Embark on a self-driving audio tour of California’s stunning Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway. Explore the beautiful coastline between San Francisco and Los Angeles at your own pace.
Embark on a self-driving audio tour of California’s stunning Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway. Explore the beautiful coastline between San Francisco and Los Angeles at your own pace.
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Pacifica - As you journey through Pacifica, you’ll discover the history of San Francisco Bay and the Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá, who made it famous. You’ll also learn the intriguing story of how the town got its name.
NOTE: The tour spans over 400 miles, featuring more than 171 audio stories, and takes approximately 7-8 hours to complete….
- Pacifica - As you journey through Pacifica, you’ll discover the history of San Francisco Bay and the Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá, who made it famous. You’ll also learn the intriguing story of how the town got its name.
NOTE: The tour spans over 400 miles, featuring more than 171 audio stories, and takes approximately 7-8 hours to complete.
Purchase once, enjoy for a year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
- Pedro Point - This rocky outcrop extends into the ocean, offering spectacular seaside views. Previously accessible by road, it now requires a footpath journey, only possible at low tide. It’s an excellent hiking spot with a rewarding view at the end.
- Devil’s Slide Trail - This bunker, constructed during World War II, was meant to monitor a potential Japanese invasion. Soldiers once kept a constant watch on the horizon with binoculars. Today, it’s a popular spot for local youths and graffiti artists.
- Gray Whale Cove State Beach - Depending on the time of year, this beach is a fantastic place to spot whales. In December and January, gray whales migrate south past this shore, often close enough to see with the naked eye!
- Montara - Montara is a quaint, rustic town that owes its existence to an old lighthouse. Many of the town’s oldest buildings still stand today, giving it a unique and classic charm.
- Mavericks Beach - This beach is known for some of the largest waves around. During peak season, swells can reach up to 60 feet high! It’s a popular surfing spot for thrill-seekers, though amateur surfers might prefer watching from the shore.
- Half Moon Bay - This peaceful seaside town is set on a beautiful crescent-shaped bay. However, it has a surprisingly dark history, once known as the most corrupt county in California due to mob activity.
- Bean Hollow State Beach - Bean Hollow State Beach is named for its uniquely shaped coast, which some say resembles a bean. It’s a modest but pleasant beach surrounded by stunning scenery, perfect for a quick break.
- Pigeon Point Lighthouse - Standing at 115 feet, this is the tallest lighthouse on the west coast and one of the oldest. It’s an ideal spot for a seaside photo shoot.
- Butano State Park - While you won’t enter this park directly, you’ll pass by its lush redwood groves. These ancient, towering trees are truly awe-inspiring and must be seen to be believed.
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park - Another park along the way, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is exactly as it sounds. Tall old-growth trees, a lush canopy, and possibly some wildlife sightings if you’re traveling in the morning!
- Ano Nuevo State Reserve - As you pass this state reserve, listen closely, and you might hear its most famous residents: Elephant seals! The best time to view seals here is between December and April, during their breeding season.
- Davenport - The small town of Davenport is home to just over 400 people but is well-known for its pristine beaches. Besides great sand and surf, the town features 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 its name, you won’t need to worry about sharks here. The cove gets its ominous title from a distinctive rock formation jutting from the water, resembling a giant shark’s fin!
- Coast Dairies State Park - The beaches here are known as pocket beaches due to their small and secluded nature. Reaching them requires a bit of scrambling, but they’re almost never crowded, making it a perfect spot for solitude.
- Santa Cruz - A must-see stop on your tour. Founded in 1791, Santa Cruz is a picture-perfect California town with beautiful architecture, incredible food, and all the quirky shops you could desire.
- Santa Cruz Wharf - The Santa Cruz Wharf is the top hotspot in Santa Cruz, bustling with activity and filled with seafood restaurants offering the freshest catch. The wharf also features 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 seem to defy gravity on the short but steep uphill walk and inside a wooden building on the site.
