Pacific Coast Highway: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara Tour

Duration
2 hours
Audio Points
87
Tour Stops
15

About The Tour

Explore the Pacific Coast Highway between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, as it passes enticing beaches, historical sites, and the charming Santa Barbara Wine Country. We’ll even take a slight detour to the Danish-themed town of Solvang. You never know what you’re going to find on this stretch of ...

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Explore the Pacific Coast Highway between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, as it passes enticing beaches, historical sites, and the charming Santa Barbara Wine Country. We’ll even take a slight detour to the Danish-themed town of Solvang. You never know what you’re going to find on this stretch of Pacific Coast Highway!

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

• Relax at Gaviota Beach and enjoy ocean views, fishing, and a coastal breeze.
• Explore Solvang’s Danish-style village with bakeries, shops, and windmills.
• Stroll through Los Olivos and visit tasting rooms, shops, and art galleries.
• Walk around Oso Flaco Lake and spot birds along the scenic boardwalk.
• Enjoy Pismo Beach for surfing, sunsets, and classic California beach vibes.

Sample Tour Audio

Cabrillo
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La Purisima Mission
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The Lost City of DeMille
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Tour Stops

Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove
El Capitan State Beach
Refugio State Beach
Gaviota State Beach
Ostrichland USA
Solvang
Mission Santa Ines
Los Olivos
La Purisima Mission State Historic Park
Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center
Oso Flaco Lake
Pismo State Beach Butterfly Grove
Pismo Beach
Dinosaur Caves Park

Tour Route


Customer Reviews

(75923)

Shaka FTW 🤙

We first found out about Shaka Guide before our trip to Maui a couple years ago. From our 10-year-olds up to our 18-year-olds and ourselves, we all really enjoyed the guide, commentary, etc for our trip to Maui. Fast forward to last summer and we went to Glacier national Park and my son said it would be cool if there was a Shaka Guide for here… i’m glad we looked because we bought that Parks tour and it was equally informative and entertaining. This morning, I purchased Big Bend National Park, we used it for the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive today and will use it again tomorrow in the park. This really is one of the best apps! The whole family loves it.

ATM925 | 2 weeks ago | iOS

A MUST FOR EVERY ROAD TRIP

Absolutely worth it. Did the Shaka Maui tour and now we have done a Shaka tour for every California national park (BUT WE WANT ONE FOR PINNACLES PARK! Shaka, make one!!)

Rod Simon | 5 months ago | iOS

Great app for 1st timer

I downloaded the California bundle as I prepared to visit the Redwoods National Park and it was very helpful. As a newbie in the hiking trail, I really appreciated all the step by step directions through all 4 parks, as well as its suggestions of hiking trails. Make sure you listen to the tutorial before using the app. I will definitely look for their guides whenever I visit any national park!

Tai Tay | 8 months ago | iOS

Sequoia national park tour

The tour was awesome. We first learned about the Shaka guide in Maui when someone recommended it for the road to Hana. That was great and so was this tour. Even if you planned out your visit here, this guide is a great add on to learn even more and to make sure you don’t miss any great stops. I bought the tour for California and I am so looking forward to the other tours and parks. This is a great app and great tours. Worth every penny.

transplants everywhere | 9 months ago | iOS

Exceptional

The guides are a true gem. I’ve used them in Hawaii (Oahu and the Big Island), California (Yosemite), Arizona (Grand Canyon), and Utah (Capitol Reef, Grand Staircase, and Bryce Canyon). They fun and informative, and have been the key to outstanding trips in all locations!

Wonder and Wander | 11 months ago | iOS

Fantastic Big Island Audio Tour

This GPS audio tour of the Big Island was the perfect companion as we spent a few days touring the northern coast, Hilo, Mauna Kea, and the southern coast of the island. I loved the informational facts and really enjoyed the Hawaiian music. The narrators voice was very easy to listen to and we liked the optional side trips off the beaten path. I would definitely recommend these tours to anyone looking for a self paced, scenic drive through this beautiful state.

