California
Signature City San Diego
Program No. 16955RJ
Walk Torrey Pines State Reserve, explore the San Diego Zoo, savor the cuisine of Little Italy and sail San Diego’s harbor as you explore the best this seaside city has to offer.
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6 days
5 nights
10 meals
5B 2L 3D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation
San Diego
4
USS Midway, San Diego Zoo
San Diego
6
Program Concludes
San Diego
At a Glance
From the world-renowned San Diego Zoo to sparkling beaches, bustling boardwalks and a picturesque harbor, San Diego is a city where life is lived outdoors. Experience the best of this sun-kissed California jewel, as you sample San Diego’s rich Genoese and Sicilian culture on an exclusive expert-led walk through Little Italy, marvel at the architectural masterpieces and manicured landscapes of Balboa Park and discover one of the wildest stretches of land on the Southern California coast — Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 2-3 miles each day, stairs, some hills, standing indoors and outside for up to 1-2 hours at a time, getting on and off a motor coach without assistance.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore San Diego’s harbor on a study cruise and learn about the city’s fascinating maritime heritage and how it came to be home to the largest Navy and Marine Corps complex in the U.S.
- See San Diego’s natural side with a walk at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and a visit to Cabrillo National Monument.
- Experience the historic Hotel del Coronado and explore Balboa Park with a local.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Anthony Davi
Anthony Davi is a New Yorker of Sicilian descent who has lived in San Diego for several decades. In 1997, he formed Little Italy Tours to share his love of his ancestor’s for visitors to experience Italy in San Diego. As a documentary producer, Davi created a mini-documentary for the San Diego Symphony about the music of Italy and stories of Little Italy. Davi speaks a bit of the old Sicilian dialect and his passion for all things Italian resonates throughout his programs.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Anthony Davi
View biography
Anthony Davi is a New Yorker of Sicilian descent who has lived in San Diego for several decades. In 1997, he formed Little Italy Tours to share his love of his ancestor’s for visitors to experience Italy in San Diego. As a documentary producer, Davi created a mini-documentary for the San Diego Symphony about the music of Italy and stories of Little Italy. Davi speaks a bit of the old Sicilian dialect and his passion for all things Italian resonates throughout his programs.
Jennifer Hudson
View biography
Jennifer Hudson is a native San Diegan working as a local expert here since 2002, after working for the National Park Service in Massachusetts, and managing motorcoach trips in Ireland and the western U.S. She owns a walking travel company that crafts small group experiences in four San Diego neighborhoods. She has a bachelor’s in history and a master’s in hospitality and tourism management. She loves to travel and has visited three continents, and walked 185 miles of the Camino de Santiago.
Roger Nys
View biography
Roger Nys is a native New Englander who has lived in cities across the country including Boston, Washington, Detroit, and San Francisco. His career included administrative posts in government, universities, and biomedical research. His first group leading experience began in San Francisco where he led through Golden Gate Park. Relocated to Southern California, he volunteers at Balboa Park, providing walking expeditions on history and architecture. Outside of Road Scholar, he leads city bus trips for cruise ship visitors.
Joe Kane
View biography
Joe Kane is an artist living in Coronado, California. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 2020 after nearly 27 years as a photojournalist and mass communication specialist. Joe is a painter, teacher, and musician who is most well known for his painted rocks, which have been spotted in most U.S. states as he leaves them for others to find. Joe’s inspiration comes from observing colors and patterns in nature, and from the artistic techniques found in stained glass, mosaics, and primitive art traditions.
Suggested Reading List
(14 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Signature City San Diego
Program Number: 16955
San Diego's Navy: An Illustrated History
The generously illustrated book tells the intriguing story of how a reluctant Navy department slowly realized San Diego's attributes and then took bold action to consolidate its position. This discerning history provides a sweeping and long overdue view of the city and base that has influenced the lives of countless thousands of American Navy men and women and their families.
San Diego Then and Now
Charting San Diego’s growth from a small village to a gorgeous beach city, this heavily illustrated regional portrait pairs 100 archival photographs with full-color shots of the same scene today.
San Diego Legends: Events, People and Places that Made History
As the title suggests, this is a compendium of the history makers of San Diego and the places and events that have contributed greatly to making San Diego what it is today. This book gives a nice nice background of the city for curious visitors.
