• Stearns Wharf - Situated in the Santa Barbara harbor, Stearns Wharf is the oldest operational wooden wharf in California, dating back to 1872, and is among the longest. Visitors can enjoy dining, scenic views, fishing spots, beach access, and a natural history museum. The views of the city and the Santa Ynez Mountains from the wharf are breathtaking.
• Butterfly Beach - Nestled in the chic and luxurious village of Montecito, home to several celebrities, this tranquil beach offers a chance to encounter famous faces. Visitors can stroll along the cliff tops or descend stairs to the beach below. There are no public facilities, and parking is available on either side of Channel Drive.
• Carpinteria State Beach - Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Carpinteria Beach features gentle waves and a wide, shallow area perfect for enjoying the sand. Free parking is available in the nearby town, which offers numerous restaurants and shops. Restrooms are accessible.
• Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve - This preserve offers easy trails leading to the Carpinteria Bluffs and a harbor seal rookery. The hike from the parking lot to the rookery is about a mile round trip on flat terrain. Upon reaching the ocean, turn right and head towards an old pier to find the seal rookery. To visit the tar pits, continue along the path, adding about another mile round trip.
• Mugu Rock - During the construction of the Pacific Coast Highway, crews blasted through a hill by the ocean, creating a unique formation at Mugu Point. This spot offers an interesting place to stop and explore.
• Neptune’s Net - This well-known seafood and grill restaurant along the PCH has been featured in several films. Prices are reasonable, and County Line Beach is just across the street. This iconic beach is mentioned in the Beach Boys’ song “Surfin’ USA.”
• Leo Carrillo State Beach - Leo Carrillo offers a wide, sandy beach ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Additionally, there is a fascinating rocky area with cliffs and sea caves to explore. The opening sequence of “Grease” was filmed here.
• El Matador State Beach - Part of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, El Matador is a pocket park featuring intriguing rock formations and sea caves. The walk from the parking lot to the beach is short but steep. A small parking lot with paid parking is available, or visitors can park for free on the Pacific Coast Highway. Restrooms are provided.
• Westward Beach - Located directly below Point Dume, Westward Beach offers an exciting place to explore with Point Dume dramatically nearby. Visitors can climb around the point to the secluded Pirate’s Cove behind the cliffs or hike from the beach to the top of Point Dume. The trail is about a mile round trip and moderately challenging, with some incline. Restrooms are available.
• Point Dume - Point Dume is one of the most striking overlooks along the Pacific Coast Highway, featuring around two miles of trails that crisscross this prominent point overlooking the ocean and secluded beaches below. Several Hollywood films have been shot here, including some iconic scenes. Parking is free but limited, with more available at Westward Beach below. The trail between the two is about a mile round trip with moderate incline.
• Escondido Falls - Escondido Falls is a unique waterfall with a mossy ‘beard’ over the drop. The trail is 3.5 miles round trip and moderately difficult. The first mile is an uphill path along the paved Winding Way road, passing mansions. The Escondido Canyon Trailhead is clearly marked with a large brown sign. The remainder of the trail is partially shaded, with small water crossings. There are three waterfalls, with the first being the easiest to access. No restrooms are available.
• Solstice Canyon - This 3-mile loop is mostly shaded and passes a small waterfall and the ruins of historic homes destroyed by wildfire. The trail is paved for about half a mile and is generally easy, except for a steep climb up the ridge. It’s possible to turn around and avoid the steep section, making it an out-and-back hike. Otherwise, the entire loop is moderately difficult. Restrooms are located 100 feet up the trail.
• Malibu Lagoon State Beach - Adjacent to Malibu Pier, this beach is a popular surfing spot. The park includes the Adamson House, which overlooks a short bluff and is open for tours, showcasing historic local ceramics. There’s also a local history museum nearby. The park is next to the Malibu Movie Colony, where celebrities often have vacation homes. Across the lagoon from the Adamson House is another parking area and a path to another beach near the homes.
• Malibu Pier - This well-loved landmark draws visitors for its beautiful scenery, dining options, and fishing opportunities. Fishing equipment rentals are available, and there is access to the beach.

• Pause, rewind, or replay anytime
• Lifetime access after purchase
• Built-in turn-by-turn route guidance
• Self-paced experience with no fixed start time
• Storytelling based on firsthand travel and research
• GPS-triggered audio with automatic playback at each stop
• Offline access after download

• Transportation (self-guided using your own vehicle or on foot)

Experience the Pacific Coast Highway on your terms with a tour that plays directly from your phone. Travel along the coast at your leisure, pause at any beach, and listen to engaging stories that guide you through ocean cliffs, expansive sandy shores, and renowned seaside towns. Decide when to begin, where to pause, and how long to linger.

Start in Santa Barbara and journey south towards Santa Monica. Stop at picturesque viewpoints, stroll along serene beaches, or enjoy a meal in local beach towns along the route. Observe surfers catching waves, spot dolphins in the distance, and relish the refreshing ocean breezes as you drive.

Your phone provides straightforward directions, functions without internet, and remains with you indefinitely, allowing you to revisit anytime.

Download the tour, embark on your journey, and savor one of California’s most stunning coastal drives—your route, your pace, your day by the sea.

Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours

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