California
Signature City San Diego
Program No. 16955RJ
Stroll the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail, 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.
Participant Reviews
Based on 59 Reviews
SHOWING
San Diego City tour guide was excellent. Highly recommend this tour in January as the weather is wonderful for enjoying all the out of door activities that San Diego has to offer.
— Review left February 26, 2026
This was my first Road Scholar tour. It was pretty much as advertised and I much appreciated the overview. Organized tours like this do a great deal to facilitate travel to far-flung places, and Road Scholar does this well. I think I had, however, already developed a strong preference for independent exploration and self-pacing, and being able to follow the road less traveled. Deepening relationships or being able to share my enthusiasms with another individual or a small group of individuals did not seem likely, given the circumstances of "Keep the Pace."
— Review left February 14, 2026
Jill is an excellent tour leader. The local guides and lecturers provided excellent information. San Diego is a beautiful and interesting city. The weather in January was beautiful. The tour had good variety. I learned a lot and had an enjoyable experience.
— Review left January 26, 2026
An excellent way to see all that San Diego has to offer.
— Review left January 25, 2026
San Diego was our 3rd RS program. They have all bee great and the tour learders are amazing.
— Review left January 11, 2026
The Road Scholar program for Signature City: San Diego provides excellent access to well known places like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, as well as lesser know places like the USS Midway. It provides an excellent introduction to the San Diego area and the culture of the area.
— Review left November 1, 2025
Wonderful city
Safe and easy to manage
— Review left October 6, 2025
The trip was absolutely wonderful.
Our guide, Roger Nys, was the best. Informative, calm, organized, concerned about his travelers.
The 3 lectures were very informative, the sights were wonderful and the meals very good. Would have chosen a quieter venue for the farewell dinner as you could not talk to the people at your table without shouting.
I would definitely travel with Road Scholar again.
Ruth Pashkin
— Review left October 2, 2025
Great trip
— Review left June 19, 2025
This was a wonderful program that covered all areas of interests in the San Diego area. We were kept busy, as promised, so did not have a lot of time to fill on our own, which was fine. The group leader and lecturers were outstanding, and the hotel and food could not be improved upon....We even had wonderful weather the entire time! Definitely a "must do" program!
— Review left May 19, 2025
Run, don’t walk to the nearest San Diego Signature City program! Excellent in all ways: experiences, variety, food, accommodations, transportation between experiences, the views, the activity level, and yes, the weather!
— Review left May 17, 2025
Our recent trip to San Diego was fantastic, our program director, Roger Nys did a great job and made the whole San Diego experience a memorable one. I would highly recommend this Road Scholar tour of San Diego.
— Review left April 28, 2025
This trip was very interesting. I learned a lot about the history and culture of San Diego. It was very involved. We saw the most interesting sites in the area. I enjoyed meeting fellow road scholar members on this trip. I enjoyed all of the lectures. Going to old town and little Italy were my favorite places. There was so much to see in Balboa Park. I really enjoyed the art museum. I was going to go to San Diego on my own. The trip with road scholar was so much. I just knew about the San Diego Zoo and Cabrillo National Monument. There is so much to see and do. It was planned very well. The group leader and the leaders on the tours were great. I would highly recommend this trip.
— Review left February 28, 2025
A really nice mix of field trips and lectures. Accommodations were in the perfect spot to allow exploration on foot outside of group activities.
— Review left February 22, 2025
I had never been to San Diego and I felt that this program hit everything I wanted to see. I enjoyed most of the activities; the tour of the USS Midway was my favorite, but we didn’t really have enough time to look around after the private, fabulous tour. The Zoo was great too with the “up close & personal” with the giraffes. The Hotel Del Coronado was beautifulI and the docent was very informative. I could have skipped Balboa Park and the Torrey Pines hike, especially on the last day. I would have liked a day to start later, like 11:00, or end early, like 3:00, because for our group (65-80 years old), the go-go-go got to be a little tiring (I know it was advertised as an “active” program, but it still was too much for some). That said, you will learn a lot about the history of San Diego. And, the hotel was located on the Bay in a very walkable area with great views of the bay, airport, skyscrapers, etc.; however, having a shuttle between the airport and hotel would have been appreciated.
— Review left January 18, 2025
So glad I went on this adventure! 40+ years ago I was a (much younger) single submarine officer stationed at Ballast Point for over three years. I didn't see much of anything outside Pacific Beach... not the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Old Town, Little Italy (who knew?) or the Hotel Del Coronado. This learning experience included all those attractions plus the cultural and military history of San Diego. As always, the group leader was outstanding and the travel group interesting and engaging. Road Scholar delivers again!
— Review left January 9, 2025
This was a pleasure of a trip for me. Roger Nys could not have been a more accommodating host. I'm so glad I chose this trip and I loved all the places we visited. Willie, our bus driver was very entertaining too.
— Review left November 10, 2024
Signature city San Diego allowed me to visit a location I have longed to see. The tours and educational content enhanced my experience.
— Review left November 6, 2024
Exploring San Diego with its diverse culture was a delightful experience. Our group leader, Roger Nys, was very well organized, accessible, enjoyed sharing his knowledge of San Diego & sense of humor. This was my 10th Signature City experience with Road Scholar and I would highly recommend this program.
— Review left November 3, 2024
I believe we received such a variety of experiences in San Diego that it can easily be described as a "Significant City" as well as a "Signature City".
— Review left November 1, 2024
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
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
Great experience and good exposure to all that the San Diego area represents. Outstanding, knowledgeable group leader!
— Review left May 13, 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
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
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