Monterey & Carmel

Monterey & Carmel trip ideas

Big Sur Self-Driving Audio Tour: Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway

Monterey & Carmel, USA

Big Sur Self Driving Audio Tour in California

2 to 3 hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Monterey & Carmel, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea 2.5 Hour Electric Bike Tour

from $75.00

Monterey & Carmel, California

Scenic 17-Mile Drive Tour - Self Drive Audio Guide from Monterey & Carmel

from $14.99

Per group

Monterey & Carmel, California

Big Sur McWay Falls California Coast One Day from Monterey Carmel

from $287.00

Price varies by group size

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Explore so many wonderful spots in Big Sur with this self-drive audio tour that goes down the Pacific Coast Highway, California’s Highway 1. Just download the app, then get the map and password, and your route is all there, marked for you. You get to keep this information forever- it does not expire. You can go at your own pace, and choose where you want to stop and spend a little extra time.

Drive easy with your route to Big Sur already planned out
Make stops in places like Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and many more
You can keep this map forever, it doesn’t expire
The route can take 2-3 hours, but you can vary that as you like

What's Included

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!
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

1299 Del Monte Blvd, Monterey, CA 93940, USA
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Start time

Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.

Opening hours

6/4/2020 - 6/1/2025
Monday - Sunday : 06:00 AM - 11:30 PM

End point

Pismo Beach, CA, USA

What To Expect

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Pacific Coast Highway

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Partington Cove

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Garrapata State Park

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bixby Creek Bridge

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Point Sur State Historic Park

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Andrew Molera State Park

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Pfeiffer Beach

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Grimes Point Scenic Overlook

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Seal Beach Scenic Overlook

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

McWay Falls

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Big Creek Bridge

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Big Creek Cove Vista Point

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Limekiln State Park

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Pitkins Curve Bridge

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Jade Cove

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Nathaniel Owings Memorial Redwood Grove

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Ragged Point

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Piedras Blancas Light Station

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Elephant Seal Vista Point

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Hearst Castle

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Moonstone Beach

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Nitt Witt Ridge

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Morro Bay

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action's Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, 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: • Driving Tours: Save money by purchasing a single tour for the entire vehicle, avoiding individual fees per person like on a bus tour. Connect your phone to the car speakers to share the audio.

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.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

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.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.0

85 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 85 reviews

Love self guided tours

Timmy_R, Mar 2024

Enjoyed listening to background as we approached each stop. Breath taking views! Was a bit confused setting things up but worked it out. Definitely recommend!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Timmy, I'm glad you enjoyed my Big Sur Audio and Scenic 17-Mile Drive Tours. It's great to know that both tours added value to your trip. If you're interested in exploring more of California's desert landscapes and national parks, you might want to consider checking out my California Self-Guided Driving Bundle. This collection includes over 14 tours that provide an in-depth look at the beauty and history of California's natural wonders.

Terrible experience!

Jill_W, Dec 2023

It didn't work! When we got it to play, it kept stopping. I would not recommend it. It was a waste of money. I am very disappointed!

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Jill, I am genuinely sorry to hear about your experience with the Big Sur Audio Tour. I wish you had contacted us earlier, as our support team is always ready to help resolve such issues. There might have been a compatibility issue with Apple CarPlay, for which we are still waiting for Apple to approve new features. This information is mentioned in our listing, but I understand how it could have been missed. Your feedback is crucial, and we are making our app more user-friendly. Please do not hesitate to contact us if there is anything else we can do to assist you.

Gorgeous Drive

Catherine_M, Nov 2023

The tour narration was great! Our only issue was finding the tour start point. Very confusing. We later realized we didn’t need to start at the beginning. Was still confusing! Once we were on it was excellent! We ate at Nepenthe, expensive, but we’ll worth it!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Catherine, I'm delighted you enjoyed the narration on my Big Sur Audio Tour! Sorry for any initial confusion with the starting point – It's good to know you figured out you can jump in anywhere along the route. For more scenic drives and discoveries, my Action+ Tour Bundle could be a great fit for your future adventures. It includes all of my self-guided tours, with over 100 options to explore.

Don’t waste your money.

