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Free tour

San Diego Free Walking Tour: The Best of Historic Downtown and Waterfront

Duration: 2h
Languages: English
Guru: Iryna
Registered on May 21, 2024

Hello there! This is Iryna with San Diego Free Tour and we offer the most interesting free walking tour in San Diego! It's fun, engaging and full of history! We start at the historic Gaslamp Quarter and then make our way to San Diego Harbor to see USS Midway, the Star Of India, the Unconditional Surrender statue and much more! We end the tour at the Seaport Village which is full of places to eat and rest. The tour lasts for 2 hours and makes a loop so it doesn't end far from where we started! We make plenty of stops and take a bathroom break in the middle of the tour. Join us for the fun and informative tour and experience beautiful San Diego with us!

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
  • Accepts electronic payment
    This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

Explore San Diego’s rich history and vibrant culture starting in the iconic Gaslamp Quarter. Capture stunning photos, get all your curious questions answered, and enjoy fun facts about this beautiful city.

Our tour showcases San Diego’s main streets, quaint parks, and waterfront. Hear intriguing tales about the city’s founders and visit notable landmarks, including the USS Midway, The Star of India, and the Unconditional Surrender Statue. We will end the tour at Seaport Village with lots of restaurants and resting areas.

What to Expect:

Be greeted by a passionate local guide, hear fascinating stories, meet interesting people, and enjoy breathtaking views. By the end, you'll receive an insider’s list of things to do, tips for top attractions, and recommendations for hidden gems.

Logistics:

The tour starts at the Gaslamp Quarter Arch and ends at Seaport Village, covering about a mile and a half in two hours. The terrain is flat and easy to traverse, ensuring a casual pace for everyone.

Finding parking in downtown San Diego, especially near the iconic Gaslamp Quarter Arch, can be challenging.

We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes early – allowing some time to find parking, and then walk to the starting point. 

However, with a few insider tips, you can easily navigate the area and secure a parking spot close to your destination. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best options for parking near the Gaslamp Quarter Arch, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

If you’re short on time, just follow these four simple steps to find parking near the starting point of our tour at the Gaslamp Quarter Arch in San Diego:

Option 1: 

Parking at Seaport Village parking lot - $5 for the 3 hrs with purchase ( coffee, etc) and $3 for the next 30 min- the tour ends at Seaport Village and so this option is one of the best! 
You will need to walk for about 10 min from the parking lot to the starting point for the beginning of the tour
 
Option 2:

Street parking is available for up to 9 hours on Kettner Blvd between G and E streets. As well as on G Street between Kettner and Union Streets. 

Cost $75 cents per hour

Option 3: 

Any other street parking is available as well, but it's usually up to 2 hours and you will need to refill and add more $ for every 2 hours. 

Option 4: 

ABM parking lots are available all over the city and the cost is around $15-$20 for the day.


 

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    222 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
    222 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
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    We meet at 222 Fifth Ave, next to the Gaslamp Quarter Arch. I will be holding a Free Tour sign.

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Gaslamp Quarter - The Historic Heart Of San Diego

    We meet at the Gaslamp Quarter Arch and start exploring one of the oldest parts of San Diego

  • 2
    Outside visit
    Horton Plaza
  • 3
    Outside visit
    Star of India
  • 4
    Outside visit
    USS Midway
  • 5
    Outside visit
    Unconditional Surrender
  • 6
    Outside visit
    Seaport Village

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

4.79
Good
(33 ratings)
By category
Professionalism
4.94
Entertainment
4.71
Expression
4.94
Information
4.81
Route
4.72
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
There is no minimum number of people required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or credit card payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
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  • Cancellation risk
    This guru has cancelled 6% of the last 100 bookings for this tour.
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  • Cancellation risk
    This guru has cancelled 6% of the last 100 bookings for this tour.
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