Day Trips from San Diego to Ensenada

Meet some of the world's most exotic animals with your admission ticket to the renowned San Diego Zoo, one of California's top family-friendly attractions. More than 4,000 animals representing 800 species live in this state-of-the-art zoo, including some that are rarely seen at other zoos. Admire the animals and go in-depth during daily keeper talks and guided bus tours. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected.

Spend a few hours relaxing, sunbathing and sightseeing in the placid waters just off San Diego during this 1 or 2 hour San Diego Harbor cruise. Sit back and relax as you take in a fully-narrated tour, offering top-notch sight lines of the San Diego skyline, a cruise under Coronado Bridge, a look at the bustling US Naval fleet and a chance to spot some of the harbor’s resident sea lions. Choose between 1 and 2 hour cruise options, offering you two trips to fit your schedule and interests.

On this experience, relax in style aboard a luxury dinner cruise. Enjoy panoramic views from the boat's deck and take your time over a gourmet, 3-course meal, as you cruise past twinkling city lights that ring San Diego Bay. Listen to relaxing background music and enjoy an unforgettable evening, or celebrate a birthday, anniversary or another special occasion. Viator Exclusive: Upgrade to a guaranteed, private table by a window and bottle of Champagne.

Take an evening cruise wining and dining aboard the ‘Spirit of San Diego,’ enjoying top-notch food and drink, plus sparkling skyline views during this San Diego dinner cruise. Dig into your included gourmet meal, accompanied by a complimentary cocktail and live on-board entertainment, as you cruise 25-miles worth of California’s beautiful coastline and gaze at the twinkling stars above. You can also upgrade your cruise to include an unlimited open bar for an additional price.

Explore some of the top highlights of San Diego with your silver, gold, or platinum day pass (depending on option selected) for the city’s Hop-on, Hop-off Trolley Tour. Choose your own adventure as you get on and off the trolley at any of the 11 included stops, covering famous sights including the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway and the Cruise Ship Terminal, Little Italy, and many more. This San Diego trolley tour also features live commentary from the on-board guide during your ride.

Take a trip through American naval history with admission to the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. This enormous ship, known as the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, now offers a range of interactive exhibits, a self-guided audio tour and numerous restored aircraft across its 4-acre (1.6-hectare) flight deck and sections below. It’s an essential piece of San Diego’s, and America’s, military history. For your safety, the below deck tour routes, guided Island Tour, “Battle of Midway” theater, simulator, Virtual Reality experiences, and climb aboard cockpits are temporarily closed. When purchasing tickets you must choose a date and time for your visit. This will allow us to manage the number of guests on board to assist with physical distancing requirements. Please arrive at your chosen date and time with your tickets, and review all information in your email confirmation.

The renowned San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents more than 3,500 animals roaming in large enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. Go on a safari adventure unlike any other outside of Africa itself, with exhibits inspired by the African Serengeti and the Asian Savanna. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the Safari Park. Ticket must be redeemed on travel date selected.

Go whale watching from San Diego aboard a replica of a historic sailing schooner that won the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851. Throughout your cruise, your expert guide shares informative commentary about gray whales, dolphins, and other marine animals, along with details about the US Navy sites you pass as you head out on the Pacific Ocean.

Zoom around the waters of San Diego Bay on a jet boat ride that provides speed, splashes, and spins. As you race through the scenic waterway, your captain points out landmarks including the USS Midway, Coronado Island, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, and the city skyline. Hang on as your captain takes your boat into power slides, 360-degree spins and other thrilling maneuvers—a high-octane twist on sightseeing in San Diego.

Take in the highlights of San Diego Bay during a sightseeing tour by amphibious vehicle. Travel on both land and water like a ‘duck tour,’ starting on the streets of Seaport Village and rolling down Harbor Drive alongside San Diego Bay. Transition into the water after departing Seaport Village. Cruise past the SeaWorld and Vacation Isle, experiencing the best of maritime San Diego on this fun and informative tour.

Experience the thrill of driving your own speed boat during this tour of San Diego Harbor. Learn the basics of boating from your expert guide before following your guide's boat around the harbor, cruising past highlights such as the USS Midway, a US Navy submarine, Coronado Bridge, Seaport Village, the cruise ship terminal, the historic ship Star of India and San Diego Maritime Museum. Learn from your guide about these landmarks via the onboard two-way communications system and stop for photo ops on this exciting tour.

