USS Midway, Old Town San Diego City Tour from Los Angeles

Exploring San Diego in a Day: A Practical Review of the USS Midway & Old Town Tour from Los Angeles

If you’re considering a day trip from Los Angeles to San Diego, this guided tour offers a good mix of history, scenic views, and iconic sights. As a seasoned travel enthusiast, I’ve seen many such excursions, and this one stands out for its well-structured itinerary and the variety it packs into a single day. Of course, no tour is perfect, but this experience offers quite a lot for the price—especially if you’re interested in maritime history, old-town charm, and stunning harbor vistas.

What we really appreciate about this trip is how comprehensive it is. You’ll get a taste of San Diego’s past in Old Town, a relaxing cruise across its famed harbor, and a chance to step aboard a legendary aircraft carrier turned museum. Two other things that stick out are the professional guides and narrations, which help bring the experience to life, and the convenience of transportation and included tickets that make planning easier. On the flip side, a consideration is the long day’s schedule, which can be a little tiring, especially if you’re not used to big group tours.

This tour is a good fit for travelers who want a well-rounded overview of San Diego without the hassle of planning multiple tickets or transport. It’s also suitable if you’re interested in military history or just love scenic boat rides. If you’re traveling with a group that appreciates historical sites and engaging guides, this could be a memorable, straightforward option. Keep in mind, though, that it’s not designed for those with mobility issues, and the day moves quickly, so comfort with a packed schedule is key.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience covering Old Town, harbor cruise, and USS Midway.
• Includes tickets and transportation, simplifying your day.
• Narrated harbor cruise offers scenic views and engaging stories.
• Guides and driver are professional and knowledgeable.
• Long but fulfilling day — plan for energy, and bring snacks.
• Not suitable for wheelchairs or those needing a very relaxed pace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring San Diego: What to Expect on the Tour

This tour promises a full day of sightseeing, loaded with historical insights and picturesque moments. Starting early from Los Angeles, you’ll be whisked down the coast via comfortable transport—an efficient way to avoid the hassle of driving yourself. The schedule is tightly packed but designed to maximize your time in San Diego, with each stop offering something unique.

Old Town San Diego: Stepping into the Past

Your first stop is Old Town, which takes about 30 minutes. Here, you’ll stroll through a neighborhood filled with historic buildings, parks, and vibrant streets. This is the birthplace of California’s first European settlement, and you’ll find a tangible sense of the past in the preserved architecture and lively atmosphere.

Visit the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and Presidio Park, both of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. These areas give you a glimpse of what life was like in early California. We loved the way this stop balances history with charm, making it a good introduction to San Diego’s roots without feeling like a museum overload.

San Diego Harbor Cruise: Scenic and Educational

Next up is the scenic cruise across San Diego’s impressive harbor**, which lasts about 60 minutes. The cruise includes narrated commentary, so you’ll learn about the landmarks, ships, and natural features as you glide past. Expect breathtaking views of the skyline, naval ships, and possibly sea lions basking in the sun.

The cruise offers a relaxing break from walking and a chance to take great photos. It’s an activity that many previous travelers mention as a highlight because of the stunning vistas and engaging narration. It’s a great way to see the waterfront from a different perspective, especially if you’re a fan of maritime scenery.

The USS Midway Museum: A Must-See for History Buffs

Arguably the centerpiece of this tour is the USS Midway aircraft carrier. Decommissioned in 1992, this ship served in WWII, Vietnam, and Operation Desert Storm, making her a significant piece of American military history. The 80-minute visit to the museum includes self-guided exploration of the ship’s decks, aircraft, and crew spaces.

Visitors often note that the guided narration and exhibits make the experience engaging. You can walk through the hangar decks, see the aircraft up close, and imagine what life was like aboard the largest ship in the world for over a decade. Tammy’s review captures the sentiment well: “We had our own tour guide who went above and beyond to make our last day amazing.”

