Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Drive

3.7 (9 reviews) 4–5 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

9 reviews

3.7

Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Drive — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Drive, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 4–5 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Tripvia Tours

What is included

Included

Included: One booking per vehicle
Included: GPS-triggered smartphone audio tour
Included: Live GPS route map
Included: Download for offline use
Included: Flexible, self-paced access

Not included

Not included: Headphones (optional; audio also plays through your phone or vehicle speakers)
Not included: Attraction admission and interior access unless specifically stated
Not included: Smartphone or tablet (bring your own)
Not included: Vehicle and fuel (drive your own)
Not included: Parking fees at optional stops
Not included: In-person guide

Itinerary

Santa Maria

Passing by

Begin or end in Santa Maria, a Central Coast gateway to the scenic Highway 1 drive.
Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve

Passing by

See the broad sands and dunes at Oceano, where beach access and activities depend on current park rules.
Santa Barbara Wine Region

Passing by

Hear about Santa Barbara wine country, a regional tradition reaching back to California's mission era.
Arroyo Grande

Passing by

Pass Arroyo Grande and its historic village, rooted in the region's ranching and farming past.
Grover Beach

Passing by

Catch a glimpse of Grover Beach, a laid-back coastal town beside Pismo's dunes.
Pismo Beach

Passing by

Enjoy Pismo Beach's shoreline and coastal views as the road draws you toward the ocean.
Stop 7

Passing by

Look for monarch butterflies at the Pismo grove during their seasonal winter gathering.
Montana de Oro State Park

Passing by

Discover Montaña de Oro's rugged coastline and wildflower-covered hills on an optional detour.
San Luis Obispo

Passing by

Explore San Luis Obispo's historic core and its famously quirky Bubblegum Alley if you stop.
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden

Passing by

Visit the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden on an optional detour for plants from Mediterranean climates.
Morro Bay

Passing by

Take in Morro Bay and its iconic volcanic landmark, Morro Rock, from the waterfront.
Cayucos Pier

Passing by

Stretch your legs at Cayucos Pier for open Pacific views and a taste of this seaside town.
The Whale Trail

Passing by

Keep watch for whales from designated Whale Trail viewpoints along the coast.
Harmony

Passing by

Pass tiny Harmony, an arts-minded village amid rolling coastal hills.
Cambria

Passing by

Discover Cambria's historic village and the Monterey pines that frame this stretch of coast.
Stop 16

Passing by

Pass Hearst San Simeon State Park, where beaches, bluffs and protected habitats meet.
Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center

Passing by

Watch elephant seals from the public viewing areas near Piedras Blancas; their numbers vary by season.
Hearst Castle

Passing by

Admire Hearst Castle from the coast; hilltop tours require a separate reservation and ticket.
Piedras Blancas Light Station

Passing by

Look toward the historic Piedras Blancas Light Station; visits require a separate guided tour.
Los Padres National Forest

Passing by

Watch the skies near Los Padres National Forest for a rare California condor sighting.
Fort Hunter Ligget

Passing by

Hear about Fort Hunter Liggett beyond the coastal mountains; the military post is not a public tour stop.
Jade Cove

Passing by

Pass Jade Cove's rugged shoreline, known for its colourful Monterey jade.
Stop 23

Passing by

Pass the tiny Big Sur hamlet of Lucia, perched between mountains and ocean.
Stop 24

Passing by

Learn how Big Creek State Marine Reserve protects the life-rich waters along this wild coast.
Esalen Institute

Passing by

Pass the coastal Esalen Institute, a private retreat known for its workshops and ocean setting.
Stop 26

Passing by

Hear the story of Slates Hot Springs, now within the privately operated Esalen property.
McWay Falls

Passing by

Pass Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls; the waterfall overlook trail and beach are closed, so follow posted access notices.
Stop 28

Passing by

Take in the steep Santa Lucia Mountains rising close above the Pacific.
Big Sur

Passing by

Follow Big Sur's dramatic meeting of cliffs, redwoods and ocean along Highway 1.
Bixby Bridge

Passing by

Cross the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and use designated pullouts for views; expect controlled traffic nearby at Rocky Creek.
Stop 31

Passing by

Enjoy Garrapata State Park's coastal views and Garrapata Beach where access is open.
Point Lobos

Passing by

Admire Point Lobos' rocky coves and marine life from the highway, or visit the reserve separately.
Stop 33

Passing by

Discover Whalers Cove and its historic cabin at Point Lobos; museum access depends on park hours.
Stop 34

Passing by

Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea's storybook streets, galleries and beach on an optional stop.
Monterey

Passing by

Arrive in Monterey for waterfront history, from Fisherman's Wharf to Cannery Row.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.
For the south-to-north direction, begin in Santa Maria and follow the in-app GPS route toward Monterey; there is no in-person meeting.

End point

For the Monterey-to-Santa Maria direction, finish in Santa Maria; you may pause or end anywhere along the self-guided route.
For the Santa Maria-to-Monterey direction, finish in Monterey; you may pause or end anywhere along the self-guided route.

Using your ticket

Thanks for booking Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour!

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE TRIPVIA TOURS APP & GET STARTED

From your mobile device, follow this link: www.tripvia.tours/get-app

Please check your confirmation email for more detailed instructions.

For assistance: www.tripvia.tours/chat

Important: Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi or mobile data connection while the tour downloads.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

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.