59-Mile Scenic Drive

Activity Overview

San Diego's 59-Mile Scenic Drive is a popular route that takes visitors on an exciting drive through the city. It goes through beautiful neighborhoods, provides spectacular coastal views, and takes you past many of the city's top attractions. If you just want to enjoy the drive itself, it takes about three hours, but the best way to enjoy the 59-Mile Scenic Drive is by taking your time and making stops at the attractions you're most interested in.

Things to Do

• Visit Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma, the southwesternmost point of the continental U.S., which is often a great place to watch gray whales in the wintertime.
• Stop by Mount Soledad Park to enjoy some of the best views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
• Go swimming, sea cave kayaking, or snorkeling at La Jolla Cove.
• Enjoy a family picnic at Embarcadero Marina Park and check out the spectacular views of the Coronado Bridge.

59-Mile Scenic Drive Insider Tips

• Start your drive at the San Diego Visitor Information Center, where you can pick up maps and brochures that highlight the path. You can also find a detailed online guide here, and there are blue and yellow signs with a white seagull marking the entire route.
• Don't miss Balboa Park, one of the city's most popular attractions, which is home to 17 museums, including the San Diego Natural History Museum and the San Diego Air & Space Museum!
• If you love animals, make sure to stop by the world-famous San Diego Zoo, which has over 4,000 animals.