I Cover the Waterfront: Stories from the San Diego Shore
Special reporter for the San Diego Sun Max Miller set down his impressions of the San Diego waterfront -- from the departure of the Sardine Fleet to the hunt for elephant seals for the zoo to the sailing of the California fruit liners -- capturing the romantic spirit of the harbor and deep-sea life.
National Audubon Society Field Guide to California
A compact, easy-to-use guide to 1,000 California trees, wildflowers, mammals, insects, birds and other flora and fauna.
California: A History (Modern Library Chronicles)
Arguing that America’s most populous state has always been blessed with both spectacular natural beauty and astonishing human diversity, Starr unfolds a rapid-fire epic of discovery, innovation, catastrophe, and triumph.
For generations, California’s native peoples basked in the abundance of a climate and topography eminently suited to human habitation. By the time the Spanish arrived in the early sixteenth century, there were scores of autonomous tribes were thriving in the region. Though conquest was rapid, nearly two centuries passed before Spain exerted control over upper California through the chain of missions that stand to this day.
The discovery of gold in January 1848 changed everything. With population increasing exponentially as get-rich-quick dreamers converged from all over the world, California reinvented itself overnight. Starr deftly traces the successive waves of innovation and calamity that have broken over the state since then–the incredible wealth of the Big Four railroad tycoons and the devastating San Francisco earthquake of 1906; the emergence of Hollywood as the world’s entertainment capital and of Silicon Valley as the center of high-tech research and development; the heroic irrigation and transportation projects that have altered the face of the region; the role of labor, both organized and migrant, in key industries from agriculture to aerospace.
San Diego Milestones - A Coming of Age Celebration
This book features a selection of 100 significant turning points in the history of San Diego, in honor of the 100th anniversary of San Diego's Panama-California Expositions.
San Diego: An Introduction to the Region
This accessible, comprehensive history covers the geology, agriculture and natural features as well as the social and urban development of San Diego and surrounding areas. Includes maps and illustrations.
The Romance of Balboa Park
The history of Balboa Park is a story of people, both male and female, who cared about San Diego's aesthetics and development. It is particularly a story of how their leadership and, frequently, their substantial financial contributions helped to create one of the best parks in the country.
San Diego - Another HarborTown History
This 112-page book offers a clear, concise, and comprehensive look into the history of San Diego. From the the site of California's first mission, to the impact of entrepreneurs and beauty of the harbor, to the iconic Hotel del Coronado, and to San Diego's role as a military center, and much more. Enjoy the story of this historically fascinating city.
Moon San Diego
A practical guide in the Moon series, packed not only with travel necessities (hotels, restaurants, sights), but also with a good overview of history and destinations throughout San Diego.
Empire Builder: John D. Spreckels and the Making of San Diego
John D. Spreckels transformed San Diego from a bankrupt village to a flourishing city. He built empires in sugar, shipping, transportation, gas and electricity, real estate, newspapers, banks, breweries, and building development up and down the coast of California and across the Pacific. He acquired control of Coronado Beach Company, the Hotel Del Coronado and Coronado Tent City. He purchased the San Diego street railway system converting it from horse power to electricity, the newspapers: San Francisco Call, San Diego Union and the Tribune. He owned all of North Island, the San Diego-Coronado Ferry System, Union-Tribune Publishing Co., San Diego Electric Railway, San Diego & Arizona Railway, and Belmont Park in Mission Beach. Deep dive into the history and impact that John D. Spreckles had on creating the thriving city of San Diego.
A Natural History of California
Abundantly illustrated, this natural history takes California apart, region by region, telling about its variety of landforms, habitats and wildlife. This updated second edition features new species, park details, information on the impacts of a changing climate on the state and new stories about people's interactions with the wild.
West with Giraffes
At 105 years old, Woodrow Wilson Nickel feels his life is passing him by. However, he finds himself thinking back on the life-changing encounter he will never be able to forget when he finds out that giraffes are becoming extinct. The meaning of being transformed by the grace of animals, the generosity of strangers, the passage of time, and a tale told before it's too late is explored in West with Giraffes. It is part adventure, part historical saga, and part coming-of-age love story.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
San Diego
Program Concludes
San Diego
Meals
10
| 5B |
2L |
3D |
Activity Level
From the world-renowned San Diego Zoo to sparkling beaches, bustling boardwalks and a picturesque harbor, San Diego is a city where life is lived outdoors. Experience the best of this sun-kissed California jewel, as you sample San Diego’s rich Genoese and Sicilian culture on an exclusive expert-led walk through Little Italy, marvel at the architectural masterpieces and manicured landscapes of Balboa Park and discover one of the wildest stretches of land on the Southern California coast — Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Explore San Diego’s harbor on a study cruise and learn about the city’s fascinating maritime heritage and how it came to be home to the largest Navy and Marine Corps complex in the U.S.
