SF to LA Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Tour

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Tour Details

Driving
5 - 7 Hours
Purchase QTY
One Per Car
Distance
555+ miles
Audio Stories
168+
Self Guided
At Your Own Pace
Tour Benefit
Tour Anytime
Any Day
Works Offline
100%
Money-back
Guarantee

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Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle
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17 Mile Drive & PCH (California 1) Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle
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Welcome to the Pacific Coast Highway & Big Sur Self-Drive Tour

Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) is probably the most iconic and scenic route left in America, and it’s a dream destination for avid road trippers, car lovers, and travel geeks in general. The tour is both Northbound & Southbound, so you can start from either SF or LA.

About the Tour

You can begin the tour in bustling SF. You’ll reach Monterey in no time, which epitomizes California living with world-famous Pebble Beach, famous golf courses, and a prestigious aquarium.

Farther south along Highway 1 is the artsy enclave of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Then, the sound of barking sea lions carries inland at Point Lobos State Park, where rocky headlands are interspersed with jewel-like coves.

That’s when you hit Big Sur, the most scenic part of an already scenic road. Enjoy the views, waterfalls, and bridges as you drive and hear some fantastic stories!

At Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, an 80-foot waterfall cascades from the granite cliffs onto the beach. Before you get to San Simeon on the Pacific Coast Highway self-drive tour, pull off at Piedras Blancas Beach, where enormous elephant seals pack the beach in the winter months.

Before cutting inland to San Luis Obispo, stop to admire Morro Bay Rock and hunt for anemones in the tidal pools. Enjoy Santa Barbara’s quintessential downtown and then continue down to Ventura and Malibu.

Wrap up the tour in Los Angeles at the famous Santa Monica Pier.

Starting Point Address (Northbound) – LA to SF: 81-99 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Starting Point Address (Southbound) – SF to LA: PG6H+8F Lakeshore, San Francisco, CA, USA