- Rio Del Mar State Beach - This expansive beach offers ample parking and stunning views of the ocean and towering coastal bluffs. It’s also a very pet-friendly beach for those traveling with furry companions.
- Sunset State Beach - As the name suggests, Sunset State Beach is one of the best places in central California to watch the sunset. Visitors flock here in the late afternoon, so planning ahead is wise if you want to catch the sunset.
- Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve - The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a vast wetland where saltwater meets freshwater. Home to over 700 species of terrestrial and marine animals, you have a good chance of spotting some of California’s wildlife as you pass.
- Monterey Bay - This stunning bay offers breathtaking coastal views. As you drive by, you’ll learn about the once-abundant sardine population and what led to its decline.
- Monterey - Once the center of the sardine-packing industry, Monterey has a rich history. Today, the historic Cannery Row is a popular strip of gift shops, seafood restaurants, and bars in converted factories. The city also hosts the Monterey Bay Aquarium, showcasing thousands of marine animals and plants in underwater and interactive exhibits.
- Big Sur - Big Sur is perhaps the most iconic stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. With dramatic bluffs rising hundreds of feet above crashing waves, lush greenery, and rocky hiking trails, it’s a remote and rugged place sure to take your breath away.
- 17-Mile Drive - The famous 17-Mile Drive is a scenic detour through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, passing lavish estates on one side and unbeatable ocean views on the other.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea - Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picture-perfect coastal village known for its fairytale cottages and eccentric residents. This tiny town is packed with charm and features an impressive number of art galleries.
- Carmel Beach - A beautiful white sand beach beside a cypress grove. Carmel residents come here to surf, walk their dogs, or watch the sunset.
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - This reserve boasts an incredible variety of marine and terrestrial animals in its lush and untouched environment. It’s also a fantastic spot for scuba diving for those who want to get up close and personal with oceanic wildlife.
- Garrapata State Park - Some of Big Sur’s best hiking trails are found here. Many lead to the coast, offering breathtaking ocean views, while others cut through valleys of lilies and even redwood groves.
- Bixby Creek Bridge - This concrete arch bridge is one of California’s most photographed bridges. Its graceful architecture beautifully complements the lush green bluffs on one side and the ocean on the other, creating a unique crossing.
- Point Sur State Historic Park - This mountainous island was once a nightmare for ships traveling at night, but now it’s a picturesque spot along the coast. Thanks to the Point Sur Lighthouse, it has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Andrew Molera State Park - The former owners of this land prohibited almost any development along this stretch of coastline. The result is a remarkably untouched wilderness sure to inspire any nature lover.
- Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge - This handsome bridge is brand new, built to replace a predecessor that cracked due to a major landslide in 2017.
- Pfeiffer Beach - Pfeiffer Beach is a bit 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, colored by manganese garnet washing down from nearby bluffs.
- Grimes Point Scenic Overlook - This humble dirt lot offers one of the best views of Big Sur. Be 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’re likely to see not just one seal, but many!
- Partington Cove - This sheltered, secluded cove is a great spot to find peace and quiet along the coast. It’s also rumored to have been a drop-off point for moonshiners during prohibition!
- McWay Falls - This 80-foot waterfall once cascaded directly into the Pacific until mudslides permanently altered the landscape. It’s still an impressive sight to behold today.
- Big Creek Bridge - At 589 feet long, Big Creek Bridge is another architectural marvel along PCH. It features turnouts at each end, allowing drivers to pull over, admire the scenery, and snap a few photos for posterity.
- Big Creek Cove Vista Point - 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 is named after the lime production industry that once operated here. Four historic lime kilns from the 19th century remain and are among the park’s most popular attractions.
- Pitkins Curve Bridge - This unique engineering feat consists of a protective shed and a bridge designed to safeguard the highway from rockslides. The story behind its design is even more interesting than the structure itself!
- Jade Cove - This lovely secluded cove was once the site of a major prospecting rush due to the abundance of jade. While most large gems have been collected, visitors can still find small pieces of jade.
