Embark on a scenic self-driving audio tour of Big Sur, California. Explore iconic landmarks, picturesque beaches, and breathtaking coastal views along the Pacific Coast Highway.
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a state park in Monterey County, California, near the area of Big Sur on the state’s Central Coast. It covers approximately 1,006 acres of land. The park is centered on the Big Sur River. It has been nicknamed a “mini Yosemite.” Redwood trees are known to live up to 2,200 years.
NOTE: This 125+mile-long tour covers the essentials of Big Sur in 2 - 3 hours
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - We’ll continue driving past Carmel and into the natural wonder of Point Lobos Natural Reserve.
- Pacific Coast Highway - Next, we enter the world-famous Big Sur portion of the PCH. The Pacific Coast Highway, popularly known as PCH, Highway 1, or Route 1, is one the most scenic roadtrips in the US.
- Partington Cove - Small, remote inlet & rugged beach reached by a dirt trail, wooden bridge & tunnel.
- Garrapata State Park - The scenic drive takes us through Garrapata State Park, where we’ll have the chance to stop and check out the Garrapata Beach. As we drive, we’ll learn about the wildfires that often rage through forests like these.
- Bixby Creek Bridge - Our self-guided drive now brings us to Bixby Creek Bridge! This is one of the most photographed bridges in California due to its aesthetic design, graceful architecture, and magnificent setting. It is a reinforced concrete open-spandrel arch bridge.
- Point Sur State Historic Park - We’ll continue driving, while admiring and learning about Point Sur and the Point Sur Lighthouse.
- Andrew Molera State Park - Our tour then takes us through the Andrew Molera State Park, another natural wonder of this drive. We’ll also learn about Big Sur’s literary fame.
- Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge - Bixby isn’t the only beautiful bridge in Big Sur; Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge has it’s own charm.
- Pfeiffer Beach - Pfeiffer Beach in the Big Sur area is definitely off the beaten path, but well worth the detour. Just south of Big Sur Station on Highway 1 is unsigned Sycamore Canyon Road which winds its way down to the shore.
- Grimes Point Scenic Overlook - Grimes Point Scenic Overlook has got one of the best views of the Big Sur coastline. It’s easy to see what brings people to a place like Big Sur.
- Seal Beach Scenic Overlook - Our self-guided drive takes us to Seal Beach Overlook where – you guessed it! – we’ll be able to spot some sunbathing seals.
- McWay Falls - Another must stop is at McWay Falls. This stunning 80-foot-tall waterfall on the coast of Big Sur in central California that flows year-round.
- Big Creek Bridge - Next, we drive over the Big Creek Bridge. This is a 589-foot-long, open spandrel, concrete deck arch bridge connecting this scenic, mountainous coast.
- Big Creek Cove Vista Point - Big Creek Cove Beach is under the Big Creek Bridge on Highway 1 along the Big Sur Coast. Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve is the land area adjacent to the creek and the California marine protected areas named Big Creek State Marine Reserve and Big Creek State Conservation Area.
- Limekiln State Park - Our tour continues to Limekiln State Park, featuring beaches, forests, and more.
- Pitkins Curve Bridge - As we cross the Pitkins Curve Bridge, we’ll learn all about the landslides, mudslides, rockfalls, earthquakes, and other natural disasters that continue to threaten the PCH infrastructure.
- Jade Cove - Jade Cove features a beach full of nephrite jade.
- Nathaniel Owings Memorial Redwood Grove - Nathaniel Owens Memorial Redwood Grove is one of the largest redwood stands for miles. Did you know that the coastal redwood is the tallest living thing on the planet? It’s true! These behemoths can grow to around 350 feet, which is as tall as a 35-story building!
- Ragged Point - The stretch of highway between San Simeon and Ragged Point is some of the most picturesque in the world. The roadway follows where the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, with jaw-dropping views around every twist and turn. As you drive, plenty of turnoffs offer moments for taking in the region’s grandeur. As you drive to Ragged Point, you will feel like a star in your own private car commercial on Highway 1.
- Piedras Blancas Light Station - As we drive past the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, we’ll have the option to stop and detour for a visit.
- Elephant Seal Vista Point - Nothing beats the Elephant Seal Vista Point. The largest seal in the northern hemisphere, the Northern Elephant Seal migrates to the rookery, twice each year. While offshore, the elephant seal spends eight to ten months diving up to 5,800 feet deep for up to two hours. The remaining months of the year, they mate, birth, molt, and rest onshore between trips.
- Hearst Castle - As we drive through San Simeon, we’ll have the option to detour to Hearst Castle. Conceived by William Randolph Hearst, the publishing tycoon, it was built between 1919 and 1947.
- Moonstone Beach - Moonstone Beach Drive, a beautiful detour along Moonstone Beach. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to get back on the highway easily enough!
- Nitt Witt Ridge - The one with the blue paint and all the terraces? That’s Nitt Witt Ridge, a peculiar landmark here in Cambria.
You might not be able to tell at first glance, but a lot of that house is built from trash. Seriously! It was built by an eccentric artist named Arthur Harold Beal who had an odd fascination with garbage. He actually worked as a garbage collector in the mid-1900s and used some of what he collected to build his home. There are beer cans, car rims, washer drums, you name it, built into the structure of the house. **
- Morro Bay - Finally, we’ll reach Morro Bay, San Luis Opispo, and Pismo Beach, where this segment of our PCH tour ends. You’ve now experienced the beauty of Big Sur!
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- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Foods & Drinks
Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone can listen together!
Experience the iconic Big Sur road trip with a self-guided driving audio tour! As you drive, learn about the fairytale cottages of Carmel, the purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach, & the enormous elephant seals at San Simeon. Drive over Bixby Bridge, marvel at McWay Falls, & enjoy the rugged coastline along the Pacific Coast Highway / Route 1. Big Sur is the most scenic segment of the Pacific Coast Highway(a must-do road trip), which you can start in either Monterey or San Luis Obispo.
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.
New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
- How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
- Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
- Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
- Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
- Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.