Route Map

What You'll See

Welcome
Your tour of Pacific Coast Highway begins just south of San Francisco. From here, this epic journey will take you all the way to sunny Los Angeles, with tons of incredible spots in between. You'll cruise atop the dramatic bluffs of Big Sur, past the beaches of Malibu, and visit quirky gems like Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's the ultimate road trip!
Pacifica
As you drive through the town of Pacifica, you'll learn about the history of San Francisco Bay and Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá, who put it on the map. You'll also uncover the unusual story behind how the town got its name.
Pedro Point
This rocky point juts out into the ocean and makes for phenomenal seaside views. There used to be a road to the point, but it's only accessible via footpath now, and only at low tide. It's a great spot for a hike with a big payoff at the end.
Devil's Slide Bunker & Trail
This bunker was built during World War II, and was intended to watch for a potential Japanese invasion of the mainland. At the time, soldiers with binoculars kept a constant watch on the horizon. These days, it's a favorite hangout spot among local youths and graffiti artists.
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
This beach can be an incredible place to spot whales, depending on when you visit. In December and January, gray whales migrate south past this shore. They're often close enough to see with the naked eye!
Montara
Montara is a charming, rustic town that owes its existence to an old-timey lighthouse. Many of the town's oldest buildings are still standing today, giving it a totally distinct and classic vibe.
Mavericks Beach
This beach is home to some of the biggest waves around. During peak season, the swells here can reach up to 60 feet high! This makes it a super popular surfing spot for thrillseekers, though amateur surfers are probably better off watching from the shore.
Half Moon Bay
This sleepy seaside town is set on the edge of a lovely crescent-shaped bay. But it has a surprisingly dark history. At one time, this area was known as the most corrupt county in California thanks to mob activity.
Hollow State Beach
Bean Hollow State Beach gets its name from its oddly-shaped coast, which some swear resembles a bean. It's a humble but pleasant beach surrounded by plenty of great scenery, and makes for a great place to stop and take a quick break.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
At 115 feet tall, this is the tallest lighthouse on the west coast. It's also one of the oldest. If you've been waiting for the perfect seaside photo shoot, this is a fabulous spot for it.
Butano State Park
While you won't directly enter this park, you'll pass by its lush redwood groves as you drive. These old, enormous trees are positively awe-inspiring, and just have to be seen to be believed.
Charquin’s Resistance: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Another park you'll pass along the way, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is exactly what it sounds like. Tall old growth trees, a lush canopy, and maybe even some wildlife sightings if you're traveling in the morning!
Ano Nuevo State Reserve
Keep your ears open as you pass this state reserve and you just might hear its most famous residents: Elephant seals! The months between December and April are the best time to view seals here, as that's their breeding season.
Davenport
The tiny town of Davenport is home to just over 400 people, but it's well known for its pristine beaches. In addition to some great sand and surf, the town also features other landmarks like the Davenport Crack, where water has carved a deep tunnel through a cliff, making it appear as if the land split in two.
Shark Fin Cove
Despite the name, you won't have to worry about sharks at this cove. It gets the ominous title from a distinctive rock formation jutting from the water, which looks like an enormous shark's fin!
Coast Dairies State Park
The beaches here are known as pocket beaches, because they're quite small and secluded. Reaching them takes a bit of scrabbling, but as a result they're almost never crowded. If you want some time alone with the coast, this is a perfect spot.
Santa Cruz
One of the must-see stops on your tour. Founded in 1791, Santa Cruz is a picture-perfect California town. Here, you'll find beautiful architecture, incredible eats, and all the quirky shops your heart desires.
Santa Cruz Wharf & Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Wharf is the number one hotspot in Santa Cruz. It's buzzing with activity and loaded with seafood restaurants for the freshest catch around. The wharf also boasts an amusement park with a fully-functional wooden roller coaster!
The Mystery Spot
The Mystery Spot is a tourist attraction near Santa Cruz, California, opened in 1939 by George Prather. Visitors experience demonstrations that appear to defy gravity, on the short but steep uphill walk and inside a wooden building on the site.
Rio Del Mar State Beach
This large beach has ample parking and boasts incredible views not just of the ocean, but also of towering bluffs along the coast. It's also a very pet friendly beach for those traveling with four-legged friends.
Sunset State Beach
Sunset State Beach is, unsurprisingly, one of the best places in central California to watch the sunset. Folks flock to the beach in the late afternoon, so if you want to see the sunset here, it's a good idea to plan ahead.
Elkhorn Slough Reserve
