Getaways

Old Town San Diego

Old Town is the historic heart of San Diego. Created in 1769, Old Town San Diego was California's first settlement, with only a mission and a fort.  Wander through lush gardens or browse at one of the many specialty shops for treasures from around the world. Indulge in authentic Mexican food at one of the many restaurants or dance to the strolling mariachis. Pause to reflect at the fountains at Fiesta de Reyes and in the Bazaar del Mundo and visit the dozens of historic sites. Take a tour of a haunted building and spend time at one of the many museums. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is in the center of Old Town, where you can experience life from the early Mexican-American period of 1821-1872 through rich living history programs. Watch forms come to life at the blacksmith and woodworker shops or read a newspaper from the 19th century.

Old Town Trolley Tour

With so much to see and do in San Diego, the Old Town Trolley is the best way to get around. You have a 2-day pass to explore what excites you the most.

• 2 days of free unlimited re-boarding
• Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
• Hop on hop off at 11 Old Town Trolley stops
• Free discount coupons
• Free admission to the Maritime Museum/Star of India  
• Free admission to 10 museums
• 90 minute Seal Boat Tour of San Diego Harbor

Trolley pass must be used on consecutive days.

Maritime Museum and 10 additional museums are valid for two consecutive days from date of purchase.

Seaport Village

Seaport Village is a treasure full of one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants where everyone can find a little something special. Free entertainment, a restored 1895 Looff Carousel and an unforgettable waterfront ambience make Seaport Village the perfect place to explore! Seaport Village features more than 50 specialty shops, 4 major restaurants and 13 international eateries built on 14 acres fronting San Diego Bay. Meandering footpaths lead visitors by ponds, a graceful lagoon, beautiful fountains and lush, colorful landscaping.

Maritime Museum

The world-renowned Maritime Museum of San Diego was founded in 1948 by a group of local historians and maritime experts. Visitors from around the globe come to walk the decks of the magnificent Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship. Devoted to sharing the Maritime history of the area, both permanent and temporary exhibits are offered throughout the year. The museum is also known for restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels and has what is considered to be one of the finest collections of historic ships. Admission to this museum is free with your Trolley Pass!

Balboa Park

Ever changing, always amazing, Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the U.S. and boasts 17 museums and cultural institutions with an incredible diversity of collections. From local San Diego history to the history of flight, trains, or automobiles, to the workmanship of the old masters, and the arts, crafts, culture of people near and far, the park showcases the recent, the historical and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. This is all laid out in a beautiful and lushly planted 1,200 acres. There is no shortage of things to see and do, with something for everyone.

For more in-depth information on Balboa Park, Gardens and Museums please check out the parks website.

San Diego Zoo

Enjoy time exploring this world class Zoo. Take a guided bus tour, The Kangaroo Express Bus or Skyfari Aerial Tram. Experience a Botanical Garden Tour, or enjoy animal encounters and a show or two. For more information check out their website and the interactive map.

Little Italy

Once home to San Diego's flourishing tuna fishing industry and generations of Italian families who made their living on the sea, Little Italy is now a lively neighborhood with cozy patio cafés, international restaurants, craft brew stops, urban wineries, art galleries, and sophisticated shops. The central gathering point in Little Italy is a European-style piazza known at Piazza della Famiglia. The 10,000-square-foot plaza features a dramatic tiled fountain. Enjoy an afternoon stroll across the cobblestone street while relaxing before dinner. The piazza, in the "heart" of Little Italy, is dedicated to the past, present, and future families of the Little Italy neighborhood.

