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Things to do in Little Italy, San Diego

Our most recommended things to do in Little Italy, San Diego

San Diego: Harbor Cruise

1. San Diego: Harbor Cruise

See San Diego's best sights. Learn about the city and enjoy a cruise on the bay. Depending on the option booked, this tour takes you under the Coronado Bridge, past military ships, waterfront landmarks, and marine life for a look at San Diego's scenic beauty and fascinating history. This tour’s luxury ships offer three levels with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, 360-degree views, and an on-board snack bar serving snacks, soda, beer, wine and cocktails (available for purchase). This is a great way to experience San Diego from the water.

San Diego: Hop-on Hop-off Narrated Trolley Tour

2. San Diego: Hop-on Hop-off Narrated Trolley Tour

Join the Hop-on Hop-Off Tour of Old Town San Diego at any of the tour's 12 boarding points and visit more than 100 interesting points in Coronado and San Diego at your own pace. You can begin at any time of the day and listen to the entertaining narration of the onboard conductors along the way. San Diego is known as America’s Finest City, and as you explore the sights of Old Town and the scenic coastline you’ll see why. Opt to begin your tour at the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where you’ll see original adobe homes and artifacts from the earliest Mexican settlements. At the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, you’ll learn about the importance of the U.S. Navy's presence in San Diego. Then continue on to nearby Seaport Village, where you can stop for refreshments and enjoy shopping and entertainment. In the historic Gaslamp Quarter, you’ll find loads of shops and other interesting places located in Victorian-themed buildings. One particular house of interest is the William Heath Davis House. Built-in saltbox style, it is similar to the original home of Davis, who founded New Town San Diego. When you’re back on the trolley you’ll be entertained once again by the conductor’s narration. Continue on to the well-known Hotel del Coronado, one of America’s leading resorts. You may choose to take a stroll through nearby Balboa Park, along El Prado, the promenade lined with Spanish-style buildings. With more stops than any other tour, this hop-on hop-off trolley ride is guaranteed to deliver. In addition to sightseeing, enjoy free shuttle service to and from select area hotels, a map and day planner, and $70 in discount coupons to use at restaurants and area attractions. Hop on or hop off at 12 convenient stops: 1) 4002 Wallace St: Old Town State Historic Park 2) 1492 N Harbor Dr: Maritime Museum of San Diego/Star of India 3) 200 Marina Park Way: San Diego Embarcadero 4) 849 W Harbor Dr: Seaport Village 5) 333 W Harbor Dr: Marriott Marquis & Marina6) Gaslamp Quarter 7) 111 W Harbor Dr: Petco Park/San Diego Convention Center 8) Barrio Logan9) 1500 Orange Ave: Hotel Del Coronado10) Coronado/Orange Avenue 11) 1549 El Prado: Balboa Park and El Prado Museums 12) Little Italy

San Diego: Patriot Jet Boat Thrill Ride

3. San Diego: Patriot Jet Boat Thrill Ride

Embark on a thrilling adventure on the San Diego bay as you zip and zoom past military ships, along the downtown skyline, and under the iconic Coronado Bridge. With rock music pumping, feel the wind and the refreshing spray of the San Diego bay as the Patriot carves 360-degree turns and reaches speeds upwards of 50 miles per hour. There's no experience like it. Enjoy gorgeous views on a 30-minute tour on an open-air jet boat. No two Patriot trips are the same, but this is not just a random joy ride through the bay. You will be taken past San Diego's most beautiful waterfront sights including: USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, North Island Naval Air Station, Coronado Bridge, Star of India and the iconic ships of the Maritime Museum, as well as the San Diego skyline. You may get wet, but ponchos are provided.

San Diego: Bay Sights & Sips Sunset Cruise

4. San Diego: Bay Sights & Sips Sunset Cruise

Come aboard the only floating happy hour in San Diego. The Sights & Sips Sunset Cruise on San Diego Bay includes complimentary appetizers, a no-host bar featuring refreshing drink specials and a perfectly timed sunset every Friday and Saturday throughout the summer. Get ready to enjoy the sights and sounds of the magnificent San Diego Bay. The bay boasts some of America's most historic warships such as the USS Ronald Reagan and the USS Midway as well as playing host to the scenic sights of the Coronado Bay Bridge and Seaport Village. Take part in a cruise experience where the celebration begins the moment you come on-board. Start with cocktails on deck, then relax as our gracious crew transports you to a world of ease and luxury. You and your guests will feel pampered, privileged, relaxed and refreshed. Quench your happy hour thirst aboard the Sights & Sips Sunset Cruise.

San Diego: Brothels, Bites and Booze Gaslamp Quarter Tour

5. San Diego: Brothels, Bites and Booze Gaslamp Quarter Tour

Join us on a tour of the Gaslamp Quarter and we’ll tell you about the infamous Stingaree District, once a center of scandal and debauchery. We’ll walk along streets that featured 120 brothels at one point, and served as one of Southern California’s major red light districts. On our Brothels, Bites, and Booze Tour you’ll hear tales from the past that are funny and some that are hard to believe! During our 2.5-hour excursion you’ll see how this area has been restored and is now home to San Diego’s main nightlife and dining destinations. The Gaslamp Quarter now features more than 100 restaurants and bars. We’ll take you to some of the best restaurants in the area so you can taste a variety of popular ethnic cuisines and some alcoholic beverages as well! Most guests find that the samples on the tour are quite filling and are at least as much food as a full meal. You might want to eat no more than a very light snack before the tour – or nothing at all!