The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a vast wetland where salt water meets fresh water. Over 700 species of terrestial and marine animals call this reserve home, so you have a good chance of spotting some of California's critters as you pass.
Monterey Bay
This beautiful bay features some truly stunning coastal views. As you drive by, you'll learn about how plentiful the bay's sardine population once was, and what happened to change that.
Approaching Monterey
Once the center of the sardine-packing industry, Monterey has been many things over its long history. Today, the historic Cannery Row has become a popular strip of gift shops, seafood restaurants, and bars in converted factories. The city is also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with thousands of marine animals and plants on display in underwater and interactive exhibits.
Welcome to Big Sur
Big Sur is perhaps the most iconic stretch of Pacific Coast Highway. Featuring dramatic bluffs rising hundreds of feet above crashing waves, as well as lush greenery and rocky hiking trails, it's a remote and rugged place that's sure to take your breath away.
Monterey & 17 Mile Drive
The famous 17-Mile Drive is a scenic detour through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. It passes lavish estates on one side and unbeatable ocean views on the other.
Carmel by the Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picture-perfect coastal village. Famous for its fairytale cottages and eccentric residents, this tiny town packs a ton of charm. It also features an absolutely staggering number of art galleries.
Hansel and Gretel
Two of Carmel's most iconic fairytale cottages. These houses were built in the crooked, whimsical style of old fashioned fairytale artwork, and they absolutely ooze character.
Carmel Village & Beach
A lovely white sand beach beside a cypress grove. Carmel residents come here to surf, walk their dogs, or watch the sunset.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
This reserve boasts an incredible variety of marine and terrestrial animals in its lush and untouched environment. It's also a fantastic spot to go scuba diving for those who want to get up close and personal with the oceanic wildlife.
The Pacific Coast Highway
State Route 1 is a major north–south state highway that runs along most of the Pacific coastline of the U.S. state of California. At a total of just over 656 miles, it is the longest state route in California.
Garrapata Beach & State Park
Some of Big Sur's best hiking trails can be found right here. Many lead to the coast, where you can take in breathtaking ocean views, but others cut through valleys of lilies and even redwood groves.
Bixby Creek Bridge
This concrete arch bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in California. The graceful architecture works beautifully with the lush green bluffs on one side and the ocean on the other to create a completely unique crossing.
Point Sur State Historic Park
This mountainous island used to be a nightmare for ships traveling at night, but now it's just a picturesque spot along the coast. That's thanks to the Point Sur Lighthouse, which has since been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Andrew Molera State Park
The former owners of this land forbid development of almost any sort along this stretch of coastline. The result is a remarkably untouched wilderness that's sure to inspire any nature lover.
Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge
This handsome bridge is actually brand new. It was built to replace a predecessor which cracked due to a major landslide in 2017.
Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is a little off the beaten path, requiring a detour down a narrow road, but it's worth the trip. This unusual beach is best known for its purple sand! The sand acquires this color from manganese garnet which washes down from the nearby bluffs.
Grimes Point Scenic Overlook
This humble dirt lot affords visitors one of the very best views of Big Sur. Make sure to have your camera ready!
Seal Beach Scenic Overlook
Seal Beach Overlook is a fantastic place to spot California's favorite marine mammals. They like to hang out on the rocks by the shore, so you've got a very good chance of seeing not just one seal, but many!
Partington Cove
This sheltered, secluded cove is a great spot to find some peace and quiet along the coast. It's also rumored to have been a dropoff point for moonshiners during prohibition!
McWay Falls
This 80-foot waterfall once cascaded directly into the Pacific, until mudslides permanently changed the landscape. But it's still an absolutely impressive sight to behold today.
Big Creek Bridge
At 589 feet long, Biig Creek Bridge is another of the architectural marvels along PCH. It features turnouts at each end to give drivers a chance to pull over, admire the scenery, and snap a few photos for posterity.
Big Creek Cove Vista Point
This is another excellent vista point to soak in the scenery. Remember, you can never have too many pictures from your trip!
Limekiln State Park
Limekiln State Park gets its name from the lime production industry which once used this land. Four historic lime kilns from the 19th century still remain and are among the park's most popular attractions.
Pitkins Curve Bridge and Rain Rocks Rock Shed
This peculiar bit of engineering consists of a protective shed and a bridge designed to safeguard the highway from rockslides. The story behind how designers came up with the structure is even more interesting than the odd creation itself!
Jade Cove
