From US$12 per person
Book tickets on Viator (opens in a new tab): Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur Self-Guided Smartphone Audio DriveYou book and pay on viator.com. Inclusable may earn a commission.
3.7 / 5 from 9 reviews on Viator
- Group size
- Up to 15
- Language
- English
- Rating on Viator
- 3.7 / 5 · 9 reviews
About this tour
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.
Accessibility, as stated by the supplier
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
Meeting point: For the north-to-south direction, begin in Monterey and follow the in-app GPS route toward Santa Maria; this is self-guided, with no in-person meeting.
Provided through Viator and not verified by Inclusable. Ask the supplier about your specific needs before you book.
Itinerary
View itinerary · 20 stopsHide itinerary
- 1
Begin or end in Santa Maria, a Central Coast gateway to the scenic Highway 1 drive.(pass by)
- 2
See the broad sands and dunes at Oceano, where beach access and activities depend on current park rules.(pass by)
- 3
Hear about Santa Barbara wine country, a regional tradition reaching back to California's mission era.(pass by)
- 4
Pass Arroyo Grande and its historic village, rooted in the region's ranching and farming past.(pass by)
- 5
Catch a glimpse of Grover Beach, a laid-back coastal town beside Pismo's dunes.(pass by)
- 6
Enjoy Pismo Beach's shoreline and coastal views as the road draws you toward the ocean.(pass by)
- 7
Look for monarch butterflies at the Pismo grove during their seasonal winter gathering.(pass by)
- 8
Discover Montaña de Oro's rugged coastline and wildflower-covered hills on an optional detour.(pass by)
- 9
Explore San Luis Obispo's historic core and its famously quirky Bubblegum Alley if you stop.(pass by)
- 10
Visit the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden on an optional detour for plants from Mediterranean climates.(pass by)
- 11
Take in Morro Bay and its iconic volcanic landmark, Morro Rock, from the waterfront.(pass by)
- 12
Stretch your legs at Cayucos Pier for open Pacific views and a taste of this seaside town.(pass by)
- 13
Keep watch for whales from designated Whale Trail viewpoints along the coast.(pass by)
- 14
Pass tiny Harmony, an arts-minded village amid rolling coastal hills.(pass by)
- 15
Discover Cambria's historic village and the Monterey pines that frame this stretch of coast.(pass by)
- 16
Pass Hearst San Simeon State Park, where beaches, bluffs and protected habitats meet.(pass by)
- 17
Watch elephant seals from the public viewing areas near Piedras Blancas; their numbers vary by season.(pass by)
- 18
Admire Hearst Castle from the coast; hilltop tours require a separate reservation and ticket.(pass by)
- 19
Look toward the historic Piedras Blancas Light Station; visits require a separate guided tour.(pass by)
- 20
Watch the skies near Los Padres National Forest for a rare California condor sighting.(pass by)
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- 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.
Included
- One booking per vehicle
- GPS-triggered smartphone audio tour
- Live GPS route map
- Download for offline use
- Flexible, self-paced access
Not included
- Headphones (optional; audio also plays through your phone or vehicle speakers)
- Attraction admission and interior access unless specifically stated
- Smartphone or tablet (bring your own)
- Vehicle and fuel (drive your own)
- Parking fees at optional stops
- In-person guide
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Location & contact
- Area
- Pismo Beach, California
- Meeting point
- For the north-to-south direction, begin in Monterey and follow the in-app GPS route toward Santa Maria; this is self-guided, with no in-person meeting
- Contact
- The tour operator’s own details aren’t published. Questions about access or your booking go through Viator, which handles the booking and passes your request to the operator.
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