Drive one of America’s most celebrated coastal roads at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour. Download the app, follow GPS-triggered stories for Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, and elephant seals, and pause wherever the coastline calls.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull onto Highway 1 where the road narrows and the ocean leans in close—salt spray and wind pushing at the hood while the cliffs drop away into blue. The audio guide cues a story about the Spanish explorers and then a local naturalist explains why the Santa Lucia range falls so steeply to the sea.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours (drive time); allow more for stops)
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—mostly driving and short walks to overlooks and beaches
Wildlife
History
The PCH and its bridges (Bixby Bridge opened in 1932) were built to connect remote coastal communities and enabled 20th‑century tourism and Hearst‑era developments like the San Simeon estates.
Conservation
Landslides and coastal erosion make the route fragile—stay on designated pullouts, follow posted restrictions near wildlife, and carry out trash to protect marine reserves.
Reserve your spot on the PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download before you go
Install the Action Tour Guide app and download the tour over strong Wi‑Fi—the guide works offline once downloaded.
Buy one per car
Purchase a single tour per vehicle so everyone in the car can listen together and save money versus per-person tickets.
Watch for closures
Check Caltrans updates before departing—certain stretches between Big Sur and Ragged Point can close due to slides or repairs.
Respect wildlife viewing areas
Use designated overlooks for seal rookeries and keep distance—do not approach or disturb animals on the shore.
Smartphone with app
Runs the audio guide and GPS triggers—download the tour on Wi‑Fi before heading out.
Car charger / power bank
Keeps your device powered for navigation and the audio app during a multi-hour drive.
Layered outerwear
Coastal wind and sun variability make a wind shell and a midlayer useful year-round.
all
Binoculars or telephoto lens
Helps with distant wildlife viewing at overlooks like Piedras Blancas and seal rookeries.