Explore one of the country’s best urban cultural parks on a private tour with a local guide. Balboa Park has a bit of everything, including grand architecture, diverse museums, cultural institutions and captivating gardens. You will visit spots that even locals don’t know about. Keep the camera handy for what might be the prettiest tour in town!

Tour Highlights

Discover the inspiring, quirky, and fascinating history of one of the nation’s largest urban cultural parks on a private tour
Uncover historical and architectural treasures hiding in plain sight
Explore a botanical garden’s vibrant collection of more than 2,100 plants
Learn about the early 20th-century expositions that shaped Balboa Park
Find the best spots to photograph Balboa Park’s beautiful Spanish colonial revival architecture

Journey with award winning tour guide Julie around San Diego’s cultural and historic sites—on a private tour of fun and informative must-see sightseeing hotspots.

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.

DOWNTOWN:  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.

BALBOA PARK:  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.

‘Tis the season to shine. Discover the magic of the holiday season as lights glisten, snow falls and a winter wonderland comes to life with a life-size Snow Globe Collection throughout the center. Magical vignettes will be displayed from 4-8pm every Wednesday through Friday during the first three weeks of December. Stationed throughout the center, each Snow Globe will bring to life festive scenes and characters that will inspire the holiday spirit from a distance.

On Sunday evenings throughout December, join us for our most festive holiday cruise: Holiday Nights On The Bay.

Come and get in the spirit aboard our beautifully decorated yacht and enjoy holiday music, scenic sights and a special menu inspired by the season. Our chef will be preparing a duet short rib and rosemary chicken entree, vegetarian butternut squash ravioli, winter greens salad and much more. Save room for dessert: fresh pumpkin cheesecake topped with vanilla bean whipped cream. View full menu below and make your reservations today.

You'll enjoy a unique and picturesque perspective on our city's gorgeous waterfront skyline, with photo opportunities in every direction. Come enjoy San Diego's mild weather and natural beauty. It's a great way to say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.