Pacific Coast Highway: Big Sur, Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour

Duration
6-8 hrs
Audio Points
96
Tour Stops
29

About The Tour

Come explore the stunning Big Sur coastline, with pristine beaches, wild bluffs, and endless scenic views. Look for marine wildlife, stand underneath the shade of redwood forests, and marvel at the meeting of mountains and sea as Highway 1 embraces the cliffs. We’ll also explore some of California’s best beach ...

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Come explore the stunning Big Sur coastline, with pristine beaches, wild bluffs, and endless scenic views. Look for marine wildlife, stand underneath the shade of redwood forests, and marvel at the meeting of mountains and sea as Highway 1 embraces the cliffs. We’ll also explore some of California’s best beach towns, including Cambria, Cayucos, and Morro Bay.

Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!

• Visit McWay Falls and take in one of Big Sur’s most iconic coastal views
• Tour Hearst Castle and explore the grand estate of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst
• See Bixby Bridge, one of California’s most photographed landmarks
• Explore Pfeiffer Beach and discover its dramatic rock formations and scenic shoreline
• Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and spot wildlife along the rugged coast

Sample Tour Audio

Robert Louis Stevenson
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The Story of Big Sur
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The Esselen and Esalen
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Tour Stops

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Garrapata State Park--Soberanes Point
Rocky Creek Bridge
Bixby Bridge
Hurricane Point Vista Point
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Big Sur Station
Pfeiffer Beach
Nepenthe
Henry Miller Library
Partington Cove
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point
McWay Falls
Big Creek Cove Vista Point
Gamboa Point
Limekiln State Park
Sand Dollar Beach
Willow Creek Picnic Area and Vista Piont
Salmon Creek Falls
Ragged Point
Elephant Seal Vista Point
Hearst Castle
Moonstone Beach
Main Street Cambria
Harmony
Estero Bluffs State Park
Cayucos State Beach
Morro Rock
Tidelands Park

Tour Route


Customer Reviews

(79089)

Great guide, very informative!

Very helpful for our Road to Hana trip. Second time using the guide. I would suggest adding Aunty Sandy’s banana bread to the Road to Hana guide, it is a must do and guidance to the location and background of the business would be so helpful.

Let me write a review! | 5 hours ago | iOS

5+ stars!

We have two littles and did almost all the tours of the big island while they napped in their car seats. Uncle Shaka is the best and the tour offers travel insights about snacks and bathrooms - not just history! Well done! Will be using yall again for other trips!

Love WSJ! | 5 hours ago | iOS

Amazing experience, and very concise as long as you follow the directions.

Rich Johnson | 15 hours ago | Android

I really enjoyed the music and narration. it was worth the price

David Kiersh | 23 hours ago | Android

Fantastic App

This was our first time driving the Road to Hana and this app made the trip a breeze. I would give this app 10 stars if I could

Hammerhead0268 | 1 day ago | iOS

Going to the Sun Road

This app was fantastic. A great self guided tour.

Blues singer | 1 day ago | iOS

Super cool!

It was my first time using it, definitely doing it again. So cool!

Bmoreirah | 1 day ago | iOS

ROAD TO HANA This is a must!

I’m not sure what we would have done without this app. It was perfectly synchronized to our trip and told us exactly where to turn to see the tourist sites as we moved along the path. The narrator is great! He has great stories and info about the road to Hana and history about Maui. My son found him a little corny - fair- but well worth the $25 download. It kept us all engaged and looking for the beauty spots! There are many! Would use this app every single time! Well-done!

She Moves... a lot | 1 day ago | iOS

Road to Hāna

Very informative! The guide is very accurate and that helped us find our way and decide what we wanted to do. Highly recommend!

lenweb | 1 day ago | iOS

Couldn’t have seen everything without this app

No way we could have travel the entire island and seen everything within 4-5 days without Shaka! Absolutely love it!

JenDavis3 | 1 day ago | iOS

What Are the Best Stops in Big Sur?

Some of the most popular stops along the Big Sur coast include McWay Falls, Hearst Castle, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Elephant Seal Vista Point, Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

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How Do You See Hearst Castle?

It’s recommended that you reserve your Hearst Castle tour in advance, as tickets can sell out. Visitors can review tour options and available times at Hearst Castle before arriving.

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Where Is Big Sur?

Big Sur is the rugged stretch of California coastline along Highway 1 between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon. The region is known for dramatic coastal cliffs, redwood forests, beaches, wildlife viewing, and scenic ocean vistas.

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What is an Audio Tour Guide?

Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here's how it works:

  • GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk.
  • Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
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Tour FAQs

Where does this Pacific Coast Highway: Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour go?
This tour follows Highway 1 through Big Sur between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Luis Obispo. Along the route, you'll visit popular highlights including: McWay FallsBixby BridgeHearst CastlePfeiffer BeachPoint Lobos State Natural ReserveMorro BayCambriaElephant Seal Vista PointCheck out the itinerary for a complete list of stops, and be sure to review the Know Before You Go guide before your trip.
What should I pack for this Pacific Coast Highway: Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour?
Shaka Guide tour downloaded to your deviceSwimsuitWater shoes or flip-flopsRefillable water bottleComfortable hiking or walking shoesWeather-appropriate clothing and layersSunscreenHatSunglassesSmall first aid kitPortable phone chargerPhone mount for navigationCash or credit cardCamera or phone with storage for photos
What should I budget for this Pacific Coast Highway: Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour?
How much you spend depends on the activities you choose along the route.Several California State Parks along the route charge day-use parking feesOne California State Parks day pass is generally valid at participating parks for the remainder of the dayHearst Castle tours require paid admissionRestaurants, shopping, and optional attractions may add to your overall budgetPfeiffer Beach charges a parking fee and can fill quickly during peak periods
Can I take this Pacific Coast Highway: Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour in the opposite direction?
Yes. The tour can be driven in either direction: northbound or southbound.
Can I join this Pacific Coast Highway: Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour along the route?
Yes, you can join along the route at any point that works for you.
When is the best time to visit Big Sur?
Big Sur is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience.Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and excellent sightseeing conditionsSummer is the busiest season and can bring morning fog that occasionally obscures coastal viewsWinter often brings fewer visitors and increased wildlife viewing opportunities, especially elephant sealsWinter storms can create hazardous driving conditions and increase the likelihood of road closures and landslidesAlways check weather forecasts and Highway 1 conditions before departing
How is Shaka Guide Different from Other Navigation Apps?
Shaka Guide isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s like having a tour guide in your car, sharing stories and local insights as you drive. Unlike other navigation apps, we’ve planned the route for you, so instead of focusing on directions, you can focus on the experience. This means you can’t customize the route, but that’s kind of the point. You’re still in control though, you can skip stops, go at your own pace, and explore freely. It’s not just about getting there; it’s about enjoying the journey.
Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.

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