This lovely secluded cove was once the site of a major prospecting rush. That's thanks to the fact that there was tons of jade to be found here back in the day. While most of the big gems have already been scooped up, enterprising visitors can still find small pieces of jade for themselves!
Nathaniel Owens Memorial Redwood Grove
As you drive past this old growth redwood grove, keep an eye out for the tallest trees of the lot. These giants can grow up to 350 feet tall!
Ragged Point
Ragged Point is considered one of the most picturesque stretches of Big Sur. The bluffs here soar up to 400 feet above the ocean, human development is minimal, and scenic vistas abound.
Ragged Point Inn
This cute, rustic inn is a hugely popular spot for folks who want to stay in the wilderness of Big Sur. Even if you're not a guest, it's a great place to stop for a quick bite.
Piedras Blancas Light Station
This unusual lighthouse might look like someone chopped the top section off... because they did! You'll find out why as you cruise on by.
Elephant Seal Vista Point
There's no place better to see California's elephant seals than Elephant Seal Vista Point. You're all but guaranteed to see these enormous, blubbery critters here, lounging in crowds on the rocks. This spot also features a fully accessible walkway.
Hearst Castle
Hearst Castle, San Simeon, is a National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark located on the Central Coast of California in the United States. Conceived by William Randolph Hearst, the publishing tycoon, and his architect Julia Morgan, it was built between 1919 and 1947.
Moonstone Beach Drive
This picturesque detour leads along the shores of Moonstone Beach. A lovely boardwalk runs the length of this beach, making it the perfect place to stretch your legs before continuing with your journey.
Nitt Witt Ridge
Nitt Witt Ridge is one of the strangest landmarks along your route. This house, built by reclusive artist Arthur Beal, is made almost entirely from trash! It's a bizarre but somehow oddly beautiful property that's sure to start a conversation.
Harmony
If you're keen to visit a small town, you can't get much smaller than this. At last census count, Harmony was home to only 18 people!
Cayucos
Cayucos is a small, unincorporated town with a distinct old-timey vibe. It was founded in 1867, and residents have done their best to keep it feeling just a little like the Wild West. It's full of saloons, antique shops, and plenty more.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay is perhaps best known for Morro Rock, an enormous volcanic plug rising 600 feet out of the water. Today, it's a favorite nesting spot for peregrine falcons. Whether you visit or just drive by, you'll learn how a volcanic plug actually forms.
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is another must-see destination. Lush with greenery, vibrant with flowers, and buzzing with activity, it's an almost impossibly pleasant small city with undeniable California chill. The locals don't call it "SLO Cal" for nothing!
Continue Straight to Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa is a California city in Sonoma County. It's known for its wineries. The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center is dedicated to the famed "Peanuts" cartoonist. Nearby, hands-on exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County include a mini train station. Big-name musicians perform at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. To the east, trail-lined Annadel State Park features wildflowers and a lake.
Bubblegum Alley
One of San Luis Obispo's more peculiar yet most popular attractions, Bubblegum Alley is exactly what it sounds like. Both walls of the alley are covered in bubble gum, left by countless visitors over the years. If you have a stick of your own, feel free to add it to the collection!
Irish Hills Natural Reserve
In the 20th century, this land was home to chromium and mercury mines. These days, it's where you'll find lush natural beauty and over 8 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
Avila Beach
This seaside community might sport some excellent ocean views, but it carries a dark history. As you pass, you'll learn how an oil company obliterated the town... as well as how they rebuilt.
Dinosaur Caves Park
Dinosaur Caves Park has neither dinosaurs nor caves, but it is still a lovely place for a picnic. As for where it got its unusual name, you'll find out when you visit!
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is a lovely beachside community with a long history. This shoreline is actually one of the very first landing places of the European missionaries who journeyed to the new world.
Monarch Butterfly Grove
Between October and February, around 25,000 monarch butterflies shelter in these eucalyptus trees. If you're visiting during this season, this is a can't-miss stop. It's a sight you won't soon forget.
Guadalupe
The small, quiet town of Guadalupe may not be a huge tourist destination, but it's still a great place to stop if you need a quick break from the road.
Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve
These dunes are the tallest on the entire west coast. Some reach up to 500 feet in height! Standing atop one of these, you'll get a truly unbelievable panorama of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
Lompoc Murals
The town of Lompoc grows tens of thousands of flowers every year, and the murals scattered throughout town pay homage to this industry. There are 40 of them in total, each depicting a scene from the town's past or present and honoring the flowers which keep the town moving.
Wine Ghetto
