Academic Activities in San Diego, CA

Take a private guided tour of the birthplace of California with Logan Stover — YouTube host, published author, and Southern California historian. This tour blends real history, fun storytelling, and family-friendly energy in one of the most fascinating historic districts in the West. Old Town San Diego – Live History Tour with Logan Stover Take a stroll through California’s earliest days in the heart of Old Town San Diego — led by Logan Stover, published author of over 70 history books, professional educator, and host of the YouTube channel Learn with Logan. You’ll visit adobe homes, historic plazas, and preserved buildings from the 1800s while hearing captivating stories of Spanish colonists, Mexican families, Native communities, and Wild West settlers. It’s not a lecture — it’s a live storytelling experience that makes history feel exciting and real. Great for families, solo travelers, locals, and history lovers of all ages. *Min 4 travelers per booking

Californian was built from the ground up in 1984 at Spanish Landing in San Diego Bay. She was launched with great fanfare for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In July 2003, the Governor signed a bill into law designating the Californian as the official tall ship of the State of California. She is the only ship to carry this prestigious title. Since her launching in San Diego the Californian has played host to thousands of adventure travelers, sailing enthusiasts, students and history buffs up and down the West coast. She has also made voyages to Hawaii, Mexico and the East coast of the United States. Californian casts a distinctive and instantly recognizable silhouette and has become one of the most well known tall ships in America. Sailing the Californian and experiencing a tall ship adventure with the Maritime Museum sail crew on San Diego Bay is a Top Thing To Do when in San Diego!

Skip the Ticket Purchase Line and Save Time – Don’t let long lines take away from your travel experience. Self-guided audio tour — available in English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish; narrated by former Midway sailors. Explore 60+ historic areas — from Officer’s Quarters and the Brig to the Galley, Flight Control, Engine Room, and beyond. Flight Deck with 30+ aircraft — see restored jets and helicopters, enjoy panoramic views of San Diego Bay, and hear from ship volunteers. Flexible and Independent Experience – Perfect for travelers who prefer freedom over group tours. It is not possible to skip the security lines. There could be a line at the entrance and is mandatory for all visitors.

Your 4-hour San Salvador Adventure Day Sail is your opportunity to step back into time as you step on board this 16th century Spanish galleon. The San Salvador is a replica of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s ship that arrived at the port we now call San Diego on September 28, 1542. These 4-hour Sailing Adventures are for people who love history, and sailing. Very few people have sailed aboard galleons of the 16th century and now you can!

Meet your guide and group at Old Adobe Chapel, which can be credited for saving Old Town San Diego thanks to a 1884 book. Continue on to one of the most haunted homes in Southern California, also unusual for its architecture and building materials. After a view of some Victorian architecture we'll pass by the original location of the Presidio and Mission when the Spanish first settled in California. Admire the oldest 18th-century structure in the area and learn about the indigenous tribes who lived here for thousands of years. Back in town, we'll see some authentic Mexican handcrafts (no bad souvenirs here!), visit a hundred year old Catholic church that is a descendant of the original Mission, followed by a stroll through a landmark cemetery with graves dating back to the 1850s. Our final stop is a local Tequileria to learn about the many different kinds of tequila. Enjoy a taste or select another beverage of your choice, plus gourmet tacos.