• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Often referred to as ‘the greatest meeting of land and water in the world,’ Point Lobos is a stunning coastal park featuring rocky outcroppings, coastal bluffs, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can stroll through one of the last wild stands of Monterey Cypress trees, enjoy the expansive views at Sea Lion Point, explore the coves near Bird Island, or spot marine mammals in Whalers Cove.

Parking is somewhat limited and may fill up quickly. Many visitors park along the side of Highway 1 and walk in, which adds at least half a mile to a mile of walking one way.

Purchase a day pass, or use one from another state park purchased the same day.

• Garrapata State Park - This state park offers easy access to coastal bluffs. Those seeking a 360-degree view can hike to the top of Soberanes Point for a panoramic view of the surrounding coast and mountains.
• Rocky Creek Bridge - Built in 1932, Rocky Creek Bridge is one of Big Sur’s historic arch bridges, constructed when Highway 1 was first built through Big Sur. A small pull-off allows visitors to stop and take a picture.
• Bixby Bridge - Bixby Bridge is one of the most filmed and photographed locations in Big Sur. Built in 1932, it’s the largest and most famous bridge in Big Sur, standing over 250 feet above the creek below. There’s a small pull-off on the north end of the bridge, with additional space to pull over for a better view.
• Hurricane Point Vista Point - Hurricane Point is one of the best scenic overlooks along Highway 1.
• Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Hike among the redwoods in this heavily-forested state park. An easy boardwalk trail winds through a small grove of old-growth redwoods. Alternatively, hike a moderate trail to the 60-ft Pfeiffer Falls. A lodge at the front of the park offers amenities like restrooms, a restaurant, coffee shop, and a gift shop.

Purchase a day pass, or use one from another state park purchased the same day.

• Nepenthe - Nepenthe is a high-end restaurant perched on a bluff over 800 feet above the coast. The building was designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright protege and has hosted many Golden Age celebrities. The menu is quite expensive, but the Cafe Kevah on the grounds offers a more affordable coffee or lunch option. The large Phoenix Shop is one of the best gift shops in Big Sur. Visitors can also stop by just for the view, which is highly recommended.
• Henry Miller Memorial Library - Henry Miller was one of the earliest authors to make his way to Big Sur. His writing was provocative and initially banned in the United States, but he paved the way for open-mindedness and free speech. The library curates an interesting assortment of books for sale and hosts cultural events and performances. A must-visit for anyone wanting to appreciate the rich literary history of Big Sur.
• Partington Cove - An unmarked path next to a road gate leads down to two picturesque coves. One of the coves is accessed via an old pioneer’s tunnel, blasted through the bluff for his timber and tanbark business.
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - This vista point off Highway 1 offers an easy in-and-out view of the epic coastline.
• McWay Falls - A must-see view! The slender McWay Falls drops directly from a bluff into a blue cove, creating one of the most picturesque views in Big Sur. Visitors can stop along Highway 1 for a quick look over the vista point or enter Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for a closer look. The state park also has hiking trails leading into the interior, including a redwood forest.

Purchase a day pass, or use one from another state park purchased the same day.

As of 2026, the park’s Overlook trail to McWay Falls has been undergoing construction and is closed to the public. Until the trail reopens, the only way to view McWay Falls is from the vista point directly off Highway 1.

• Big Creek Cove Vista Point - Another great view with easy access from Highway 1. Looking north, there’s a clear view of Regent’s Slide, a landslide that occurred in 2024 and closed the highway.
• Gamboa Point - This vista point offers a spectacular view of the headlands plunging into the ocean for miles. Easy access in and out.
• Limekiln State Park - The Rockland Lime and Lumber Company extracted lime here in the 19th century, felling the redwood forests to heat the furnaces, or kilns. Today, the redwood forests are regrowing, and visitors can explore the remnants of the lime kilns. The state park also includes access to a rocky beach.

Purchase a day pass, or use one from another state park purchased the same day. The park only accepts cash.

• Sand Dollar Beach - This beautiful beach is surrounded by cliffs and rock formations in the water. There is a short but steep walk down to the beach, about 100 stairs in total. Despite the name, it’s unlikely you’ll find sand dollars here. However, some have reported finding jade!

Sand Dollar Beach shares a Day Use fee with Willow Creek Picnic Area. Alternatively, some park along Highway 1 and walk in, adding only a few hundred feet of walking.

• Willow Creek Picnic Area and Beach - The vista point is just off Highway 1 and provides a stellar view of the coast. For access to the rocky beach, drive the short but steep road down to the Day Use area. The vista point is free, but the Day Use area is not.

Willow Creek shares a Day Use fee with Sand Dollar Beach.