Sam_C, Sep 2023

Did not work at all and cost me $15. Extremely awkward app. Don’t waste your money. Not worth taking about.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

I'm genuinely sorry for your experience, Sam. Upon checking, it appears the provided password wasn't used. The process is straightforward: download the app, input the password, and, importantly, download the tour beforehand. The product you've purchased is valid indefinitely. You can if you decide to give it another go on a future visit. Alternatively, you can listen to it at home. If you wish, please reach out to me, and I'd be more than happy to exchange or refund your purchase with any of my 100+ self-guided products.

Difficult to follow

George_S, Aug 2023

Frustration, we've been running in circles sending us in two different places for starting point. This is for 2 hours , then traffic happens, so we decided to just go back to our hotel

Response from Host, Aug 2023

George, I am genuinely sorry for the confusion and inconvenience you faced while trying to start my Big Sur Self-Driving Audio Tour. Ideally, once you reach the designated starting points, the app should guide you smoothly from one stop to the next. However, the good news is that the tour you bought is valid for a lifetime. This means you can use it on your next trip or even listen to the narrations from the comfort of your home. If you have any other concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know. I am always here to help in any way possible.

Total waste of money

Peter_R, Aug 2023

This road is closed due to a land slide. Total waste of time and money. The app / tour is of no use. You cannot drive along the big sur.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Peter, I truly apologize for the inconvenience you experienced due to the road closure. Unfortunately, natural events like landslides can impact our travel plans. I've updated my Big Sur audio tour to reflect these changes, and I deeply regret any frustration caused. Your purchase is valid indefinitely, allowing you to explore it from home or during a future visit. Don't hesitate to contact us promptly if you'd prefer an exchange for a different tour. Your satisfaction remains a top priority. Safe travels!

Made for a memorable drive for my family

Elizabeth_R, May 2023

Made the drive so enjoyable with history and things to look out for perfectly spaced out. We listened to it ont he drive from north to south and then the drive back up south to north so we were able to listen to the additional options for more information.

Response from Host, May 2023

Thank you Elizabeth! It's heartening to know you enjoyed my Big Sur tour and found it informative and convenient. If you plan on traveling more, you might be interested in my Action+ Tour Bundle, which includes all of my self-guided tours across the country.

Great value

Christopher_Y, Oct 2022

App made it possible for us to listen to back stories and look out for places of interest. Well worth the price.

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Thank you so much for your feedback, Chris! I’m thrilled that my tour of Big Sur added to your learning and that you enjoyed it. I also have 100 other self-guided tours for other parks, scenic drives, cities, and historic sites in the US — hopefully, you’ll get the chance to try them next time! Also, to remind you, the tour you bought is yours for a lifetime. So, you can listen to it at home or on your next visit.

Breathtaking Views!

Dawn_Q, Oct 2022

The view of the water, mountains, & bridges. Started out foggy in Spanish Bay but that was very cool. By the time we entered Carmel/Big Sur the sun was out & landscape gorgeous.

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Thank you so much for your feedback, Dawn! Big Sur drive offers a lot to its visitors, and we do our best to provide that all. I’m so delighted that our tour of Big Sur added to your learning and that you enjoyed it. I also have 100 other self-guided tours for other parks, scenic drives, cities, and historic sites in the US — hopefully, you’ll get the chance to try them next time! Also, to remind you, the tour you bought is yours for a lifetime. So, you can listen to it at home or on your next visit.

Excellent road trip, very...

Roger_K, Oct 2022

Excellent road trip, very informative which addressed areas of the route we would not have known or for that matter found.

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Thank you so much for your feedback, Roger! I’m thrilled that my tour of Big Sur added to your learning and that you enjoyed it. I also have 100 other self-guided tours for other parks, scenic drives, cities, and historic sites in the US — hopefully, you’ll get the chance to try them next time! Also, just to remind you, the tour you bought is yours for a lifetime. So, you can listen to it at home or on your next visit.

Informative narration...

Roy_K, Jul 2022

Informative narration that led us through Big Sur. The best part was that the various narrative segments would automatically begin once you reach that particular site.

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Wonderful! Thanks so much Roy! I also have self-guided tours for other parks as well as scenic drives, cities, and historic sites — hopefully you’ll get the chance to try them next time!

Disappointed

Nancy_L, May 2022

Couldn’t get the app to start in Carmel. Needed to go backwards to Monterey to start??!! Terrible experience.

Response from Host, May 2022

The starting point in Monterey is only a few minutes from Carmel, and we do mention it in several places so that it’s not a surprise. While you could technically start anywhere, we’ve found people run into a lot of questions when they haven’t started from the recommended spot.