- See San Diego’s natural side with a walk at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and a visit to Cabrillo National Monument.
- Experience the historic Hotel del Coronado and explore Balboa Park with a local.
Featured Expert
Anthony Davi
Anthony Davi is a New Yorker of Sicilian descent who has lived in San Diego for several decades. In 1997, he formed Little Italy Tours to share his love of his ancestor’s for visitors to experience Italy in San Diego. As a documentary producer, Davi created a mini-documentary for the San Diego Symphony about the music of Italy and stories of Little Italy. Davi speaks a bit of the old Sicilian dialect and his passion for all things Italian resonates throughout his programs.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson is a native San Diegan working as a local expert here since 2002, after working for the National Park Service in Massachusetts, and managing motorcoach trips in Ireland and the western U.S. She owns a walking travel company that crafts small group experiences in four San Diego neighborhoods. She has a bachelor’s in history and a master’s in hospitality and tourism management. She loves to travel and has visited three continents, and walked 185 miles of the Camino de Santiago.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 2-3 miles each day, stairs, some hills, standing indoors and outside for up to 1-2 hours at a time, getting on and off a motor coach without assistance.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(14 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
10 meals | 5B | 2L | 3D |
3 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation
Location:
San Diego
Meals:
D
Stay:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00-5:15 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation. In our private meeting room at the hotel, the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll get to know our fellow Road Scholars in a session we call Crossing Points and discover what we share beyond a love of lifelong learning. Then settle in and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
History Lecture, Harbor Cruise, Little Italy Walk
Location:
San Diego
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
Activity Note
Walking less than .5 mile to the USS Midway. Climbing stairs and ladders aboard USS Midway. Getting on/off a 150-foot vessel with stairs accessing 3 decks; riding approximately 1 hour. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 3 miles, approximately 20 minutes riding time. Walking about 1 mile, approximately 2 hours; paved sidewalks, dirt paths, periodic stops for commentary, and opportunities to sit.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined at the hotel by a local expert for an overview of San Diego history. We’ll learn about the evolution of the area from a native Kumeyaay village to a Spanish settlement, including the Mexican and American periods. We’ll then walk across the street and board our boat at San Diego Bay for our 1-hour narrated study cruise. Find a seat of your choice, indoors or out, and enjoy the view of the San Diego skyline as we cover 13 miles on the Bay. We’ll pass landmarks such as the Harbor and Shelter Islands, the Cabrillo National Monument, and the Star of India. As we go, we’ll learn about bait barges and keep an eye out for sea lions as we pass Point Loma. We’ll also get a sense for the significance of the military presence in San Diego as we pass by the North Island Naval Air Station and the Nuclear Submarine Base. Following our cruise, we'll board our motorcoach and make our way to Old Town. Here we'll enjoy lunch and have some time to explore on our own.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll ride to Little Italy for an introduction to San Diego’s rich Genoese and Sicilian history during a walking field trip. We’ll stop to explore key sites including a historic Italian home, Piazza Basilone, and a historic Italian-Catholic church. There are “Little Italy” communities throughout the country but San Diego’s is one of the most active. Many of these Italian Americans were employed in the local fishing industry, earning San Diego the title of Tuna Capital of the World. This community also has a long history of activism; after the decline of fishing industry, local Italian Americans rallied together in the 1990s to create their own community management corporation and saved the industry. Little Italy today is symbolized by the exciting new Piazza della Famiglia development.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in Little Italy.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
3
Hotel Del Coronado, Balboa Park, Chicano History Lecture
Location:
San Diego
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 18 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day; paved and dirt paths; unavoidable stairs. Any additional walking and activities during independent exploration will be based on personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll board our motorcoach and ride to Hotel del Coronado, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. With a docent from the Coronado Historical Association, we’ll set out on a walking field trip to learn the history of “The Del”, as it is affectionately known. Construction began in 1887 and the hotel was completed in only 11 months at a cost of $1 million (equivalent to nearly $25 million today). Labor was provided largely by Chinese immigrants from San Francisco and Oakland. The hotel was built as a premier resort for the wealthy and its guest list included Thomas Edison, L. Frank Baum, Charlie Chaplin, Babe Ruth, Charles Lindbergh, and Edward VIII, who met his future wife — Coronado resident Wallis Simpson — during his stay. One of the oldest and largest all-wooden buildings in California, this Queen Anne Style hotel was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
Lunch:
At a local brewery.
