Embarcadero Tours
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San Diego's Embarcadero sits on the east side of San Diego Bay, and its waterfront promenades stretch along Harbor Drive—perfect for a leisurely stroll with many sightseeing opportunities and unobstructed views of Coronado Bridge. Its attractions include the Maritime Museum, USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, and Embarcadero Marina Park.
The Basics
Fans of historic maritime vessels will enjoy a visit to the Maritime Museum, the highlight of which is the Star of India, and the USS Midway Museum. Seaport Village is a must-visit for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Embarcadero Marina Park, with its public fishing pier and open-air amphitheater, lies to the south.
The Embarcadero is included in most San Diego sightseeing tours—on foot and via Segway. There’s also a popular amphibious water and land “duck” tour to consider. Set aside some time to visit the museums.
Things to Know Before You Go
- See the Embarcadero as part of a small-group or private city tour or harbor cruise.
- A must-do for families with kids and first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you’re visiting the museums.
- Bring a hat or sunglasses, as there’s little shade along the waterfront.
- Parking is plentiful throughout the area.
How to Get There
The Embarcadero is in Downtown San Diego and is easily accessible via car, bus, and San Diego Trolley. Most visitors arrive as part of a guided tour of San Diego. For easy transportation to and from the museums and attractions, hop on the Waterfront Shuttle, which stops along Harbor Drive and runs seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
When to Get There
Thanks to Southern California’s amazing year-round weather, any time is a good time to visit. The Embarcadero is busiest in summer; during this time, plan to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and avoid traffic. Other times of the year are less crowded.
San Diego’s Seaport Village
South of the Midway, Seaport Village is a waterfront shopping and dining destination with novelty shops, casual eateries, fine dining restaurants, a historic carousel, and outdoor entertainment. With walkways that connect to Downtown San Diego, plenty of parking, and convenient public transport stops, it’s a great place to begin or end your visit.
Address: East Harbor Drive, San Diego, USA
Admission: Free
9 Tours & Activities to Experience
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$32.00 USD
San Diego Seal Tour
- Take in the highlights of San Diego Bay during a 90-minute 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.
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$48.00 USD
San Diego Shore Excursion: City and La Jolla Coast Tour
- When you're in port in San Diego, see the sights of the city in a convenient way with this 4-hour shore excursion. Traveling by coach, you'll see Balboa Park, Old Town, the Embarcadero, Petco Park, and more. Stop for photo ops at select places, and visit La Jolla, the idyllic coastal suburb north of the city known for its sea caves.
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$499.00 USD
Private San Diego City and La Jolla Coast Tour
- See the sights of San Diego in a convenient way on this private 4-hour tour with a guide who shares information about the city. Traveling by private vehicle, you'll see Balboa Park, Old Town, Petco Park, and downtown, including Little Italy, the Embarcadero, and East Village. Stop for photo ops at select places, and visit La Jolla, the idyllic coastal suburb north of the city known for its sea caves. Please specify your preferred departure time when booking.
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$149.00 USD
San Diego Highlights
- Experience San Diego’s scenic highlights and historic landmarks on a full-day tour of the 'America's finest city'. Listen to the legends behind San Diego's most important sites as you skirt the bay to Coronado Island, explore the Embarcadero then follow lush roads into Balboa Park’s elegant gardens and museums. Pause to find lunch in a Gaslamp Quarter restaurant, take in La Jolla’s world-class shopping district and sweeping coastline and finish your day in the heart of downtown San Diego.
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NEW TO VIATOR
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$149.00 USD
Full Day Tour of San Diego, La Jolla & Coronado Island
- Explore San Diego on a day tour that starts and ends in the coastal town of Oceanside, which you can reach by early morning train from Los Angeles or drive yourself the 80 miles (130 km) south of LA. The tour begins by cruising down Highway 101 to San Diego, where you'll see attractions such as Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado Bay Bridge, the Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island, and the upscale town of La Jolla.
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$75.00 USD
Private Scenic San Diego Segway Tour
- Explore San Diego on a private Segway tour, providing the ability to cover more ground than a walking tour but still enjoy the fresh Southern California air. With a knowledgeable guide, cruise along the San Diego Embarcadero, and see interesting sights along the waterfront. Check out areas like Little Italy and Balboa Park, and glide through the popular Gaslamp Quarter.
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$30.00 USD
San Diego Bay Jet Boat Ride
- Zoom around the waters of San Diego Bay on a 30-minute 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.
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$90.00 USD
Private San Diego Sightseeing Tour
- Experience San Diego’s scenic highlights and hidden gems on a private, 3-hour sightseeing tour with an experienced guide. Customize the itinerary to your interests, then explore the city in the comfort of a luxurious, VW Eurovan that seats up to six people. Visit Balboa Park’s botanical garden and the historic lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument, and enjoy a beachside stroll at Ocean Beach. Take in the bustling downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter, stop by the glamorous Del Coronado Hotel then see the birthplace of California in Old Town San Diego.
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$99.00 USD
Best of San Diego Sightseeing Tour
- With year-round perfect weather, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and top-notch cultural attractions, San Diego embodies the best of Southern California. Discover its many delights on a morning tour that takes you through this city's most charming areas, from the leafy promenades and fountains of Balboa Park to the legendary Hotel del Coronado and historic urban streets of the Gaslamp Quarter. Skip the stress of driving and let a local guide show you around town, making several stops to soak up the sunny ambiance and do some California dreamin’ of your own.
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