Considered the birthplace of California, join us to explore San Diego's most historic neighborhood by hearing stories about the different groups who lived here, seeing where they lived and worked, and ending the experience by enjoying some food and drink from the neighborhood's most celebrated occupants.

Tour Highlights

Explore San Diego’s most historic neighborhood

Learn about the indigenous people who called San Diego home thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers

Take a short hike up Presidio Hill to where the Spanish first settled over 250 years ago

Find out how life changes once the Americans arrive and establish a new government

Choose from a vast selection of tequila varieties at an authentic tequileria that boasts a collection of thousands in its museum

End your experience enjoying delicious gourmet street tacos

Explore one of the country’s best urban cultural parks. 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.

Tour Highlights

Discover the inspiring, quirky, and fascinating history of one of the nation’s largest urban cultural parks
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

PRIVATE TOURS ARE AVAILABLE. CLICK "TICKETS" FOR DETAILS

Join us on the first Monday of every month for Senior Monday! Seniors 65 and better are invited to enjoy discounted admission, a show in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater and the opportunity to attend an engaging lecture about exciting scientific topics.

From December 8 through January 5, visit the San Diego History Center to learn about and celebrate winter "festivals of light" from around the globe through make-and-take crafts -- Diwali, Hanukkah, Bodhi Day, Yaldā Night, Dongzhi Festival, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Día de Los Reyes. 

All ages welcome!

Activities are free with suggested admission donation.