Self guided Driving Tour between LA and San Diego
Active
4h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Connect your smartphone to your vehicle and listen to a tour guide while you drive the iconic PCH!
Follow the route along the Pacific Coast Highway and discover one of the most scenic drives in the world! Start anywhere along the route between Los Angeles & San Diego. The tour is the same in either direction.
Learn about cities and towns nestled along the coast including Oceanside, Carlsbad, Long Beach, Dana Point & more! We’ll point out must-see sights like the Sunset Beach and Torrey Pines. Hear about Louis Zamperini and the RMS Queen Mary.
With no time constraints, enjoy the freedom to stop anywhere and take your time exploring. Tour guide commentary will play automatically as you drive, using an easy to navigate GPS map. No data is used during the tour.
This audio guide will keep your group entertained & engaged along the way. Each point of interest also has a fun multiple-choice trivia question about the sights.
Trust the platform with over 75 tours & 25,000+ happy customers.
Available options
Between LA & San Diego
What's included
No time constraints, take as long as you like to complete the tour
Only 1 tour booking needed per vehicle
Flexible dates - tour is yours to keep and enjoy anytime on Tripvia Tours.
No signal required or data used during tour
Good mobile or WiFi connection needed for the initial download
Detailed itinerary
1
As you are passing by the Los Angeles International Airport, we'll tell you a bit about it and why it's called LAX. Feel free to stop at as many attractions, as long as you like, along the tour as there are no time constraints.
2
We'll tell you how El Segundo got it's name and the main industries located here.
3
We'll tell you an interesting story behind the name Manhattan Beach.
4
Redondo Beach has a rather notorious past! We'll tell you why.
5
Hear how Torrance was, and still is, the perfect location for a Japanese automobile maker's North American Headquarters!
6
Louis Zamperini. We'll tell you a quick version of his incredible perseverance and resilience.
7
Here we'll tell you a bit about the area history and what the area is now famous for.
8
Legend has it that the Native Americans blessed the land of Palos Verdes, making it the most beautiful place on Earth.
9
RMS QUEEN MARY, a retired British oceanliner that sailed on the North Atlantic. We'll tell you how she came to be here.
10
We'll you a bit about the history of Long Beach and it's original inhabitants.
11
Hear about some of the famous alumni who called this university their own.
12
We'll tell you how Seal Beach was once a gambling destination!
13
There are four different habitats within the refuge, supporting a variety of species. We'll tell you a little about them.
14
Stop 14
Pass by
A "quintessential Southern California beach town"! Need we say more?
15
The path to the protection of this reserve is long and varied! We'll give a shortened version.
16
Stop 16
Pass by
We'll tell you why Huntington Beach is called "Surf City".
17
Hear why Santa Catalina Island was so popular with pirates!
18
Stop 18
Pass by
Huntington Beach and oil, and tourists, and politics. We'll give you a bit of the lowdown.
19
Welcome to the seaside city of Newport Beach! Although it's now known mostly for it's sandy beaches and ocean fun, it once supported a large number of
20
One of Newport Beach's most popular tourist attractions is the Balboa Peninsula. Originally, Balboa Island was little more than a mudflat surrounded by swampland...
21
Stop 21
Pass by
As you drive along the incredible coastline, you'll see some signs for Crystal Cove State Park. It all started back in 1874 when land owner and founder...
22
Welcome to the beautiful seaside resort city of Laguna Beach.As you can imagine, the scenic beauty of the isolated coastline and hills was very attractive to, well, pretty much everyone. It was...
23
It's an important regional wildlife preserve, and is home to a number of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails. It also features some interesting geological...
24
We're about to drive through the coastal neighbourhood of Monarch Beach.Luxury and affluence are found in abundance here, with the average price of a home...
25
Welcome to Dana Point, the dolphin-and-whale capital of the world! There are more dolphins per square mile in these glistening waters than...
26
Welcome to San Clemente! “The Spanish Village by the Sea”.As you pass by, you may see...
27
If you take a look to the ocean, you'll catch a glimpse of San Onofre State Beach. Well, if you're travelling north, you'll see some factories first and a nuclear power plant (more on that later)...
28
If you're heading south towards San Diego, in a minute-or-so you'll see signs for Vista Point. This is a nice lookout and a great spot to stop for some rest..
29
Funny enough, folklore tells us that Oceanside really just named itself! Originally, when the area was made up of ranches, people would say...
30
Carlsbad has a huge area called "The Flower Fields", a gorgeous tourist attraction that blooms in...
31
Welcome to Encinitas, another beautiful beach city, although it’s actually named for it's trees! When Gaspar de Portola led a Spanish expedition-through here...