Afternoon:
After lunch we'll board our motorcoach and make our way to Balboa Park where we'll join our local expert for a walking tour. We'll learn about the architecture and landscaping in Balboa Park. The park is the remnants of two Expositions: the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition commemorating the opening of the Panama Canal and the1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition that was held to boost the local economy during the Great Depression. Following our walking tour, we'll have some independent time to explore what interests us most in Balboa Park. The rest of the day is at leisure allowing you to spend as much time as you like in the park.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
We will end our day with a discussion with a local expert about Chicano culture and history in San Diego. Learn about the influence of the ancient Aztec to modern Chicano culture in Southern California.
Day
4
USS Midway, San Diego Zoo
Location:
San Diego
Meals:
B
Stay:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 30 minutes. Walking distance at the San Diego Zoo is based on personal preference as our time there is independent exploration.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we’ll walk across the street to the USS Midway Museum where a docent will lead our exploration of what was a floating city at sea and trace nearly 50 years of world history aboard the longest-serving Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century. We’ll have access to the mess deck, berthing spaces, hangar deck, flight deck, island superstructure, and various exhibits and displays. Museum docents stationed throughout the ship are eager to share their personal stories of life at sea. Following our time at the Midway, we'll board our motorcoach and make our way to the San Diego Zoo.
Lunch:
On your own to have what you like in the San Diego Zoo.
Afternoon:
Upon arriving at the Zoo, we’ll set out on a self-guided field trip. Our admission will include a 45 minute bus tour which participants can take at their leisure. Check with group leader for bus tour times. You can also take a trip on the areal tram across the zoo to get a bird's eye view of the exhibits. We’ll observe some of the most popular exhibits, such as the Elephant Care Center or the giraffe enclosure, and then have some independent time to explore what interests each of us most. The Zoo exhibits animals in the most natural way possible and around a particular habitat. The same exhibit features many different animals that can be found side-by-side in the wild, along with their native horticulture. Exhibits range from Africa Rocks that reveals animal and plant inhabitants of six iconic African habitats to the Tiger Trail that highlights the tigers and other animals that share the tropical Asian rain forests. In addition to the extensive collection of birds, reptiles, and mammals, the zoo maintains its grounds as an arboretum with a rare plant collection. As part of its gardening effort, it raises some rare animal foods such as the 18 varieties of eucalyptus trees for its koalas. The Zoo is active in conservation and species-preservation efforts.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Torrey Pines State Reserve, La Jolla, Cabrillo Nat. Monument
Location:
San Diego
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 1.3 miles; paved sidewalks, dirt trails, some uneven terrain, 100-foot elevation gain. Elective 2.8 mile walk at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve with 429-foot elevation gain. Any additional walking and activities during independent exploration will be based on personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board the motorcoach and ride to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve where we’ll meet a member of the Torrey Pines Docent Society. This majestic wilderness within San Diego city limits is home to one of the world’s rarest pine trees, Pinus torreyana. Believed to be remnants of ancient woodlands that once flourished along the Southern California coast, the trees now grow naturally only on this small strip of coastline and on Santa Rosa Island. We’ll learn about the human and natural history of the Reserve as we walk on a selected trail. Next, we’ll visit the Ranger Station-Visitor Center and look at the displays before heading out to La Jolla.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in La Jolla.
Afternoon:
We’ll then ride to the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula for a self-directed field trip to the Cabrillo National Monument. En route, our Group Leader will provide an introduction to the site. Designated as a California Historical Landmark in 1932, it commemorates the landing of the Spaniard explorer, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. We’ll have opportunities to explore the Visitor Center and chat with a ranger, take a short walk to one of the original eight lighthouses on the West Coast, Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and visit the “They Stood the Watch” exhibit presenting the history of Fort Rosecrans in a historic military building. We’ll then board our motorcoach and ride back to the hotel and take in the astounding views of the San Diego Bay. At the hotel, we will be joined by a local expert for a discussion about the military and it's presence in San Diego.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
San Diego
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
10 Meals
5 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
3 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
- Jan 05, 2025 - Jan 10, 2025
- Jan 19, 2025 - Jan 24, 2025
- Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025
- Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025
- Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
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- May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025
- Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
- Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
- Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 41 Reviews
Sort By:
San Diego is a wonderful city with a long history and fascinating blend of diverse cultures. We saw the city by land and by sea, experiencing it in a variety of ways that added to the enjoyment of the tour. Roger Nys was a knowledgeable and organized tour leader who easily handled the 33 participants. We had excellent and educational walking tours, several terrific speakers, and time on our own to explore places in more depth. If you enjoy cities, you will like all that this wonderful place has to offer as it has something for everyone!
