San Diego is known for its beaches, sunshine, and theme parks, but if you know where to look, there are also some fantastic sightseeing tours for families. From whale watching and sea cave kayaking to harbor cruises, pirate ships, and ghost walks, these experiences turn sightseeing into a real adventure—not just something kids tolerate.

Because San Diego is spread out, relatively modern, and easy to explore on your own, guided tours aren’t as common here as in older, more centralized cities. That makes this list all the more valuable. These are the tours I consistently recommend to my clients as a San Diego-based travel advisor, each one kid-approved for its fun factor, family-friendliness, and how well it showcases nature or the city.

Ocean Wildlife & Adventure Tours for Families

1. Whale Watching Tours

Whale watching cruises are among the most popular San Diego family tours booked by our clients. There are two peak whale seasons: gray whales migrate past the coast from December through April, while blue whales—the largest animals on Earth—appear from mid-June through September.

These guided tours offer a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur, often led by expert naturalists who keep kids engaged with fun facts and marine science along the way. I have a full guide to whale watching in San Diego.

• Best for: All ages
• Book with: The most popular gray whale choice among our clients is a family-run, local business called Flagship. For a more premium and serene experience, book a trip on the magnificent 141-foot sailing yacht America with Next Level Sailing who also offers blue whale tours.
• Katie’s tip: To see blue whales, you need to venture further out into the ocean and sightings are less frequent. I recommend gray whale season.

2. Snorkeling with Leopard Sharks

If you’re looking for a fun family adventure, try snorkeling with the harmless leopard sharks in La Jolla. Every summer (from about late June to September), thousands of these gentle sharks gather in the shallow, warm waters of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve.

This is one of my favorite summer activities in La Jolla. The sharks are bottom feeders, and they don’t bite. I will say they look bigger from above the water than they are.

• Best for: All ages. Tours are usually ages 5+.
• Book with: Everyday California for a snorkeling with leopard sharks tour.
• Katie’s tip: You don’t need to join a tour, but you’ll learn more if you do. Wade into the water near the Marine Room, and they’ll be swimming right around your legs.

3. La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour

This is a tour that people frequently tell me is an unexpected trip highlight. You’ll paddle out from La Jolla Shores Beach, where the waves break small enough for easy launches, though you will get wet. Then you’ll paddle out to the famous Seven Caves across the stunning La Jolla Ecological Reserve, a protected marine park teeming with life.

Guides will lead you past sunbathing sea lions and through dense kelp forests. Weather permitting, you’ll even get to paddle inside the impressive Clam’s Cave—an experience only permitted on guided tours. I’ve done it.

• Best for: Ages 5+ (in a tandem kayak with an adult) or 15+ for a single kayak
• Book with: Everyday California (discount above).
• Katie’s tip: This is really fantastic exercise (my shoulders get super sore). Wear appropriate sun gear that can get wet. People like to ask if you’ll tip over. I’m sure it happens, but I’ve never seen anyone do it!

4. Tide Pooling Eco-Tour

Here’s an activity that doesn’t require a tour, but you get so much more out of the experience if you go on one. We participated in a Birch Aquarium tide pooling tour, and even with decades of personal visits to these tide pools, there’s nothing like going with a naturalist who seems to find all the creatures!

It’s also a hands-on science lesson for kids, where they learn about conservation, the different tidal zones, and how to interact with sea life respectfully. You’ll likely see sea anemones, sea cucumbers, crabs, lots of barnacles, and small fish. Sometimes people get lucky and see an octopus or sea star. We go tide pooling a lot so I have a guide to tide pools across San Diego and also tide pools in La Jolla.

• Best for: Ages 6+
• Book with: Birch Aquarium or Ocean Connectors, a local non-profit where your ticket proceeds directly support environmental education programs for youth.
• Katie’s tip: The rocks can be slippery and sharp, so wear shoes with a good grip. Don’t go barefoot, and don’t step on the green grass! It’s slippery, and you don’t know what’s underneath it.