USS Midway Museum

From the beginning of its service, the USS Midway played key roles in the Cold War. In 1946 it became the first American carrier to operate in the midwinter sub-Arctic, developing new flight deck procedures. The following year Midway became the only ship to launch a captured German V-2 rocket. The trial’s success became the dawn of naval missile warfare. Just two years after that, Midway sent a large patrol plane aloft to demonstrate that atomic bombs could be delivered by a carrier. On April 11, 1992 the Midway was decommissioned in San Diego and remained in storage until 2003 when it was donated to the nonprofit San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum organization. It opened as the USS Midway Museum in June 2004. Roam above and below decks of this magnificent ship and learn all about its missions and its peace keeping around the world. Many of the staff served on the ship and are only too happy to share stories with you, bringing history to life.

Cabrillo National Monument

Located at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. This event marked the first time that a European expedition had set foot on what later became the West Coast of the United States. The site was designated as California Historical Landmark #56 in 1932. As with all historical units of the National Park Service, Cabrillo was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is the highest point in the park and has been a San Diego icon since 1855. The lighthouse was closed in 1891, and a new one opened at a lower elevation, because fog and low clouds often obscured the original light at its location of 129 meters (422 feet) above sea level. The old lighthouse is now a museum, and visitors may enter it and view some of the living areas.

The area encompassed by the national monument includes various former military installations, such as coastal artillery batteries, built to protect the harbor of San Diego from enemy warships. Many of these installations can be seen while walking around the area. A former army building hosts an exhibit that tells the story of military history at Point Loma.

Flower Fields including Tractor Ride

Take yourself out of the ordinary, to the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, a fifty-acre dazzling rainbow of beautiful ranunculus flowers set on a hillside overlooking the striking Carlsbad, California coastline. For over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. Today, the fields are a direct result of over 85 years of floral cultivation that began when Luther Gage, an early settler and grower, settled in the area in the early 1920’s. Mr. Gage introduced Ranunculus seeds and began growing them in his fields.

Eagle Mining Company

Discover an exciting learning experience at the Eagle Mining Co. in Julian, California. The old-fashioned gold mine offers terrific and informative tours that guide adventurers through the world of a 1870s mining operation. Experience life just like the miners of old did, panning for gold. View the collection of preserved tools, machinery, knowledge, and history of the early Californians. You will also be shown the old milling and extraction processes and for fun they have a simulated Boothill!

Turtle Rock Ridge Vineyard & Winery

Turtle Rock holds true to the vision of Ramona Valley becoming a southern California Wine Mecca. Turtle Rock Ridge came to fruition after the devastation of the 2007 Witch Creek wildfire. While growing grapes had always been an idea of owners Laurie and Ian, now the land and space was cleared and enabled them to make their dream a reality. For years they had studied different varieties of grapes and what would thrive in the Ramona Valley. Over the next 5 years they continued to evolve their craft, creating wine that seems to please every palate. Sweeping views, relaxing atmosphere and exquisite wine entice connoisseurs to visit.

Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter began as William Heath Davis’ New Town in 1850. It has successfully transformed into a premier shopping, dining, and entertainment neighborhood. With over 200 restaurants, bars, nightclubs and lounges, boutiques, art galleries, and shops to peruse, the Gaslamp Quarter has established itself as an elite urban destination. The Gaslamp Quarter’s colorful history, combined with its modern-day, world-class boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, makes this urban district unlike any other.             

Carillo Ranch

Secluded in the heart of a magnificently landscaped 27-acre canyon, this historic park gives visitors the opportunity to explore and experience California history. In 1985, a hidden treasure was discovered. An old Spanish-style rancho, owned by the City of Carlsbad, was waiting its turn to be developed as a community park. The old rancho had been built by Hollywood actor and preservationist Leo Carrillo, and its future potential was instantly obvious. The City of Carlsbad has stabilized, preserved and restored many of the buildings. Self-guided walking tours and an introductory film give an overview to the Leo Carrillo Ranch, a historical park with irregular earthen and paved surfaces, including stairs and trails. It is recommended that visitors wear appropriate shoes for the uneven terrain.                            

