Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.6/5
Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour worth booking?
Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour is a 10-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $30 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.6/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 3.6/5 (25)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $30 per person
Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Welcome to the GPS-enabled driving tour of California’s famous Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway! This self-guided audio tour stretch
What you get
About this experience
Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Welcome to the GPS-enabled driving tour of California’s famous Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway! This self-guided audio tour stretches between San Francisco and Los Angeles, one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world! This self-guided audio tour allows you to explore Highway 1 with maximum flexibility and value. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. The tour includes two bonus tours: Santa Monica and san Luis Obispo.
What's included
Included
- Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
- Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
- Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
- Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
- Self-guided tour — no live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
What you'll see and do
Pacifica
As you drive through the town of Pacifica, you'll learn about the history of San Francisco Bay and Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá, who put it on the map. You'll also uncover the unusual story behind how the town got its name. NOTE: The tour is over 400 miles long, with more than 171 audio stories, and takes about 7-8 hours to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
10 minutes here
This rocky point juts out into the ocean and makes for phenomenal seaside views. There used to be a road to the point, but it's only accessible via footpath now, and only at low tide. It's a great spot for a hike with a big payoff at the end.
5 minutes here
Devil's Slide Trail
This bunker was built during World War II, and was intended to watch for a potential Japanese invasion of the mainland. At the time, soldiers with binoculars kept a constant watch on the horizon. These days, it's a favorite hangout spot among local youths and graffiti artists.
5 minutes here · Admission not included
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
This beach can be an incredible place to spot whales, depending on when you visit. In December and January, gray whales migrate south past this shore. They're often close enough to see with the naked eye!
5 minutes here · Admission not included
Montara
Montara is a charming, rustic town that owes its existence to an old-timey lighthouse. Many of the town's oldest buildings are still standing today, giving it a totally distinct and classic vibe.
10 minutes here
This beach is home to some of the biggest waves around. During peak season, the swells here can reach up to 60 feet high! This makes it a super popular surfing spot for thrillseekers, though amateur surfers are probably better off watching from the shore.
5 minutes here
Half Moon Bay
This sleepy seaside town is set on the edge of a lovely crescent-shaped bay. But it has a surprisingly dark history. At one time, this area was known as the most corrupt county in California thanks to mob activity.
5 minutes here
Bean Hollow State Beach
Bean Hollow State Beach gets its name from its oddly-shaped coast, which some swear resembles a bean. It's a humble but pleasant beach surrounded by plenty of great scenery, and makes for a great place to stop and take a quick break.
5 minutes here
At 115 feet tall, this is the tallest lighthouse on the west coast. It's also one of the oldest. If you've been waiting for the perfect seaside photo shoot, this is a fabulous spot for it.
5 minutes here
Butano State Park
While you won't directly enter this park, you'll pass by its lush redwood groves as you drive. These old, enormous trees are positively awe-inspiring, and just have to be seen to be believed.
Pass by without stopping
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Another park you'll pass along the way, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is exactly what it sounds like. Tall old growth trees, a lush canopy, and maybe even some wildlife sightings if you're traveling in the morning!
Pass by without stopping
Ano Nuevo State Reserve
Keep your ears open as you pass this state reserve and you just might hear its most famous residents: Elephant seals! The months between December and April are the best time to view seals here, as that's their breeding season.
Pass by without stopping
Davenport
The tiny town of Davenport is home to just over 400 people, but it's well known for its pristine beaches. In addition to some great sand and surf, the town also features other landmarks like the Davenport Crack, where water has carved a deep tunnel through a cliff, making it appear as if the land split in two.
10 minutes here
Shark Fin Cove
Despite the name, you won't have to worry about sharks at this cove. It gets the ominous title from a distinctive rock formation jutting from the water, which looks like an enormous shark's fin!
5 minutes here
Coast Dairies State Park
The beaches here are known as pocket beaches, because they're quite small and secluded. Reaching them takes a bit of scrabbling, but as a result they're almost never crowded. If you want some time alone with the coast, this is a perfect spot.
