U See San Diego Bus Tour

What is the U See San Diego Bus Tour?

Moving to a new city can be intimating and you may be nervous to explore San Diego on your own. The U See San Diego Bus Tour explores the greater San Diego area and your new home for the next few years. In addition to seeing iconic San Diego spots, you will also learn about the history of San Diego and fun facts associated with the various sights we will see.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, September 14
  • Time: 8 am - 6:30 pm PT
  • Location: International Services and Engagement Office
  • Ticket Cost:
    • Scholar: $30
    • Spouse: $30
    • Children 13 and Older: $30
    • Children 12 and Younger: $15
    • Children 2 and Younger: $0 (Free)

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is a very small beach surrounded by cliffs offering panaromic ocean and sunset views. As part of a marine reserve, the area if protected to ensure that the marine life flourishes. It is a wonderful area to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive with marine creatures. However, as a protected area, keep in mind that fishing and removing objects from La Jolla Cove is prohibited. 
 
Along the western stretch of La Jolla cove you can also watch a lively community of sea lions sunbathing or seals swimming in the ocean. Remember, you should watch from a safe distance and never approach the sea lions or seals. 
 
You can also walk to the nearby town, where you can find lots of shops and places to eat.

Old Town San Diego

Old Town San Diego can be considered the "birthplace" of California, as it is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California.
 
In 1968, California's Department of Parks and Recreation established the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park as a way to preserve the rich cultural heritage and history of San Diego during the 1800s. 
 
After visiting the markets, you can visit the museums restored historic buildings that are full of artifacts from life in the 1800s. In addition, there are often living history demonstrations, such as folklorico dances, blacksmith metalworking, and mariachi bands. 

Liberty Station

For lunch, we will stop at Liberty Public Market, which features a central market with nearly 40 shops and food vendors. 

After eating, you can walk around Liberty Station, a former naval training ground which has become a cultural hub and anchor of San Diego. 

As a spacious recreational area, Liberty Station houses a wide range of businesses including restaurants, retail shops, art galleries, hotels, schools, live entertainment, and more! You can truly choose your own adventure, whether that be watching the sunset by the waterfront or having a picnic with friends in the grass. 

Balboa Park

Our final stop will be at Balboa Park, San Diego's cultural oasis, home to 1,200 acres of various museums, scenic gardens, the San Diego Zoo, astounding architecture, naturally breathtaking greenery, and more. There is something for everyone who visits.
 
After taking a group photo in front of the buses, we highly recommend visiting the International Cottages, lovingly maintained by the House of Pacific Relations. Over 30 cultures are represented, with many occupying a small cottage. Here, the House of Pacific Relations promotes cultural exchange and goodwill through a variety of educational and cultural programming. 
 
After visiting the International Cottages, many love to stop by the Panama 66 restaurant for a drink, where they can sit in The San Diego Museum of Art's Sulpture Garden and listen to live music. 

Tour Structure

  • Atteendees will arrive at the International Services and Engagement Office in the eucalyptus tree grove promptly by 8 am, so that the tour bus can leave on time.
  • During the bus ride, ISEO will explain the history and fun facts of San Diego and the tour locations, as well as provide fun sightseeing ideas for your own exploration of San Diego. 
  • Your experience at each tour stop is self-guided. You may choose to explore at your own pace with other attendees or with ISEO staff. 
  • The bus will return to UC San Diego, at the ISEO Office by 6:30 pm.

Reminders

  • ISEO will provide light breakfast pastries and snacks throughout the tour.
  • Please plan to purchase your own lunch. We will be stopping at Liberty Station Public Market, which features many food stall options. There will be potential food options that can meet all dietary restrictions.
  • There will be souvenir shops at several of the tour stops.
  • There will be walking outdoors involved on the tour! Please plan accordingly.
  • At each stop, ISEO will inform you when to return to the bus and when the bus will depart. Unfortunately, we will generally not wait for you if you are late for any departure times. On the day of the tour, we will provide you with a phone number of an ISEO staff member that you can contact, in case you need to communicate with us about any unforeseen circumstances during the bus tour.

What to Pack

  • Money for lunch / souvenirs
  • Backpack / bag / purse / tote bag
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Portable phone charger

Questions?

Registration is Limited!

The U See San Diego Bus Tour is a popular event that quickly sells out every year. If you are interested in attending, please register as soon as possible. We're looking forward to exploring San Diego with you!