Discover How Things Work With These Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Many local San Diego establishments offer educational tours that mix fun and learning at the same time. Perfect for field trips, family outings, or just a weekend excursion, these tours are a perfect way to experience the diverse businesses and museums that make San Diego so welcoming to all who visit.

Bates Nut Farm

15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, CA 92082
760-749-3333
90-minute tour featuring nut roasting & packing, hay rides, and feeding farm animals. Dried fruit packing. Retail store.

The New Children’s Museum

200 West Island, San Diego, CA 92101
619-233-8792
“Hands on” museum and special programs for toddlers to teens.

Firehouse Museum

1572 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-FIRE
A 30-minute tour of the oldest firehouse in San Diego.

Chula Vista Live Steamers

Rohr Parkway on Sweetwater Road, Chula Vista, CA 91912
The only place in San Diego County to see 7.5" gauge live steam, diesel and electric trains. During public run days, which take place one Saturday and Sunday of each month, you can ride the small trains.

Helen Woodward Animal Center

6461 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
858-756-4117 x318
1-hour tours to help children understand about pets and domestic animals. By appointment only.

Radio KFMB 760

7677 Engineer Road, San Diego, CA 92111
858-292-7600
Radio station tours for 1st grade and up, Monday-Friday at 9AM or 2PM. Maximum of 20 people. By appointment only.

Salk Institute

10010 North Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, CA 92037
858-453-4100 x1287 or tours@salk.edu
Enjoy a one-hour architectural tours of the grounds led by a trained and knowledgeable docents. Monday-Friday at 12:00 PM; advance reservations required.

At 11:30 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the Salk Institute is pleased to offer a free “Meet a Scientist” talk. While the talk is open to the public, all tour guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy an interesting and educational chat about the latest scientific discoveries at the Institute with a Salk researcher.

San Diego Humane Society

5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, CA 92110
619-299-7012 x2256
A behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run the San Diego Humane Society and care for the thousands of animals who come through our doors each year. Learn about the history and many programs and services offered. Visit the admissions, medical and animal care areas in addition to touring the adoption gallery. A visit from one of our animal ambassadors is also included in this 60 minute program.

Water Treatment Plant Helix Water District

Lake Jennings, 9535 Harritt Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
619-667-6264
2-hour tour for 5th grader classes of water treatment plant and water quality.