San Diego · 1-DAY TOURS
The good 1-day tours fill up weeks out and the best go first. Below: the 9 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Use your mobile ticket for direct entry to the San Diego Zoo, then explore 100 acres of animal habitats and botanical gardens. See pandas, koalas, gorillas, tigers, and more, with the Guided Bus Tour and Skyfari Aerial Tram included. Plan for hills, crowds, and a full day.
“Wear comfy shoes as it’s a lot of walking but well worth it. Lots of food and toilet stops but food is quite expensive”
Spend one full day at the 100-acre San Diego Zoo, home to more than 4,500 rare and endangered animals. See Galápagos tortoises, polar bears, koalas, gorillas, and Africa Rocks, with admission including the guided bus tour, Express bus, Skyfari tram, and Children’s Zoo.
“There could be better signs for directions at the zoo. Also some staff at different exhibits to give information about the animals”
Cross from San Ysidro into Mexico with help from a local coordinator, then walk central Tijuana with guides such as Tadeo, Tabitha, Humberto, or Carlos. Expect Avenida Revolución, markets, food tastings, quesadillas, tequila, shopping, and a local lunch in a group of up to 12.
“Great tour guides and great stops. Definitely worth the amount. Great experience would recommend and would do it again.”
Meet near San Ysidro and cross into Tijuana with a guide and a group of no more than 12. Walk through downtown, sample Mexican candy and tequila, eat lunch, visit shops and historic sights, then return to the US border with guidance from guides such as Tadeo, Carlos, and Andres.
“There seemed to be a few hiccups in the details. We received a call about 30 minutes before from our tour guide who was supposed to arrive on the US side to escort us to Tijuana; she let us know she was in line for 2 hours and not near the US side so we had to cross the border ourselves. It wasn't difficult but because of that, it took people who were coming on the tour longer to get to the Mexico side and we ended up having to stand in the HOT sun for about 30 minutes which wasn't fun. It seems this is a common issue based…”
Spend 2 to 8 hours exploring the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park at your own pace. Your $78 ticket includes admission, animal exhibits, shows, and unlimited Africa Tram rides. Walk among kangaroos, watch giraffes and rhinos, and consider paid safari tours for closer views.
“Like any zoo visit, the animals are sometimes asleep or hiding in their burrows and or enclosures as you tour . But yesterday, I felt like I got to see most of the animals in their habitat. There is also Soo many food and beverage/ snack options throughout the entire park.”
Walk from San Ysidro into Tijuana with an English-speaking guide, explore Avenida Revolución, see murals and historic sights, enjoy a Mexican lunch with a drink, and browse local shops. Guides including Tadeo, Carlos, Tabitha, and Humberto are praised for friendly, personal tours.
“Umberto, our guide, was incredible! This was the highlight of our trip to San Diego! I can't believe how much we learned and what an amazing time we had! I also had no idea how easy it is to go in and out of Mexico! The whole experience was amazing! Now we want to go see Baja with our kids! Thank you Umberto and team for opening our eyes to a wonderful new world that we had no idea existed!”
Walk from San Ysidro into Tijuana for tacos, Mexican breakfast, lunch, dinner, sweets, markets, and drinks. Guides such as Tadeo, Victor, Marisol, Carlos, and Humberto tailor the day to your interests, but you must bring a valid passport and allow extra time to return to the United States.
“If you are looking for a fun filled day in Tijuana seeing where the locals go—look no further this is the tour for you! Tadeo was incredible- he asked our group what we wanted out of tour and he tailored it to make sure we had the experience we wanted! The food, the history, the tequila and shopping were such an awesome way to see Tijuana! This was a 10/10. Highly recommend!”
Spend about five hours exploring central Tijuana with a local guide such as Carlos, Humberto, Tadeo, or Victor. Walk across the border, visit markets and art sites, sample tacos, Mexican sweets, tequila, and beer, and learn how the city has changed.
“Had a great time. Good communication between meet-up who walked us to the border and guide who picked us up on the other side. Humberto was a wealth of knowledge about the history of the city”
Cross into Tijuana with a local English- or Spanish-speaking guide, spend about three hours walking downtown, visit museums and markets, eat a Mexican meal, and try a craft beer or another alcoholic drink. Guides such as Tadeo and Marisol have made the day feel personal and reassuring.
“The trip was very beautiful and enjoyable. Our guide, young Tabota, helped and did everything to make this exceptional. For every recommendation”
Water, streets, neighborhoods, or a run out of town.
