Beaches & Bluffs Driving Tour
Self-guided audio driving tour of San Diego’s coast
What to Expect
Experience the best of San Diego's coastline with our narrated self-guided driving tour of the most iconic beach communities and coastal attractions. Stop and hike at the stunning Torrey Pines State Reserve, walk the streets of La Jolla’s village, and enjoy the best views of San Diego from Cabrillo National Monument. With local tips and commentary along the way, this driving tour is the perfect way to sample the best of San Diego's coastal hot spots.
Ready to go? Book below or download our app and purchase directly from your phone.
📍 Location: San Diego, CA
🚶♂️ Type: Driving tour
⏱ Duration: Approx. 3-6 hours (flexible)
✅ Includes: App download, GPS-triggered audio
📶 Works Offline: Download ahead of time - no cell service required
🎧 Multiple Languages: English, Spanish, French, German
Get Ready for Your San Diego Self-Guided Driving Tour
Discover San Diego’s stunning shoreline on a narrated driving tour that highlights its most famous beaches and coastal landmarks.
Stroll through charming La Jolla Village, take in the breathtaking cliffs and trails of Torrey Pines State Reserve, and soak up sweeping city and ocean views from Cabrillo National Monument.
Filled with local insights and stories, this San Diego driving tour offers the ultimate introduction to the vibrant coastal scene.
What You’ll See on Your San Diego Driving Tour
Torrey Pines State Beach
Learn about San Diego’s unique coastal climate and find out where to capture the perfect photo of the stunning Torrey Pines State Beach.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Hear about the beauty of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and get tips for an easy trail to explore if you decide to stop. Admission is free, though parking requires a fee—but you can often find complimentary parking along the beach.
Torrey Pines Golf Course
We’ll highlight Torrey Pines Golf Course and share why it’s worth a quick stop, even if you’re not here to play a round.
Torrey Pines Gliderport
Watch paragliders soar from the cliffs at Torrey Pines Gliderport and see if you’re tempted to join them for a thrilling tandem flight.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
As we pass Birch Aquarium, we’ll point out the entrance and share a few reasons why it’s a great stop for ocean lovers of all ages.
La Jolla Shores Park
Discover insider tips on what to do around La Jolla Shores—from beach strolls to kayaking and dining nearby.
La Jolla Cove
As you follow Coast Boulevard, learn more about La Jolla’s history and highlights, plus hear recommendations for nearby restaurants and attractions.
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
Take in breathtaking 360-degree views from Mt. Soledad while we point out notable San Diego landmarks visible from the summit.
Bird Rock
Cruise through the charming Bird Rock neighborhood and consider pausing for a cup of coffee at one of San Diego’s most celebrated roasters.
Pacific Beach
Hear what makes Pacific Beach one of San Diego’s most popular coastal hangouts, from its surf culture to its lively boardwalk.
Belmont Park
Drive through Mission Beach and learn how it differs from neighboring Pacific Beach. We’ll tell you about Belmont Park’s historic wooden roller coaster so you can decide if you want to stop and take a ride.
Ocean Beach
Pass through the laid-back Ocean Beach community, including Dog Beach and the OB Pier. Hear about favorite local restaurants and the neighborhood’s bohemian vibe.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Follow Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and hear stories about this beloved coastal park known for its dramatic ocean views and, of course, its unforgettable sunsets.
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
As you travel along Point Loma, admire the peaceful views at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. If time allows, continue to Cabrillo National Monument before closing time to enjoy panoramic views of San Diego Bay and Coronado, or take a short walk along the scenic Bayside Trail.
Meeting Point
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, Dives & 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.
Drives & Detours' San Diego Tours
La Jolla Seaside Stroll
Set out on a self-guided journey through La Jolla’s best-kept secrets. From hidden sea caves and playful seals to tales of its famous locals, this tour blends scenic beauty, rich history, and coastal discovery.
Apple Pies & Desert Skies
Spend the day exploring San Diego County’s breathtaking backroads on this self-guided drive. Take in panoramic mountain views from Palomar Observatory, explore the desert art of Borrego Springs, and wander the charming streets of historic Julian. Tap for full details.
Coronado: Discover the Crown City
Stroll through Coronado Island’s storied past with this self-guided walking experience. Visit its most beloved landmarks, uncover fascinating history, and hear captivating stories of the people who shaped this seaside community.
Discover More About San Diego
Check out some of the most of popular tourist destinations in San Diego. From Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo to Legoland and the USS Midway. We think everything on this list is worth seeing at least once.