The Lompoc Wine Ghetto doesn't look like much from the outside. Inside, though, you'll find a world-class collection of wineries and tasting rooms. Here, you can sample and purchase the region's best wines.
Jalama Beach
An optional detour leads to Jalama Beach, a quiet alternative to some of the coast's more crowded shorelines. Because it's off the beaten path, this beach doesn't see nearly as many visitors as some of the others you'll pass on your journey, making it a great spot for the crowd-averse travelers.
Gaviota Wind Caves
The Gaviota Wind Caves can be found in Gaviota State Park along your route. These remarkable caves have been carved by wind eroding the rock over many, many years. The hike to reach them is a little difficult, with 600 feet of elevation gain, but the payoff is worth the trouble.
Arroyo Hondo Vista Point
You'll definitely want to stop at this vista point for a few photos. As you proceed down PCH, the California landscape changes dramatically, meaning no one overlook is ever the same as the next!
Refugio State Beach
The quintessential California beach. Refugio State Beach has it all: White sand, palm trees, plenty of sunlight, and shockingly blue water. A fantastic stop for those looking for that SoCal lifestyle.
Goleta's Butterfly Grove
Another incredible butterfly grove like the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Unfortunately, the eucalyptus trees here have recently been struggling to survive, and they host fewer butterflies that they normally would. Still, if you're in the area between November and February, it's a must-see spot.
Welcome to Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is without a doubt one of California's prettiest towns. Once a Spanish mission town, it has now become a vibrant hub for artists, top tier restaurants, and idyllic beaches. Be sure to make time for a stop in this incredible place.
Thousand Steps Beach
Thousand Steps Beach has a bit of a misleading name. There are actually only 218 steps leading down to the beach here. Of course, that can still feel like a lot, especially after a long day, so make sure you're feeling up to climbing all those steps again before heading down to the shore!
Stearns Wharf
Perhaps the most picturesque spot in Santa Barbara. Stearns Wharf has everything you could want: Fresh seafood, souvenirs, and unbelievable views of the shoreline. This is a must-see spot while you're in town.
Carpinteria State Beach
Carpinteria State Beach is an excellent beach for swimming, camping, and other beachgoing activities, but it also has a hidden trick up its sleeve. It's a favorite spot for harbor seals! While lounging on the sand, keep your eyes open and you just might see one.
Surfing on Rincon Beach
Rincon Beach is one of the best and most famous surfing destinations in the country. Each year, this beach hosts the Rincon Classic, one of the most prestigious surfing competitions around. Surfing legends like Tom Curren, Bobby Martinez, and others have tested their mettle on this very beach.
Faria Beach & Las Pitas Point
Faria Beach is another top notch surfing beach, especially around Las Pitas Point. The available sand space is a bit limited, meaning it's not the ideal spot for the average beachgoer, but lots of local surfers like the privacy this affords them.
Ventura
Ventura, officially named San Buenaventura, is another fabulous SoCal city. It's got plentiful shoreline, lots of character, and tons of restaurants and boutiques along its seaside boardwalk. It has also seen plenty of big-name celebs pass through, like Johnny Cash and John Lennon.
Point Mugu Rock / State Park
Point Mugu Rock is an ancient volcanic rock that posed major problems when engineers were first building Pacific Coast Highway. Now, it's a great place to pull over and get a good look at the picture-perfect coastline.
Sycamore Cove Beach
Sycamore Cove Beach is a day-use area in Point Mugu State Park in southern Ventura County. The beach in Sycamore Cove is excellent, but the biggest draw to this spot is probably the adjacent large campground with an extensive hiking trail network.
El Matador State Beach
This beach is beloved by photographers for a reason. El Matador State Beach is defined by tons of weird and fascinating rock formations which make for totally unique photo opportunities. Sunset is the absolute best time to visit this beach.
Zuma Beach and Point Dume
Zuma Beach and the connected Point Dume are favorite beach getaways for residents of Los Angeles. Point Dume is also an iconic filming location! It's here that Charlton Heston’s character sees the destroyed Statue of Liberty in the timeless shot from Planet of the Apes.
Malibu
Malibu is the epitome of a SoCal beach town. Laid back vibes, lots of sun and sand, and some of the best surfing opportunities around define this coastal community. Given how beautiful Malibu is, it's little surprise that major celebrities like Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Bob Dylan own homes here.
Edge of LA: The Getty Villa
As you drive, you'll pass the famous Getty Villa, a lavish estate once owned by oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, who was the richest man in the world in the mid-1900s. Today, the villa houses a truly jaw-dropping art collection featuring some pieces that date back 8,000 years.
Welcome to LA: Santa Monica
Finally, you'll arrive in Santa Monica, right next to the glitz and glam of Los Angeles. Dominated by a seemingly endless beach and the famous Santa Monica Pier, which is loaded with food and fun, Santa Monica is the perfect place to conclude your long voyage. Your tour ends here, but there's plenty more to see in the vibrant city of LA!