Bay Cruises & Relaxing Boat Rides

5. San Diego SEAL Tours

Can’t decide between a land or sea tour? Do both! This unique adventure takes place on an amphibious “bus boat” that first drives past scenic downtown spots before splashing directly into San Diego Bay for a harbor cruise.

The narrators are known for being funny and engaging, making this one of the most popular sightseeing tours for kids in San Diego. It departs from the Embarcadero or Seaport Village.

• Best for: All ages
• Book with: Our ticket site (use promo code SAVEMORE for $9 off) or Trusted Tours (SEAL Tours’ parent company)
• Katie’s tip: It’s a 100-minute experience, and you’ll be seated in an open-air vehicle. Bring snacks and sunscreen. I like it because it’s easy to chill and enjoy the ride.

6. Set Sail on a Maritime Adventure

Located along the Embarcadero, the Maritime Museum of San Diego offers a variety of family-friendly tours that bring maritime history to life. Many of these experiences take place aboard real historic ships, making them especially memorable for kids.

Two standout options include: “Boarded! A New Pirate Adventure” – A fun and interactive 90-minute show where kids become pirate crew members, complete with sword training, navigation practice, and lively antics. Best for ages 4+; includes simulated cannon fire. And then there’s Tall Ship Sailing Adventure – A four-hour voyage on the Californian, California’s official tall ship, where older kids and teens can help sail the ship and learn traditional seamanship. Best for adventurous older kids and teens.

7. Coronado Cays Gondola Ride

Cruise the peaceful canals of the Coronado Cays on an authentic Venetian-style gondola. These private, hour-long rides are perfect for families looking to unwind and take in the scenery—especially during golden hour or after sunset when the water sparkles and the lights reflect off the homes. It’s a unique way to experience San Diego from the water without waves or crowds.

• Best for: All ages
• Book with: The Gondola Company
• Katie’s tip: You can bring your own snacks or nonalcoholic drinks on board, and the gondolier provides cozy blankets if it gets chilly. Sunset slots fill up fast, so book early if you’re visiting during peak season.

8. Narrated Harbor Cruise

For a classic and relaxing sightseeing experience, a narrated harbor cruise is a perfect choice. These comfortable, multi-level boats offer 360-degree views of San Diego Bay’s most iconic landmarks—like the USS  Midway, Coronado Bridge, and active naval fleet.

These companies have Easter, sunset, dining, and other themed cruises to choose from.

• Best for: All ages
• Book with: Flagship Cruises or City Cruises.
• Katie’s tip: This low-stress tour is especially suitable for babies and toddlers as it can be as short as one hour on Flagship with (usually) ample open spaces.

9. Sea Monkey Adventures Family Sailing

Enjoy a private and personalized sailing tour designed specifically for families. These tours on a 25-foot sailboat are perfect for creating memories without the loud music or party atmosphere of larger cruises. You can choose from morning, day, sunset, or even whale-watching sails. Highly recommend.

10. Bahia Belle Mission Bay Cruise

Explore the calmer waters of Mission Bay on a stunning, three-story Mississippi-style sternwheeler. This family-friendly cruise is less about narration and more about fun, featuring live music and a variety of interactive games, including Giant Jenga, cornhole, and Connect Four.

• Best for: All ages (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
• Book with: Bahia Resort Hotel—it departs from both the Bahia and Catamaran hotels.

High-Speed & Private Boat Thrills

11. Speed Boat Adventures

Captain your own 13-foot mini speedboat! They are easy to drive and allow your family to explore San Diego Bay while enjoying the downtown sights. A guide leads the way in a separate boat, providing narration about our city through a two-way communication system.

12. Patriot Jet Boat Thrill Ride

If your teens and tweens are looking for an adrenaline rush, this is the tour for them. The Patriot is a speedboat that blasts across San Diego Bay, executing 360-degree spins and sharp turns, all set to a high-energy rock music soundtrack. It’s less of a tour and more of a water-based thrill ride.

• Best for: Teens and thrill-seeking kids (must meet 48″ height requirement, and kids must ride with an adult)
• Book with: Flagship Cruises & Events.

