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

6 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Monterey & Carmel, USA

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On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

8 to 16 hours (approx.)
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Offered in: English

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
  • Entry Fees, National Park Passes, Reservations
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Meeting Location

Meeting point
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This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Big Sur

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;
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8 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Bixby Bridge

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.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

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.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Hearst Castle

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.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

McWay Falls

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.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Morro Bay

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.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Pfeiffer Beach

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Point Lobos

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Elephant Seal Vista Point

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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.
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

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

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-309754P11

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
6 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
6
4 stars
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3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
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On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • 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
  • Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
  • Includes an app based self-guided experience, so you do not need any in-person guide.
  • GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 170 Points
  • Entry Fees, National Park Passes, Reservations

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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.
  • Operated by a business

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For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide)

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Free Cancellation

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

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).

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  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

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