San Diego's 59 Mile Scenic Drive
San Diego's 59 Mile Scenic Drive
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Neighbourhood: Marina
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- Santa Fe Depot • 6 min walk
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4.0
17 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
7
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
larktrav
East Meadow, NY777 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
I read about this tour in the AAA book and found the route online. We learned that there are road signs all along the way through out the driving tour. Each sign has a white background, blue letters and a large seagull in the center of the sign and they are on the side of the road with arrows. The tour highlights sights you see just driving by or stopping your car and also places to stop and walk around or visit. Although it supposedly takes about 3 hours, we took all day and loved the very thorough inclusion of all the great sights which included: Embarcadero, islands and viewpoints, several beaches with walks along the ocean and sea lions, museums, major shopping centers, Balboa Park, and historic areas. If you follow this driving tour with stops as indicated along the way, you will have a full day tour of the San Diego and La Jolla area that will be completely satisfying. We were so surprised to note that no one seems to know about this even though they have spotted some of the signs and had no idea what they were. You can get the driving route and info about each stop at www.sandiego.org/article_set/Visitors/11/338 We suggest that you follow the written instructions and use the signs as an extra guide rather than just following the signs which can be confusing.
Written 8 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie R
New Brunswick, NJ15 contributions
Jan 2013 • Solo
I randomly found the tour while driving in La Jolla Village and decided to follow the "Scenic Drive" signs because I figured this would provide the more beachfront roads. When I stopped at one of the beach strips along the route I realized it was a whole driving tour and decided to see where it lead me. It was a great day! I started at what the guide labels as site 10 and went through the whole thing to site 23 (7:30 am - 2:30pm). The signs are very faded and not always the easiest to follow, but mostly they are adequate although they do not indicate site numbers or suggested stops. I did the drive by myself and would recommend having a navigator follow the online directions. It was great because my trip to San Diego was rather impromptu and I had done no research on the area; from what I could tell this was all-inclusive of the major sites to see/visit. If the signs were updated and included suggested stops I would have given the tour all 5 stars, as it was, I got off track twice (correcting my route was easy). Many of the stops have restrooms and restaurants.
Written 11 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KLD101
San Diego, CA321 contributions
Feb 2012 • Friends
I live in San Diego, and when I have visitors from out of town I routinely take them on at least several sections of this drive. It takes you past many of the attractions and sights in San Diego, and depending on your time, you are free to stop and get out of the car or not. Signs are easy to follow, and you can get a map on-line if you want one. If you don't stop, plan on taking 2-3 hours for this drive. Adding stops could make it an all-day expedition.
Written 28 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna-Sophie S
Leguevin, France47 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
I had come across this scenic drive through Tripadvisor. Since we did not know San Diego and its surroundings very well, we decided to try it out.
What a nice way to see some of the sights. We picked only a few, as we were limited in time. We started off with Pacific Beach, where we had breakfast. Then we continued to Point Loma, which is on the other side of the city and also worth a visit with Cabrillo National Museum and its lighthouse. After that, the next stop was La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Beach. Very neat little community with plenty of shops and arty galleries. Parking was a bit of an issue but we did find it after driving around a couple of blocks. Nice walk along the cliffs and watching sea lions basking themselves in the sun.
If time would have allowed it, we probably would have visited more of the locations.
It's a real secret, as even a guy at the hotel, who is from San Diego had never heard of this drive.
Definite worth thinking about, if you don't know the area well but want to explore its hotspots.
What a nice way to see some of the sights. We picked only a few, as we were limited in time. We started off with Pacific Beach, where we had breakfast. Then we continued to Point Loma, which is on the other side of the city and also worth a visit with Cabrillo National Museum and its lighthouse. After that, the next stop was La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Beach. Very neat little community with plenty of shops and arty galleries. Parking was a bit of an issue but we did find it after driving around a couple of blocks. Nice walk along the cliffs and watching sea lions basking themselves in the sun.
If time would have allowed it, we probably would have visited more of the locations.
It's a real secret, as even a guy at the hotel, who is from San Diego had never heard of this drive.
Definite worth thinking about, if you don't know the area well but want to explore its hotspots.
Written 14 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tizzysue
Minneapolis, MN25 contributions
Jul 2016
Stumbled across this tour on the Internet and decided to make it the first item on our itinerary. With a few short stops to take in the scenery, we covered the drive in about 4 hours on a Sunday morning.