Explore San Diego by Kid-Friendly Trolley, Bike & GoCar

13. Old Town Trolley Tour

A fantastic way to see the city without a car, these orange and green open-air trolleys let you hop on and off at San Diego’s most popular neighborhoods, including Old Town, Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Coronado. It’s a relaxing and flexible way to cover a lot of ground with entertaining narration from the drivers.

14. Electric Bike Tour

Give teens a sense of freedom on an electric bike tour. The pedal assist makes navigating San Diego’s hills a breeze, allowing you to stay focused on fun and exploration. These tours are really highly rated in La Jolla, especially Cali Dreamin, which stays on flat ground from La Jolla Cove area to Pacific Beach and back.

15. GoCar GPS-Guided Storytelling Tour

Explore the city in a quirky, three-wheeled “storytelling car.” The GPS-guided tour provides directions and shares fun facts and jokes as you drive, turning sightseeing into a real-life video game. It’s a perfect parent-teen activity, as the driver must be 21+, while passengers can be as young as 7.

• Best for: Ages 7+ (with an adult driver)
• Book with: GoCar Tours.
• Katie’s tips: It’s bumpy but much more fun than I thought it would be.

16. Fat Woody Electric Beach Cruiser Experience

This isn’t your average bike rental. Cruise the scenic paths of Coronado Island on a custom-built, retro-style electric “woody” beach cruiser, complete with a built-in sound system for beach tunes. It’s a stylish and effortlessly cool way for teens and parents to see the island.

• Best for: Ages 13+ (with a parent)
• Book with: Viator

Walking & Foodie Adventures

17. Underground Donut Tour

A tour dedicated to donuts is a guaranteed win for the whole family. This two-hour walking tour takes you to four of the best donut shops in downtown San Diego and Little Italy. It’s a sweet and delicious way to explore the city on foot.

18. Torrey Pines Guided Nature Walk

Take in sweeping ocean views and rare native flora on a ranger-led or docent-guided walk through Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. These family-friendly hikes explore coastal trails while teaching kids about the endangered Torrey pine tree, local wildlife, and the area’s dramatic geology. It’s a relaxing way to get outdoors and experience San Diego’s natural beauty beyond the beach.

• Best for: Ages 6+ (trail options vary in difficulty)
• Book with: No reservation required, but it is usually only on weekends. Check the schedule.
• Katie’s tip: I’m a chill hiker typically, but I like Guy Fleming Trail. It’s the easiest loop with the best views.

19. San Diego Ghost Tours: Day or Night Experience

If your family enjoys local legends and a little bit of mystery, San Diego Ghost Tours offers two kid-friendly ways to explore the city’s haunted history—one by day and one by night.

The Gaslamp District Experience is a daytime walking tour through San Diego’s original red-light district. It’s filled with colorful stories about historic saloons, legendary gamblers, and frontier-era scandals—entertaining without being scary, and a fun way to explore downtown with older kids.

The San Diego Ghost Tour, held nightly at 8 p.m., adds a spooky twist to the city’s history. Starting near the historic Balboa Theatre, this after-dark experience shares ghost stories and strange happenings at some of San Diego’s most haunted spots. It’s atmospheric without being too over-the-top, making it a great pick for tweens and teens.

• Best for: Ages 8+ (Gaslamp), 10+ (Ghost Tour)
• Book with: San Diego Ghosts—LJMOM for 10% off

Only-in-San-Diego Experience Worth Booking

20. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Train Ride

You can ride on a vintage train through San Diego’s beautiful and rugged backcountry. The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo offers excursions on historic locomotives and cars from the early 20th century. It’s a unique opportunity for kids who are train enthusiasts to experience history in motion on a real heritage railroad.

• Best for: All ages, especially train enthusiasts
• Book with: Pacific Southwest Railway Museum.
• Katie’s tip: During the holiday season, try booking the North Pole Limited Christmas Train with Santa, cookies, and plenty of holiday cheer!