La Jolla Cove

This small coastal inlet is surrounded by picturesque sandstone bluffs that shelter the popular La Jolla Cove Beach. Gulls, cormorants, sea lions, and native plants line these bluffs above the ocean, making this one of the most pretty and photographed areas in Southern California. Walk on to the beach and check out the lounging sea lions, or lay out a towel and enjoy the sun. You may prefer to experience the view of La Jolla Cove beach from the boardwalk.

The sea lions are reason alone to visit La Jolla Cove. You’ll find them huddled up together, barking at each other, lounging on the beach, and playing in the water. Getting close to the sea lions is possible but not recommended. They are wild animals and need space, so please give it to them. Bring a zoom lens and enjoy their shenanigans from the boardwalk. If you do walk on the bluffs when the sea lions are in the water or further afield, it’s wise to have an extra pair of shoes and a plastic bag with you. You’ll want to bag up your shoes if you step in one of the brown puddles that may be sea lion poop mixed with water (it happens and will stink).                                                                                                                   

Be as Busy or as Relaxed as You Choose!

Staying in a centrally located hotel for 9 nights allows freedom to do as you choose. There is so much to see and do! Do as you please, with an experienced tour guide available to help you make your decisions. The Hop on hop off trolley allows free access to the city. Want to stay at a museum for 3 hours; you can! Don’t care to go into a museum? You can do that, too. We also take you into the hills surrounding San Diego and a little north of the city to explore some beautiful spots on the California Coast.

Dining Options

A few dinners with the group are included, but San Diego is such a foody place we wanted to ensure you have the opportunity to experience it all. Your hotel location in Old Town provides multiple Mexican restaurants to choose from. Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter also offer many award winning restaurants, bars and brew houses to choose from for your gastric pleasure.

• Private coach transportation
• Our unique Connections Program
• 9 nights accommodation
• 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
• All highlights listed
• Services of a Professional Tour Director
• All taxes

Included Highlights

• Old Town San Diego
• Old Town Trolley Tour
• Seaport Village
• Maritime Museum
• Balboa Park
• San Diego Zoo
• Little Italy
• USS Midway Museum
• Cabrillo National Monument
• Flower Fields including Tractor Ride
• Eagle Mining Company
• Turtle Rock Ridge Vineyard & Winery
• Gaslamp Quarter
• Carillo Ranch
• La Jolla Cove

Land only, airfare available upon request. Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and HST does not apply.

Day 1: San Diego, CA

Arrive at the hotel, situated in Old Town, to be greeted by your Sunshine Getaways Tour Director. Year round, Old Town is the place to be for food, folklore, and fun, where you can celebrate San Diego's heritage and bask in early California ambiance. Get to know your fellow travellers at an included hotel dinner this evening.

Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Old Town San Diego

Nights: 9

Meals: D

Day 2: Explore San Diego

To get the ultimate experience in San Diego, a 2 day Hop on Hop off Trolley pass is included. Start the day with a trolley trip to The Seal, an amphibious vehicle which travels on the roads and in the water, providing a great overview of the city. Finish in Seaport Village where there are lots of shops and restaurants. The rest of the day is yours to explore, using your Trolley pass as you wish.

Meals: B

Day 3: Explore San Diego

Continue exploring with the Trolley Pass. Be sure to visit the Maritime Museum, where admission is free with your Trolley Pass. The Trolley pass also allows free admission to many of the museums in Old Town, and is good for two days after the Pass expires.

Meals: B

Day 4: Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo & Little Italy

Visit one of the most spectacular parks in the United States. As there is so much to see and do, the hardest part will be deciding what to choose. The coach will be available to take you to different areas of the 12,000-acre park. Admission to the San Diego Zoo is included. Free admission to the Veterans Museum & Timken Museum of Art are also included with your Trolley Pass.

Return to the hotel for some free time to relax by the pool or explore Old Town. This evening travel by coach to Little Italy where you can walk the wonderful streets and decide on the best spot for dinner.

