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Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Drive
Average
9 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score
- Pismo Beach
- Updated November 2, 2026
Drive Highway 1 between Santa Maria and Monterey with 40+ GPS-triggered stories, a live route map, and flexible stops along the coast.
About this tour
Trace California’s dramatic coastline on a Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur self-guided audio drive, where ocean views and rugged headlands unfold along Highway 1. Travel in either direction and let more than 40 GPS-triggered stories add context to the scenery as you go.
Follow the live GPS route past Pismo Beach, Morro Rock, Hearst Castle, elephant seal viewing areas, McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, Point Lobos, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The audio plays through your phone or vehicle speakers, and you can download it for offline use before setting out. Pause whenever you like to enjoy optional stops at your own pace. Plan for about 4–5 hours, with extra time for stops or traffic delays.
This Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur audio drive is self-guided, so bring your own vehicle and smartphone or tablet. Admission and interior access at attractions are separate, and some stops may involve uneven or steep ground. Highway 1 access can change because of construction, fires, or weather; check current Caltrans and park notices before departure. Set off ready for a flexible coastal journey, with the freedom to linger where the views call you.
Highlights
- Follow Highway 1 between Santa Maria and Monterey in either direction
- Hear 40+ GPS-triggered stories as you drive
- Admire coastal landmarks including Morro Rock and Bixby Creek Bridge
- Pause for optional stops and explore at your own pace
- Use the live GPS map and download the tour for offline access
What's included
Included
- One booking per vehicle
- GPS-triggered smartphone audio tour
- Live GPS route map
- Download for offline use
- Flexible, self-paced access
Not included
- Headphones (optional; audio also plays through your phone or vehicle speakers)
- Attraction admission and interior access unless specifically stated
- Smartphone or tablet (bring your own)
- Vehicle and fuel (drive your own)
- Parking fees at optional stops
- In-person guide
Ratings on each provider
The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.
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View on ViatorViator
3.67 / 5 · 9 reviews
Important information
- Bring your own vehicle and smartphone or tablet
- This is a self-guided drive with no in-person meeting or guide
- Optional outdoor stops may have uneven or steep ground
- Service animals are allowed
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- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Wheelchair accessible; suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Check Caltrans and park notices for Highway 1 closures, controlled traffic, or fire-related restrictions
- McWay Falls overlook trail and beach access are closed
Frequently asked questions
How long does the drive take?
Allow about 4–5 hours, plus time for optional stops or traffic delays.
Can I start in either direction?
Yes. Drive between Santa Maria and Monterey in either direction, following the in-app GPS route.
Is this a guided tour?
No. It is a self-guided audio drive with no in-person guide or meeting.
What should I bring?
Bring your own vehicle and smartphone or tablet. Headphones are optional; audio can play through your phone or vehicle speakers.
Are attractions included?
Attraction admission and interior access are not included unless specifically stated. The McWay Falls overlook trail and beach access are closed.
How this score is calculated
This score is based on one provider. Viator rates it 3.67 from 9 reviews. We place that rating among all Viator ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.
How the score works and rating distribution in Pismo Beach
- Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
- Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
- Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
- The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 6.5.
Provider rating distribution in Pismo Beach
How many tours in Pismo Beach have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.
- GetYourGuide
- Viator
from $11.99
on Viator