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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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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 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
Profile Image
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.

Profile Image of Anthony Davi
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.
Profile Image of Jennifer Hudson
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.
Profile Image of Roger Nys
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.
Profile Image of Joe Kane
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.
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.
Meals
10 Meals
5 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
3 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Nov 17, 2024 - Nov 22, 2024
  • Nov 17, 2024 - Nov 22, 2024
  • May 12, 2024 - May 17, 2024
  • Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 06, 2024
  • Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024
  • Oct 27, 2024 - Nov 01, 2024
  • Nov 17, 2024 - Nov 22, 2024
  • 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
  • Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
  • May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025
  • Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
  • Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
  • Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.
5 nights
San Diego
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is a stylishly upscale all-suite hotel, uniquely designed with a modern flare. Situated on the bay, the majority of its suites boast a spectacular ocean view, including the impressive sight of the historic USS Midway®, now a renowned maritime museum. The hotel is located within walking distance of some of San Diego’s most popular attractions, as well as the Gaslamp Quarter with its bevy of chic and eclectic shops and innovative restaurants. Just down the street you can also hop on a vintage trolley car and connect to the San Diego trolley lines to explore the vast array of San Diego’s iconic highlights. Experience the charm of Old Town, miles of white sandy beaches, or the museums and botanical gardens of Balboa Park, the city’s eminent cultural arts center. After a full day of exploration, you can wind down in your spacious suite and enjoy the cable and movie options offered on the flat-panel TV, or take a dip in the rooftop outdoor heated swimming pool. The hotel also has a gym and fitness center offering an assortment of equipment for cardiovascular and strength building, as well as free weights. And in the morning before starting you next day’s excursions, stop by the free breakfast buffet featuring a variety of everyone’s favorite morning classics.





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