This is a great way to get an overview of San Diego highlights if you are only visiting for a day or two. In our case, we used it as a scouting trip to figure out where we wanted to spend our time during our week long stay.
The drive includes multiple sites in the harbor area, Point Loma, several stops in beautiful La Jolla and Torrey Pines, Old Town, and the GasLamp district.
To find our way, we used a copy of turn-by-turn directions from the Internet along with the "Scenic Drive" signs posted along the route and the map provided by the Visitor's Center.
Note: there is an entrance fee ($10 per car) to Cabrillo National Monument.
This is a great way to get an overview of San Diego highlights if you are only visiting for a day or two. In our case, we used it as a scouting trip to figure out where we wanted to spend our time during our week long stay.
The drive includes multiple sites in the harbor area, Point Loma, several stops in beautiful La Jolla and Torrey Pines, Old Town, and the GasLamp district.
To find our way, we used a copy of turn-by-turn directions from the Internet along with the "Scenic Drive" signs posted along the route and the map provided by the Visitor's Center.
Note: there is an entrance fee ($10 per car) to Cabrillo National Monument.
Written 13 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pattie491
San Diego, CA14 contributions
Apr 2015 • Solo
I wouldn't really recommend this drive if you have more than one day to see San Diego. The drive encompasses many of the spectacular spots here, however, some of the stops are full day trips. You could possibly combine 1-4 spots for a day. I recommend a full day for these; Birch Aquarium/ La Jolla, Old Town, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo. If you are going to do the drive, start it early on a Sunday morning for the least amount of traffic. It is a beautiful drive for those with only one day to see San Diego.
Written 22 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Escape-overseas
Stevenage, UK1,710 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
Having visited San Diego on many occasions we were this time acting as tour guide to our son on his first visit. Whilst planning our stay, and having noticed road signs for the 'scenic route' before the internet provided full details of the route and vantage points along the way. With a visit planned for the week it gave the ideal opportunity to make the most of the route, enabling us to stop off and enjoy the sights, some we had experienced before, others equally new to us. If you have a few days to spare I can recommend the route and with so much to experience, just like us, you will want to return time and again. The roadside markings are good but not infallible so a print out of the ' scenic drive' will help with directions should you take a wrong turn.
Written 3 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles V
Houston, TX1,572 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
We found This is difficult follow. Which is. A huge issue in traffic. If the could mark it better and rehabs build a. Gps tour t would be great.
Written 30 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TraveledViking
San Diego, CA876 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
If you have a limited amount of time, have a car, and a sense of great navigation, then this is the best way to see as much as you can! Be prepared for traffic and spots with little to no parking.
Written 25 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel O
Grimsby, UK138 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Great idea in theory but almost impossible to find further and updated information on. The website we found most information on was the sandiego.org one but trying to find a map proved impossible. The visitor centre looked totally blank when I asked about it and, on the route around, when I mentioned we were trying to follow the route, again, I was met with blank faces!
So, San Diego. Get your act together on this one and get some information out there to your visitor centres! We enjoyed what we did anyway.
So, San Diego. Get your act together on this one and get some information out there to your visitor centres! We enjoyed what we did anyway.
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bjcole27
Reno, Nevada
Where can I find a map of this 59 mile scenic drive? Will be taking my mother who is 92 and my sister (paraplegic) so normal tours are unavailable with a wheelchair.
Written 14 February 2017
Hi BJ,
The detailed route and tourist attractions are available on line. Simply type in San Diego 59 Mile Scenic Drive into your search engine.
Some elements of the tour will not be accessible to walk around due to steep hills or steps, but can be viewed from within the vehicle. I'm sure you will all find the route very enjoyable. So it isn't too taxing on the older members of the family it would possibly be best to consider the trip over say a 2 day period. The good thing about San Diego is none of the sights seem that far away from downtown.
Have fun.
Written 15 February 2017
What is the actual route? I'm confused. Is there a list?
Written 9 December 2015
There is a list of the possible stops at the san diego tourism site online and as far as the route, you just follow the Scenic Drive signs with the seagull on them.
Written 28 April 2016
I believe you can "Get your bearings, maps, brochures and Visitor Guides at the International Visitor Information Center, an official visitor center of the San Diego Tourism Authority. Located at 1140 North Harbor Drive (in front of the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal), the Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM October through May. From June to September, it's open daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: 619.236.1212."
Written 21 April 2015
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