• Salmon Creek Falls Trail - A quick hike and rock scramble from Highway 1 leads to this double cascade waterfall. Follow the sound of the water to reach the falls! Summer and fall seasons are dry, typically reducing the waterfall to a trickle or nothing.
• Ragged Point - Known as the ‘southern gateway to Big Sur,’ this location offers an all-in-one stop for food, gas, coffee, restrooms, and a stunning scenic view out back. There’s even a live music series. Ragged Point is either the first big view of Big Sur coming from the south or the last coming from the north. An inn is also available on the premises.
• Elephant Seal Vista Point - A must-stop! Elephant seals have claimed the shores of San Simeon as a rookery since the 1990s. Seals can be found here year-round, but certain times of the year see larger numbers, especially in winter. A boarded walkway traces the shore, providing easy viewing of the seals. Docents from the non-profit Friends of the Elephant Seal are often present, answering questions about the seals and ensuring everyone’s safety.

Friends of the Elephant Seal operates a small visitor center and gift shop south of the vista point in San Simeon. Stop by to support the mission and protect the seals!

• Hearst Castle - A unique estate sits atop a scenic hill overlooking the coast. The Spanish Colonial-revival mansion, built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst and designed by architect Julia Morgan, is one of the largest homes in the United States and a testament to whimsy and extravagant wealth. The home incorporates pieces and artwork from various locations worldwide, including Roman ruins, Renaissance tapestries, and an ancient Egyptian statue. The grounds feature incredible pools, remnants of the old private zoo, and even a private movie theater.

Tours begin at the visitor center, where there’s a sleek 45-minute movie about the house’s construction, a museum, a gift shop, and a cafe. A shuttle takes visitors from the center up through the open hills to the mansion, where a guide leads the tour. It’s an experience like no other. Consider reserving a tour ahead of time.

• Moonstone Beach - This scenic beach is easily accessed via a 2-mile, ADA-accessible boardwalk. Driftwood, tidepools, and marine life invite visitors to explore around the rocks.
• Cambria - Cambria’s Main Street is lined with restaurants and shops, offering a breather from the long drive.
• Harmony - Once the center of the area’s dairy industry, Harmony diminished as the industry declined. Decades later, artisans revived it with a pottery shop and glassworks. Visitors can enjoy an ice cream cone from the Creamery, dine at the food truck, grab a coffee, or take an Instagram-worthy picture at the Harmony Chapel. The epitome of cozy!
• Estero Bluffs State Park - This state park protects the rocky bluffs just north of the town of Cayucos. Along the bluffs, visitors can find the old Point Estero fishing boat beached among the rocks, creating an interesting photo opportunity.
• Cayucos State Beach - Known as a laid-back beach town with good surf, Cayucos features a wooden pier extending over the ocean, perfect for fishing or wildlife watching. Morro Rock is clearly visible across the water to the south.

Just one block from the beach is the town’s main strip of eateries and shops.

• Morro Rock - This ancient volcanic plug stands over 500 feet above the waters of Morro Bay and is easily visible from the north for miles. A sandy beach lies to the north of the giant rock, while the calm waters of Morro Bay to the north are home to sea otters, sea lions, and marine birds. This is one of the best places on the tour to spot wildlife. Within walking distance or a short drive of Morro Rock are some restaurants and the T-pier for the best sea otter viewing.
• Tidelands Park - For a wider view of Morro Rock, visit Tidelands Park. Benches line the shore, and a playground featuring a pirate ship is available for children. Many shops and restaurants are a short walk from the park.

• 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

• Private Transportation
• Parking Fees
• Entrance Fees
• Meals & Refreshments

Travel along the Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey to San Luis Obispo with a self-guided tour that plays from your phone as the scenic coastline unfolds. Decide when to begin, where to pause, and how long to linger at each location.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Big Sur, one of California’s most renowned coastal areas, as you journey along Highway 1 past majestic cliffs, serene beaches, redwood groves, and expansive ocean views. Witness the waves crashing beneath Bixby Bridge, spot wildlife at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and admire the rugged shoreline at Garrapata State Park and Soberanes Point. Pause at Hurricane Point for sweeping vistas, explore the redwoods of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and marvel at the purple sands and rock formations at Pfeiffer Beach before heading south to San Luis Obispo.

Receive engaging stories, local insights, and straightforward GPS directions as you travel. The tour functions without cell service once set up, allowing you to enjoy Big Sur even when the signal is weak.

Download the Shaka Guide app to access the tours you purchase.

• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
• The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
• Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
• Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
• Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
• The tour can be driven in either direction: northbound or southbound.
• Bathroom stops and restaurant recommendations are included along the route.
• Check road conditions before departing, as Highway 1 closures can occur due to landslides, storms, or wildfires.

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