Journey with Julie and enjoy the most from your visit – whether it is your first visit or your fifteenth! I will design a customized tour to suit your interests—whether an in-depth tour in one specific area, or multiple stops all over San Diego County.
I can guide you through the must-see sightseeing spots or...
I can show you San Diego’s “hidden gems" that most tours overlook… or we can do a little of both!
Explore San Diego with Private Tour Guide Julie
....a personal and private journey through America’s Finest City
“She worked with me to customize my trip to perfection! Never boring, she is so fun and I’ve never had a more knowledgeable tour guide!! (And I have hired lots of guides.)”
— E. Corzilious ~ Florida, USA
What are you interested in?
Incredible architecture? Nightlife? Shopping?
Downtown’s thriving Gaslamp Quarter has it all —countless boutiques, galleries, and shops plus its 150 restaurants/bars/nightclubs are just part of the vibrancy in this Historic Landmark District which includes 94 buildings on the National Historic Register. As we tour, I will entertain you with stories of its colorful past, and show you the most relevant and stunning architecture.
Beautiful beaches? Surfer culture? Coastal wildlife?
San Diego has 70 miles of picturesque coastline which includes 33 beaches. Plus, one of the country’s Top 10 beaches is just outside our city limits — I can take you there via one of the most scenic bridges in the country. We can visit some of the most spectacular spots to view seashore animal wildlife where wild seals and sea lions bask in the sun and where you can check out tidepools teaming with little critters. Or if you want to experience prime Southern California Beach culture, I can show you a bustling three-mile boardwalk filled with skateboarders, runners, inline skaters, bikers, and sun worshippers. And I can bring you to places where you can watch surfers, ride a thrilling vintage roller coaster, or play miniature golf on a fun beachfront tiki-themed course.
Urban Culture?
1200-acre lush Balboa Park is the country’s largest Urban Cultural Park with its 17 museums, 19 gardens, award winning performance spaces, and famous Zoo. Oh, and did I mention jaw-dropping Mediterranean architecture? I’ll walk you through the highlights of this world-renowned and astonishing backdrop, explain its unique origin, and point out all the photo ops — architectural and floral treasures. And there are plenty of additional cultural, ethnic, and funky sites around the city and county we can explore as well.
San Diego Cuisine and Libations?
Because I am such a “Foodie” myself, I know where to find the tastiest food, scenic and unique eateries, and hidden local culinary gems most visitors will never discover. Whether you want to try a fish taco (a local specialty which was ‘invented’ here), or the best Mexican food this side of the border, or the freshest locally caught seafood, I can direct you to the standouts in our emerging food scene and our abundance of microbreweries and wineries. California’s first grapes were planted right here in 1769 when the Franciscan Friars needed them for church services. Today, San Diego is a hot spot for wine, food, and beer. Year after year we are named in the nation’s Top 5 for microbreweries (last count 100+ breweries); and I can also guide you through our county’s 50+ wineries, some of them have conveniently located tasting rooms right in the city.
History and Lifestyle?
No matter which tour locations you visit, I will take you on a journey where you will experience and more thoroughly understand how San Diego came to be the world-class modern city that it is. We’ll travel through the rich history of San Diego from its discovery by Spanish conquistadores, to the lively and festive Mexican period, to the days when it was the Wild Wild West’s new American frontier. And, of course, I’ll educate you about its present-day standing as the 8th largest city in the US and what makes it the epitome of Southern California lifestyle. Learn why we are “America’s Finest City” and watch out… many who come to visit end up moving here!
Offbeat and Out of the Ordinary?
In addition to the above ideas, I can sprinkle in some “special sauce” by including some offbeat, less travelled, or secret San Diego attractions into your tour:
Hike in “urban nature”’ through a gorgeous hidden canyon where stately homes perch above on ridges. Cross under and over unique footbridges including the historic “Wiggly bridge.”
Relax in a lush meditation garden high on a bluff overlooking the serene Pacific Ocean.
Observe a one-of-a-kind veteran’s memorial which has a 360 degree view of San Diego County.
Soak up and contemplate the architectural wonder at one of the American Institute of Architecture’s “31 Buildings That Changed Modern Life.”
Venture through the largest city park in the U.S.; a majestic mountain-filled nature playground.
Get your art fix with one or several of these ‘ArtVentures’:
Visit a park founded on ethnic heritage which is an art masterpiece listed on The National Register of Historic Places.
Stroll through a vast outdoor public art collection containing 18 pieces specifically designed for the landscape and surroundings.
Feel like a rockstar when I bring you to a private art collection which features the world's largest published book, original and rare Jersey Boys memorabilia, a limited edition Elton John piano, and gorgeous California plein air art.
Wander through a 12-acre whimsical outdoor mosaic project created by a world-renowned artist; revel in its mazes, monsters, and magic.
Experience one of the Nation ‘s most innovative interactive youth art programs – the first legal graffiti art park in the country.
Explore the only land-accessible sea cave on the West Coast
Stand on top of a captivating peninsula and take in the origin of San Diego’s discovery as well as an attractive and celebrated historic lighthouse (one of the initial eight on the U.S. West Coast).
Travel back in time and learn about San Diego’s religious roots at the oldest of California's 21 Spanish Missions.
Let me lead you on a bicycle tour through the photogenic Embarcadero Waterfront with my narration of such San Diego icons as the world’s oldest merchant sailing ship, a juxtaposed floating military museum, remnants of what was once the world's largest tuna fleet, a nautical themed boutique shopping and dining area which includes a nostalgic carousel; and a scenic promenade which pays tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.’s memory and his dream. We can also continue this riding tour via ferry and cycle around charming Coronado where I will show you the highlights of this celebrated “Main Street USA” award-winning city, including the famous and alluring Hotel Del Coronado and a camera-ready view of our skyline.
Indulge in San Diego after dark— ideas include cool views, a sunset boat cruise, hidden spots for top-notch live music, and fireworks with a city backdrop.
All Photos by Julie Kremen
Prices are customized and start at $150 for a two hour walking tour or more for a driving tour.
Please contact me at: SDPrivateTours(at)gmail(dot)com
or call or text me at 858.692.8402 to arrange your memorable visit. I'll reply to you within 24 hours.
Book now and see why I have a five star rating on TripAdvisor!
Half Day & Full Day Tours
Shore Excursions
Individuals and Small Groups
Families Welcome
Walking-Driving-Hiking-Cycling Tour Options
Evening Tours
Out-of-Town/Day-trip Options
Pickup/Drop Off Services (Airport/Cruise Ship/Hotel)
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