LA to San Diego Day Tour: USS Midway, Harbor Cruise and Old Town





Description
Explore the highlights of San Diego on this full-day trip from Los Angeles. Visit the USS Midway Museum, where you can dive into naval history, and enjoy a scenic Harbor Cruise that showcases military vessels and the stunning skyline. Stroll through Balboa Park with its beautiful gardens and museums, and take in the charm of Old Town San Diego, rich with history and culture. This group tour includes convenient pick-up points in LA, a professional guide, and admission to key attractions, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable adventure. - Full-day guided tour from Los Angeles to San Diego (8-10 hours) - Admission included for USS Midway Museum and Harbor Cruise - Visit Balboa Park and Old Town San Diego with ample time to explore - Comfortable transportation with a maximum of 55 travelers for an intimate experience
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Total 6 boarding locations 07:00Departure Pico House Los Angeles;424 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012; 07:30Departure Lincoln Hotel Monterey Park Los Angeles - Hotel main entrance;123 S Lincoln Ave, Monterey Park,CA 91755; 07:45Departure Sheraton San Gabriel;303 E Valley Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776; Pick-up and drop-off services at this location are only available for guests who have reservations in the hotel. Please provide the hotel confirmation number. 08:00Departure Hartford Hotel, BW Signature Collection Rosemead;8832 Glendon Way, Rosemead, CA 91770; 08:30Departure Top Island;1463 Nogales St, Rowland Heights, CA 91748; 09:15Departure 99 Ranch Market; Orange Tree Square Shopping Center;5402 Walnut Ave, Irvine, CA 92604; Pickup time may differ from voucher start time. Confirm with the tour operator after booking. Check “Meeting & Pick-up” for details. Arrive 5–10 mins early. Please allow a 5–10 minute window before and after your pick-up time, as the guide may arrive slightly early or late due to multiple stops.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
- Tickets & Admission: Third-party attraction tickets or city passes are not accepted.
- 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.
- 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
- For multiple bookings, please provide all confirmation numbers after booking to ensure you travel on the same bus.
- Please verify your name and contact details; errors may incur additional costs.
- 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.
- Travelers under 18 must be with an adult. Pregnant travelers allowed if under 24 weeks.
- 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.
- 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.
Reviews(2)
I had a wonderful time in one day! Itinerary was easy to follow and perfectly paced for all ages. Our guide was kind, patient, and made everyone feel taken care of. It is not kind of the rushed tour, and there was plenty to enjoy at each stop.
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
I had a great experience on the Los Angeles to San Diego day tour! The itinerary was well-planned with the perfect amount of time at each stop, and everything ran very smoothly. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and truly made the trip enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting LA!
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!