Preview the Tour

Stop 1 : Welcome

Stop 3 : Pacifica

Additional Information

What do we do?

Simply put, Action Tour Guide is an audio guide, map, and tour book – all in one app! We are a GPS-enabled app-based tour that narrates information based on your location right on your phone. You can experience our driving and walking tours at your own pace and literally at any time of the day!

Lifetime Validity

Changing travel date? No worries! All individual tours come with lifetime validity.

No Network Needed

The tour works offline which means you do not need your phone network to enjoy the tour. However, we do suggest you download the tour at your home, hotel, visitor center, etc before you head out for a completely immersive experience.

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Pacific Coast Highway & Big Sur Self-Guided Driving Tour

Tour Details

Upgrade to Bundles & Save

Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle SAVE WITH BUNDLES $104.89 $39.99

17 Mile Drive & PCH (California 1) Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle SAVE WITH BUNDLES $44.97 $29.99

Welcome to the Pacific Coast Highway & Big Sur Self-Drive Tour

About the Tour

Route Map

What You'll See

Welcome

Pacifica

Pedro Point

Devil's Slide Bunker & Trail

Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Montara

Mavericks Beach

Half Moon Bay

Hollow State Beach

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Butano State Park

Charquin’s Resistance: Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Davenport

Shark Fin Cove

Coast Dairies State Park

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Wharf & Boardwalk

The Mystery Spot

Rio Del Mar State Beach

Sunset State Beach

Elkhorn Slough Reserve

Monterey Bay

Approaching Monterey

Welcome to Big Sur

Monterey & 17 Mile Drive

Carmel by the Sea

Hansel and Gretel

Carmel Village & Beach

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

The Pacific Coast Highway

Garrapata Beach & State Park

Bixby Creek Bridge

Point Sur State Historic Park

Andrew Molera State Park

Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge

Pfeiffer Beach

Grimes Point Scenic Overlook

Seal Beach Scenic Overlook

Partington Cove

McWay Falls

Big Creek Bridge

Big Creek Cove Vista Point

Limekiln State Park

Pitkins Curve Bridge and Rain Rocks Rock Shed

Jade Cove

Nathaniel Owens Memorial Redwood Grove

Ragged Point

Ragged Point Inn

Piedras Blancas Light Station

Elephant Seal Vista Point

Hearst Castle

Moonstone Beach Drive

Nitt Witt Ridge

Harmony

Cayucos

Morro Bay

San Luis Obispo

Continue Straight to Santa Rosa

Bubblegum Alley

Irish Hills Natural Reserve

Avila Beach

Dinosaur Caves Park

Pismo Beach

Monarch Butterfly Grove

Guadalupe

Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve

Lompoc Murals

Wine Ghetto

Jalama Beach

Gaviota Wind Caves

Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle
SAVE WITH BUNDLES
$104.89 $39.99

17 Mile Drive & PCH (California 1) Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle
SAVE WITH BUNDLES
$44.97 $29.99

Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle
SAVE WITH BUNDLES
$104.89 $39.99

17 Mile Drive & PCH (California 1) Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle
SAVE WITH BUNDLES
$44.97 $29.99