Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
- English
Explore California's Big Sur coast on a self-guided smartphone audio drive between Santa Maria and Monterey, in either direction. Follow Highway 1 past Pismo Beach, Morro Rock, Hearst Castle, elephant seal viewing areas, McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, Point Lobos and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Hear 40+ GPS-triggered stories; some subjects share a Viator itinerary entry.
A live GPS map shows your route while audio plays through your phone or car speakers. Download before departure for offline use, then pause and explore at your own pace. Allow about 4–5 hours plus optional stops or traffic delays. Bring your own car and smartphone; there is no in-person guide.
This is mainly a scenic pass-by drive. Attraction admission and interior access are separate. Highway 1 and park access can change with construction, fires or weather, so check current Caltrans and park notices. The McWay Falls overlook trail and beach are closed.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
-
Santa Maria (Pass by)
Begin or end in Santa Maria, a Central Coast gateway to the scenic Highway 1 drive.
Admission ticket free -
Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve (Pass by)
See the broad sands and dunes at Oceano, where beach access and activities depend on current park rules.
Admission ticket free -
Santa Barbara Wine Region (Pass by)
Hear about Santa Barbara wine country, a regional tradition reaching back to California's mission era.
Admission ticket free -
Arroyo Grande (Pass by)
Pass Arroyo Grande and its historic village, rooted in the region's ranching and farming past.
Admission ticket free -
Grover Beach (Pass by)
Catch a glimpse of Grover Beach, a laid-back coastal town beside Pismo's dunes.
Admission ticket free -
Pismo Beach (Pass by)
Enjoy Pismo Beach's shoreline and coastal views as the road draws you toward the ocean.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Look for monarch butterflies at the Pismo grove during their seasonal winter gathering.
Admission ticket free -
Montana de Oro State Park (Pass by)
Discover Montaña de Oro's rugged coastline and wildflower-covered hills on an optional detour.
Admission ticket free -
San Luis Obispo (Pass by)
Explore San Luis Obispo's historic core and its famously quirky Bubblegum Alley if you stop.
Admission ticket free -
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden (Pass by)
Visit the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden on an optional detour for plants from Mediterranean climates.
Admission ticket free -
Morro Bay (Pass by)
Take in Morro Bay and its iconic volcanic landmark, Morro Rock, from the waterfront.
Admission ticket free -
Cayucos Pier (Pass by)
Stretch your legs at Cayucos Pier for open Pacific views and a taste of this seaside town.
Admission ticket free -
The Whale Trail (Pass by)
Keep watch for whales from designated Whale Trail viewpoints along the coast.
Admission ticket free -
Harmony (Pass by)
Pass tiny Harmony, an arts-minded village amid rolling coastal hills.
Admission ticket free -
Cambria (Pass by)
Discover Cambria's historic village and the Monterey pines that frame this stretch of coast.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass Hearst San Simeon State Park, where beaches, bluffs and protected habitats meet.
Admission ticket free -
Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center (Pass by)
Watch elephant seals from the public viewing areas near Piedras Blancas; their numbers vary by season.
Admission ticket free -
Hearst Castle (Pass by)
Admire Hearst Castle from the coast; hilltop tours require a separate reservation and ticket.
Admission ticket free -
Piedras Blancas Light Station (Pass by)
Look toward the historic Piedras Blancas Light Station; visits require a separate guided tour.
Admission ticket free -
Los Padres National Forest (Pass by)
Watch the skies near Los Padres National Forest for a rare California condor sighting.
Admission ticket free -
Fort Hunter Ligget (Pass by)
Hear about Fort Hunter Liggett beyond the coastal mountains; the military post is not a public tour stop.
Admission ticket free -
Jade Cove (Pass by)
Pass Jade Cove's rugged shoreline, known for its colourful Monterey jade.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass the tiny Big Sur hamlet of Lucia, perched between mountains and ocean.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Learn how Big Creek State Marine Reserve protects the life-rich waters along this wild coast.
Admission ticket free -
Esalen Institute (Pass by)
Pass the coastal Esalen Institute, a private retreat known for its workshops and ocean setting.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Hear the story of Slates Hot Springs, now within the privately operated Esalen property.
Admission ticket free -
McWay Falls (Pass by)
Pass Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls; the waterfall overlook trail and beach are closed, so follow posted access notices.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Take in the steep Santa Lucia Mountains rising close above the Pacific.
Admission ticket free -
Big Sur (Pass by)
Follow Big Sur's dramatic meeting of cliffs, redwoods and ocean along Highway 1.
Admission ticket free -
Bixby Bridge (Pass by)
Cross the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and use designated pullouts for views; expect controlled traffic nearby at Rocky Creek.
Admission ticket free -
Garrapata State Park (Pass by)
Enjoy Garrapata State Park's coastal views and Garrapata Beach where access is open.
Admission ticket free -
Point Lobos (Pass by)
Admire Point Lobos' rocky coves and marine life from the highway, or visit the reserve separately.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Discover Whalers Cove and its historic cabin at Point Lobos; museum access depends on park hours.
Admission ticket free -
Carmel-by-the-Sea (Pass by)
Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea's storybook streets, galleries and beach on an optional stop.
Admission ticket free -
Monterey (Pass by)
Arrive in Monterey for waterfront history, from Fisherman's Wharf to Cannery Row.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a self-guided drive in your own vehicle, with optional outdoor stops on uneven or steep ground. You can enjoy the audio without entering attractions. Highway 1 may have controlled traffic, closures or fire-related access restrictions; check Caltrans and park notices before departure. McWay Falls overlook trail and beach access are closed.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Get our app
