Highway 1 Self-Driving Audio Tour (Pacific Coast Highway) in San Francisco booking from $29.99

Highway 1 Self-Driving Audio Tour (Pacific Coast Highway)

Overview

Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

Welcome to the GPS-enabled driving tour of California’s famous Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway! This self-guided audio tour stretches between San Francisco and Los Angeles, one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world! This self-guided audio tour allows you to explore Highway 1 with maximum flexibility and value.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

The tour includes two bonus tours: Santa Monica and san Luis Obispo.

City: San Francisco

Sun 01 Jun

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Starting at $29.99

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Sun 01 Jun

Starting at $29.99

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone

Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!

Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!

Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!

Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.

Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!

Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and text with instructions: • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password • Download the tour MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular Works offline after download
How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

What To Expect

Pacifica

As you drive through the town of Pacifica, you'll learn about the history of San Francisco Bay and Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá, who put it on the map. You'll also uncover the unusual story behind how the town got its name. NOTE: This 555-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Pacific coast highway in 5-7 hours. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Devil's Slide Trail

This bunker was built during World War II, and was intended to watch for a potential Japanese invasion of the mainland. At the time, soldiers with binoculars kept a constant watch on the horizon. These days, it's a favorite hangout spot among local youths and graffiti artists.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach

This beach can be an incredible place to spot whales, depending on when you visit. In December and January, gray whales migrate south past this shore. They're often close enough to see with the naked eye!

Montara

Montara is a charming, rustic town that owes its existence to an old-timey lighthouse. Many of the town's oldest buildings are still standing today, giving it a totally distinct and classic vibe.

Half Moon Bay

This sleepy seaside town is set on the edge of a lovely crescent-shaped bay. But it has a surprisingly dark history. At one time, this area was known as the most corrupt county in California thanks to mob activity.

Bean Hollow State Beach

Bean Hollow State Beach gets its name from its oddly-shaped coast, which some swear resembles a bean. It's a humble but pleasant beach surrounded by plenty of great scenery, and makes for a great place to stop and take a quick break.

Butano State Park

While you won't directly enter this park, you'll pass by its lush redwood groves as you drive. These old, enormous trees are positively awe-inspiring, and just have to be seen to be believed.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Another park you'll pass along the way, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is exactly what it sounds like. Tall old growth trees, a lush canopy, and maybe even some wildlife sightings if you're traveling in the morning!

Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Keep your ears open as you pass this state reserve and you just might hear its most famous residents: Elephant seals! The months between December and April are the best time to view seals here, as that's their breeding season.

Davenport

The tiny town of Davenport is home to just over 400 people, but it's well known for its pristine beaches. In addition to some great sand and surf, the town also features other landmarks like the Davenport Crack, where water has carved a deep tunnel through a cliff, making it appear as if the land split in two.

Shark Fin Cove

Despite the name, you won't have to worry about sharks at this cove. It gets the ominous title from a distinctive rock formation jutting from the water, which looks like an enormous shark's fin!

Coast Dairies State Park

The beaches here are known as pocket beaches, because they're quite small and secluded. Reaching them takes a bit of scrabbling, but as a result they're almost never crowded. If you want some time alone with the coast, this is a perfect spot.

Santa Cruz

One of the must-see stops on your tour. Founded in 1791, Santa Cruz is a picture-perfect California town. Here, you'll find beautiful architecture, incredible eats, and all the quirky shops your heart desires.

Santa Cruz Wharf

The Santa Cruz Wharf is the number one hotspot in Santa Cruz. It's buzzing with activity and loaded with seafood restaurants for the freshest catch around. The wharf also boasts an amusement park with a fully-functional wooden roller coaster!

Mystery Spot

The Mystery Spot is a tourist attraction near Santa Cruz, California, opened in 1939 by George Prather. Visitors experience demonstrations that appear to defy gravity, on the short but steep uphill walk and inside a wooden building on the site.

Rio Del Mar State Beach

This large beach has ample parking and boasts incredible views not just of the ocean, but also of towering bluffs along the coast. It's also a very pet friendly beach for those traveling with four-legged friends.

Sunset State Beach

Sunset State Beach is, unsurprisingly, one of the best places in central California to watch the sunset. Folks flock to the beach in the late afternoon, so if you want to see the sunset here, it's a good idea to plan ahead.