View more than 4,000 animals roaming in large enclosures on a 2-day visit to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This admission ticket allows you to spend two days at the Zoo, or split your time between the Zoo and the Safari Park. At the zoo, see the diverse collection of animals, many of which are not present at other zoos in the United States. The Safari Park is inspired by the Serengeti Plains in Africa and the Asian plains and is home to lions, tigers, zebras, which you can see from the a 32-acre (13-hectare) safari trail. Access to all shows and exhibits, as well as use of all the in-park transportation, are included. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

Watch the sun set over San Diego during an all-inclusive small-group cruise aboard a classic sailboat. Pass landmarks such as the Maritime Museum, Coronado Bridge, and USS Midway, and look for sea lions, dolphins, and other wildlife around San Diego Harbor on the 2.5-hour cruise.

Explore San Diego’s Downtown and Old Town sights in a fun and fast-paced way—on a GoCar tour. This sightseeing adventure takes the stress out of reading a map, as the car talks and shows you the way with its in-built GPS. Enjoy hearing stories as you explore the city’s most popular areas, including Little Italy, Mission Hills, Presidio Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Explore Tijuana, Mexico, without getting lost on this day trip from San Diego, a great choice for first-time visitors. Visit cultural attractions, sample authentic Mexican street food at a sidewalk taco stand, and do some shopping and sightseeing. Opt to walk or take public transportation and experience the city like a local. Your guide can suggest stops and adapt the itinerary to fit the needs of the group.

See San Diego from a marine vantage point on this 90-minute harbor cruise, including a look at the marina, seabirds and potential sea lion sightings. Listen to live narration from your captain and enjoy for-purchase snacks from the onboard snack bar.

Spend happy hour on the water during this San Diego evening cruise. After a welcome glass of sparkling wine, enjoy views of the water and city skyline as you glide through San Diego Bay.

Sail into the setting sun aboard a Catalina style sailboat during this intimate cruise with a small group. Feel like you have the ship all to yourself on this trip that’s limited to just 12 total guests, watching as the last rays of the sun drop into the glistening waves. Enjoy the included beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks during the ride, as well as jackets and wind gear in case you get cold. You can even plug in your own music to add to the fun. Departure times vary throughout the year. Guest must contact Sail San Diego after purchase for the exact departure time.

See San Diego’s sights by land and water on a 1.5-hour seal tour independent shore excursion, and explore this picturesque port of call in an amphibious vehicle. Listen to stories that bring San Diego’s history to life as you travel along the water’s edge, then steer straight into San Diego Bay. Take in sweeping views of SeaWorld, watch for the seals and sea lions that play, eat and bask at Quivira Basin and return to your ship along the scenic Harbor Drive.

In just four hours, experience the scenic highlights of San Diego and its neighboring areas. Watch sea lions and pelicans on the beaches of La Jolla and capture fantastic views from the top of Mt Soledad. Soak up the Old World elegance of the mansions and Hotel Del on Coronado Island, and find peace in the urban oasis of Balboa Park. Wind through downtown and Old Town San Diego, learning about the city’s history along the way. Enjoy personalized attention on this small-group tour limited to just 14 people.

This is a personal tour from one to six passengers that is engaging and diverse tailored to the specific selected tour option(s) Both private and mixed tours are available.

Enjoy Sunday in beautiful San Diego with a 2-hour brunch cruise on a luxury yacht. Help yourself to the seafood, steak, waffles and chocolate fountain at the buffet while sipping on unlimited mimosas. While you drink and feast, soak up the views of the water and the city skyline around you. When you’re ready to stretch your sea legs, head to the dance floor where live entertainment and music awaits.

Explore downtown San Diego and Balboa Park on a 2.5-hour Segway tour. Follow your guide to historic sites like the Hall of Justice and Pantoja Park, then make your way through Little Italy and the expansive grounds of Balboa Park. In the park you glide past destinations including Founder’s Plaza, the San Diego Museum of Natural History, and the Inez Parker Memorial Rose Garden. Your guide provides commentary on San Diego's history and landmarks throughout the tour. Includes guide, use of equipment, and Segway orientation—no prior experience necessary.

1 HOUR Pedal Boat Rentals. Maximum capacity 3 adults and 1 kid (650lb) Our Pedal Boats are equipped with very comfortable seating and sun shade. Cruise the San Diego Bay at your own pace while enjoying the local wildlife and sightseeing. Our boat rentals a safe boating experience for families with kids in San Diego! * Well behaved dogs are welcome