Great audio tour

Kendra_P, May 2022

This was a great way to see the coast and learn about the area along the way! There were fairly big areas with few audio clips and I think they could add in even more info for curious minds. I would have liked to know more details about the back stories on some of the things they mentioned. Also, it is unnecessary to repeat the same phrase about following the map after every single clip and it got very annoying.

Response from Host, May 2022

Thanks so much Kendra! I’m thrilled you enjoyed exploring Big Sur with my tour. I’m in the process of continually adding more stories and updated insights — and I’ll trim some of those repeated phrases where appropriate. Please feel free to check out my other self-guided tours on your future travels!

Simple to use your guide in your car - download before trip.

Rosalind_L, Apr 2022

We loved the review! But download it before you start the tour as most of the route has no reception on phone and no wifi/ data between Carmel and SLO. We listened to it after our drive and it took about 1 hour.

Response from Host, Apr 2022

Thank you so much! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the stories, and I’m thrilled that you had a great Big Sur experience. Excellent reminder to download ahead of time. Please check out my other tours across the country for your future travels. Thanks again!

Unforgettable drive down Big Sur

John_B, Mar 2022

Great weather, very little traffic and interesting and informative commentary. It all made for a perfect drive down Big Sur. I would recommend north to south due to being on the side of the road for best views and easier stops. Would also recommend a weekday..

Response from Host, Mar 2022

Thanks so much John!! I’m thrilled you enjoyed our Big Sur tour experience and I hope you get the chance to check out our other tours wherever your next adventure takes you!

A good tour option that will be great to have with improved tech, for cities

Subhasish_G, Nov 2021

This tour option made our drive on Coastal Highway memorable with a guide that was available only when we needed it. The tech is scratchy for but the idea is absolutely great! Hope this service is available for city tours, of course the tech needs a lot of improvement.

Response from Host, Nov 2021

Thanks, Subhas! I’m glad you enjoyed the tour! We are constantly working on improving the app’s functionality and interface and would love to hear your detailed feedback to make sure it gets incorporated. Please contact us at ActionTourGuide.com (where you can also find our other tours across the country). Thanks again!

The beautiful northern...

Darice_J, Sep 2021

The beautiful northern California coastline. Our day was overcast and misty but still enjoyable. We learned many new things.

Response from Host, Oct 2021

Wonderful! Big Sur is gorgeous (in nearly any kind of weather) and I’m thrilled that this tour was able to add to that experience. We have more tours at ActionTourGuide.com for your future travels. Thank you so much!

Disappointed

SHERRI_N, Sep 2021

Tips were not very helpful, vague and often started to late so you couldn’t actually stop in time. Not very well put together and nothing useful

Response from Host, Sep 2021

We appreciate your feedback! Would you mind sharing which points you felt were too vague or started too late? We’re always workshopping our tours to give listeners the best possible experience, so we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Glad we used this audio tour to find awesome spots along PCH where I would never have known where to actually stop.

Isabel_M, May 2021

This was a great self-driving tour. We were able to drive at our own pace, rewind if we needed to and stop when/where we wanted to. The only bad thing (not really bad per say) is that the first few stops in Carmel were very confusing and didn’t get to see much there but I just kept driving along the route and eventually caught on. People need to understand that the audio will start automatically as you are coming up on the location. I made the mistake of pressing playlet or fast forward when I didn’t need to. I just recommended this to my boss who will be headed up Big Sur from San Diego in June. Too bad there aren’t any tours in Texas besides Houston.

Response from Host, May 2021

Awesome, we’re so thrilled you enjoyed the tour! We will definitely add more directions around Carmel in our next update. And great tips on how best to use our app! We’re also excited to learn that there’s interest in Texas tours beyond Houston!! We’d LOVE to hear from you. Can you contact us via our website with your ideas?

Didn’t work

Carolyn_H, Jul 2020

Website Crashed Didn’t work, not able to use on the road to Big Sir at all. Very disappointed. I was really looking forward to this app. Had trouble with it from the beginning and it couldn’t keep up or stay on track with the drive.

Response from Host, Jul 2020

Sorry for the inconvenience. I am not sure what went wrong here. Which website is being referred here? Because of the limited cellular connectivity on Big Sur, we recommend users to download the tour in advance. Please connect. Please connect with us and we will initiate a refund. Thanks.