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a vast wetland where salt water meets fresh water. Over 700 species of terrestial and marine animals call this reserve home, so you have a good chance of spotting some of California's critters as you pass.

Monterey Bay

This beautiful bay features some truly stunning coastal views. As you drive by, you'll learn about how plentiful the bay's sardine population once was, and what happened to change that.

Monterey

Once the center of the sardine-packing industry, Monterey has been many things over its long history. Today, the historic Cannery Row has become a popular strip of gift shops, seafood restaurants, and bars in converted factories. The city is also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with thousands of marine animals and plants on display in underwater and interactive exhibits.

Big Sur

Big Sur is perhaps the most iconic stretch of Pacific Coast Highway. Featuring dramatic bluffs rising hundreds of feet above crashing waves, as well as lush greenery and rocky hiking trails, it's a remote and rugged place that's sure to take your breath away.

17-Mile Drive

The famous 17-Mile Drive is a scenic detour through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. It passes lavish estates on one side and unbeatable ocean views on the other.

Carmel Beach

A lovely white sand beach beside a cypress grove. Carmel residents come here to surf, walk their dogs, or watch the sunset.

Garrapata State Park

Some of Big Sur's best hiking trails can be found right here. Many lead to the coast, where you can take in breathtaking ocean views, but others cut through valleys of lilies and even redwood groves.

Point Sur State Historic Park

This mountainous island used to be a nightmare for ships traveling at night, but now it's just a picturesque spot along the coast. That's thanks to the Point Sur Lighthouse, which has since been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Andrew Molera State Park

The former owners of this land forbid development of almost any sort along this stretch of coastline. The result is a remarkably untouched wilderness that's sure to inspire any nature lover.

Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is a little off the beaten path, requiring a detour down a narrow road, but it's worth the trip. This unusual beach is best known for its purple sand! The sand acquires this color from manganese garnet which washes down from the nearby bluffs.

Grimes Point Scenic Overlook

This humble dirt lot affords visitors one of the very best views of Big Sur. Make sure to have your camera ready!

Seal Beach Scenic Overlook

Seal Beach Overlook is a fantastic place to spot California's favorite marine mammals. They like to hang out on the rocks by the shore, so you've got a very good chance of seeing not just one seal, but many!

Partington Cove

This sheltered, secluded cove is a great spot to find some peace and quiet along the coast. It's also rumored to have been a dropoff point for moonshiners during prohibition!

McWay Falls

This 80-foot waterfall once cascaded directly into the Pacific, until mudslides permanently changed the landscape. But it's still an absolutely impressive sight to behold today.

Big Creek Bridge

At 589 feet long, Biig Creek Bridge is another of the architectural marvels along PCH. It features turnouts at each end to give drivers a chance to pull over, admire the scenery, and snap a few photos for posterity.

Big Creek Cove Vista Point

This is another excellent vista point to soak in the scenery. Remember, you can never have too many pictures from your trip!

Limekiln State Park

Limekiln State Park gets its name from the lime production industry which once used this land. Four historic lime kilns from the 19th century still remain and are among the park's most popular attractions.

Jade Cove

This lovely secluded cove was once the site of a major prospecting rush. That's thanks to the fact that there was tons of jade to be found here back in the day. While most of the big gems have already been scooped up, enterprising visitors can still find small pieces of jade for themselves!

Ragged Point

Ragged Point is considered one of the most picturesque stretches of Big Sur. The bluffs here soar up to 400 feet above the ocean, human development is minimal, and scenic vistas abound.

Piedras Blancas Light Station

This unusual lighthouse might look like someone chopped the top section off... because they did! You'll find out why as you cruise on by.

Elephant Seal Vista Point

There's no place better to see California's elephant seals than Elephant Seal Vista Point. You're all but guaranteed to see these enormous, blubbery critters here, lounging in crowds on the rocks. This spot also features a fully accessible walkway.

Nitt Witt Ridge

Nitt Witt Ridge is one of the strangest landmarks along your route. This house, built by reclusive artist Arthur Beal, is made almost entirely from trash! It's a bizarre but somehow oddly beautiful property that's sure to start a conversation.

Harmony

If you're keen to visit a small town, you can't get much smaller than this. At last census count, Harmony was home to only 18 people!