— Review left March 2, 2024
TRAVEL WITH ROGER NYS AS YOUR LEADER AND YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!
— Review left February 29, 2024
Great introduction to history and cultural aspects of San Diego. Loved the hotel - close to the harbor and all the U.S. Navy history.
— Review left February 27, 2024
Outstanding incites, knowledge, and fun.
— Review left February 25, 2024
Great program. Lots of interesting places to visit, especially the Midway. Jackie was a great tour leader. The other presenters and bus drivers were all excellent. Very conveniently located hotel.
— Review left January 27, 2024
I enjoyed most of the activities. But could have skipped Old Town. Really liked Balboa Park and Torrey Pines.
The Little Italy lecture got too long. We ate too late at Italian restaurant. Could have eaten mid afternoon.
A daily briefing with trip leader would have been helpful instead of using our itenaries.
The location of the hotel was excellent. Could walk to all kinds of things.
Sharon, St Paul, MN
— Review left January 15, 2024
I had no idea San Diego had so much to offer. We tried to see it all and only scratched the surface. I hope to get back there soon.
— Review left January 14, 2024
We chose Signature City San Fiego because of the positive reviews of other Road Scholars. They were not wrong. We had a delightful time. I felt that every element of this trip was curated to give us the best possible experience - from the excursions to the docents to the instructors to the hotel location to the restaurants. We could not have had a better time!
— Review left September 26, 2023
Great program with lots of fun. Great variety of experiences in a beautiful place.
— Review left May 14, 2023
Five stars: An excellent program that was so delightful, we could have used another day! Tour guide, Roger Nys, shared his obvious love for San Diego with us, as well as his extensive knowledge of Balboa Park. The harbor cruise, Little Italy, Torrey Pines, and Chicano Park were all interesting. While normally aircraft carriers and zoos are not my thing, both became more fascinating to me because of this informative tour. The bayfront location of the hotel, its proximity to good restaurants and public transportation were a huge plus. Our group had exceptional camaraderie that I will never forget. This was my eighth RS tour, and I highly recommend it!
— Review left May 13, 2023
Great experience and good exposure to all that the San Diego area represents. Outstanding, knowledgeable group leader!
— Review left May 13, 2023
The San Diego Signature City Program was just what I hoped it would be. I learned a great deal about the city by actually traveling through it, meeting the people who live there, and experiencing some of the different areas and attractions. The hotel was well located and comfortable. All in all, a great program!
— Review left March 25, 2023
My first Road Scholar, but not my last. Loved everything about it. Learned so much. Exceeded my expectations. Program was laid out perfect. My group leader was over-the-top and most of all I had so much fun and opened my eyes to so many new things. Thank you Road Scholar and thank you to my group leader.
— Review left March 8, 2023
Great overview of San Diego. The leader Roger was wonderful. I suggest staying a day or two after the tour to see places the tour did not go or spend a lot of time at.
— Review left February 27, 2023
I took my first Road Scholar trip. I was a little nervous traveling solo, but it was one of my best vacations! They made me feel included and part of the group. I plan to take another one.
— Review left February 25, 2023
Great program. The food was good, the accommodations were good and Roger Nys was a great tour leader.
— Review left February 23, 2023
Amazing trip to San Diego
— Review left February 22, 2023
I am a native Californian and have spent my whole life touring many parts of the state, but I had never visited San Diego. It was a week well spent and I learned a lot about the beautiful city and would definitely visit again.
— Review left February 20, 2023
I had never been to San Diego and I felt that this program hit all the highlights. I would strongly recommend it. It was very well organized and informative.
— Review left January 15, 2023
Very well paced program with plenty of variety and sufficient free time. Really delved into all aspects of San Diego, from its modern gentrification to its interesting history and its binational flavor.
— Review left January 14, 2023
This well-paced program is a good sample of San Diego areas around and on the bay. Lodging was in a good location for independent exploration.
— Review left January 14, 2023
If you've never been to San Diego this is a great introduction to the city and what it has to offer in history, architecture, climate and folk art.
