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Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Drive
Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Drive
Between Santa Maria & Monterey
For KrisFlyer members only
Highlights
Explore California's Big Sur coast on a self-guided smartphone audio drive between Santa Maria and Monterey, in either direction. Follow Highway 1 past Pismo Beach, Morro Rock, Hearst Castle, elephant seal viewing areas, McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, Point Lobos and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Hear 40+ GPS-triggered stories; some subjects share a Viator itinerary entry.
A live GPS map shows your route while audio plays through your phone or car speakers. Download before departure for offline use, then pause and explore at your own pace. Allow about 4–5 hours plus optional stops or traffic delays. Bring your own car and smartphone; there is no in-person guide.
This is mainly a scenic pass-by drive. Attraction admission and interior access are separate. Highway 1 and park access can change with construction, fires or weather, so check current Caltrans and park notices. The McWay Falls overlook trail and beach are closed.
Itinerary
Santa Maria(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeBegin or end in Santa Maria, a Central Coast gateway to the scenic Highway 1 drive.Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeSee the broad sands and dunes at Oceano, where beach access and activities depend on current park rules.Santa Barbara Wine Region(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeHear about Santa Barbara wine country, a regional tradition reaching back to California's mission era.Arroyo Grande(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreePass Arroyo Grande and its historic village, rooted in the region's ranching and farming past.Grover Beach(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeCatch a glimpse of Grover Beach, a laid-back coastal town beside Pismo's dunes.Pismo Beach(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeEnjoy Pismo Beach's shoreline and coastal views as the road draws you toward the ocean.Monarch Butterfly Grove(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeLook for monarch butterflies at the Pismo grove during their seasonal winter gathering.Montana de Oro State Park(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeDiscover Montaña de Oro's rugged coastline and wildflower-covered hills on an optional detour.San Luis Obispo(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeExplore San Luis Obispo's historic core and its famously quirky Bubblegum Alley if you stop.San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeVisit the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden on an optional detour for plants from Mediterranean climates.Morro Bay(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeTake in Morro Bay and its iconic volcanic landmark, Morro Rock, from the waterfront.Cayucos Pier(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeStretch your legs at Cayucos Pier for open Pacific views and a taste of this seaside town.The Whale Trail(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeKeep watch for whales from designated Whale Trail viewpoints along the coast.Harmony(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreePass tiny Harmony, an arts-minded village amid rolling coastal hills.Cambria(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeDiscover Cambria's historic village and the Monterey pines that frame this stretch of coast.Hearst San Simeon State Park(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreePass Hearst San Simeon State Park, where beaches, bluffs and protected habitats meet.Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeWatch elephant seals from the public viewing areas near Piedras Blancas; their numbers vary by season.Hearst Castle(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeAdmire Hearst Castle from the coast; hilltop tours require a separate reservation and ticket.Piedras Blancas Light Station(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeLook toward the historic Piedras Blancas Light Station; visits require a separate guided tour.Los Padres National Forest(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeWatch the skies near Los Padres National Forest for a rare California condor sighting.Fort Hunter Ligget(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeHear about Fort Hunter Liggett beyond the coastal mountains; the military post is not a public tour stop.Jade Cove(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreePass Jade Cove's rugged shoreline, known for its colourful Monterey jade.Lucia(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreePass the tiny Big Sur hamlet of Lucia, perched between mountains and ocean.Big Creek State Marine Reserve(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeLearn how Big Creek State Marine Reserve protects the life-rich waters along this wild coast.Esalen Institute(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreePass the coastal Esalen Institute, a private retreat known for its workshops and ocean setting.Slates Hot Springs(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeHear the story of Slates Hot Springs, now within the privately operated Esalen property.McWay Falls(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreePass Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls; the waterfall overlook trail and beach are closed, so follow posted access notices.Santa Lucia Range(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeTake in the steep Santa Lucia Mountains rising close above the Pacific.Big Sur(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeFollow Big Sur's dramatic meeting of cliffs, redwoods and ocean along Highway 1.Bixby Bridge(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeCross the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and use designated pullouts for views; expect controlled traffic nearby at Rocky Creek.Garrapata State Park(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeEnjoy Garrapata State Park's coastal views and Garrapata Beach where access is open.Point Lobos(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeAdmire Point Lobos' rocky coves and marine life from the highway, or visit the reserve separately.Whalers Cove(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeDiscover Whalers Cove and its historic cabin at Point Lobos; museum access depends on park hours.Carmel-by-the-Sea(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeExplore Carmel-by-the-Sea's storybook streets, galleries and beach on an optional stop.Monterey(Pass by)
Admission Ticket FreeArrive in Monterey for waterfront history, from Fisherman's Wharf to Cannery Row.
What's included
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Additional information
Location
Provider
Tripvia Tours
NZD 22
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