32
Now, if you look to the ocean, you may be able to see Cardiff State Beach, which is great for swimming, beachcombing and exploring..
33
San Diego County, as you may have noticed, is huge! It spans 4,526 square miles and is filled with...
34
Stop 34
Pass by
You're currently passing through one of San Diego's treasures, Torrey Pines. 1,750 acres devoted to the conservation of wildlife, waterfowl and...
What's not included
Smartphone or tablet
Transportation (use your own vehicle)
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.7
3 reviews
5★
1
4★
1
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
The tour starts or stops on the I-70, just north of San Diego. Tour experience is the same in either direction.
Important notes
**HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE TRIPVIA TOURS APP & START THE TOUR**
Tour Code PACH55
1. Download and install the Tripvia Tours app (look for the logo with the multi-coloured letters). If you're reading this on your phone, tap on this link www.onelink.to/tripvia.
2. Open the app and find the tour you booked
3. Enter tour code PACH55.
4. Tap 'download tour', ***It is very important to ensure you have a good Wi-Fi or mobile data connection for the download process.
5. Follow the tutorial before leaving for your tour to learn how the app works.
6. Enjoy your tour!
Help → info@tripvia.tours | 1-866-874-7842
About Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a vibrant, multicultural city known for its Hollywood glamour, sunny beaches, and diverse cultural attractions. From iconic landmarks to world-class dining and entertainment, LA offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Hollywood Walk of Fame
A must-visit for film and entertainment enthusiasts, the Hollywood Walk of Fame features over 2,700 stars embedded in the sidewalk, honoring celebrities in the entertainment industry.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Santa Monica Pier
An iconic beachfront amusement park with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and numerous rides, the Santa Monica Pier offers fun for all ages.
Entertainment
Half day
Free entry, rides cost extra
Griffith Observatory
A public observatory offering stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign, as well as educational exhibits about space and astronomy.
Nature
2-3 hours
Free (some exhibits and shows have fees)
The Getty Center
A world-renowned art museum featuring European paintings, drawings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photographs.
Museum
Half day
Free (parking fee applies)
Venice Beach
A vibrant beach community known for its boardwalk, street performers, and eclectic shops, as well as its beautiful sandy beaches.
Beach
Half day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish Tacos
A popular street food item featuring grilled or fried fish in a tortilla, topped with salsa and crema.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made with various types of fish, vegetarian options available.
Korean BBQ
A staple of LA's Korean food scene, featuring marinated meats grilled at the table and served with side dishes.
Dinner
Contains meat, vegetarian options available at some restaurants.
Avocado Toast
A trendy dish featuring toasted bread topped with mashed avocado, often garnished with eggs, tomatoes, or other toppings.
Breakfast/Brunch
Vegetarian, vegan options available.
Tacos al Pastor
A traditional Mexican taco featuring marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served on corn tortillas with pineapple.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains pork, vegetarian options available at some restaurants.
Popular Activities
Hiking in Griffith Park
Rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park
Surfing in Malibu
Beach day in Santa Monica
Spa day in Beverly Hills
Yoga in Venice Beach
Visiting museums in Downtown LA
Exploring historic sites in Olvera Street
Best Time to Visit
April to May, September to November
The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. This is the best time to visit for comfortable sightseeing and exploring the city's attractions.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PT), GMT-8 (Standard Time), GMT-7 (Daylight Saving Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
LA is generally safe for tourists, but some areas can be risky, especially at night. Stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious at night and in less touristy areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
Getting there
By air
- Los Angeles International Airport • 20 km from city center
- Bob Hope Airport • 30 km from city center
By train
Union Station
By bus
Union Station, Greyhound Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Metro Rail system includes several subway and light rail lines that cover most of the city. It's a convenient and affordable way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Hollywood
Santa Monica
Downtown LA
Venice
Beverly Hills
Day trips
Santa Barbara
150 km from LA • Full day
A charming coastal city known for its Spanish architecture, wineries, and beautiful beaches.
Disneyland Resort
50 km from LA • Full day
A world-famous theme park featuring Disney characters, rides, and attractions for all ages.
Joshua Tree National Park
200 km from LA • Full day or overnight
A unique desert landscape featuring iconic Joshua trees, rock formations, and hiking trails.
Festivals
Hollywood Bowl Summer Concert Series • June to September
LA Pride • June
LA County Fair • September to October
Pro tips
- Use public transportation or walk whenever possible to avoid traffic and parking issues
- Book tickets in advance for popular attractions and events
- Explore beyond the tourist hotspots for a more local experience
- Be prepared for traffic and congestion, especially during peak hours
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, as LA can be hot and sunny year-round
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
