Pacific Coast Highway: Big Sur, Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour
About The Tour
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
About the tour
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
STARTING POINTS
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, southbound on Highway 1, south of the intersection with Carpenter Street
- San Luis Obispo, northbound on Highway 1, north of the intersection with Highland Drive
OUR SHAKA PROMISE
• Reliable customer support
• Tours crafted by real people
• Satisfaction guaranteed
Pacific Coast Highway: Big Sur, Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour Map
Pacific Coast Highway: Big Sur, Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
Garrapata State Park--Soberanes Point
Rocky Creek Bridge
Bixby Bridge
Hurricane Point Vista Point
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Big Sur Station
Pfeiffer Beach
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.
Creators behind the Pacific Coast Highway: Big Sur, Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour
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.
Rayne Warne
Writer & Managing Editor
Favorite Quote:
"Stories are machines inhabited by a god." - Bonnie Friedman
Matt Caracciolo
Writer & Editor
Favorite Quote:
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." --J.R.R. Tolkien
Myra Morehart
Producer
Favorite Quote:
"The man who's too afraid to die is too afraid to live." - Clark Gable as Gay Langland in The Misfits.
Purchase Options
Gift A Tour!
Gift the joy of travel! During checkout, select "Gift this Purchase" to schedule your delivery and write your personalized message.
Don't worry - they'll get a gift receipt, not the bill. No pricing information included.
Pacific Coast Highway: Big Sur, Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour FAQS
Information
Conditions can change fast. Please check these links for closures, alerts, and local conditions before your trip. Stay informed so you can ensure a smooth ride.
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
Tour FAQs
1. Where does this Pacific Coast Highway: Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour go?
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?
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?
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?
5. Can I join this Pacific Coast Highway: Monterey to San Luis Obispo Tour along the route?
6. When is the best time to visit Big Sur?
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?
8. Other Questions? Contact us!
What is an Audio Tour Guide?
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.