Discover UCSD: A Self-Guided Tour for Students, Parents, and Staff
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About the Tour
About the Tour
UC San Diego is where innovation meets ocean air! Perched above the Pacific in La Jolla, UC San Diego is a place where world‑class architecture, bold public art, and groundbreaking research collide. On this walking tour, you’ll explore the campus through the perspective of a local insider and former UCSD staffer — someone who knows the stories, traditions, and hidden gems that most visitors miss.
We begin in Town Square, the heart of campus life. From there, you’ll wind through UCSD’s eclectic mix of buildings and open spaces, discovering how the university became a global powerhouse in oceanography, neuroscience, engineering, and the arts. You’ll see where scientific breakthroughs happen daily, where creativity is encouraged to run wild, and where the Triton spirit shows up in unexpected ways.
As we make our way toward the iconic Geisel Library, you’ll pass landmarks like the Cognitive Science Building, Mandeville Auditorium, and Tata Hall for Sciences. Along the route, you’ll hear about UCSD’s colleges, student traditions, and the vibrant organizations that shape campus culture. You’ll also get a sense of the resources available to new and prospective students — from Student Health Services to the bustling Price Center.
During this 45‑minute tour, you’ll also:
- Discover the playful genius of the Stuart Collection, including the gravity‑defying Fallen Star perched atop the Irwin Jacobs Engineering Building
- Walk the winding Snake Path, a symbolic journey from innocence to knowledge
- Snap a photo with the colorful, winged Sun God, UCSD’s unofficial mascot and beloved festival icon
- Learn the backstory of UCSD’s sci‑fi‑inspired architectural crown jewel
- Admire the vibrant Chicano Legacy Mural, a towering celebration of culture and community
- Visit the Triton Fountain, a favorite meeting spot and a nod to the campus mascot
- Explore the lively Price Center, the social and culinary hub of student life
Whether you’re a prospective student, a proud alum, or a curious local, this tour reveals a side of UCSD that’s easy to miss — the stories, symbols, and surprises that give the campus its character.
Step into the Triton spirit and experience UC San Diego in a whole new way.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
TourFreely
TourFreely: Discover More. Wander Freely
TourFreely was founded by Southern California natives Mindy and Jerry Flanagan. As a GPS‑guided tour company, TourFreely transforms local history and culture into immersive storytelling adventures. With nine curated SoCal tours—spanning both walking and driving experiences—they offer travelers a dynamic way to explore the region. From sun‑drenched vineyards to storied city streets, TourFreely invites curious explorers to discover the vibrant spirit and natural beauty of Southern California.
At our core, we’re fueled by freedom, curiosity, and connection. We want locals to fall in love with their hometowns all over again—and visitors to feel like insiders the moment they hit play. Our tours are flexible, affordable, and delightfully stress‑free: no crowds, no schedules, just you - exploring at your own pace.
TourFreely’s growing catalog includes:
• Six immersive walking tours: La Jolla, Carlsbad, Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, UC San Diego, and Santa Barbara
• Three unforgettable driving tours: San Diego, Temecula Wine Country, and Santa Barbara Wine Country/Sideways Wine Trail
And for even more adventure, we’ve joined forces with Adventure Inc. and created three self‑guided Orange County drives, complete with their signature jeeps, e‑bikes, and open‑air mokes.
Whether you’re strolling Hollywood’s storied sidewalks or cruising past rolling vineyards, TourFreely invites you to slow down, stay curious, and see Southern California through a new lens—your own.
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 25
Sun God Statue
Do you see the multi-colored statue of a winged creature on a perch?
That's the Sun God - a legendary figure that's part mythical beas... Read More
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How VoiceMap Works
Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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University of California San Diego
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Geisel Library
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Stuart Collection
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Price Center
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UCSD Town Square
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Irwin & Joan Jacobs School of Engineering
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Fallen Star
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Snake Path
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Library Walk
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Mandeville Auditorium
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Tata Hall
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John Muir College
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Peterson Hall
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Cognitive Science Building
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Chicano Legacy Mural
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Sun God
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start locationMyers Dr, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
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Total distance2km
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Final location9701 Hopkins Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Distance back to start location228.65m
Directions to Starting Point
The tour begins at UCSD Town Square, which is the small plaza between Myers Drive and Lyman Avenue, near the Price Center.
On the south end is a monument to Camp Matthews, in the middle is a flagpole, where the tour begins. If you are driving and you can park at at the Gilman Parking structure, which is nearby on Gilman Drive, across from the Conrad Prebys Music Center. You can be guided from the parking structure to the starting point by looking at your phone and clicking on the "Get Directions" button below the "Start Tour" button. It will bring you to the vicinity of the starting point and then look for the flagpole.
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Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
Tour Freely! Feel free to stop along the way to enjoy the food, architecture and the setting —you can always pick up the tour when you're ready again. That's the beauty of a GPS-guided tour! You can also relax in the hammocks or on the swinging benches, you'll see along the way. Consider grabbing a bite to eat during your journey. The Price Center offers a variety of cuisines, and we recommend The Loft on the top floor. There are also a couple of places to eat at or near the Old Student Center. We enjoy Shores Diner as we walk right by it!
Best time of day
During the academic year, the campus can be traversed quite easily on weekends. If you are touring Monday through Friday, it's best to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, to avoid student traffic between classes. During the non-academic year, the campus is typically easy to navigate.
Precautions
Parking can be challenging at peak times during the week, while classes are in session. Paying for parking can be done at the kiosks in the parking structures. Disabled parking is free and there are plenty of spots.
UC San Diego is a very active and sporty campus - be on the lookout for riders on bikes, scooters and skateboards. You'll want to stay to the side of the sidewalks. By accessing our GPS tour, you are agreeing to release all liability. Tour at your own risk.
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