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

Monterey & Carmel, USA

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

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Overview

California’s Highway 1 is a scenic and beautiful route that many visitors and locals alike enjoy driving, mainly for the views alone. Skip a crowded bus tour and book this Big Sur PCH Highway 1 Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour instead that allows you to explore the area at your own pace in the comfort of your own vehicle. Listen to the audio guide as you drive and take in fun stories, too.

Explore California’s scenic Highway 1 from Big Sur during this driving tour
An app gives you suggested itineraries you can alter based on what you want
An audio guide plays automatically based on your location on the state route
There’s no time limit with this tour—it never expires and can be used anytime

What's Included

GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 170 Points
Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates
Support: Toll free phone, chat and email

Entrance Fees to State Parks

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
Start at (Carmel-by-the-Sea or San Luis Obispo) or join anywhere along the tour route. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour" and follow the instructions to download now over Wi-Fi/cell service. Then, preview the start location/s and tour route in the app.

End point

San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Commentary plays automatically based on your location, so you have flexibility on where and when you want to start and end your tour anywhere along the tour route.

Operating hours

05/16/2023 - 04/07/2027
Monday - Sunday : 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Itinerary

Big Sur

8 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Bixby Bridge

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Hearst Castle

2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

McWay Falls

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Morro Bay

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Pfeiffer Beach

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Point Lobos

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Elephant Seal Vista Point

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
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.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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Cancellation Policy

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

Reviews

5.0

based on 3 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Highly recommended!

Kim_K, Aug 2025

The self-guided tour was wonderful to have as we drove down the PCH 1. The tour kept the family engaged during the drive. Our "kids" are 24 and 21 years-old and absolutely loved it. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi Kim, we’re so glad to hear that you and your family enjoyed our Big Sur PCH Highway 1 audio tour. It’s great that the tour kept everyone engaged and added to your drive experience. Thanks for the recommendation, and we hope to join you on the road again soon!

Amazing driving tour experience

Steven_M, Sep 2024

This was awesome. The interface worked welll. The tips were great. I would absolutely recommend and will try other driving tours.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Hi Steven, thank you for sharing your experience with our Big Sur PCH Highway 1 audio driving tour. We're thrilled you found the tour excellent, with a smooth interface and great tips. We're glad you enjoyed it and appreciate your recommendation. We hope to join you on the road again soon!

Highly recommend.

Susannah_J, Jul 2022

We wanted a guided tour that when from South to North and this one could be done both ways. It far exceed our expectations and worked seamlessly along the route. Would highly recommend!

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Hi Susanne, thanks for bringing our app along to Big Sur with you! We're so glad you enjoyed the commentary and hope to join you on the road again soon.

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