Beaches & Bluffs Driving Tour
Self-guided audio driving tour of San Diego’s coast
The best of San Diego’s coast, from beaches and bluffs to sweeping ocean views
At a Glance
📍 Location: San Diego, CA
🚗 Type: Self-Guided Driving Tour
⏱ Duration: 3-6 hours (flexible)
✅ Includes: App download, GPS-triggered audio, No expiration
📶 Works Offline: Download ahead of time - no cell service required
🎧 Multiple Languages: English, Spanish
From $14.99 per phone
Use anytime. No expiration.
What to Expect
Follow San Diego’s coast from Del Mar to the tip of Point Loma on a self-guided audio driving tour through beach communities, dramatic cliffs, and scenic overlooks. GPS-triggered stories, local insights, and recommendations guide you through La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and beyond.
Tour Highlights
Drive a scenic coastal route from Del Mar and Torrey Pines to Cabrillo National Monument
Stop to explore Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, La Jolla Cove, and Sunset Cliffs
GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you reach points along the route
Take in panoramic views from the Torrey Pines Gliderport and Mount Soledad
Pause whenever you like for beaches, hikes, scenic viewpoints, food, or other detours
One purchase covers everyone traveling together in the vehicle
Cruise through La Jolla, PB, OB, and other coastal neighborhoods
Get Ready for Your San Diego Self-Guided Driving Tour
Trade the Freeway for the Scenic Route
Welcome to the ultimate Southern California road trip. The Beaches & Bluffs Driving Tour is your ticket to exploring San Diego’s world-famous coastline exactly how it was meant to be experienced—at your own pace. From dramatic sandstone cliffs and marine-rich coves to bustling boardwalks and laid-back surf towns, this sun-drenched journey captures the true essence of coastal California.
Explore Iconic Coastal Neighborhoods
Kick off your adventure by taking in the rugged beauty of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, where rare trees cling to ocean-facing bluffs, before cruising down into the upscale, sparkling jewel of La Jolla. As you head further south, you'll weave through vibrant, eclectic beach communities like Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach. Each neighborhood is bursting with its own distinct local flavor, legendary surf culture, and mouthwatering beachfront dining recommendations.
Breathtaking Views at Every Turn
Keep your camera ready as you elevate your perspective along the route. You'll take in sweeping 360-degree panoramas of the city from atop Mt. Soledad, watch daring paragliders launch over the Pacific at the Gliderport, and chase the golden hour at the aptly named Sunset Cliffs. Cap off your drive by journeying to the tip of Point Loma, where the historic Cabrillo National Monument offers sweeping vistas of San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and the vast Pacific.
Your Drive, Your Rules
With our GPS-triggered audio guide, you are completely in the driver’s seat. There are no crowded tour buses or strict schedules to worry about. Whether you want to pull over to explore the tide pools, grab a coffee in Bird Rock, ride the historic wooden roller coaster at Belmont Park, or simply cruise straight through with the windows down, this tour adapts seamlessly to your personal travel style.
San Diego Driving Tour Highlights
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve & Gliderport: Discover rare pine trees, hike coastal trails, and watch paragliders soar off the cliffs
La Jolla Cove & Shores: Spot local marine life and explore one of San Diego’s most photographed coastal villages
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial: Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the entire San Diego region and its major landmarks
Vibrant Surf Towns: Drive through the energetic, distinct communities of Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach (home to the famous Dog Beach)
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: Experience dramatic oceanfront bluffs carved by the sea.
Point Loma & Cabrillo National Monument: Drive past the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery to the peninsula's tip for unmatched views of the bay
How a Drives & Detours Self-Guided Tour Works
Location-Activated Audio: As you drive along the route, our app uses your phone's GPS to automatically play rich storytelling, history, and turn-by-turn directions at exactly the right time and place
Complete Flexibility: There is no group to keep up with. You can pause the tour at any time to take a hike, grab a bite to eat, or snap some photos, then easily resume the audio when you're back in the car
Offline Access: Simply download the Drives & Detours app and your tour over Wi-Fi before you head out. Once downloaded, the tour runs entirely offline, so you won't need to rely on cell service or data
One Purchase Per Vehicle: You don't need a ticket for every passenger. A single tour purchase covers everyone in your car, making it a highly affordable adventure for families and friend groups
Lifetime Access: Once you unlock a tour, it is yours forever. You can take the drive again on future visits, or even listen to the stories from the comfort of your home
What You’ll See on Your San Diego Driving Tour
La Jolla Cove
Experience the quintessential Southern California coastal charm at this picturesque, small cove framed by dramatic sandstone cliffs. It's a fantastic spot to snorkel in crystal-clear waters or safely observe the resident harbor seals and sea lions lounging on the rocks.
The 30-Second History: Originally a popular coastal retreat for Hollywood elites in the 1920s, the cove has since become the crown jewel of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, an ecological reserve designed to protect marine life.
- Location: 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours
- Accessibility: The paved walkway above the cove is fully accessible, though accessing the sand requires descending steep, narrow stairs.
