• Santa Maria - The city just north of us, Santa Maria, was initially named ‘Central City.’ In 1885, it was renamed Santa Maria.
• Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve - Oceano Dunes is one of California’s largest remaining coastal dunes, offering visitors a variety of activities, from camping on the sand and horseback riding to more thrilling adventures.
• Santa Barbara Wine Region - This region boasts a rich winemaking history dating back to 1782 when Father Junipero Serra, a Spanish Roman Catholic missionary, brought grapevines from Mexico to California and planted them here.
• Arroyo Grande - Learn about the Spanish settlers who aimed to make Arroyo Grande a thriving ranch and farm community, thanks to its rich environmental ecosystem.
• Grover Beach - Originally named ‘The Town of Grover’ by D.W. Grover, the town’s name was changed in 1959 to Grover Beach.
• Pismo Beach - The name ‘Pismo’ is derived from the Chumash language, meaning tar. There are tar springs nearby!
• Monarch Butterfly Grove - If you love Monarch butterflies, Pismo Beach is the perfect destination!
• Montana de Oro State Park - Montana De Oro, a State Park, features seven miles of shoreline, streams, canyons, and hills, offering nature enthusiasts a pristine setting for various activities.
• San Luis Obispo - If bubblegum is your thing, this is the place for you. Well, it’s actually previously chewed bubblegum, but there’s a story to tell.
• San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden - For those seeking beautiful Mediterranean gardens or a relaxing stroll, this is the ideal spot.
• Morro Bay - Visitors can drive up to the base of Morro Rock via a causeway connecting it to the shore. It’s close to the highway and a great place to stretch your legs and take photos.
• Cayucos Pier - If you’ve ever wanted to walk on a long pier like in the movies, here’s your chance.
• The Whale Trail - With over 100 Whale Trail sites marking the best whale-watching spots on the West Coast, California boasts 19 of them.
• Harmony - This habitat is home to over two dozen mammal species, including mountain lions and badgers, over 100 bird species, and hundreds of terrestrial plants.
• Cambria - History enthusiasts will enjoy Cambria, where the town’s history is meticulously preserved by dedicated volunteers at the Historical Society.
• Hearst San Simeon State Park - This park, like many conservation areas, includes diverse habitats and conserves elements dating back thousands of years. Within its 3,400 acres lies the Pa-nu cultural reserve.
• Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center - A fantastic point of interest for those who enjoy watching large and adorable sea creatures in their natural habitat.
• Hearst Castle - If you’re seeking a unique museum experience, you’re in luck! The famous hilltop mansion, Hearst Castle, is located in the San Simeon area and is highly recommended for a visit.
• Piedras Blancas Light Station - Built in the 1800s, this lighthouse originally stood over 100 feet tall.
• Los Padres National Forest - While driving along this stunning coastline, keep an eye out for the critically endangered California Condor. You might be lucky enough to spot one of these majestic, rare birds.
• Fort Hunter Liggett - Fort Hunter Liggett is the largest reserve command post in the country, covering over 165,000 acres. It’s about 15 miles northeast of us, beyond those mountains.
• Jade Cove - Monterey Jade is a very hard stone that comes in colors ranging from deep greens to turquoise, silvered greens, and black. The most common color is grayish green.
• Lucia - Discover a tiny hamlet where, as the saying goes, “don’t blink or you’ll miss it.” The most notable feature is the Lucia Lodge, visible on the oceanside.
• Big Creek State Marine Reserve - One of the 29 Marine Life Protection Areas in this region, covering 22 square miles, is worth exploring.
• The Esalen Institute - Founded in the early ‘60s by two Stanford graduates, the Esalen Institute is a non-profit retreat designed to help people explore alternative forms of consciousness.
• Slates Hot Springs - The settlement was named Slates Hot Springs due to a set of hot springs that the owner claimed cured his arthritis and other ailments.
• McWay Falls - For a break and a chance to stretch your legs, visit Julia Pfeiffer-Burns State Park. You’ll find one of Big Sur’s shortest trails leading to the picturesque McWay Falls waterfall.
• Santa Lucia Range - This mountain range, never more than 11 miles from the coast, forms the steepest coastal slope in the contiguous United States.
• Big Sur - Big Sur is a rugged and mountainous section of California’s central coast, between Carmel and San Simeon, renowned for its dramatic scenery.
• Bixby Bridge - Prepare to drive across one of California’s most photographed bridges, the Bixby Creek Bridge! There are many pullovers for taking pictures or enjoying the incredible views.
• Garrapata State Park - A wonderful spot to enjoy the stunning vistas and take a walk along the beach, exploring caves, nooks, and coves along the shore.
• Point Lobos - Described as “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world” by famed landscape architect Francis McComas, the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve covers over 8 square miles of land and sea.
• Whalers Cove - Here, you’ll find the Whaler’s Cabin, built in the 1850s, now a cultural history museum where visitors can learn about the cultural history of Point Lobos.
• Carmel-by-the-Sea - A charming European-style village known as Carmel-By-The-Sea, consistently rated as a top 10 must-see destination in the United States, and highly recommended for a visit!
• Monterey - Founded in 1770, the city’s history is evident throughout its 8.5 square miles, from the famous Fisherman’s Wharf to Cannery Row.

• No time constraints, take as long as you like to complete the tour
• Only 1 tour booking needed per vehicle
• Flexible dates - tour is yours to keep and enjoy anytime on Tripvia Tours
• No signal required or data used during the tour
• Good mobile or WiFi connection needed for the initial download

• **Recommended attractions may be closed/inaccessible due to season or reasons beyond our control.
• Attraction Tickets
• Smartphone or tablet
• Transportation (use your own vehicle)

Connect your smartphone to your car’s stereo system and enjoy a guided tour while driving through Big Sur!

Follow the recommended route along the Pacific Coast Highway, renowned as one of the most picturesque drives globally! Begin your journey anywhere along the path between Santa Maria and Monterey. The tour experience remains consistent in both directions.

Cross the stunning Bixby Bridge, explore San Luis Obispo’s Bubblegum Alley, admire Morro Rock, and visit the iconic Hearst Castle. The guide will highlight must-see landmarks, state parks, tourist spots, and recreational areas, providing a historical overview of the region and its original inhabitants.

With no time restrictions, relish the freedom to pause and explore at your leisure. The tour guide’s commentary will automatically play as you drive, and no data is consumed during the tour.

This audio guide will keep your group entertained and engaged! Most points of interest include a fun multiple-choice trivia question about the attractions.

Rely on the platform with over 75 tours and more than 17,000 satisfied customers.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.