Coronado: GPS-Guided Scooter Tour & Round-Trip Ferry

6. Coronado: GPS-Guided Scooter Tour & Round-Trip Ferry

Discover California's Crown Jewel, Coronado Island, on a memorable GPS-guided fat tire scooter tour. Set off to explore Coronado's pristine beaches, the famous Hotel del Coronado, the Ferry Landing, shops, and much more.  Start the tour in Little Italy in downtown San Diego, then board the ferry to take you over to Coronado Island. See the visually stunning Coronado Bay Bridge and the San Diego Harbor as you cross the water. Make your way through Downtown Coronado and hear all about Coronado Island’s rich history. Drive along the beaches and pass by the Naval Air Station on North Island.  As you enjoy the drive and visit all the best sites, receive restaurant recommendations, hear jokes and stories that bring the destination to life. Finally, return to your start point where this memorable and unique tour concludes.

San Diego: Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour

7. San Diego: Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour

Indulge in a delicious food and wine-tasting experience and enjoy a relaxing afternoon as you stroll through the streets of San Diego's Little Italy. Join an insightful tour and learn about wine styles and pairing tips by visiting some of the most popular restaurants in the area. Meet your guide at your first venue and dive right into your gastronomical journey. Visit three establishments to sample a variety of wines from California, Italy, and other parts of the world. Meet local wine enthusiasts who will share with you small-production wines and Italian favorites. Enjoy traditional Italian food along the way, with pairings including regional cheeses and pasta. As you walk from stop to stop, take in the many boutiques, historic buildings, and luxury high-rises of this chic San Diego neighborhood.

San Diego: Downtown & Balboa Park GPS Talking Car Tour

8. San Diego: Downtown & Balboa Park GPS Talking Car Tour

This is the essential San Diego tour. You will see almost all of the greatest sights San Diego has to offer, like the visually stunning Balboa park which is littered with Spanish Renaissance inspired architecture. Pass by over a dozen museums, colorful flower gardens, and world renowned outdoor organ pavilion all the way to the always happening Hillcrest, which has a great variety of shops and restaurants. Hillcrest is known to have some of the best food in the county. But best of all you will also get to see Downtown San Diego at its finest, from the Maritime Museum, to the Historic Gaslamp Quarter. Downtown San Diego is one of the best places in the world for its diversity, and visual appeal. Don’t miss the best places San Diego has to offer on this tour.

San Diego: Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour by Smartphone

9. San Diego: Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour by Smartphone

Enjoy a guided walking tour of the beautiful and interesting parts of San Diego. Follow clues on your smartphone and solve interesting puzzles along the way. Play with your group at your own pace as the game guides you through the city. Solve the 24 challenges on the scavenger hunt as you learn local history and walk for approximately 4 miles. Gain points for correct answers and aim for a high score on the leader board. See the happening Gaslamp Quarter, historic Little Italy, the inspiring Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, and the navy culture of the harbor waterfront. Explore the city's major attractions as well as its less-known gems. With no in-person guide to wait for, play any time that fits your schedule.

Luxury GPS Talking Tour Car: Balboa & Downtown

10. Luxury GPS Talking Tour Car: Balboa & Downtown

Experience San Diego like never before, and in the upmost style, with a 2020 talking Vanderhall car. The GoCar Exotic gets 30 mph, and goes from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. You'll be able to see some of the greatest sights San Diego has to offer from a comfortable seat, with your car telling you all about the most important sights. From the stunning Balboa park which is littered with Spanish Renaissance-inspired architecture, to over a dozen museums, colorful flower gardens, and more - you'll see it all from your storytelling car. Explore the diverse and beautiful downtown San Diego at its finest, from the Maritime Museum to the Historic Gaslamp Quarter. You'll also pass by Little Italy, the Maritime Museum, Seaport Village, Bankers Hill, San Diego Zoo, Hillcrest Neighborhood and so much more.

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What people are saying about Little Italy, San Diego

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,315 reviews

We did the 2 hour tour of the North and South Bay. The South Bay covered the US navy in port and it was really interesting to see so many ships in one place. The guide was excellent keeping his comments concise and punchy. The sound system was good. 1 bar was open serving approx 60 customers with lots of choice. I can easily recommend this trip as an essential to your visit to San Diego

There was free parking across from the trolley prick up point and that was pretty great! My mom and I enjoyed the tour very much. Our driver, Sherry, was extremely knowledgeable! The weather was perfect for December and I highly recommend that you take this tour, regardless of whether you’re a stranger to San Diego or a local.

Totally worth the experience! Had a great time. Staff was super friendly. We went on the latest ride and we got to catch the sunset. Buy your picture afterwards!

This was a great way to see San Diego as a whole when you can’t decide what to see and are on a time crunch.

The tour was interesting, the tour guides were terrific.