Scenic Drive on Coast Highway 101: La Jolla to Del Mar

The old coast highway north of La Jolla is San Diego at its best — beach towns strung along the bluffs, with the Pacific open beside you and Torrey Pines rising ahead.

San Diego · Drive · about 30 min · 11 miles · Pleasantness: Very High

Why this route is pleasant

• Hugs the ocean bluffs the whole way
• Threads the laid-back beach towns instead of the freeway
• Climbs the cliffs through Torrey Pines State Reserve
• Hang gliders, surfers and tide pools along the route
• Easy pullouts above the beaches

What you'll see

• La Jolla Cove and the sea lions
• The Torrey Pines cliffs and glider port
• Los Peñasquitos lagoon and the long Torrey Pines beach
• Del Mar's bluff-top village and racetrack

Best time to go

Late afternoon for the light on the cliffs; weekday mornings are quietest.

Open this route in Pleasant Routes · More San Diego routes · All cities