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Tours/San Diego/Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

4.1(16)San Diego3–6 hours
VIATOR4.2(13)TRIPADVISOR3.7(3)
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
+7 photos
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

At a glance

Duration
3–6 hours
Price from
$15 / person
Location
San Diego, United States
Rating
4.1 / 5 · 16 reviews
Languages
EN, EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Drives & Detours
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.

Description

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.

Tour Options

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Itinerary

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.

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.

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
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!

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
30 min

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

La Jolla Cove
30 min

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

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.

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
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.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
10 min

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.

What's included

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
Not included
Smartphone
Transportation

Traveller Ratings

4.1
16 reviews
5
10
4
2
3
1
2
2
1
1

Important 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

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

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour take?

Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour lasts about 3–6 hours. The itinerary has 14 stops.

How much does Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour cost?

Prices start at $15 per person for this San Diego experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

Can I cancel Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is 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. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.

What languages is Beaches & Bluffs San Diego Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour offered in?

The experience is available in EN, EN.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 7 travellers can book together.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Reviews(16)

M
Mohamed_O
September 12, 2026
This is self guided tour...

This is self guided tour that no where in their website specify this before purchasing…. If I’m driving to their meeting point I can find places to enjoy without needing to follow any apps… scammers !!! :(

Operator response

Thanks for sharing your concerns. We do want to clarify that the listing identifies this as a “self-guided” tour and a “GPS-triggered audio tour” throughout the description, including right at the beginning. The app doesn't just show you where to drive, there’s audio narration (with local stories, history, and recommendations) that plays automatically along the way. Also, it doesn’t appear that you redeemed your access code and tried the tour, so we’re happy to provide a refund. Alternatively, your access remains available if you’d like to give it a shot. We think you might actually enjoy it!

M
Michelle_M
September 4, 2026
Bible reunion 2026

We enjoyed the tour but navigating the tool was a challenge. Luckily I knew how to navigate through it. The sites were amazing and we even went paragliding.

Operator response

Hey Michelle_M, thanks for the review! Glad you enjoyed the tour, and that's amazing that you decided to try paragliding! I've been in San Diego for 20 years and still haven't done it... I may have to give it a try soon. If you can find the time to email us, I'd love to hear more about what was challenging with the app so we can see what we could make easier. Thanks again!

N
Norman C
June 28, 2026
Great tour… booking issue.

We didn’t look at the date that preloaded when we bought the tour. It was for a same day, but it got ordered for 2 days later. Couldn’t get a code, so we booked directly with the operator.

Operator response

Thanks for the review! Glad it worked out and you ended up enjoying the tour.

N
Nichole_S
March 8, 2026
We loved it

So much fun with so much to see. Being able to stop and see the places then pick up right where you left off was great!

Operator response

Glad you loved it! This driving tour was inspired by the route I would take friends and family on who were visiting San Diego for the first time. Happy to hear you took advantage of the flexibility to stop and explore along the way!

B
Bonnie_N
September 7, 2025
This is a very low cost...

This is a very low cost way to see a lot of San Diego. Some of the most beautiful views and options to explore. Plan to spend the whole day with stopping and checking things out. Clear directions to get from place to place. We all had a blast on this excursion.

Operator response

We're so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Safe travels!

N
Nancy_P
April 26, 2025
A great value

This driving tour was the perfect way to get a good feel for the coastline and communities near San Diego. We would love to do it again now that we know what to expect, and we would allow more time to stop along the way. Although the information says you can spend around 3 hours driving straight through, based on our experience, we would plan an entire day around the tour. We started after lunch in La Jolla and missed the last stop at Cabrillo National Monument because we arrived after it closed (although the information was very clear about the closing time). We appreciated that the tour took us off the beaten path and we saw things we would have never found on our own. We also liked that it provided suggested places to eat, visit, and shop along the way, which we kept track of for future reference. Although the audio directions were easy to follow, the app settings did not seem to work (e.g., I could never get the audio to repeat although it seemed to have that functionality). Still, any quibble with the app is not a reason to skip the tour if you like driving around an area to learn about it. On this tour you'll see beautiful scenery and interesting sights.

Operator response

We're so glad you enjoyed the tour and had a great time! Don't forget it never expires, so you can revisit it anytime. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it's much appreciated.

A
Alison_B
December 28, 2024
The tour was fun,...

The tour was fun, informative, and flexible! It was the right mix of sight seeing, driving, and walking around!

Operator response

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for leaving a review!

B
Bert_M
July 15, 2024
Meh... it is so-so.. just use your own GPS

It is not a full GPS system and that's a problem. And the navigation controls if you skip a site are clunky. You can do just as well or better if you just take the time to plan the sites you want to visit and just use your own GPS. The narration provided is interesting, but the navigation aspect of it needs improvement. If you do decide to use this app, you need to have a designated navigator familiar with the app. It's not like a GPS.

Operator response

We're glad you found the narration interesting! The problem with enabling GPS is that it doesn't always take you on the specific roads we want you to take on the tour, meaning you would miss some of the scenic parts of the drive. For that reason, we intentionally disabled the ability to fully navigate using the app. As for the controls for skipping a site, there's right/left arrows, allowing you to flip through the sites like pages in a book. Alternatively, you can view the route map and tap on the next map pin. If you have a suggestion on how that might be improved, or any other suggestions or ideas, please contact us at support@drivesanddetours.com. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!

P
PopPopnNana
July 14, 2024
It is a B- thing. Read my detail for a better way.

It is fairly ok, but not great. This is NOT a substitute GPS. If you make a wrong turn, you need your own GPS to get back on track. Do not even attempt to park at the busy beach at La Jolla. It ain't happening. You actually don't need the guide even though the price is right. Just pick your spots in advance and use your own GPS. The nav controls on the app are clunky. Do NOT miss Cabrillo Nat Mon. Arrive at least by 4pm. It is pretty much only of interest to adults.

Operator response

We appreciate your detailed review! Our app isn't designed to replace your trusty GPS, but it does add a sprinkle of history and fun facts to your journey. And yes, parking at La Jolla can be a bit like finding a unicorn. 🦄

J
Jodi_H
July 10, 2024
Easy inexpensive way to see the sights of San Diego

We really enjoyed this tour. It’s well organized and gives a lot of details without being boring for the kids. Highly recommend!

Operator response

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for taking the time to leave a review!

$15/ person
4.1(16)
Duration3–6 hours
LanguagesEN, EN
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booking on the official Viator website
Free cancellation

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

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