PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay
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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
4.0/5
Based on 104 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay worth booking?
PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay is a 2-hour experience in San Luis Obispo, United States, from $15 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4/5 rating across 104 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (104)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $15 per person
Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone can listen together! Experience the iconic Big Sur road trip with a self-guided driving audio tour! As you drive, learn about the fairytale cottages of Carmel, the pur
What you get
About this experience
Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone can listen together! Experience the iconic Big Sur road trip with a self-guided driving audio tour! As you drive, learn about the fairytale cottages of Carmel, the purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach, & the enormous elephant seals at San Simeon. Drive over Bixby Bridge, marvel at McWay Falls, & enjoy the rugged coastline along the Pacific Coast Highway / Route 1. Big Sur is the most scenic segment of the Pacific Coast Highway(a must-do road trip), which you can start in either Monterey or San Luis Obispo. 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.
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
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a state park in Monterey County, California, near the area of Big Sur on the state's Central Coast. It covers approximately 1,006 acres of land. The park is centered on the Big Sur River. It has been nicknamed a "mini Yosemite." Redwood trees are known to live up to 2,200 years. NOTE: The tour is over 120 miles long, with more than 70+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
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We'll continue driving past Carmel and into the natural wonder of Point Lobos Natural Reserve.
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Pacific Coast Highway
Next, we enter the world-famous Big Sur portion of the PCH. The Pacific Coast Highway, popularly known as PCH, Highway 1, or Route 1, is one the most scenic roadtrips in the US.
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Partington Cove
Small, remote inlet & rugged beach reached by a dirt trail, wooden bridge & tunnel.
5 minutes here
Garrapata State Park
The scenic drive takes us through Garrapata State Park, where we'll have the chance to stop and check out the Garrapata Beach. As we drive, we'll learn about the wildfires that often rage through forests like these.
5 minutes here
Our self-guided drive now brings us to Bixby Creek Bridge! This is one of the most photographed bridges in California due to its aesthetic design, graceful architecture, and magnificent setting. It is a reinforced concrete open-spandrel arch bridge.
5 minutes here
Point Sur State Historic Park
We'll continue driving, while admiring and learning about Point Sur and the Point Sur Lighthouse.
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Andrew Molera State Park
Our tour then takes us through the Andrew Molera State Park, another natural wonder of this drive. We'll also learn about Big Sur's literary fame.
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Bixby isn't the only beautiful bridge in Big Sur; Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge has it's own charm.
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Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach in the Big Sur area is definitely off the beaten path, but well worth the detour. Just south of Big Sur Station on Highway 1 is unsigned Sycamore Canyon Road which winds its way down to the shore.
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Grimes Point Scenic Overlook
Grimes Point Scenic Overlook has got one of the best views of the Big Sur coastline. It's easy to see what brings people to a place like Big Sur.
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Seal Beach Scenic Overlook
Our self-guided drive takes us to Seal Beach Overlook where -- you guessed it! -- we'll be able to spot some sunbathing seals.
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McWay Falls
Another must stop is at McWay Falls. This stunning 80-foot-tall waterfall on the coast of Big Sur in central California that flows year-round.
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Big Creek Bridge
Next, we drive over the Big Creek Bridge. This is a 589-foot-long, open spandrel, concrete deck arch bridge connecting this scenic, mountainous coast.
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Big Creek Cove Vista Point
Big Creek Cove Beach is under the Big Creek Bridge on Highway 1 along the Big Sur Coast. Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve is the land area adjacent to the creek and the California marine protected areas named Big Creek State Marine Reserve and Big Creek State Conservation Area.
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Limekiln State Park
Our tour continues to Limekiln State Park, featuring beaches, forests, and more.
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As we cross the Pitkins Curve Bridge, we'll learn all about the landslides, mudslides, rockfalls, earthquakes, and other natural disasters that continue to threaten the PCH infrastructure.
5 minutes here
Jade Cove
Jade Cove features a beach full of nephrite jade.
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Nathaniel Owens Memorial Redwood Grove is one of the largest redwood stands for miles. Did you know that the coastal redwood is the tallest living thing on the planet? It's true! These behemoths can grow to around 350 feet, which is as tall as a 35-story building!
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Ragged Point
The stretch of highway between San Simeon and Ragged Point is some of the most picturesque in the world. The roadway follows where the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, with jaw-dropping views around every twist and turn. As you drive, plenty of turnoffs offer moments for taking in the region’s grandeur. As you drive to Ragged Point, you will feel like a star in your own private car commercial on Highway 1.
10 minutes here
Piedras Blancas Light Station
As we drive past the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, we'll have the option to stop and detour for a visit.
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Elephant Seal Vista Point
Nothing beats the Elephant Seal Vista Point. The largest seal in the northern hemisphere, the Northern Elephant Seal migrates to the rookery, twice each year. While offshore, the elephant seal spends eight to ten months diving up to 5,800 feet deep for up to two hours. The remaining months of the year, they mate, birth, molt, and rest onshore between trips.
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Hearst Castle
As we drive through San Simeon, we'll have the option to detour to Hearst Castle. Conceived by William Randolph Hearst, the publishing tycoon, it was built between 1919 and 1947.
