• 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: This 555-mile-long tour highlights the essentials of the Pacific Coast Highway in 5-7 hours.

Purchase once, enjoy for a year! Perfect for extended stays and return visits over the next 12 months.

• Pedro Point - This rocky outcrop extends into the ocean, offering stunning seaside views. Previously accessible by road, it now requires a footpath and is only reachable at low tide. It’s an excellent spot for a hike with a rewarding view at the end.
• Devil’s Slide Trail - This bunker, built during World War II, was intended 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 but has a surprisingly dark history. It was 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 great 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 a fantastic 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 awe-inspiring and must be seen to be believed.
• Big Basin Redwoods State Park - Another park you’ll pass, 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 - Keep your ears open as you pass this state reserve, and you might hear its most famous residents: Elephant seals! December to April is the best time to view seals here, as it’s their breeding season.
• Davenport - The small town of Davenport is home to just over 400 people but is 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 name comes 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 because they’re small and secluded. Reaching them requires a bit of scrambling, but they’re almost never crowded. If you want some solitude with the coast, this is the perfect spot.
• 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. It’s 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 large beach offers ample parking and boasts incredible views of the ocean and towering bluffs along the coast. It’s also very pet-friendly 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. People flock to the beach in the late afternoon, so if you want to see the sunset here, it’s wise to plan ahead.
• Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve - The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a vast wetland where saltwater meets freshwater. Over 700 species of terrestrial and marine animals call this reserve home, so you have a good chance of spotting some of California’s wildlife as you pass.
• Monterey Bay - This beautiful bay offers stunning coastal views. As you drive by, you’ll learn about the bay’s once-abundant sardine population and what changed that.
• 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 is also home to 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. Featuring 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. It passes 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 lovely 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 redwood groves.
• Bixby Creek Bridge - This concrete arch bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in California. The 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’s 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 changed 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 used this land. 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. These giants 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 the wilderness of Big Sur. 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 someone chopped the top section off… because they did! You’ll find out why as you cruise 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 in crowds on the rocks. This spot also features a fully accessible walkway.
• Moonstone Beach Drive - This picturesque detour leads along the shores of Moonstone Beach. A lovely boardwalk runs the length of this beach, making it the perfect place to stretch your legs before continuing your journey.
• 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 oddly beautiful property sure to start a conversation.
• Harmony - If you’re keen 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 kept it feeling a bit like the Wild West. It’s full of saloons, antique shops, and more.
• Morro Bay - Morro Bay is 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 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. Locals don’t call it “SLO Cal” for nothing!
• 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. These days, it’s where you’ll find lush natural beauty and over 8 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
• Avila Beach - This seaside community might offer excellent ocean views, but it carries a dark history. As you pass, you’ll learn how an oil company obliterated the town and 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 one of the first landing places of 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 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 reaching up to 500 feet in height! Standing atop one, you’ll get an unbelievable panorama of the ocean and 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 in total, each depicting a scene from the town’s past or present and honoring the flowers that 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 others on your journey, making it a great spot for 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 struggled to survive, 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. There are actually only 218 steps leading down to the beach. Of course, that can still feel like a lot, especially after a long day, so make sure you’re up for climbing all those steps again 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 on this very beach.
• Faria Beach - Faria Beach is another top-notch surfing beach, especially around Las Pitas Point. The available sand space is limited, meaning it’s not ideal for the average beachgoer, but many local surfers enjoy the privacy it offers.
• Ventura - Ventura, officially named 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 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 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. 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 fascinating rock formations that make for unique photo opportunities. Sunset is the best time to visit this beach.
• 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! It’s here that Charlton Heston’s character sees the destroyed Statue of Liberty in the timeless shot from Planet of the Apes.
• Malibu - Malibu epitomizes a SoCal beach town. Laid-back vibes, lots of sun and sand, and some of the best surfing opportunities define this coastal community. Given Malibu’s beauty, it’s no 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, 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 California. At just over 656 miles, it is the longest state route in California.
• The Getty Villa - The Getty Villa is 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 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.

• 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

It is recommended to purchase one tour per vehicle, not per individual. This way, everyone can enjoy the experience together!

Welcome to the GPS-enabled driving tour of California’s renowned Highway 1, 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, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require a reliable internet/Wi-Fi connection. From there, simply follow the audio instructions and the designated route.

Purchase once and enjoy for a full 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: 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.

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