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
Bonus Tour
Along the route, we recommend doing the San Luis Obispo Tour. Experience lush scenery, history, and laid-back vibes with 30+ entertaining audio stories on this self-guided, self-paced walk.
Route Map
How does it work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
What You'll See
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Welcome
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Pacifica
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Pedro Point
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Devil's Slide Bunker & Trail
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Gray Whale Cove State Beach
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Montara
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Mavericks Beach
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Half Moon Bay
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Hollow State Beach
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Pigeon Point Lighthouse
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Butano State Park
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Charquin’s Resistance: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
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Ano Nuevo State Reserve
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Davenport
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Shark Fin Cove
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Coast Dairies State Park
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Santa Cruz
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Santa Cruz Wharf & Boardwalk
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The Mystery Spot
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Rio Del Mar State Beach
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Sunset State Beach
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Elkhorn Slough Reserve
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Monterey Bay
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Approaching Monterey
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Welcome to Big Sur
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Monterey & 17 Mile Drive
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Carmel by the Sea
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Hansel and Gretel
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Carmel Village & Beach
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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
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The Pacific Coast Highway
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Garrapata Beach & State Park
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Bixby Creek Bridge
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Point Sur State Historic Park
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Andrew Molera State Park
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Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge
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Pfeiffer Beach
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Grimes Point Scenic Overlook
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Seal Beach Scenic Overlook
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Partington Cove
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McWay Falls
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Big Creek Bridge
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Big Creek Cove Vista Point
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Limekiln State Park
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Pitkins Curve Bridge and Rain Rocks Rock Shed
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Jade Cove
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Nathaniel Owens Memorial Redwood Grove
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Ragged Point
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Ragged Point Inn
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Piedras Blancas Light Station
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Elephant Seal Vista Point
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Hearst Castle
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Moonstone Beach Drive
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Nitt Witt Ridge
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Harmony
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Cayucos
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Morro Bay
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San Luis Obispo
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Continue Straight to Santa Rosa
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Bubblegum Alley
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Irish Hills Natural Reserve
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Avila Beach
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Dinosaur Caves Park
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Pismo Beach
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Monarch Butterfly Grove
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Guadalupe
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Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve
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Lompoc Murals
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Wine Ghetto
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Jalama Beach
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Gaviota Wind Caves
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Arroyo Hondo Vista Point
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Refugio State Beach
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Goleta's Butterfly Grove
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Welcome to Santa Barbara
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Thousand Steps Beach
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Stearns Wharf
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Carpinteria State Beach
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Surfing on Rincon Beach
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Faria Beach & Las Pitas Point
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Ventura
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Point Mugu Rock / State Park
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Sycamore Cove Beach
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El Matador State Beach
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Zuma Beach and Point Dume
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Malibu
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Edge of LA: The Getty Villa
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Welcome to LA: Santa Monica
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions:
- App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
- Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Travel over multiple days or on next trip. Never expires.
- Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
- At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos/ snacks/hikes. Go at your own pace.
- Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
- Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.
Exclusions:
- Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
- Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route.
- Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.