- Cost of Entry: Free
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Discover a coastal wilderness featuring rugged cliffs, deep ravines, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. This pristine reserve protects the nation's rarest pine tree and offers miles of beautifully maintained hiking trails that feel miles away from the city.
The 30-Second History: Established to protect the endangered Torrey Pine—which only grows here and on Santa Rosa Island—this 2,000-acre park was championed by local philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps in the early 20th century.
- Location: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Time Needed: 2–3 hours
- Accessibility: Several trails, including the scenic Guy Fleming Trail, are flat and wheelchair accessible, along with the visitor center.
- Cost of Entry: $10–$25 vehicle day-use fee (varies by season/day of the week).
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Stretch your legs along this dramatic coastal stretch known for its carved bluffs, sea caves, and mesmerizing ocean arches. True to its name, it provides one of the most breathtaking vantage points in California to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
The 30-Second History: Dedicated in 1983, this 68-acre linear park was once part of the estate of sporting goods magnate Albert Spalding, who spent a fortune landscaping the bluffs in the 1920s.
- Location: Ladera St, San Diego, CA 92107
- Time Needed: 1 hour
- Accessibility: The cliff-top walking paths are primarily flat and paved, making them highly accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
- Cost of Entry: Free
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Dive into the fascinating underwater world of the Pacific without getting wet at this interactive and beautifully designed marine science center. From mesmerizing kelp forests to the delicate dance of seadragons, the exhibits highlight the cutting-edge conservation research of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
The 30-Second History: Tracing its roots back to 1903, the aquarium was established to share the discoveries of the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography with the public, eventually moving to its current scenic hillside location in 1992.
- Location: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours
- Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible parking provided.
- Cost of Entry: $24.95 for adults (advanced reservations are strongly recommended).
The sunset at La Jolla is one of the best in all of the United States
Belmont Park
Step back in time and embrace the nostalgia of a classic beachfront amusement park bustling with games, food, and fairground rides. You can feel the ocean breeze as you brave the iconic Giant Dipper, a vintage wooden roller coaster that has been thrilling visitors for nearly a century.
The 30-Second History: Opened in 1925 by sugar magnate John D. Spreckels to stimulate real estate sales in Mission Beach, the park narrowly escaped demolition in the 1980s thanks to a passionate local preservation campaign.
- Location: 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours
- Accessibility: The park grounds and pathways are paved and fully accessible, though ride accessibility varies by attraction.
- Cost of Entry: Free to enter; pay-per-ride or unlimited ride wristbands (around $60) are available.
Pacific Beach
Immerse yourself in Southern California surf culture at this energetic stretch of coastline, famous for its sprawling sandy beaches and lively oceanfront boardwalk. It's the perfect place to watch surfers catch rolling waves or browse the eclectic surf shops and eateries that line the shore.
The 30-Second History: Developed in the late 19th century as a seaside resort community connected to downtown by a railway, "P.B." evolved into a legendary surfing hub and a cornerstone of San Diego's laid-back beach lifestyle during the 1960s.
- Location: Mission Blvd and Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours
- Accessibility: The paved Ocean Front Walk is flat and fully accessible, making it easy to enjoy the beach views without navigating sand.
- Cost of Entry: Free
La Jolla Shores Park
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at this mile-long crescent of sand, celebrated for its gentle waves and inviting family-friendly atmosphere. It serves as a premier launching point for scuba divers and kayakers eager to explore the nearby underwater ecological reserve.
The 30-Second History: Once a quiet beachfront, the Shores became highly desirable real estate in the mid-20th century, naturally evolving into the aquatic front yard for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a protected marine refuge.
- Location: 8200 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours
- Accessibility: The grassy park and adjacent boardwalk are fully accessible, and motorized beach wheelchairs are generally available to reserve.
- Cost of Entry: Free
Ocean Beach
Embrace the delightfully bohemian and retro vibe of this fiercely independent beach town, where vintage VW buses and local antique shops are commonplace. You can stroll out over the Pacific on one of the longest concrete piers on the West Coast or let your dog run free at the famous Dog Beach.
The 30-Second History: Founded in 1887, "O.B." largely rejected the massive commercial redevelopment that swept through other coastal towns in the 1970s, proudly maintaining its historic cottages, mom-and-pop shops, and distinct counterculture spirit.
- Location: Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours
- Accessibility: The sidewalks, main streets, and the Ocean Beach Pier are accessible, though sandy areas require mobility assistance.
- Cost of Entry: Free
La Jolla and the San Diego coast are full of iconic architecture
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
Take in an unparalleled 360-degree panoramic view of San Diego, stretching from the glittering Pacific Ocean to the distant mountains of Mexico. This peaceful hilltop is anchored by a striking cross and surrounded by thousands of black granite plaques honoring the service of United States military veterans.
The 30-Second History: Originally erected in 1913, the cross atop the hill was later dedicated as a Korean War memorial in the 1950s. After decades of legal battles regarding its religious symbolism on public land, the site was transferred to a private memorial association to preserve it.
- Location: 6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr S, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Time Needed: 30–45 minutes
- Accessibility: Fully accessible, with paved walkways and ramps allowing easy navigation around the memorial walls.