K8Walks | 1 year ago | iOS

Delightful Tours for the Whole Family

We discovered Shaka Guide last year driving around the Big Island of Hawaii. We had 15 people of all ages for a family reunion and bought the bundle. It made exploring the whole island at our own pace so much fun. This summer we realized they also had a California bundle and our three kids all loved listening to Uncle Shaka’s fascinating stories (and corny jokes!) as we drove through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. I love that these work without cell service. Before any trip, I’m going to first check if there’s a Shaka tour available. I wish these had existed when I was a kid!

MRMinSM | 1 year ago | iOS

Another enjoyable tour using the Shaka guide. This is our 3rd tour spannig Kauai and now Maui. The guides prepare you with everything you need to know before you go and make sure you never miss a thing along the way. The dialog is fun, personal and informative. You know where to stop for sights, food and restrooms and the directions are very precise on turns and distances. I wish these guides were available for California too!

Jim Shank | 1 year ago | Android

This is the 3rd or 4th time I have bought a driving tour pack from Shaka and generally enjoy it. I removed a star because all of the tours in the 'Kauai Tour Bundle' cut off the last part of nearly every story, making us miss some of the punchlines. Besides the app malfunction everything was great. I have used tours for Kauai (bought twice over the years), Big Island, Maui, and a California one.

AB CD | 2 years ago | Android

Road to Hana

I almost booked an expensive tour trip to do this. So happy I decided to go with this app! So easy to use. Music and narrations was a bonus. We did the classic tour and stopped in Hana Town for Thai food. It was great. Wish I would of downloaded before leaving California and read ahead to get my rsvp for the state park. I missed out on the black sand beach. Don’t hesitate. Buy and read the details to make the most of it.

pattyd618 | 3 years ago | iOS

What are the best stops in Santa Barbara Wine Country along the Pacific Coast Highway?

Santa Barbara Wine Country offers stops like Solvang, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting, local food, and scenic vineyard views. These towns are close together, making them easy to explore in one trip.

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Where can you see migrating monarch butterflies near the Pacific Coast Highway?

You can see monarch butterflies at places like Ellwood Mesa in Goleta and Pismo Beach Monarch Grove. The best time to visit is from November to February. Thousands of butterflies cluster in eucalyptus trees during this season.

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What are the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway north of Santa Barbara?

Top stops include Gaviota State Park, Refugio State Beach, and Jalama Beach. These spots offer coastal views, beaches, and picnic areas. The drive is scenic and less crowded than other parts of the PCH.

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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: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara Tour go?
This tour has 15 stops. 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!
What should I pack for this Pacific Coast Highway: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara Tour?
SwimsuitWater shoes or flip flopsCanteen/refillable water bottleHiking shoes and clothesSunscreenHatFirst Aid KitPhone charger/mount
What should I budget for this Pacific Coast Highway: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara Tour?
How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route:The $10 day-use fee (or $3/hour) applies to El Capitan State Beach, Refugio State Beach, and Gaviota State Park, and is valid for all three parks on the same day, per vehicle.Ostrichland USA: $7 general, $5 seniors 65+, $3 children 12 years and under. $1 to feed ostriches. Rates may increase for holidays and long weekends.Mission Santa InésSelf-guided tour $8 ages 13 and up, $7 seniors 64+, $5 ages 6-12 free for children 5 and underLa Purisima Mission State Historic Park$6 parking fee ($5 for seniors 62+)Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center$7 adults, $6 seniors, children 12 and under are freeOso Flaco Lake: $5 parking Pismo Beach: Free to visit, street parking fees may apply
What are the park hours for this Pacific Coast Highway: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara Tour?
Pro Tip: To make the most of your day, we recommend aiming for the 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM window to ensure everything is open!Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve: Noon to sunset on Mon, 7am to sunset Tues-SunGuadalupe-Nipomo Dunes CenterTues-Sat 10am to 3pm
Can I join this Pacific Coast Highway: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara Tour along the route?
Yes, you can join along the route.
Can I take this Pacific Coast Highway: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara Tour in the opposite direction?
Yes, the tour works going both ways: north to south and south to north.
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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