The Best San Diego Landmarks You’ll See from the Water on a Speedboat Tour

San Diego’s waterfront is famous for its amazing views and lively, making it the ideal spot for some unforgettable sightseeing—especially from a boat!

From the massive USS Midway to the stunning Coronado Bridge and the impressive downtown skyline, being out on a speedboat adventure puts you right in the middle of all the action.

Let’s dive into the must-see San Diego landmarks you’ll catch on a speedboat tour and some of the exciting moments you can look forward to.

USS Midway Museum

One of the most famous San Diego landmarks, the USS Midway, is a massive aircraft carrier-turned-museum docked in the city’s harbor. On a speedboat tour, you’ll get a chance to see this impressive vessel from a unique perspective—right on the water. The USS Midway played a pivotal role in U.S. naval history, and as you zip by, you’ll be able to fully appreciate its size and grandeur.

2. Coronado Bridge

The Coronado Bridge is another unmissable San Diego landmark visible from the water. Spanning 2.1 miles and curving elegantly across the bay, this bridge connects downtown San Diego with the beautiful Coronado Island. From the deck of your speedboat, you’ll glide beneath the bridge, giving you an up-close look at its impressive architecture.

3. Downtown San Diego Skyline

The downtown San Diego skyline is a sight to behold, especially from the water. As your speedboat tour cruises along the harbor, you’ll get postcard-perfect views of the city’s iconic skyline, with towering skyscrapers and shimmering reflections dancing on the water. It’s an ideal photo opportunity and a reminder of San Diego’s modern urban charm.

4. Seaport Village

Nestled along the San Diego Bay, Seaport Village is a charming shopping and dining area that offers a different side of the city. From the water, you’ll catch a glimpse of this picturesque area, complete with its colorful buildings and waterfront boardwalk. It’s the perfect contrast to the towering skyscrapers of downtown.

5. Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma

Situated on the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, the Cabrillo National Monument is a tribute to Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on the West Coast of the U.S. The towering statue of Cabrillo and the scenic cliffs of Point Loma make for stunning views from the water. The cliffs themselves offer dramatic backdrops, perfect for snapping a few photos as your speedboat navigates the open waters.

6. The Star of India

The Star of India, one of the world’s oldest active sailing ships, is another landmark you can view during our San Diego speedboat tour. This magnificent ship is a part of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, and seeing it from the water gives you a glimpse into the city’s seafaring past.

7. Coronado Island

Your speedboat tour will also take you past the pristine shores of Coronado Island, famous for its white-sand beaches and the iconic Hotel del Coronado, a historic luxury resort. As you take in the views of the island’s charming coastline, you’ll get a sense of why Coronado is one of San Diego’s top vacation spots.

See San Diego Like Never Before

A speedboat tour in San Diego is the perfect way to experience the city’s top landmarks from a whole new perspective. From the historical significance of the USS Midway to the towering Coronado Bridge and the breathtaking downtown skyline, every turn offers something special. Whether you’re in it for the stories, the views, or the adrenaline rush, sightseeing San Diego by boat is an adventure you won’t want to miss. So, next time you’re in town, be sure to hop on a speedboat!