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San Francisco–Monterey Self-Guided Pacific Coast Audio Drive

5 Reviews 3.40 out of 5 stars Based on 5 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Monterey & Carmel, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.

2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Turn the Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and Monterey into a flexible, self-guided road trip. GPS-triggered stories play automatically through your smartphone as you pass Devil’s Slide, Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, Pigeon Point, Año Nuevo, Shark Fin Cove, Natural Bridges, Santa Cruz and Elkhorn Slough. Start at either end, drive in either direction, pause for viewpoints and explore on your schedule. Pigeon Point’s grounds remain open, although the lighthouse tower is closed for restoration. Download before departure; no signal is required during the tour. Transportation, parking, attraction admission, a smartphone and an in-person guide are not included.

What's Included

  • No time constraints, take as long as you like to complete the tour
  • Only 1 tour booking needed per vehicle
  • Flexible dates - tour is yours to keep and enjoy anytime on Tripvia Tours app
  • Smartphone or tablet
  • Transportation (use your own vehicle)
  • Attraction admission
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Monterey
CA 93940, USA

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

End point

PG7X+PQX Outer Mission
San Francisco, CA, USA

The tour stops at either San Francisco or Monterey, although you can start anywhere along the route. Tour experience is the same in either direction.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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San Francisco (pass by)

SAN FRANCISCO. Begin a scenic Pacific Coast drive from this landmark city of neighbourhoods, hills and waterfront views.
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Devils Slide (pass by)

DEVIL’S SLIDE. Follow the dramatic former Highway 1 alignment above steep coastal cliffs and sweeping ocean scenery.
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Montara (pass by)

MONTARA. Pass this coastal community, Montara State Beach and the northern reaches of the California Coast Ranges.
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Moss Beach (pass by)

MOSS BEACH. Discover a quiet seaside community beside protected tide pools and rich marine habitat.
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Montara Point Lighthouse (pass by)

MONTARA POINT LIGHTHOUSE. View the historic 1875 lighthouse that still marks this rugged stretch of coast.
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El Granada (pass by)

EL GRANADA. Pass the town’s distinctive circular street plan, Pillar Point Harbour and the nearby Coastal Trail.
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Half Moon Bay (pass by)

HALF MOON BAY. Explore a lively coastal town known for beaches, harbour scenery and a colourful local history.
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San Gregorio (pass by)

SAN GREGORIO. Pass the historic village and its broad state beach on a scenic stretch of Highway 1.
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California Coastal National Monument (pass by)

CALIFORNIA COASTAL NATIONAL MONUMENT. Look across protected offshore rocks and islands that shelter wildlife along the coast.
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Pescadero (pass by)

PESCADERO. Pass a charming farming and ranching community with roots reaching back to the 19th century.
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Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve (pass by)

PESCADERO MARSH NATURAL PRESERVE AND GREYHOUND ROCK. See vital wetland habitat and a dramatic coastal viewpoint along Highway 1.
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Pigeon Point Lighthouse (pass by)

PIGEON POINT LIGHTHOUSE. View the historic tower from the open grounds while its interior remains closed for restoration.
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Ano Nuevo State Reserve (pass by)

AÑO NUEVO STATE PARK. Pass a renowned elephant-seal colony where viewing access varies by season and may require a permit or guided walk.
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Davenport (pass by)

DAVENPORT. Pass a compact coastal town known for dramatic beaches, local history and striking ocean views.
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Shark Fin Cove (pass by)

SHARK FIN COVE. Spot the fin-shaped sea stack that makes this secluded cove one of the coast’s most memorable viewpoints.
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Coast Dairies State Beaches (pass by)

COTONI-COAST DAIRIES STATE BEACHES. Trace a string of scenic beaches and rugged coastal landscapes beside Highway 1.
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Wilder Ranch State Park (pass by)

WILDER RANCH STATE PARK AND REDWOOD COUNTRY. See the historic ranch complex and nearby state parks that protect towering coast redwoods; the park is open, although its store is temporarily closed.
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Natural Bridges State Beach (pass by)

NATURAL BRIDGES STATE BEACH. See the wave-carved rock arch, tide pools and seasonal monarch habitat at this active state beach.
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (pass by)

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK. Pass the historic oceanfront amusement park and its landmark wooden roller coasters.
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Santa Cruz (pass by)

SANTA CRUZ. Discover an eclectic seaside city known for beaches, surf culture and a lively waterfront.
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Aptos (pass by)

APTOS. Travel through a collection of charming coastal villages with deep roots in Santa Cruz County.
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Watsonville (pass by)

WATSONVILLE. Pass an agricultural city shaped by Indigenous Ohlone history and the fertile Pajaro Valley.
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Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (pass by)

ELKHORN SLOUGH NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE. See a seven-mile tidal estuary renowned for birdlife, sea otters and protected wetland habitat.
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Moss Landing State Wildlife Area (pass by)

MOSS LANDING WILDLIFE AREA. Look across expansive salt marshes and productive habitat beside Monterey Bay.
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Castroville (pass by)

CASTROVILLE. Pass the small farming town celebrated as the Artichoke Center of the World.
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Salinas (pass by)

SALINAS. Discover the agricultural heart of the Salinas Valley and the hometown landscape associated with John Steinbeck.
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Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (pass by)

MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY. Look out over protected ocean waters and the vast submarine Monterey Canyon just offshore.
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Monterey (pass by)

MONTEREY AND THE MONTEREY PENINSULA. Finish in a historic coastal city surrounded by marine life, harbour views and layered California history.
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Show 27 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the San Francisco–Monterey Self-Guided Pacific Coast Audio Drive?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-214606P99

Traveler Photos

Reviews

3.40
5 reviews

Average 3.40 out of 5 stars based on 5 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
2
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • No time constraints, take as long as you like to complete the tour
  • Only 1 tour booking needed per vehicle
  • Flexible dates - tour is yours to keep and enjoy anytime on Tripvia Tours app
  • No signal required or data used during tour
  • Good mobile or WiFi connection needed for the initial download
  • Smartphone or tablet
  • Transportation (use your own vehicle)
  • Attraction admission
  • Parking fees
  • In-person tour guide

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Report Product Issue

Activity name