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

California
4.9 96612 ratings
Trusted by Shaka Guiders
29 Must-See Stops
Curated Music
Start either North or South
There & Back Route
Full-Day Driving Tour

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

Explore Tour Map

Meet the Creators

Andrew Shults

Narrator

I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.

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

Inclusions/Exclusions

Inclusions:

  • More than a map and directions — your tour, fully guided
  • Audio storytelling that plays as you drive
  • Music and immersive sound to upgrade your drive
  • Human-created, professionally narrated tours
  • Pre-planned route with turn-by-turn directions
  • Itinerary mapped out with must-see stops
  • Expert travel tips
  • Offline access – works without data or wifi
  • Flexible, self-paced experience
  • One purchase per vehicle (not per person)
  • Lifetime access (tours never expire)
  • Reliable customer support

Exclusions:

  • Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
  • Meals
  • Attraction admission or park entrance fees
  • Parking fees
  • Live tour guide or in-person services
  • Trip planning or booking services
  • Fully customizable navigation like Google or Apple Maps
  • On-demand route planning or custom directions
  • Open-ended navigation tools
Know Before You Go

Tour FAQs

1. 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 Falls
Bixby Bridge
Hearst Castle
Pfeiffer Beach
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Morro Bay
Cambria
Elephant Seal Vista Point
Check out the itinerary for a complete list of stops, and be sure to review the Know Before You Go guide before your trip.

2. What should I pack for this Pacific Coast Highway: Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour?

Shaka Guide tour downloaded to your device
Swimsuit
Water shoes or flip-flops
Refillable water bottle
Comfortable hiking or walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing and layers
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Small first aid kit
Portable phone charger
Phone mount for navigation
Cash or credit card
Camera or phone with storage for photos

3. 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 fees
One California State Parks day pass is generally valid at participating parks for the remainder of the day
Hearst Castle tours require paid admission
Restaurants, shopping, and optional attractions may add to your overall budget
Pfeiffer Beach charges a parking fee and can fill quickly during peak periods

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 conditions
Summer is the busiest season and can bring morning fog that occasionally obscures coastal views
Winter often brings fewer visitors and increased wildlife viewing opportunities, especially elephant seals
Winter storms can create hazardous driving conditions and increase the likelihood of road closures and landslides
Always check weather forecasts and Highway 1 conditions before departing



7. 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.

8. Other Questions? Contact us!

Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.

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.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.

Reviews

4.9 96612 Ratings

Kurt_Illinois

Very informative. Did a great job of keeping us on track even when we didn’t have mobile phone service.

rjg2022

Wasn’t sure about the audio tour and what to expect but we were pleasantly surprised. It was very informative and spot on with gps locations. So glad we used it and looking forward to other...

MamaHerms

Amazing! We love shaka!

Alessandro Monopoli

Completa un'esperienza da togliere il fiato....Assolutamente raccomandata!

Whodoyaserve

It was nice having Shaka Guide narrating our tour. I would 100% recommend their audio tour 🙌🏽

Jayne

Great experience! Easy to follow, loved the stories, music and letting the guide do the work. Totally worth it!

Mary B

We highly enjoyed using the app. The only thing is how, as you're driving, the narration goes on to the next subject and you can't finish what you were on.

Nana Karen 88

Easy to use, informative,

KellsBells15

Shaka Guide is the best guided tour app out there. I have been to several National Parks and battlefields using Shaka Guide, and I’ll never use a different one. The narration is amazing, fil...

Chriskg32

Today my wife and I did the San Francisco to Monterey trip and loved it.

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Pacific Coast Highway: Big Sur, Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour $ 16.99  ·  4.9 (96612)