5 minutes here
Santa Cruz
One of the must-see stops on your tour. Founded in 1791, Santa Cruz is a picture-perfect California town. Here, you'll find beautiful architecture, incredible eats, and all the quirky shops your heart desires.
5 minutes here
Santa Cruz Wharf
The Santa Cruz Wharf is the number one hotspot in Santa Cruz. It's buzzing with activity and loaded with seafood restaurants for the freshest catch around. The wharf also boasts an amusement park with a fully-functional wooden roller coaster!
5 minutes here
Mystery Spot
The Mystery Spot is a tourist attraction near Santa Cruz, California, opened in 1939 by George Prather. Visitors experience demonstrations that appear to defy gravity, on the short but steep uphill walk and inside a wooden building on the site.
Pass by without stopping
Rio Del Mar State Beach
This large beach has ample parking and boasts incredible views not just of the ocean, but also of towering bluffs along the coast. It's also a very pet friendly beach for those traveling with four-legged friends.
5 minutes here
Sunset State Beach
Sunset State Beach is, unsurprisingly, one of the best places in central California to watch the sunset. Folks flock to the beach in the late afternoon, so if you want to see the sunset here, it's a good idea to plan ahead.
Pass by without stopping
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a vast wetland where salt water meets fresh water. Over 700 species of terrestial and marine animals call this reserve home, so you have a good chance of spotting some of California's critters as you pass.
Pass by without stopping
Monterey Bay
This beautiful bay features some truly stunning coastal views. As you drive by, you'll learn about how plentiful the bay's sardine population once was, and what happened to change that.
5 minutes here
Monterey
Once the center of the sardine-packing industry, Monterey has been many things over its long history. Today, the historic Cannery Row has become a popular strip of gift shops, seafood restaurants, and bars in converted factories. The city is also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with thousands of marine animals and plants on display in underwater and interactive exhibits.
5 minutes here
Big Sur
Big Sur is perhaps the most iconic stretch of Pacific Coast Highway. Featuring dramatic bluffs rising hundreds of feet above crashing waves, as well as lush greenery and rocky hiking trails, it's a remote and rugged place that's sure to take your breath away.
10 minutes here
17-Mile Drive
The famous 17-Mile Drive is a scenic detour through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. It passes lavish estates on one side and unbeatable ocean views on the other.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Francisco
Start at 1452 Shoreline Hwy, SF 94132, with the golf course on your right. Head south on Shoreline Hwy (Highway 1) for the scenic coastal route. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with nearby businesses. The audio starts automatically—check your email/text for setup.
Meeting point
San Francisco
Start at 1562 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, with the Santa Monica Pier Arch on your left and the beach & Pacific Ocean on your right. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with nearby businesses. The audio starts automatically—check your email/text for setup.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Start at 1452 Shoreline Hwy, SF 94132, with the golf course on your right. Head south on Shoreline Hwy (Highway 1) for the scenic coastal route. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with nearby businesses. The audio starts automatically—check your email/text for setup.
Ends at
Start at 1562 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, with the Santa Monica Pier Arch on your left and the beach & Pacific Ocean on your right. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with nearby businesses. The audio starts automatically—check your email/text for setup.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Drive with Action
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Important Note: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) is closed between Big Sur and Ragged Point due to repairs from the Regent’s Slide. This 6.8-mile stretch is impassable. For current updates, visit the Caltrans site
- As of April 16, 2025, the Overlook Trail to view McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is closed due to a long-term retaining wall repair project. The project is expected to continue into 2026 and will also limit parking spaces within the park. At this time, the only available viewpoint for McWay Falls is a small roadside viewing area along Highway 1. The Ewoldsen Trail remains open.
- Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
- Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
- At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
- Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
- Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
- More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
- Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
- Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
- Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
- Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
- Travel Advisory: A section of Highway 1 in Big Sur is currently affected by closures and restricted through traffic due to the Timber Fire. Travelers should check the latest road conditions before starting their trip, as closure points and access restrictions may change based on fire activity and evacuation conditions.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
24 verified traveler reviews for Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Good value for the experience
Very good information and easy to follow. We loved that you can go at your own pace, pause to spend time at different places, and there are options for "more information" so you can listen to additional stories about some of the stops.
