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Activity San Diego, USA

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

4.1 (16 reviews) 3–6 hours Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

About this activity

Explore San Diego’s coastline in your own car with GPS-triggered audio that plays automatically as you drive, combining directions with local stories, history, and recommendations.

Start at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and follow the coast through La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach to Cabrillo National Monument. Stop whenever you like for beaches, photos, scenic viewpoints, food, or a break. Along the way, see highlights including the Torrey Pines Gliderport, La Jolla Cove, Mount Soledad, and Sunset Cliffs while hearing local stories, history, and recommendations.

This flexible, self-paced tour lets you explore on your own schedule, whether you want to stop frequently or enjoy the drive straight through. For the best experience, plan to start earlier in the day to avoid heavier southbound traffic.

And don’t forget, one purchase covers everyone in your vehicle.

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At a glance

Duration
3–6 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–7
Audio guide
English
Written guide
English
Operated by
Drives & Detours

What is included

Included

  • Included: Lifetime Tour Access Once Unlocked
  • Included: Offline Tour Access After Download
  • Included: Interactive Route Map and Stop Information
  • Included: GPS-Triggered Audio Tour in the Drives & Detours App
  • Included: One Purchase Covers Everyone in Your Vehicle

Not included

  • Not included: Smartphone
  • Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

  1. Torrey Pines State Beach

    5 min

    We'll tell you about San Diego's coastal climate and show you the best place to stop to snap an iconic picture of Torrey Pines State Beach.

  2. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

    45 min

    We'll tell you about Torrey Pines Natural Reserve and recommend an easy hike if you're interested in stopping. Admission is free but parking is not, however free parking is available along the beach.

  3. Torrey Pines Golf Course

    Passing by

    We'll point out Torrey Pines Golf Course including why you might want to pull in and stop.

  4. Torrey Pines Gliderport

    15 min

    Watch paragliders run off the edge of the cliff at Torrey Pines Gliderport and decide if you want to go up on a tandem flight of your own!

  5. Birch Aquarium At Scripps

    Passing by

    We'll drive right by San Diego's Birch Aquarium and point out the entrance for those interested in stopping.

  6. La Jolla Shores Park

    30 min

    Get the inside scoop on things to do in La Jolla Shores.

  7. La Jolla Cove

    30 min

    Learn about La Jolla as you drive along Coast Blvd. We'll share recommendations on restaurants, attractions and more.

  8. Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial

    15 min

    Enjoy the spectacular panoramic views from atop Mt Soledad as we point out all the major landmarks visible from the top.

  9. Stop 9

    Passing by

    Drive through the quaint neighborhood of Bird Rock and stop for a coffee at a famous San Diego coffee roaster.

  10. Pacific Beach

    Passing by

    Get an overview of what makes Pacific Beach one of the top beach destinations in San Diego.

  11. Belmont Park

    Passing by

    Drive through Mission Beach as we point out what makes it different from Pacific Beach. Hear about Belmont Park before deciding whether you want to stop and ride the historic wooden roller coaster.

  12. Ocean Beach

    20 min

    Drive through Ocean Beach including Dog Beach and the OB Pier. Hear about some local restaurants and other happenings in this funky San Diego neighborhood.

  13. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

    10 min

    Drive down Sunset Cliffs Boulevard as you hear more about this local San Diego attraction.

  14. Stop 14

    Passing by

    Enjoy the views from the tip of Point Loma as you drive past the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. If you got an early start, you can drive to the very end of the road and visit Cabrillo National Monument (admission not included) before they close at 5:00 PM. If you decide to visit, you can enjoy some of the best views of San Diego and Coronado Island or take a short hike down the Bayside Trail.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • The tour starts in the parking lot in front of Starbucks in the shopping center just off I-5 North at Del Mar Heights Road.

End point

  • The tour ends at the tip of Point Loma, just before the entrance to Cabrillo National Monument (entrance fee not included).

Using your ticket

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: To access your tour, you will need to download the Drives & Detours app and enter your 6-character access code to unlock it. Your access code will be sent separately the day before your travel date. Access codes for same-day bookings will be sent within minutes after purchase.

HOW TO PREPARE: We recommend downloading the Drives & Detours app in advance so you are ready to go when you arrive.

DOWNLOAD THE APP:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drives-detours/id6443681888

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506

WATCH FOR YOUR ACCESS CODE: Your access code will arrive as a message through the booking platform. They should notify you by email, but if you don’t see it, check your spam folder or directly in the platform’s message center.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Service animals allowed

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • Works entirely offline once downloaded, no cell service required

  • GPS-triggered audio plays automatically as you approach featured locations

  • Download the Drives & Detours app and your tour before starting

  • Bring a fully charged phone or car charger

  • Pause anytime for sightseeing, photos, food, or scenic stops

  • Starting earlier in the day is recommended to avoid heavier southbound traffic

  • This is a self-guided experience (no in-person guide). No one will meet you at the starting point.

Traveller ratings

4.1 out of 5 · 16 reviews
5
63%
4
13%
3
6%
2
13%
1
6%

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

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