Cayucos

Cayucos is a small, unincorporated town with a distinct old-timey vibe. It was founded in 1867, and residents have done their best to keep it feeling just a little like the Wild West. It's full of saloons, antique shops, and plenty more.

Morro Bay

Morro Bay is perhaps best known for Morro Rock, an enormous volcanic plug rising 600 feet out of the water. Today, it's a favorite nesting spot for peregrine falcons. Whether you visit or just drive by, you'll learn how a volcanic plug actually forms.

San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo is another must-see destination. Lush with greenery, vibrant with flowers, and buzzing with activity, it's an almost impossibly pleasant small city with undeniable California chill. The locals don't call it "SLO Cal" for nothing!

Bubblegum Alley

One of San Luis Obispo's more peculiar yet most popular attractions, Bubblegum Alley is exactly what it sounds like. Both walls of the alley are covered in bubble gum, left by countless visitors over the years. If you have a stick of your own, feel free to add it to the collection!

Avila Beach

This seaside community might sport some excellent ocean views, but it carries a dark history. As you pass, you'll learn how an oil company obliterated the town... as well as how they rebuilt.

Dinosaur Caves Park

Dinosaur Caves Park has neither dinosaurs nor caves, but it is still a lovely place for a picnic. As for where it got its unusual name, you'll find out when you visit!

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is a lovely beachside community with a long history. This shoreline is actually one of the very first landing places of the European missionaries who journeyed to the new world.

Monarch Butterfly Grove

Between October and February, around 25,000 monarch butterflies shelter in these eucalyptus trees. If you're visiting during this season, this is a can't-miss stop. It's a sight you won't soon forget.

Guadalupe

The small, quiet town of Guadalupe may not be a huge tourist destination, but it's still a great place to stop if you need a quick break from the road.

Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve

These dunes are the tallest on the entire west coast. Some reach up to 500 feet in height! Standing atop one of these, you'll get a truly unbelievable panorama of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.

The Murals of Lompoc

The town of Lompoc grows tens of thousands of flowers every year, and the murals scattered throughout town pay homage to this industry. There are 40 of them in total, each depicting a scene from the town's past or present and honoring the flowers which keep the town moving.

Lompoc Wine Ghetto

The Lompoc Wine Ghetto doesn't look like much from the outside. Inside, though, you'll find a world-class collection of wineries and tasting rooms. Here, you can sample and purchase the region's best wines.

Jalama Beach

An optional detour leads to Jalama Beach, a quiet alternative to some of the coast's more crowded shorelines. Because it's off the beaten path, this beach doesn't see nearly as many visitors as some of the others you'll pass on your journey, making it a great spot for the crowd-averse travelers.

Arroyo Hondo Vista Point

You'll definitely want to stop at this vista point for a few photos. As you proceed down PCH, the California landscape changes dramatically, meaning no one overlook is ever the same as the next!

Refugio State Beach

The quintessential California beach. Refugio State Beach has it all: White sand, palm trees, plenty of sunlight, and shockingly blue water. A fantastic stop for those looking for that SoCal lifestyle.

Goleta Butterfly Grove

Another incredible butterfly grove like the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Unfortunately, the eucalyptus trees here have recently been struggling to survive, and they host fewer butterflies that they normally would. Still, if you're in the area between November and February, it's a must-see spot.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is without a doubt one of California's prettiest towns. Once a Spanish mission town, it has now become a vibrant hub for artists, top tier restaurants, and idyllic beaches. Be sure to make time for a stop in this incredible place.

Thousand Steps Beach

Thousand Steps Beach has a bit of a misleading name. There are actually only 218 steps leading down to the beach here. Of course, that can still feel like a lot, especially after a long day, so make sure you're feeling up to climbing all those steps again before heading down to the shore!

Carpinteria State Beach

Carpinteria State Beach is an excellent beach for swimming, camping, and other beachgoing activities, but it also has a hidden trick up its sleeve. It's a favorite spot for harbor seals! While lounging on the sand, keep your eyes open and you just might see one.

Rincon Beach Park

Rincon Beach is one of the best and most famous surfing destinations in the country. Each year, this beach hosts the Rincon Classic, one of the most prestigious surfing competitions around. Surfing legends like Tom Curren, Bobby Martinez, and others have tested their mettle on this very beach.