— Review left November 19, 2022
Great program for anyone who desires to travel, especially the lone traveler. Road Scholar offers the best of the excursion, safety, the best of great locations at one price.
— Review left October 24, 2022
A successful program! We traveled to all areas of San Diego Bay and learned many aspects of the region's history. The visit to the chicano paintings was special.
— Review left May 21, 2022
We enjoyed this Signature City San Diego program and can definitely recommend it.
— Review left May 19, 2022
A really nice program.
— Review left May 15, 2022
San.Diego has a lot of interesting history. This program has you visit many of these places and San Diego has done a good job of caring for its history. If you haven’t been to San Diego before, you will enjoy this city. If you have been here before, you will enjoy the places you will be revisiting.
— Review left March 28, 2022
Thanks to this Road Scholar tour, San Diego is now one of my favorite places in the US to visit. I plan to return here many more times because I feel like we just scratched the surface. This tour introduced me to Little Italy, gave me an extensive tour of the USS midway and it’s contribution to our Armed Forces, treated me to a wide variety of delicious cuisine, provided so many activities outdoors including the San Diego zoo, a lovely walk in Torrey Pines reserve, a visit to old town, and even some wonderful jazz music by local musicians. Our leader Jackie was phenomenal – – one of the best I’ve had on all my scholar tours! I can’t recommend this tour highly enough!
— Review left March 26, 2022
Visualize San Diego as a wheel hub and we the participants the hub! We were close to everything, including the water and beautiful views. Excellent transportation was provided when we were going to surrounding locations. Food was exceptional.
— Review left March 7, 2022
This program provides a very comprehensive look at the City of San Diego in four full days. It is an active program with a lot of variety. The hotel is located on the Bay in a very walkable area. Included meals were all excellent, and there were opportunities for some meals on your own. You will learn a lot about the history and the allure of San Diego in this program.
— Review left March 5, 2022
Great trip and fabulous places to eat. Speakers all excellent. If you stay at Spring Hill Suites ask for a room with a view of The Midway. They have great view and more windows. Fast before you go because food is great and you’re sure to over indulge.
— Review left February 5, 2022
This trip was excellent during the Thanksgiving week - I was cautious when I first arrived but the hotel & employees were excellent in keeping safety protocols. Our Leaders Jackie & Lilly, were well prepared to take us on our daily adventures, along with the passionate docents waiting to share their knowledge of this beautiful city. All of my RS trips have been excellent, but I would certainly consider taking this adventure again! Thank you Jackie & Lilly!
— Review left December 30, 2021
Road Scholar takes the stress out of trip planning and transportation. We don't need to stand in line for special events, as RS already arranged the tickets! RS provides outstanding experts to make sure we understand the significance of the places we visit.
— Review left October 17, 2021
Would highly recommend this tour.
— Review left February 19, 2020
I have now been on two Road Scholar trips and have thoroughly enjoyed both. Our leader was knowledgeable, prompt and had a great sense of humor. The location was ideal and close to everything. The participants were fun to be with and brought different life experiences. Hope to be able to go on another trip.
— Review left February 17, 2020
We have been to San Diego before, but going with Road Scholar gave us a totally new insight. It is worth joining the program even if you have been to San Diego before.
— Review left February 7, 2020
Excellent program. Offers a collage of opportunities to explore San Diego, its history, culture and character. If you haven't been to San Diego, just go.. you'll love it!
— Review left February 1, 2020
If you are looking to visit this large metro area for the first time this program will provide you with a great adventure. You will learn and understand the history, culture, and experience great sites and sounds of San Diego in a sort time. Plenty of time though to experience all of the world famous SD Zoo. And if you plan to stay on after the program ends you will know the places to return to and spend more time at, like the museums in Balboa Park.
— Review left January 31, 2020
San Diego is a vibrant city with a beautiful waterfront setting in a year round mild climate. This program took us out onto the water and into the neighborhoods....as well as onto the USS Midway, through the Birch Aquarium, and along the beautiful beaches of La Jolla. Our accommodations, downtown near the waterfront, allowed us to sit on the 5th floor outdoor deck and enjoy a view of the Bay each evening as the sun went down.
— Review left June 1, 2019
I have been to SanDiego many times before. This program took me to places I have never been.
— Review left March 21, 2019
Enjoyed my first trip to San Diego! Valerie did a great job in leading us to various sites in the city. I especially enjoyed The USS Midway Museum and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
— Review left February 4, 2019