Neighborhoods of Balboa Park

Canyons, Bridges and Historical Homes

Many people don’t realize San Diego has colorful canyons just minutes from Downtown. During this adventure, we experience two spectacular footbridges that overlook pristine canyons filled with wildflowers, cactus, palms and bamboo forests. The neighborhood’s quiet streets are filled with beautiful homes and amazing architecture. This two hour tour starts on the outskirts of Balboa Park where there is plenty of free parking. 

Bring your camera and spirit of adventure and we’ll provide the fun and camaraderie – as well as surprise giveaways. There are no steep hills on this tour and it goes at a comfortable pace. We recommend guests wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat to protect them from the sun. This tour crosses over two footbridges. Guests uncomfortable with heights will be advised and accommodated. Team building can be added to this tour. It begins at a colorful coffeehouse just a few minutes away from the Convention Center and the Downtown hotels.

Downtown with a Difference

An Urban Adventure

Downtown San Diego is constantly evolving. We take you beyond the typical tourist destinations to discover new and unusual sights. During this 2-hour urban adventure, we stroll through fascinating landmarks like the East Village, the historical Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, Encinitas, Coronado and the neighboring marina on San Diego Bay. We go back in time to the early 1900’s, when Downtown was known as the Stingaree District. Some of the highlights include an outdoor museum that reveals both the historical and hysterical stories of the brothels, saloons and gambling halls of days gone by.

La Jolla Shores

Stroll the Mediterranean-like La Jolla coastline, glittering with Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations. Plus, see rewarding man-made wonders like the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. We can also add lunch and transportation to this experience.

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    Use the form here for general inquiries or quote requests. We are also available at 619-917-6037.

    Windansea & Hidden Gems in La Jolla

    The surroundings are spectacular and people often compare La Jolla to the Mediterranean. On this adventure, you’ll experience colorful neighborhoods that are off-the-beaten path, along with one-of-a-kind coastal views that are the playground of the California Seals and Sea Lions.

    UCSD’s Public Art Plus A Secret Beach

    The campus at UC San Diego has tree covered paths and one of a kind public art. This is a 4.5 mile easy going walk that shows off the campus and a nearby secret beach. We can also include a brief stop for a meal on campus approximately an hour into the walk.

    Military Discount


    Customer Reviews

    Where You Want To Be Adventures

    Customer Reviews

    Patti G, YMCA

    Marc’s excellent leadership in helping organize a tour to help emphasize customer service skills through Where You Want to Be Tours was just the ticket for our staff looking for a alternative fun atmosphere to learn and enjoy the value of good customer service. I have known and worked with both Marc and Darlynne for many years and always found their enthusiasm for San Diego refreshing and inspiring. Most importantly our staff did too as evidence by the great evaluations we received from our time spent together!

    Joan, CEO, OFFICE DYNAMICS, LTD.

    Thank you so much for an outstanding event. The photo album and CDs arrived. The pictures look great “

    Brian H, SAN DIEGO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

    Marc is someone I always enjoy doing business with. He approaches work as something that can be fun, which makes him a natural tour professional. I am a lifelong San Diegan and Marc opened my eyes through his great programs to aspects of my hometown I never knew existed.”

    John D, San Diego AD Club

    I have worked with Marc in several capacities. All turned out to be profitable experiences and provided high, quality marketing and Public Relations exposure for me. Marc and his wife Darlynne participate in a radio and television program that we conducted from Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu. Their accurate and exciting reports from the Resort created business for us as well as media impressions that are directly attributable to our relationship. I have also participated in and had my employees and coworkers participate in their San Diego Scavenger Hunts. They are great team building exercises, but for me I wanted to learn more about the neighborhoods that I was selling products in. I had my team do them to learn about the businesses in the tour areas and also for our Editorial team to learn about the current situation and past histories of the neighborhoods. I highly recommend both Marc and Darylene in any professional capacity. They are truly qualified people and as a bonus amongst the most pleasant people I have ever worked with.

    Scott B, Daimler Trucks North America

    Once again your team did an amazing job and our participants loved it.”

    Mimi Thompson, VISION MAGAZINE

    How does this sound: the sun is beginning to set, the air is fresh and cool, and you can casually stroll with a small group and enjoy finding things hidden from every day view. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon relaxing and moving around, and also a great way to entertain visitors with a tourist event that all will enjoy. The walks are designed to fit the aerobic abilities of all, they are easy jaunts on level ground but you will be surprised at the end how far you have managed to easily walk. This is a great way to spend a few hours meeting new people, visiting new places and falling in love with San Diego all over again.“

    Amber B, UCSD

    Thank you so much for everything!! The staff loved it and it was just what we needed to kick off the year! You two have been fantastic to work with and I hope we can work together again soon!!!”

    Bay H, Meeting Planner

    Darlynne, Marc and the entire team at Where You Want To Be Tours exemplifies the true spirit of San Diego & Southern California. Their tours are unique and fantastically fun. The tour guide are hospitable, full of energy and very informative about the history and culture of our wonderful city. No matter your group size or demographic, Where you want to be can create an experience that is fulfilling for each participant.

    Reggie Parks, Food & Beverage Manager, MARRIOTT

    Darlynne is exacty what San Diego needs. She is a wonderful ambassador for the city and the region. Her work at Where You Want To Be Tours showcases the very best of what San Diego has to offer and she does it with class and professionalism.”

    Jan, McLANE RIEGER COMMUNICATIONS

    Marc and Darlynne Menkin started Where You Want to Be Tours several years ago, and their business has just blossomed! I’ve used them on many occasions, to take clients and colleagues on tours and scavenger hunts. They know San Diego inside out, and love sharing their secret spots, whether on foot or on a double decker bus. They drop the K and keep the F….U….N!”
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