a bad experience, and I will not be taking any more tours with this company. I hope this review helps others when they are planning their next vacation. Regards, Terry Z