Meals: B 

Day 5: USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village for Lunch, Cabrillo National Monument

Spend the morning learning all about the USS Midway, with time to tour the ship and learn about life on the high seas. For lunch, find a lovely restaurant at Seaport Village, a charming spot for waterfront dining and boutique shopping . Visit the Cabrillo National Monument, right out at the end of Point Loma Peninsula, with interesting information on the history of California and great photo opportunities.

Option for the Day: Arrangements will be made for drop off and pick up at Sea World.

Enjoy an included dinner tonight with the other guests.

Meals: B, D

Day 6: Flower Fields, Carlsbad Outlet Mall

The blooming of the giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are part of the area’s local heritage and nature’s ways of announcing spring has arrived in Southern California. At the flower fields take a self-guided tour of the property and an included wagon ride out into the fields. Enjoy a little retail therapy at the Carlsbad Outlet Mall before returning to the hotel for the evening.

Meals: B

Day 7: Eagle Mine, Turtle Rock Ridge Vineyard & Winery

California gold rush at the Eagle Mine, with a chance to pan for gold and keep all you find! From the mountains the road descends into the lush farmland of the Ramona Valley. Enjoy an included picnic lunch, with a tour and tasting at Turtle Rock Ridge winery, surrounded by magnificent scenery. This evening transportation will be offered to the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, with time to explore and find that perfect dining experience in the epicenter of San Diego’s nightlife scene.

Meals: B, L

Day 8: Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad Village

Travel up the coast to one of Southern California’s hidden gems, The Carrillo Ranch. Once part of the original 2,538 acre working rancho and vacation retreat of Leo Carrillo (who acted in almost 100 films from 1927 to 1950 and co-starred in the TV series The Cisco Kid), the historic Ranch is an extraordinary place, where visitors can explore and experience a special piece of California history. 

Experience an included lunch at the Bluewater Grill in Carlsbad Village, where the fish dishes are fabulous. Don’t worry if fish isn’t your thing; we will make sure you are taken care of.

Walk off your lunch with free time in Carlsbad village or walk the few blocks to the ocean. Paddle in the Pacific, or stroll along the beach and enjoy the California sunshine.

Meals: B, L

Day 9: La Jolla

La Jolla provides some spectacular photo stops including a visit to Soledad Natural Park. You will have time to walk along the shore or you can choose to descend to the beach below the cliffs for some great photos of the sea lions sunning on the rocks. In town, stroll along the main street and find a quaint spot for lunch.

Return to the hotel mid-afternoon, for that last bit of free time to explore or relax as you wish. 

Tonight, enjoy an included farewell dinner with new friends.

Meals: B, D

Day 10: Depart San Diego

Transportation to the airport can be arranged by your Tour Director or the front desk. Say good-bye to beautiful San Diego and travel home with warm thoughts of your adventure and the new friends you have met.

Meals: B

Hilton Garden Inn Old Town San Diego (9 nights)

The outdoor pool and easy access to the trolley make the non-smoking Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town a winning choice. The rooms of this four-story Hilton have free Wi-Fi, flat-panel HDTVs, mp3 docks, microwaves, mini-fridges and coffeemakers. Guests will find a 24-hour market available plus evening room service and an in-house restaurant. Cool down from the California sun in the heated outdoor pool, open year-round. After a workout in the fitness room, you can soothe achy muscles in the hot tub. The hotel also provides a 24-hour business center. The hotel is 5 miles from San Diego International Airport and offers a sweet San Diego setting within a five-minute walk to the Old Town Transit Center.

We recommend comfortable rubber-soled shoes for the walking tours as well as the hop on hop off trolley.

At this time of year, the weather should be beautiful during the day; however evenings can be cool and you may need a light weight jacket when visiting hilly areas due to cool ocean breezes.

Be sure to pack sunscreen, sun hat, sun glasses, your camera and a portable umbrella, just in case.

This tour starts and ends at Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town. Guests can join this tour from anywhere in the world! Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options.

On day 6 there is the option of transportation to Sea World. Tickets are at your expense.