Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Overview
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.
What's included
Lifetime Tour Access Once Unlocked
Offline Tour Access After Download
Interactive Route Map and Stop Information
GPS-Triggered Audio Tour in the Drives & Detours App
One Purchase Covers Everyone in Your Vehicle
Smartphone
Transportation
What to expect
Torrey Pines State Beach
5m
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.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
45m
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.
Torrey Pines Golf Course
Pass by
We'll point out Torrey Pines Golf Course including why you might want to pull in and stop.
Torrey Pines Gliderport
15m
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!
Birch Aquarium At Scripps
Pass by
We'll drive right by San Diego's Birch Aquarium and point out the entrance for those interested in stopping.
La Jolla Shores Park
30m
Get the inside scoop on things to do in La Jolla Shores.
La Jolla Cove
30m
Learn about La Jolla as you drive along Coast Blvd. We'll share recommendations on restaurants, attractions and more.
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
15m
Enjoy the spectacular panoramic views from atop Mt Soledad as we point out all the major landmarks visible from the top.
Pass by
Drive through the quaint neighborhood of Bird Rock and stop for a coffee at a famous San Diego coffee roaster.
Pacific Beach
Pass by
Get an overview of what makes Pacific Beach one of the top beach destinations in San Diego.
Belmont Park
Pass 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.
Ocean Beach
20m
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.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
10m
Drive down Sunset Cliffs Boulevard as you hear more about this local San Diego attraction.
Pass 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 and pickup
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).
Additional information
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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.