Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Drive

About this activity

Explore California's Big Sur coast on a self-guided smartphone audio drive between Santa Maria and Monterey, in either direction. Follow Highway 1 past Pismo Beach, Morro Rock, Hearst Castle, elephant seal viewing areas, McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, Point Lobos and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Hear 40+ GPS-triggered stories; some subjects share a Viator itinerary entry.

A live GPS map shows your route while audio plays through your phone or car speakers. Download before departure for offline use, then pause and explore at your own pace. Allow about 4–5 hours plus optional stops or traffic delays. Bring your own car and smartphone; there is no in-person guide.

This is mainly a scenic pass-by drive. Attraction admission and interior access are separate. Highway 1 and park access can change with construction, fires or weather, so check current Caltrans and park notices. The McWay Falls overlook trail and beach are closed.

Itinerary

1. Santa Maria · pass by

   Begin or end in Santa Maria, a Central Coast gateway to the scenic Highway 1 drive.

2. Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve · pass by

   See the broad sands and dunes at Oceano, where beach access and activities depend on current park rules.

3. Santa Barbara Wine Region · pass by

   Hear about Santa Barbara wine country, a regional tradition reaching back to California's mission era.

4. Arroyo Grande · pass by

   Pass Arroyo Grande and its historic village, rooted in the region's ranching and farming past.

5. Grover Beach · pass by

   Catch a glimpse of Grover Beach, a laid-back coastal town beside Pismo's dunes.

6. Pismo Beach · pass by

   Enjoy Pismo Beach's shoreline and coastal views as the road draws you toward the ocean.

7. Stop 7 · pass by

   Look for monarch butterflies at the Pismo grove during their seasonal winter gathering.

8. Montana de Oro State Park · pass by

   Discover Montaña de Oro's rugged coastline and wildflower-covered hills on an optional detour.

9. San Luis Obispo · pass by

   Explore San Luis Obispo's historic core and its famously quirky Bubblegum Alley if you stop.

10. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden · pass by

    Visit the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden on an optional detour for plants from Mediterranean climates.

11. Morro Bay · pass by

    Take in Morro Bay and its iconic volcanic landmark, Morro Rock, from the waterfront.

12. Cayucos Pier · pass by

    Stretch your legs at Cayucos Pier for open Pacific views and a taste of this seaside town.

13. The Whale Trail · pass by

    Keep watch for whales from designated Whale Trail viewpoints along the coast.

14. Harmony · pass by

    Pass tiny Harmony, an arts-minded village amid rolling coastal hills.

15. Cambria · pass by

    Discover Cambria's historic village and the Monterey pines that frame this stretch of coast.

16. Stop 16 · pass by

    Pass Hearst San Simeon State Park, where beaches, bluffs and protected habitats meet.

17. Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center · pass by

    Watch elephant seals from the public viewing areas near Piedras Blancas; their numbers vary by season.

18. Hearst Castle · pass by

    Admire Hearst Castle from the coast; hilltop tours require a separate reservation and ticket.

19. Piedras Blancas Light Station · pass by

    Look toward the historic Piedras Blancas Light Station; visits require a separate guided tour.

20. Los Padres National Forest · pass by

    Watch the skies near Los Padres National Forest for a rare California condor sighting.

21. Fort Hunter Ligget · pass by

    Hear about Fort Hunter Liggett beyond the coastal mountains; the military post is not a public tour stop.

22. Jade Cove · pass by

    Pass Jade Cove's rugged shoreline, known for its colourful Monterey jade.

23. Stop 23 · pass by

    Pass the tiny Big Sur hamlet of Lucia, perched between mountains and ocean.

24. Stop 24 · pass by

    Learn how Big Creek State Marine Reserve protects the life-rich waters along this wild coast.

25. Esalen Institute · pass by

    Pass the coastal Esalen Institute, a private retreat known for its workshops and ocean setting.

26. Stop 26 · pass by

    Hear the story of Slates Hot Springs, now within the privately operated Esalen property.

27. McWay Falls · pass by

    Pass Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls; the waterfall overlook trail and beach are closed, so follow posted access notices.

28. Stop 28 · pass by

    Take in the steep Santa Lucia Mountains rising close above the Pacific.

29. Big Sur · pass by

    Follow Big Sur's dramatic meeting of cliffs, redwoods and ocean along Highway 1.

30. Bixby Bridge · pass by

    Cross the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and use designated pullouts for views; expect controlled traffic nearby at Rocky Creek.

31. Stop 31 · pass by

    Enjoy Garrapata State Park's coastal views and Garrapata Beach where access is open.

32. Point Lobos · pass by

    Admire Point Lobos' rocky coves and marine life from the highway, or visit the reserve separately.

33. Stop 33 · pass by

    Discover Whalers Cove and its historic cabin at Point Lobos; museum access depends on park hours.

34. Stop 34 · pass by

    Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea's storybook streets, galleries and beach on an optional stop.

35. Monterey · pass by

    Arrive in Monterey for waterfront history, from Fisherman's Wharf to Cannery Row.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: For the Monterey-to-Santa Maria direction, finish in Santa Maria; you may pause or end anywhere along the self-guided route.; For the Santa Maria-to-Monterey direction, finish in Monterey; you may pause or end anywhere along the self-guided route.

Good to know

• Service animals allowed
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This is a self-guided drive in your own vehicle, with optional outdoor stops on uneven or steep ground. You can enjoy the audio without entering attractions. Highway 1 may have controlled traffic, closures or fire-related access restrictions; check Caltrans and park notices before departure. McWay Falls overlook trail and beach access are closed.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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