Response from the operator: Albert, I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed my Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway audio tour. It’s great that the tour provided easy-to-follow information and the flexibility to go at your own pace. I’m happy you liked the option for additional stories at some of the stops as well. For more self-guided adventures, check out my All-In-One California Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle Tour, which includes Death Valley, Big Sur, Yosemite, and more. Happy exploring!
via Tripadvisor
Don't waste your money.
It's easy to get off the route if you aren't constantly looking at the screen as directions are minimal. Gives some good information about sites but no clear direction given to navigate to them. I ended up purchasing a competitive app that had much better navigation.
Response from the operator: Carl, I’m sorry the experience didn’t meet your expectations. After setup and downloading on a strong network, it’s essential to begin at the designated start point and follow the route shown. Connecting your phone to the car stereo can make it easier to listen hands-free, and keeping to the suggested speed helps the audio sync correctly with your location. If you can share where you felt the directions fell short, I’d appreciate the chance to improve things. I didn’t see any contact from you, but I’m happy to help now, whether that’s a refund or a replacement tour that suits you better. Let me know what works best.
via Viator
No Apple Carplay - Out of Sync - But very informative
Disappointing - I was anticipating being able to view the map on the Apple Carplay display and listen to the audio. I think the app should interface with Apple CarPlay so GPS shows on the car screen while audio plays. Only the audio played through the stereo and I had to keep looking down at the phone for the map. The audio needs to better synced with location and instructions so you are not passing the turn as it is telling you to turn or provide better advance notice on the attractions before you approach them. I have seen this in other reviews so I want to state now that I was viewing the tour from the correct direction SFO to LA. I found the tour very informative, just out of sync with some locations so I had to turn around to see them since I was told too late to catch them. Support was easy to access, but could not help with CarPlay.
Response from the operator: Hi, I’m glad you found my Highway 1 Pacific Coast Self-Guided Driving Tour informative. My app doesn’t support Apple CarPlay. Meanwhile, connect to your car stereo for the best audio. Start from the set point and follow the speed limit for audio timing. This ensures the stories trigger correctly within the GPS tour radius; detours can cause missed stops. If you missed anything, the tour is valid for a year after booking, allowing you to revisit. I’m glad my support team was helpful. Let me know if I can assist further!
via Tripadvisor
Didn’t sync well with location
The app wasn’t synced with the road and it kept shutting down. Lots of dead space, it would have been nice to fill the time with location updates and what to look for.
Response from the operator: Veronica, I'm sorry to hear about the trouble with the app. For the Pacific Coast Highway, you get two versions—Northbound (LA to SF) and Southbound (SF to LA). These issues can happen if you select the wrong tour while driving. If you need help, my support team is always here, so don't hesitate to reach out. The tour is valid for a year, so you have plenty of time to try it. Feel free to email me if you have any more questions!
via Tripadvisor
Interesting stories
Interesting stories, nice voice, good frequency of the chapters. I could have needed some more guidance on how to access certain spots.
Response from the operator: I appreciate your feedback, Michael! I'm happy you enjoyed the stories and the narration along Highway 1. Noted. We need more detailed access guidance – we're on it! Check out our Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle if you're itching for more California adventures. It includes everything from Big Sur to Silicon Valley, plus unique spots like 17 Mile Drive and Hollywood Homes. Dive into California's beauty at your own pace, and find this bundle where you snagged your last tour. There's so much more to see and experience!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.
How much does Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour cost?
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Prices start at $30 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Francisco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Francisco is not rushed.
Is Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.6/5 across 25 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Francisco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Francisco and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Francisco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Francisco?
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San Francisco packs Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Napa and the bay into day-trip range, which makes booking order matter more than anywhere else in the US. Alcatraz sells out weeks ahead, wine-country vans fill on weekends, and the best food walks in the Mission and Chinatown cap at a dozen people. Our ranking favours small groups and guides who live in the neighbourhood they walk. On Outty we rank every San Francisco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz, Chinatown, North Beach, Little Italy: 7 Tastings & History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Francisco?
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September and October, the city's real summer, once the fog season breaks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Francisco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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