Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

Duration8h - 16h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

GuideAlong's Audio Tour takes you on an incredible self-guided journey along this scenic 130 mile stretch of California’s coast. Along the way you'll be guided to all of the area's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including towering Redwood trees, an elephant seal observation deck, and an iconic seaside restaurant.

This self-guided audio tour helps you discover more on your road trip with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions that plays automatically along the drive.

With GyPSy Guide you have the freedom to explore offline at your own pace so you can spend more time at places that interest you.

✅ Tour operate in both directions
✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location
✅ Travel at your own pace
✅ Tours work offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed
✅ Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use
✅ Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates

Purchase one tour per vehicle.

What's included

Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates
GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 170 Points
Includes an app based self-guided experience, so you do not need any in-person guide.
Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own

Entry Fees, National Park Passes, Reservations

What to expect

Big Sur
8h

As the audio guides play commentary based on your gps location (and direction), you can create your own itinerary along the tour route(s) to match your interests and schedule.

Or you can use our trip planners for our suggestions on half, full or multi day itineraries.

Some of the many highlights are listed below;
Bixby Bridge
20m

Perhaps the single most photographed location on the entire Highway 1 drive, this concrete arch span bridge has been the star of many car commercials and movie driving scenes. We'll share the best angles to capture this great shot for yourself.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
1h · Admission ticket not included

The ancient Redwood trees which grow to more than 360 feet in height are one of the tallest tree species on Earth. The unique micro climate conditions of thick summer fog, moderate temperatures and winter rain allow a thin band of trees to grow along this portion of the Californian coast. The best place to hug these friendly giants is at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Hearst Castle
2h · Admission ticket not included

Once the playground and place where one of America's richest men would entertain his Hollywood friends, artists and global politicians. Filled with an amazing art collection and all manner of European and home-grown stylings, the property grew from a vacation cottage to an estate of palatial quality, and earned the nickname of Hearst Castle.

Visitors are taken by shuttle from the welcome center and are provided with a choice of tours to explore the opulent residence.
McWay Falls
20m

The most attractive of many waterfalls to be found along the Big Sur drive. McWay Falls cascades from the forest, over a rock ledge and tumbles directly onto a white sand beach. Set in a beautiful cove it's impossible not to take fantastic photos.

Truly a magical place. And seals often choose this as the best place to take a nap on the beach.
Morro Bay
1h

A coastal city known for the volcanic plug Morro Rock landmark that juts up from the water. It's also a great stop for dining in oceanfront restaurants and exploring the Embarcadero, filled with stores and art galleries.
Pfeiffer Beach
30m · Admission ticket not included

We'll provide a little help to point out the almost hidden turn in for Pfeiffer State Beach but once your make your way down the narrow road to the entrance, we promise it will be worth it.

What awaits? A beautiful rugged coastline, crashing waves, the Keyhole Sea Arch and purple sand that is made by tiny flecks of garnet. Remember to take cash as there is an entrance/parking fee. No credit or debit accepted.
Point Lobos
30m · Admission ticket not included

The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve close to Carmel has a rich underwater habitat excellent for spotting a number of sea animals including seabirds, seals and sea lions, otters and gray whales.

Numerous hiking trails and a cultural history museum in a small cabin that showcases the diving and whaling history. Enjoy views directly from the carparks, or walk the easy shoreline trail system.
Elephant Seal Vista Point
30m

You'll see elephant seals year round at the Piedras Blancas Rookery about 7 miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1, and the population can swell to around 17,000 at its peak.

There is plenty of parking and a raised boardwalk area where you can safely observe. And often Friends of the Elephant Seals docents (in bright blue jackets) are present that can answer your questions and take donations.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

From San Luis Obispo, join Hwy 1 north from the junction with Hwy 101, heading toward Morro Bay. Search your email for “Download Audio Tour,” then preview the route in the app.

Meeting point

Includes an app-based self-guided experience, so there is no need to meet an in-person guide. From Carmel, drive south on Hwy 1. Commentary begins at the junction of Hwy 1 and Rio Rd. Search your email for “Download Audio Tour,” then preview the route in the app.

End point

From San Luis Obispo, join Hwy 1 north from the junction with Hwy 101, heading toward Morro Bay. Search your email for “Download Audio Tour,” then preview the route in the app.

End point

Includes an app-based self-guided experience, so there is no need to meet an in-person guide. From Carmel, drive south on Hwy 1. Commentary begins at the junction of Hwy 1 and Rio Rd. Search your email for “Download Audio Tour,” then preview the route in the app.

Additional information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
⚠️ Important Update: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) is currently closed between Big Sur and Ragged Point due to ongoing repairs from the Regent’s Slide. This 6.8-mile section is impassable. For the latest updates, please visit the Caltrans site.
The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (9)