Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
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About This Tour in Monterey & Carmel
Why Visit Monterey & Carmel?
Monterey & Carmel, USA offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Monterey & Carmel provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Monterey & Carmel
You can reach Monterey & Carmel, USA by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service (Uber, Lyft), or public transportation to reach the city center. Many hotels also offer shuttle services, and rental cars are widely available for exploring the area.
What's Included
- Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
- Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
- Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
- Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
- Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates
- GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 170 Points
- Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
What's Not Included
- Entrance Fees to State Parks
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
- Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
- Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
- Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
- Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
- Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
- Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
- Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
- Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
- Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
- ⚠️ Important Update: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) is currently closed between Big Sur and Ragged Point due to ongoing repairs from the Regent’s Slide. This 6.8-mile section is impassable. For the latest updates, please visit the Caltrans site.
- The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
Photo Gallery
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Point
As the audio guides play commentary based onStart at (Carmel-by-the-Sea or San Luis Obispo) or join anywhere along the tour route. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour" and follow the instructions to download now over Wi-Fi/cell service. Then, preview the start location/s and tour route in the app.
End Point
Commentary plays automatically based on your location, so you have flexibility on where and when you want to start and end your tour anywhere along the tour route.
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point
Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
As the audio guides play commentary based on... 8 hours
As the audio guides play commentary based on your gps location (and direction), you can create your own itinerary along the tour route(s) to match your interests and schedule. Or you can use our trip planners for our suggestions on half, full or multi day itineraries. Some of the many highlights are listed below;
Perhaps the single most photographed location on the... 20 minutes
Perhaps the single most photographed location on the entire Highway 1 drive, this concrete arch span bridge has been the star of many car commercials and movie driving scenes. We'll share the best angles to capture this great shot for yourself.
The ancient Redwood trees which grow to more... 1 hour
The ancient Redwood trees which grow to more than 360 feet in height are one of the tallest tree species on Earth. The unique micro climate conditions of thick summer fog, moderate temperatures and winter rain allow a thin band of trees to grow along this portion of the Californian coast. The best place to hug these friendly giants is at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Once the playground and place where one of... 2 hours
Once the playground and place where one of America's richest men would entertain his Hollywood friends, artists and global politicians. Filled with an amazing art collection and all manner of European and home-grown stylings, the property grew from a vacation cottage to an estate of palatial quality, and earned the nickname of Hearst Castle. Visitors are taken by shuttle from the welcome center and are provided with a choice of tours to explore the opulent residence.
The most attractive of many waterfalls to be found along the Big Sur drive 20 minutes
The most attractive of many waterfalls to be found along the Big Sur drive. McWay Falls cascades from the forest, over a rock ledge and tumbles directly onto a white sand beach. Set in a beautiful cove it's impossible not to take fantastic photos. Truly a magical place. And seals often choose this as the best place to take a nap on the beach.
A coastal city known for the volcanic plug... 1 hour
A coastal city known for the volcanic plug Morro Rock landmark that juts up from the water. It's also a great stop for dining in oceanfront restaurants and exploring the Embarcadero, filled with stores and art galleries.
We'll provide a little help to point out... 30 minutes
We'll provide a little help to point out the almost hidden turn in for Pfeiffer State Beach but once your make your way down the narrow road to the entrance, we promise it will be worth it. What awaits? A beautiful rugged coastline, crashing waves, the Keyhole Sea Arch and purple sand that is made by tiny flecks of garnet. Remember to take cash as there is an entrance/parking fee. No credit or debit accepted.
The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve close to... 30 minutes
The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve close to Carmel has a rich underwater habitat excellent for spotting a number of sea animals including seabirds, seals and sea lions, otters and gray whales. Numerous hiking trails and a cultural history museum in a small cabin that showcases the diving and whaling history. Enjoy views directly from the carparks, or walk the easy shoreline trail system.
You'll see elephant seals year round at the... 30 minutes
You'll see elephant seals year round at the Piedras Blancas Rookery about 7 miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1, and the population can swell to around 17,000 at its peak. There is plenty of parking and a raised boardwalk area where you can safely observe. And often Friends of the Elephant Seals docents (in bright blue jackets) are present that can answer your questions and take donations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