Ventura

Ventura, officially named San Buenaventura, is another fabulous SoCal city. It's got plentiful shoreline, lots of character, and tons of restaurants and boutiques along its seaside boardwalk. It has also seen plenty of big-name celebs pass through, like Johnny Cash and John Lennon.

Point Mugu State Park

Point Mugu Rock is an ancient volcanic rock that posed major problems when engineers were first building Pacific Coast Highway. Now, it's a great place to pull over and get a good look at the picture-perfect coastline.

Sycamore Cove Beach

Sycamore Cove Beach is a favorite among campers. It also features plenty of picnic tables and grills for public use. If you've been planning a seaside picnic, this is an excellent place to have it.

El Matador State Beach

This beach is beloved by photographers for a reason. El Matador State Beach is defined by tons of weird and fascinating rock formations which make for totally unique photo opportunities. Sunset is the absolute best time to visit this beach.

Malibu

Malibu is the epitome of a SoCal beach town. Laid back vibes, lots of sun and sand, and some of the best surfing opportunities around define this coastal community. Given how beautiful Malibu is, it's little surprise that major celebrities like Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Bob Dylan own homes here.

Santa Monica

Finally, you'll arrive in Santa Monica, right next to the glitz and glam of Los Angeles. Dominated by a seemingly endless beach and the famous Santa Monica Pier, which is loaded with food and fun, Santa Monica is the perfect place to conclude your long voyage. Your tour ends here, but there's plenty more to see in the vibrant city of LA!

Pacific Coast Highway

State Route 1 is a major north-south state highway that runs along most of the Pacific coastline of the U.S. state of California. At a total of just over 656 miles, it is the longest state route in California.

The Getty Villa

The Getty Villa is at the easterly end of the Malibu coast in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, United States.

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle, San Simeon, is a National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark located on the Central Coast of California in the United States. Conceived by William Randolph Hearst, the publishing tycoon, and his architect Julia Morgan, it was built between 1919 and 1947.

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Cancellation Policy

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

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Reviews (21)

Bdevious50

Mar 2025

Disappointing - I was anticipating being able to view the map on the Apple Carplay display and listen to the audio. I think the app should interface with Apple CarPlay so GPS shows on the car screen while audio plays. Only the audio played through the stereo and I had to keep looking down at the phone for the map. The audio needs to better synced with location and instructions so you are not passing the turn as it is telling you to turn or provide better advance notice on the attractions before you approach them. I have seen this in other reviews so I want to state now that I was viewing the tour from the correct direction SFO to LA. I found the tour very informative, just out of sync with some locations so I had to turn around to see them since I was told too late to catch them. Support was easy to access, but could not help with CarPlay.

Response from Host

Mar 2025

Hi, I’m glad you found my Highway 1 Pacific Coast Self-Guided Driving Tour informative. My app doesn’t support Apple CarPlay. Meanwhile, connect to your car stereo for the best audio. Start from the set point and follow the speed limit for audio timing. This ensures the stories trigger correctly within the GPS tour radius; detours can cause missed stops. If you missed anything, the tour is valid for a year after booking, allowing you to revisit. I’m glad my support team was helpful. Let me know if I can assist further!

C4664WSveronicam

Sep 2024

The app wasn’t synced with the road and it kept shutting down. Lots of dead space, it would have been nice to fill the time with location updates and what to look for.

Response from Host

Sep 2024

Veronica, I'm sorry to hear about the trouble with the app. For the Pacific Coast Highway, you get two versions—Northbound (LA to SF) and Southbound (SF to LA). These issues can happen if you select the wrong tour while driving. If you need help, my support team is always here, so don't hesitate to reach out. The tour is valid for a year, so you have plenty of time to try it. Feel free to email me if you have any more questions!

V4283RPmichaelk

Mar 2024

Interesting stories, nice voice, good frequency of the chapters. I could have needed some more guidance on how to access certain spots.

Response from Host

Mar 2024

I appreciate your feedback, Michael! I'm happy you enjoyed the stories and the narration along Highway 1. Noted. We need more detailed access guidance – we're on it! Check out our Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle if you're itching for more California adventures. It includes everything from Big Sur to Silicon Valley, plus unique spots like 17 Mile Drive and Hollywood Homes. Dive into California's beauty at your own pace, and find this bundle where you snagged your last tour. There's so much more to see and experience!

Highway 1 Self-Driving Audio Tour (Pacific Coast Highway)

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