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Moonstone Beach Drive, a beautiful detour along Moonstone Beach. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to get back on the highway easily enough!
5 minutes here
Nitt Witt Ridge
The one with the blue paint and all the terraces? That’s Nitt Witt Ridge, a peculiar landmark here in Cambria. You might not be able to tell at first glance, but a lot of that house is built from trash. Seriously! It was built by an eccentric artist named Arthur Harold Beal who had an odd fascination with garbage. He actually worked as a garbage collector in the mid-1900s and used some of what he collected to build his home. There are beer cans, car rims, washer drums, you name it, built into the structure of the house. **
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Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Luis Obispo
Start southbound on CA-1 (Cabrillo Hwy) near Edgewater Shopping Center in Sand City (Monterey area), with the shops on your left and the beach on your right. Suggested start; not affiliated, so staff won’t have tour info. Audio auto-starts—check email/text for setup, download on strong internet.
Meeting point
San Luis Obispo
Start northbound on CA-1 (Cabrillo Hwy) in Morro Bay near the San Bernardo Creek Rd intersection, heading toward Monterey to begin. Suggested start; we’re not affiliated with nearby businesses. Audio starts automatically—check email/text for setup, download on strong internet.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Start southbound on CA-1 (Cabrillo Hwy) near Edgewater Shopping Center in Sand City (Monterey area), with the shops on your left and the beach on your right. Suggested start; not affiliated, so staff won’t have tour info. Audio auto-starts—check email/text for setup, download on strong internet.
Ends at
Start northbound on CA-1 (Cabrillo Hwy) in Morro Bay near the San Bernardo Creek Rd intersection, heading toward Monterey to begin. Suggested start; we’re not affiliated with nearby businesses. Audio starts automatically—check email/text for setup, download on strong internet.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Adventures 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 104 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
104 verified traveler reviews for PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Enjoyable
It was easy to follow and very informative.
Response from the operator: Hi, thank you for taking my PCH Big Sur GPS audio tour from Monterey to Morro Bay. I’m glad you found it enjoyable, easy to follow, and informative along the way. For more adventures, try my Central California Self-Guided Tour featuring 17 Mile Drive, Yosemite, Sequoia, and more. Happy exploring!
via Tripadvisor
Great audio tour, just what we needed
This delivers exactly what it says. Great tips and interesting facts about stops and Big Sur in general. Lots of fun facts. Info is up to date with trail closures, etc. Had the best day knowing the audio tour wouldn't steer us wrong.
Response from the operator: Rachel, I’m glad you enjoyed my PCH: Big Sur GPS Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay. It’s great it met your expectations and made your coast day better. Happy you liked the facts, stories, tips, and info throughout. For more adventures, try my Central California Self-Guided Tour with 17 Mile Drive, Yosemite, Sequoia, and more. Happy exploring!
via Tripadvisor
Big Sur
Worked well with the mileage. Occasionally it seemed to miss a section so not sure if my fault or programs. Sometimes the last word was incomplete.
Response from the operator: Sandra, I’m so glad you took my PCH: Big Sur GPS Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay, and I’m happy to hear it worked well. I’d like to look into the areas where the audio was off… could you provide some details about when this happened? Thanks for helping me make this the best it can be!
via Viator
Great tour
Great tour. Plays through the car speakers. Start and stop as often as you wish. Stop fpr a while and pick it up later.
Response from the operator: Howard, I’m really glad you enjoyed my PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay. It’s wonderful to hear the audio worked smoothly through your car speakers and that you liked being able to stop, explore, and then pick the tour right back up later. If you're ready for more California adventures, my Central California Self-Guided Driving and Walking Bundle Tour offers 17 Mile Drive, Yosemite Valley, Sequoia and more. Happy exploring!
via Viator
Worth purchasing
This audio tour was well worth the purchase. My husband and I used it for our drive from Monterey to Santa Monica. Despite spotty reception along some of California's most remote coastal areas, the information offered on this audio tour was useful and added interesting context to our long, gorgeous drive.
Response from the operator: I’m so glad you found my Big Sur audio tour worth the purchase. It’s great to hear that the stories and information added context and made your drive from Monterey to Santa Monica even more enjoyable, even in areas with spotty reception. If you’re planning more California adventures, check out my All-In-One California Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle, which includes the Pacific Coast Highway, Yosemite, Sequoia, Joshua Tree, San Francisco, Napa Valley, and many more. Happy exploring!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 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
- 36
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Luis Obispo.
How much does PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay cost?
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Prices start at $15 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Luis Obispo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Luis Obispo is not rushed.
Is PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 104 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Luis Obispo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay?
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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 PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay?
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Around 36 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 Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay 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 Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo?
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San Luis Obispo, CA packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in San Luis Obispo by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every San Luis Obispo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Electric Bike Rental in Morro Bay, Guided E-Bike Tour of Morro Bay, Downtown SLO Brunch Food & Drink Walking Tour. 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 Luis Obispo?
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Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in San Luis Obispo, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. 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 Luis Obispo?
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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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