- Nathaniel Owings Memorial Redwood Grove - As you drive past this old-growth redwood grove, look out for the tallest trees, which can grow up to 350 feet tall!
- 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, with minimal human development and abundant scenic vistas.
- Ragged Point Inn & Resort - This charming, rustic inn is a popular spot for those wanting to stay in Big Sur’s wilderness. Even if you’re not a guest, it’s a great place to stop for a quick bite.
- Piedras Blancas Light Station - This unusual lighthouse might look like its top section was removed… because it was! You’ll find out why as you pass by.
- Elephant Seal Vista Point - There’s no better place to see California’s elephant seals than Elephant Seal Vista Point. You’re almost guaranteed to see these enormous, blubbery creatures lounging on the rocks. This spot also features a fully accessible walkway.
- Moonstone Beach Drive - This picturesque detour runs along the shores of Moonstone Beach. A lovely boardwalk stretches the length of the beach, making it the perfect place to stretch your legs before continuing your journey.
- Nitt Witt Ridge - Nitt Witt Ridge is one of the most unusual landmarks along your route. This house, built by reclusive artist Arthur Beal, is made almost entirely from trash! It’s a bizarre yet oddly beautiful property sure to spark conversation.
- Harmony - If you’re looking to visit a small town, you can’t get much smaller than this. At the last census, Harmony was home to only 18 people!
- Cayucos - Cayucos is a small, unincorporated town with a distinct old-timey vibe. Founded in 1867, residents have maintained its Wild West feel, with saloons, antique shops, and more.
- Morro Bay - Morro Bay is best known for Morro Rock, an enormous volcanic plug rising 600 feet from 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 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 charm. Locals call it “SLO Cal” for a reason!
- Bubblegum Alley - One of San Luis Obispo’s more peculiar yet 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!
- Irish Hills Natural Reserve - In the 20th century, this land was home to chromium and mercury mines. Today, it’s a place of lush natural beauty with over 8 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
- Avila Beach - This seaside community offers excellent ocean views but carries a dark history. As you pass, you’ll learn how an oil company devastated the town and how it was rebuilt.
- Dinosaur Caves Park - Dinosaur Caves Park has neither dinosaurs nor caves, but it’s still a lovely place for a picnic. You’ll discover the origin of its unusual name when you visit!
- Pismo Beach - Pismo Beach is a charming beachside community with a long history. This shoreline was one of the first landing places for European missionaries journeying 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, it’s a must-see stop. It’s a sight you won’t soon forget.
- Guadalupe - The small, quiet town of Guadalupe may not be a major tourist destination, but it’s a great place to stop for a quick break from the road.
- Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve - These dunes are the tallest on the west coast, some reaching up to 500 feet! Standing atop one offers an unbelievable panorama of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
- The Murals of Lompoc - Lompoc grows tens of thousands of flowers annually, and the murals throughout town pay homage to this industry. There are 40 in total, each depicting a scene from the town’s past or present and honoring the flowers that sustain the town.
- Lompoc Wine Ghetto - The Lompoc Wine Ghetto may not look like much from the outside, but inside, 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 the coast’s more crowded shorelines. Off the beaten path, this beach sees fewer visitors, making it ideal for crowd-averse travelers.
- Arroyo Hondo Vista Point - Be sure to stop at this vista point for photos. As you travel down PCH, the California landscape changes dramatically, so no two overlooks are the same!
- Refugio State Beach - The quintessential California beach, Refugio State Beach has it all: white sand, palm trees, plenty of sunlight, and stunningly blue water. A fantastic stop for those seeking the SoCal lifestyle.
- Goleta Butterfly Grove - Another incredible butterfly grove like the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Unfortunately, the eucalyptus trees here have been struggling, hosting fewer butterflies than usual. Still, if you’re in the area between November and February, it’s a must-see spot.
- Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara is undoubtedly one of California’s prettiest towns. Once a Spanish mission town, it has 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 misleading name, with only 218 steps leading down to the beach. Of course, that can still feel like a lot after a long day, so ensure you’re ready to climb back up before heading down to the shore!
