Pacific Coast Highway: San Francisco to Monterey Tour

California
4.9 110732 ratings
Trusted by Shaka Guiders
18 Must-See Stops
Curated Music
Start either North or South
There & Back Route
Full-Day Driving Tour

About The Tour

Explore the Pacific Coast Highway the Shaka Guide way! Enjoy the best beaches, scenic views, and trails as we take on Highway 1 between San Francisco and Monterey. And we’ll stop in Santa Cruz for some old-fashioned fun at the beach and boardwalk.

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

• Walk the scenic Devil's Slide Trail for sweeping coastal views.
• Visit Año Nuevo State Park to see one of California's largest elephant seal populations.
• Explore the beaches, shops, and restaurants of Half Moon Bay.
• Experience the classic rides and attractions at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
• Stroll along the Santa Cruz Wharf and watch for sea lions and marine wildlife.
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Pacific Coast Highway: San Francisco to Monterey 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: San Francisco to Monterey 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
  • 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
  • Attraction admission or entrance fees
Know Before You Go

Tour FAQs

1. Where does the Pacific Coast Highway 1: San Francisco to Monterey Tour go?

This tour follows Highway 1 between San Francisco and Monterey. The tour includes 18 stops and 97 narration audio points. Popular stops along the route include:
Half Moon Bay
Devil’s Slide Trail
Año Nuevo State Park
Shark Fin Cove
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Wharf
West Cliff Drive

Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops, and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Go!

2. What should I pack for the Pacific Coast Highway 1: San Francisco to Monterey 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 the Pacific Coast Highway 1: San Francisco to Monterey Tour?

The Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Monterey can be enjoyed year-round thanks to its mild coastal climate.
Summer is the busiest season and offers warm temperatures, but coastal fog can obscure views, especially during mornings
Spring brings wildflowers, greener landscapes, and fewer crowds
Fall often provides some of the clearest weather and best coastal views
Winter is the best season for viewing elephant seals and migrating monarch butterflies
Weather conditions can change rapidly along the coast, so be prepared for sun, wind, fog, and cooler temperatures at any time of year

4. Can I take the Pacific Coast Highway 1: San Francisco to Monterey Tour in the opposite direction?

Yes. The tour can be driven in either direction: northbound or southbound.

5. Can I join the Pacific Coast Highway 1: San Francisco to Monterey 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 the Pacific Coast Highway 1: San Francisco to Monterey Tour?

The Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Monterey can be enjoyed year-round thanks to its mild coastal climate.
Summer is the busiest season and offers warm temperatures, but coastal fog can obscure views, especially during mornings
Spring brings wildflowers, greener landscapes, and fewer crowds
Fall often provides some of the clearest weather and best coastal views
Winter is the best season for viewing elephant seals and migrating monarch butterflies
Weather conditions can change rapidly along the coast, so be prepared for sun, wind, fog, and cooler temperatures at any time of year

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 110732 Ratings

Hobie Goddess

Kona

Jen And Jeff Cherpeski

These audiotours MAKE a road trip! I've used them on Oahu and in Appalachia, and they are fantastic for seeing and doing just the right amount of stuff and in ways that usually aren't mobbed...

AngC7

Awesome - informative and timing was perfect! Great tips for the entire route!

SharkTat

Guidance was awesome and the stories were great. Roll with Shaka Guide!

KrystallBall

Just got finished w the road to Hana and it was great w the tour guide on this app. Highly recommend w all the Hawaiian facts and background music. Little sketch right after Hana city. And t...

Ben4450

I downloaded this app for a recent trip to Maui. I thought it might be interesting on a trip to Hana. I ended up purchasing all of the Maui trips, and I’m glad I did. Without planning we wen...

Thelegend386

I’ve used this app all over the Us from Boston to Maui. It never fails to entertain and educate. I love the history lessons, music, and fun. The app is so easy to use. Thank you

Cincimazoo Explorers

This app is awesome! It made our trip to Kauai so special. We were guided to places we never would have known about. We appreciated the background stories, the explanations, the jokes and t...

Kenny

We did the road to hana. I will admit it was a little rough after purchasing through viator then getting the app to redeeming in the app was rough. But it was all very informative very enter...

Jake Lott

I cannot recommend Shaka Guide enough. My wife and I absolutely love the tours and all that comes with it. We don't take trips anymore without looking to see what Shaka Guide has around.

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Pacific Coast Highway: San Francisco to Monterey Tour $ 14.99  ·  4.9 (110732)