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Driving the California Coast: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

12 Reviews 4.42 out of 5 stars Based on 12 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Monterey & Carmel, USA

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120 to 150 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Experience a spectacular driving tour that follows Highway 1 to Big Sur, often called “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world.”

You’ll be greeted by views of the Santa Lucia Mountains rising abruptly from the Pacific Ocean, in contrast with the jagged rock cliffs and churning seas. This section of Highway 1 is considered one of the most scenic driving routes in the United States, if not the world. It’s filled with unblemished natural scenery and dotted with four state parks, hidden beaches, rocky coves and rolling hills.

On the tour, you’ll pass by the historic D.L. James House now owned by actor Brad Pitt, cross the iconic Bixby Bridge, pass by the prominent volcanic rock home of the Point Sur Light Station to the Big Sur River Inn and the famous Nepenthe Restaurant before we stop at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

All stops, visits to state parks and subsequent hikes are optional and parking fees for state parks are not included in the price of this tour.

What's Included

  • VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Food and drink
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Rio Road
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

McWay Waterfall Trail
Big Sur, CA 93920, USA

The tour ends in the parking lot for the McWay Waterfall hike.

What To Expect

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (Pass By)

The tour passes by the Point Lobos Natural Reserve. If you want, you have the opportunity to visit the park although it isn't included in the tour.
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Carmel Highlands (Pass By)

The tour passes by the Carmel Highlands.
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Yankee Point Drive (Pass By)

The tour takes you around Yankee Point Drive.
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Malpaso Creek Bridge (Pass By)

The tour takes you over the Malpaso Creek Bridge.
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Garrapata State Park (Pass By)

The tour takes you through Garrapata State Park.
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Garrapata Creek Bridge (Pass By)

The tour takes you over the Garrapata Creek Bridge.
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Notley's Landing viewpoint (Pass By)

The tour passes by Notley's Landing viewpoint.
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Rocky Creek Bridge (Pass By)

The tour passes by Rocky Creek Bridge.
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Bixby Bridge (Pass By)

The tour goes over Bixby Creek Bridge.
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Hurricane Point Vista Point (Pass By)

The tour passes by Hurricane Point view.
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Point Sur (Pass By)

The tour passes by Point Sur.
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Andrew Molera State Park (Pass By)

The tour passes through Andrew Molera State Park.
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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (Pass By)

The tour passes by the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Sign.
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Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge (Pass By)

The tour passes over the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge.
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Nepenthe (Pass By)

The tour passes by the Nepenthe restaurant.
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Henry Miller Memorial Library (Pass By)

The tour passes by the Henry Miller Memorial Library.
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Grimes Canyon (Pass By)

The tour passes by Grimes Canyon.
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Partington Cove (Pass By)

The tour passes by Partington Cove.
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McWay Waterfall Trailhead (Pass By)

The tour ends at the McWay Waterfall Trailhead parking lot.
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Show 17 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Driving the California Coast: A Self-Guided Audio Tour?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Activity code: C-110804P413

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.42
12 reviews

Average 4.42 out of 5 stars based on 12 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Food and drink
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Transportation

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Language & Country

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Non-refundable

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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