17 Mile Drive & PCH Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle (2 Tours)

Things to do on the Tour Include:

• Welcome

  Your tour can begin either in Monterey or in Carmel. The below list of stops begins in Monterey.

• Cannery Row

  Explore the tourist hotspot that once served as the industrial heart of Monterey.

• Monterey Bay Aquarium

  Check out a world-renowned aquarium that's also the inspiration for Finding Nemo!

• Waterfront Living

  Find out what Monterey residents can look forward to from their ocean-facing windows.

• Lovers Point Park

  Visit one of the best places on the West Coast to catch a sunrise and learn a little about ocean flora while you're there.

• The Kissing Rock

  Spot an iconic California landmark and find out how it actually formed in the first place.

• Point Pinos Bend

  Get a good look at a famous lighthouse and hear about its long history.

• The Light and the Lens

  Dig deeper into the story behind the amazing lens atop the Point Pinos Lighthouse.

• Asilomar State Beach

  Discover how the unique geology of this beach makes it a perfect shelter for both flora and fauna of the region.

• Start the 17 Mile Drive

  Get some quick tips about journeying along the 17 Mile Drive itself.

• Links at Spanish Bay

  Hear the full history behind one of the most beautiful golf courses in California.

• Spanish Bay

  Snap some Instagram-worthy photos at this picturesque bay and hear about the explorer who arrived here centuries ago!

• Point Joe

  Dredge up the grim history of this shipwreck-laden point.

• China Rock

  Find out what this unique outcropping says about the history of people in this region.

• Bird Rock

  Grab your binoculars and look for pelicans, cormorants, and seagulls on this popular avian hangout.

• Seal Rock Creek Beach

  Spot plenty of seals and seal lions on this beach and learn how to tell the difference between the two.

• Fanshell Beach Overlook

  Visit a picture-perfect beach where harbor seals go during birthing season.

• Cypress Point Lookout

  Get a sneak peak at the most famous attraction along the 17 Mile Drive.

• Cypress Crocker Grove

  Cruise through the grove where the first cypress trees in this area were planted.

• Lone Cypress

  Witness the most iconic attraction on the 17 Mile Drive, a lone cypress tree perched at the edge of a rocky bluff.

• Pescadero Point

  Find out why this point has become a favorite for investigators of paranormal activity.

• Pebble Beach

  Discover the pristine sands and dramatic coastal cliffs of the drive's most famous beach.

• Stillwater Cove Access

  Get tips about accessing a cove that most people miss!

• Carmel-by-the-Sea

  Your tour concludes in the almost impossibly cute fairytale town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

• Welcome (PCH)

  Your tour starts at Pacific Highway Coast.

• Pacifica

  Explore the peaceful city of Pacifica, named through a contest and inspired by Ralph Stackpole's statue.

• Preserving the Landscape

  Appreciate the 80-foot-tall Pacifica statue crafted by Ralph Stackpole, which was unfortunately blown up.

• Pedro Point

  Enjoy hiking and breathtaking ocean views at Pedro Point. Access the point only by footpaths, as the road was washed away in 1983.

• Devil's Slide Bunker & Trail

  Discover the historic Devil's Slide Bunker built during World War II to guard against a Japanese invasion. Marvel at the colorful graffiti adorning the abandoned bunker.

• Gray Whale Cove State Beach

  Visit Gray Whale Cove State Beach for a chance to spot migrating gray whales. Witness the southward migration of gray whales from Alaska to Baja California in winter.

• Montara

  Explore Montara and its iconic Point Montara Lighthouse, dating back to 1875. Appreciate the town's rustic charm and well-preserved historic buildings.

• Mavericks Beach

  Marvel at Mavericks Beach, known for its massive waves and challenging surf conditions. Keep an eye out for the Mavericks Challenge, an annual surfing contest featuring legendary surfers.

• Thrill Seekers

  Appreciate the dedication and skill of surfers who tackle the massive waves at Mavericks Beach.

• Monterey Bay

  Monterey Bay is a bay of the Pacific Ocean located on the coast of the U.S. state of California. The bay is south of the major cities of San Francisco and San Jose. The county-seat city of Santa Cruz is located at the north end of the bay. The city of Monterey is on the Monterey Peninsula at the south end.

• Half Moon Bay

  Delve into Half Moon Bay's history as a former hub for pirates and smugglers, now transformed into a picturesque coastal town known for its natural beauty and vibrant Hispanic heritage.

• Spanish Town

  Explore the cultural diversity of Half Moon Bay and its Spanish-speaking roots, with traces of Spanishtown evident in local establishments and the preservation of Hispanic traditions.