Note: The USS Midway is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, in which case the tour replaces this stop with the Hotel del Coronado, which still offers an interesting historic hotel experience.

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Balboa Park: A Cultural Oasis

The final stop in San Diego is Balboa Park, where you’ll spend about 2 hours. This sprawling urban park is full of museums, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Even if you’re just strolling through, the architecture and landscape design make this a peaceful yet lively part of the city.

In this time frame, you can visit a couple of museums, admire the lush gardens, or just soak in the vibrant atmosphere. If you’re a culture lover or enjoy outdoor spaces, Balboa Park provides a perfect wrap-up for your day.

Returning to Los Angeles: A Long but Rewarding Day

After Balboa Park, your group boards the bus back for LA, typically arriving late evening. This gives you some time to reflect on your day and share stories about the highlights. While the schedule is packed, it’s designed to give you a meaningful, well-rounded look at San Diego’s history and scenery.

How Does the Price Reflect on Value?

At $254 per person, this tour is a solid value when you consider it includes transportation, guide services, and tickets to the harbor cruise and USS Midway. The convenience of having all logistics handled, especially for a day trip, is a big plus and saves you time and potential planning headaches.

That said, the day is intense—be prepared for a long schedule, and bring essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Some travelers have praised their guides for making the experience memorable, with one review mentioning a guide who “went above and beyond,” adding a personal touch that enhances the trip.

If you’re interested in maritime history, picturesque waterfront views, or just want a quick but comprehensive taste of San Diego, the price offers fair value. However, if you’re seeking a more relaxed pace or detailed exploration, you might find the schedule a bit rushed.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is great for first-time visitors looking for an overview of San Diego’s highlights. It’s also perfect for history enthusiasts, or anyone fascinated by ships and naval history. The guided narration makes it accessible and engaging, especially if you enjoy learning in a group setting.

Travelers who prefer an active, full-day experience will find this satisfying, but those with mobility concerns or seeking a leisurely visit might find it a bit too packed. It’s worth noting it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and the timing is tight, so flexibility and stamina help.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a comprehensive, well-organized day trip that balances history, scenery, and culture, this tour hits many of the right notes. The combination of Old Town, the harbor cruise, and the USS Midway gives a well-rounded impression of San Diego’s maritime and historical identity. The knowledgeable guides and included tickets make it a convenient choice for travelers wanting an effortless day.

The experience is especially suited for those who enjoy interactive exhibits, scenic views, and a bit of story-telling. While the schedule can be long and intense, many previous travelers, like Tammy, appreciated the guide’s effort in making their day special. Plus, the chance to explore a historic aircraft carrier is not something you get every day.

If you’re willing to wake up early, pack a few essentials, and are excited about a day packed with exploration, this tour offers a memorable way to get a snapshot of San Diego in one go. It’s a practical choice that balances adventure, education, and scenic beauty—just what you need for a full, satisfying day trip.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour provides transportation from multiple pickup locations in Los Angeles, making it easy to get to San Diego without driving yourself.

Are tickets to the harbor cruise and USS Midway included?
Yes, both tickets are included in the tour price, except on Christmas when the USS Midway is closed. In that case, the stop is replaced with Hotel del Coronado.

How long is the total tour?
It’s a full day, roughly from early morning departure in LA to late evening return, with about 6 hours of sightseeing in San Diego.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly designed for kids, the USS Midway and Balboa Park can be interesting for families. However, note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the schedule is quite packed.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, snacks, and cash are recommended. It’s best to be prepared for a day outdoors and on the move.

Is lunch included?
No, meals and beverages are not included, so plan to bring or purchase something during your stops.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult, and pregnant women are only allowed if pregnant for 24 weeks or less.

In summary, this tour offers a rich glimpse into San Diego’s maritime, historic, and cultural sights with the ease of guided logistics. If you’re after a packed but manageable day that hits key highlights, it’s worth considering—just be ready for an active, information-rich adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: