Located 120 miles south of Los Angeles and just 20 miles north from Tijuana, Mexico, San Diego has a rich cultural history that begs to be explored on foot, especially with its year-round ideal weather. Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo claimed the area for Spain in 1548, when it was inhabited by several Native American tribes. Mexico would later claim this land until California was established as a U.S. state in 1850. Tours of areas such as Old Town San Diego and Balboa Park recall this history in architecture and even in spirit.
Old Town
For an out-of-the-ordinary walking tour, Old Town's Most Haunted provides a twice nightly Ghost Tour, led by a ghost hunter with 10 years of experience in the area. Utilizing paranormal investigative equipment to detect otherworldly activity, these 90-minute tours include areas like an old cemetery and the old Whaley House, where you will discover a "vortex" just outside. Also offered are one-of-a-kind ghost tours through state parks.
Gaslamp Quarter
Explore the Victorian and Edwardian buildings that were built between the Civil War and World War II during this hour-and-a-half tour that begins at Horton Plaza. This national historic area spans 16 blocks and features modern electric versions of old-fashioned gas lamps. The best time to enjoy this tour is during the day, as the restaurants and nightclubs in the area attract big crowds in the evenings. Allot some extra time for this tour to shop and dine.
The Embarcadero
The Embarcadero, or waterfront, walking tour begins at the Maritime Museum and ends at the Convention Center. See such sights as the USS Midway, the Santa Fe Depot and Seaport Village, a festive nautical-themed shopping and dining center. Also stop by the Museum of Contemporary Art. This hour-and-a-half tour tour is best enjoyed during weekday mornings, and allow some extra time to explore the area museums.
Balboa Park
The California Tower towers 200 feet above Balboa Park, and its 100-bell symphonic carillon chimes every quarter hour. This park covers 1,400 sprawling acres and is home to museums, theaters and an artist colony, in addition to zoos and sports facilities. Established in 1868, this historic park is full of the bridges and arches of early San Diego, inspired by the Spanish Colonial architecture from the early 1900s. Allow plenty of time to see the museums, or even play a game of lawn bowling.
Urban Tours
Urban Safaris offers some more eclectic options to tour San Diego by foot. Diverse, historic neighborhoods provide opportunities to discover delicious ethnic food, quaint cafes and out-of-the-ordinary shops. Area oddities are also highlighted, such as the ostrich eggs in University Heights, which was once an ostrich farm. Discover areas such as Point Loma, Cortez Hill and funky beach communities like Ocean beach, while getting some exercise and meeting new friends along the way.
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