• Ohlone People

  Learn about the indigenous Ohlone people who thrived in the region for thousands of years, recognizing their diverse tribes, cultural practices, and their enduring legacy amidst the challenges they faced.

• California Genocide

  Reflect on the tragic history of the California Genocide and its devastating impact on the indigenous population, acknowledging the role played by the United States government and military in this dark chapter.

• Geology of the California Coast

  Appreciate the unique geology of California's coast, shaped by ongoing tectonic activity and collisions, resulting in a dynamic landscape with a heightened risk of earthquakes and landslides.

• Bean Hollow State Beach

  Embrace the tranquility of Bean Hollow State Beach, a serene coastal spot that offers relaxation, scenic beauty, and the chance to connect with nature.

• Pigeon Point Lighthouse

  Stand in awe of the majestic Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the tallest on the west coast, while enjoying the historical significance and unique experience of staying at the adjacent lighthouse keeper's house turned hostel.

• Butano State Park

  Venture into the enchanting realm of Butano State Park, where towering redwoods, hidden treasures like the Candelabra Tree, and remnants of a "ghost airstrip" provide an unforgettable experience in nature's embrace.

• Big Basin Redwoods

  Immerse yourself in the history of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, where the brave Ohlone chieftain Charquin led the first resistance against Spanish invaders, showcasing the enduring spirit of indigenous resistance and the beauty of the old-growth redwood forest.

• Año Nuevo State Park

  Witness the remarkable sight of elephant seals, the largest mainland breeding colony in the world, and learn about their conservation efforts after being hunted to near extinction, all while enjoying the natural wonders of Año Nuevo State Park.

• Birds along PCH

  Spot the wandering tattlers, resilient and widespread sandpipers with their distinctive calls, as they roam along the coast and showcase their adaptability in various habitats.

• Davenport

  Discover the unique attractions of Davenport, from the picturesque beach and the intriguing Davenport Crack to the remnants of an abandoned concrete pier, all while delving into the history of John Davenport and the rise and fall of the California lumber industry.

• Shark Fin Cove

  Venture to the secluded Shark Fin Cove, where a distinct rock formation resembling a shark fin awaits, along with a captivating sea cave to explore during low tide, providing a tranquil and awe-inspiring coastal experience.

• Seal Beach Scenic Overlook

  Marvel at the hidden pocket beaches nestled within the cliffs of Coast Dairies State Park, offering secluded and uncrowded spots along the coast, perfect for a unique beach adventure near Santa Cruz.

• Santa Cruz

  Uncover the rich history of Santa Cruz, from its origins as a Spanish mission to its transformation from a lumber town to a vibrant tourist destination, while discovering its famous residents and enjoying the diverse attractions this California city has to offer.

• Winemaking in the Santa Cruz Mountains

  Explore the renowned winemaking region of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where pioneering vintners have been cultivating vineyards since the late 1800s, contributing to the area's reputation for producing exceptional wines.

• Charquin’s Resistance

  Experience the courageous stand of Ohlone chieftain Charquin against Spanish invaders in the ancient redwood forest of Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

  Enjoy a thrilling amusement park experience at the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, home to a working wooden coaster and a renowned carousel, while indulging in fair food and endless fun.

• The Mystery Spot

  Step into the enigmatic world of the Mystery Spot, where gravity seems to behave strangely, captivating visitors with unexplained phenomena and optical illusions in the forest outside Santa Cruz.

• Rio Del Mar State Beach

  Delight in the spacious sands, blue waters, and picturesque bluffs of Rio Del Mar State Beach, a popular destination known for its pet-friendly atmosphere and perfect California photo opportunities.

• Sunset State Beach

  Witness awe-inspiring sunsets at Sunset State Beach, a haven for campers seeking the vibrant orange and red hues reflecting upon the Pacific Ocean, creating unforgettable moments.

• Elkhorn Slough Reserve

  Discover the ecological significance of the Elkhorn Slough Reserve, the second largest wetland in California, where diverse marine and terrestrial wildlife thrive in this protected estuary.

• Whales

  Marvel at the magnificent marine creatures along the California coast, from the majestic gray whales on their annual migrations to the acrobatic humpback whales and the awe-inspiring blue whales, making Monterey Bay a prime whale-watching destination.

• Monterey Bay

  Explore the historical and natural wonders of Monterey Bay, from its once-thriving sardine canning industry to the inspiration it provided to acclaimed author John Steinbeck, while savoring the city's vibrant charm and coastal beauty.