- Cost of Entry: Free
Torrey Pines Gliderport
Watch vibrant paragliders and hang gliders launch themselves off massive 300-foot coastal cliffs, soaring gracefully on the ocean updrafts. Even if you're keeping your feet firmly on the ground, the cliffside viewing area offers an unmatched perspective of the Pacific coastline and Black's Beach below.
The 30-Second History: Earning its wings in the 1930s, this historic aviation site was a training ground for legendary pilots like Charles Lindbergh and is recognized as one of the most significant soaring sites in North America.
- Location: 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Time Needed: 30–45 minutes
- Accessibility: The dirt parking lot and cliffside viewing areas are relatively flat but can be uneven; wheelchair access to the very edge requires caution.
- Cost of Entry: Free to watch; tandem flights vary (typically $175+).
Torrey Pines State Beach
Relax on this expansive, pristine shoreline tucked neatly beneath soaring sandstone bluffs. It's a serene retreat that contrasts with the bustling city, perfect for a long coastal walk or catching a glimpse of dolphins playing in the surf.
The 30-Second History: Historically a vital travel route for early Spanish explorers and Native American tribes (the Kumeyaay), the beach was later protected alongside the upper reserve to maintain its unblemished natural beauty.
- Location: N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 (Located directly below the Reserve)
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours
- Accessibility: The parking lots and restrooms are accessible, but reaching the sand requires navigating ramps or stairs, and the beach itself is soft sand.
- Cost of Entry: Free to walk on; adjacent parking lots charge $10–$25.
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
Pay your respects at this solemn and beautifully manicured military cemetery, distinguished by its thousands of uniform white headstones overlooking the water. Set on the tip of the Point Loma peninsula, it offers quietly profound views of both the San Diego Bay and the vast Pacific Ocean.
The 30-Second History: Designated as a national cemetery in 1882, the hallowed grounds are the final resting place for over 100,000 veterans and dependents, including casualties from the Battle of San Pasqual in the Mexican-American War.
- Location: 1700 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
- Time Needed: 45 minutes
- Accessibility: Fully accessible, with paved roads and pathways winding through the memorial grounds.
- Cost of Entry: Free
Meeting Points
Your Beaches and Bluffs San Diego driving tour begins at Beachside Del Mar.
Beachside Del Mar is a small shopping center at 2602 Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego, just off the I-5 freeway.
FAQs About Our San Diego Driving Tour
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General admission for day parking at Torrey Pines State Beach is $12–$25 per vehicle at South Beach Lot and $10–$25 per vehicle at North Beach Lot. Certain parking passes are accepted. Visit the Torrey Pines State Beach website for more information.
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General admission for day parking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is $10–$25 per vehicle at North Beach and $12–$25 per vehicle at South Beach. Certain parking passes are accepted. Visit the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve website for more information.
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Flying a paraglider with an instructor costs $200 ($190 Cash), and hang gliding costs $225 ($215 Cash).
No reservations are available, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visit the Torrey Pines Gliderport website for more information.
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Tickets to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps are cheaper when purchased in advance. General admission on the day is as follows:
Adult (13+): $39.95
Child (3–12): $34.95
Child 2 and under: Free
Visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps website to purchase advance tickets and for more information.
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Yes, a pass is required to visit Cabrillo National Monument. A Standard Pass costs $10–$20. Visit the National Park Service website for more information.
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Tours are fully refundable up to 24 hours in advance.
If it’s within 24 hours or you had an issue during your tour, email support@drivesanddetours.com. We review all requests individually and will always do our best to make things right.
Our goal is to ensure every traveler has a great experience exploring with Drives & Detours.
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Yes, downloading the Drives & Detours app will give you full access to the tour you have purchased, as well as many other self-guided tours.
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Download the tour before you go. Some areas have poor signal, which can make downloading the tour difficult. Once the tour is downloaded, it will work without any cell signal
The tour audio plays automatically as you approach each stop
Want to see more? Tap “View Stop” to see photos and bonus content
To return to the map, tap the small down arrow between the “previous” and “next” buttons
Follow the blue line and audio directions to stay on route
Use audio controls to pause, rewind, or skip—just like a podcast
Safety first: Keep your eyes on the road or sidewalk, follow traffic laws, and stay aware of your surroundings
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No—download your San Diego driving tour before you go, and you won't need a cell signal. Drives & Detours’ tours work without any cell signal once they are downloaded to your device.
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Once you have purchased your San Diego driving tour from Drives & Detours, you can use it whenever you want. You can always take the tour another day if the weather is bad on the day you plan to take it.
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Unfortunately, Drives & Detours cannot guarantee that the Beaches & Bluffs self-guided tour is accessible. People with wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility impairments are very welcome, but we recommend checking local websites for detailed information.
Pro Tips for Your Drives & Detours San Diego Driving Tour
Download before you go.
Enable location services—GPS triggers the audio.
Use earbuds, headphones, or your car speakers.
Pause and resume anytime. If you take a break, just reopen the app and head back toward your last stop.
Lost your way? Tap any pin on the map, then tap the right-turn-arrow icon to open your default maps app for turn-by-turn directions to that spot.
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