- Carpinteria State Beach - Carpinteria State Beach is excellent for swimming, camping, and other beach 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 might see one.
- Rincon Beach Park - Rincon Beach is one of the best and most famous surfing destinations in the country. Each year, it hosts the Rincon Classic, one of the most prestigious surfing competitions. Surfing legends like Tom Curren, Bobby Martinez, and others have tested their skills here.
- Faria Beach - Faria Beach is another top-notch surfing beach, especially around Las Pitas Point. The limited sand space means it’s not ideal for the average beachgoer, but local surfers appreciate the privacy.
- Ventura - Ventura, officially San Buenaventura, is another fabulous SoCal city. It boasts plentiful shoreline, lots of character, and numerous restaurants and boutiques along its seaside boardwalk. It has also seen many big-name celebrities, like Johnny Cash and John Lennon.
- Point Mugu State Park - Point Mugu Rock is an ancient volcanic rock that posed major challenges when engineers first built the Pacific Coast Highway. Now, it’s a great place to pull over and admire the picture-perfect coastline.
- Sycamore Cove Beach - Sycamore Cove Beach is a favorite among campers, featuring plenty of picnic tables and grills for public use. If you’re planning a seaside picnic, this is an excellent spot.
- El Matador State Beach - This beach is beloved by photographers for its unique rock formations, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Sunset is the best time to visit.
- Point Dume - Zuma Beach and the connected Point Dume are favorite beach getaways for Los Angeles residents. Point Dume is also an iconic filming location, where Charlton Heston’s character sees the destroyed Statue of Liberty in the classic shot from Planet of the Apes.
- Malibu - Malibu epitomizes a SoCal beach town with laid-back vibes, plenty of sun and sand, and excellent surfing opportunities. Given its beauty, it’s no surprise that celebrities like Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Bob Dylan own homes here.
- Santa Monica - Finally, you’ll arrive in Santa Monica, adjacent to the glitz and glam of Los Angeles. Dominated by a seemingly endless beach and the famous Santa Monica Pier, loaded with food and fun, Santa Monica is the perfect place to conclude your journey. Your tour ends here, but there’s plenty more to see in vibrant LA!
- Pacific Coast Highway - State Route 1 is a major north-south state highway running along most of California’s Pacific coastline. At just over 656 miles, it is the longest state route in California.
- The Getty Villa - The Getty Villa is located at the eastern end of the Malibu coast in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, United States.
- Zuma Beach - Zuma Beach is a county beach located at 30000 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. One of the largest and most popular beaches in Los Angeles County, Zuma is known for its long, wide sands and excellent surf.
- Hearst Castle - Hearst Castle, San Simeon, is a National Historic Landmark and California Historical Landmark on the Central Coast of California, USA. Conceived by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan, it was built between 1919 and 1947.

- 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!
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Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
-…
- 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!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
It is recommended to purchase one tour per vehicle, rather than per individual. This way, everyone can enjoy the experience together!
Welcome to the GPS-enabled driving tour of California’s renowned Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway! This self-guided audio tour covers the stretch between San Francisco and Los Angeles, showcasing one of…
It is recommended to purchase one tour per vehicle, rather than per individual. This way, everyone can enjoy the experience together!
Welcome to the GPS-enabled driving tour of California’s renowned Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway! This self-guided audio tour covers the stretch between San Francisco and Los Angeles, showcasing one of the world’s most stunning coastlines! This tour offers the flexibility and value to explore Highway 1 at your own pace.
After booking, be sure to check your email or text messages to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the provided password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Simply follow the audio instructions and route from the specified starting point.
Purchase once and enjoy for an entire year! Perfect for extended stays and return visits over the next 12 months.
The tour also includes two bonus tours: Santa Monica and San Luis Obispo.
- How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour 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.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car’s stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
- Important Note: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) is closed between Big Sur and Ragged Point due to repairs from the Regent’s Slide. This 6.8-mile stretch is impassable. For current updates, visit the Caltrans site
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.