Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Drive
Overview
Explore California's Big Sur coast on a self-guided smartphone audio drive between Santa Maria and Monterey, in either direction. Follow Highway 1 past Pismo Beach, Morro Rock, Hearst Castle, elephant seal viewing areas, McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, Point Lobos and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Hear 40+ GPS-triggered stories; some subjects share a City Balloon Tours itinerary entry.
A live GPS map shows your route while audio plays through your phone or car speakers. Download before departure for offline use, then pause and explore at your own pace. Allow about 4–5 hours plus optional stops or traffic delays. Bring your own car and smartphone; there is no in-person guide.
This is mainly a scenic pass-by drive. Attraction admission and interior access are separate. Highway 1 and park access can change with construction, fires or weather, so check current Caltrans and park notices. The McWay Falls overlook trail and beach are closed.
What's Included
- One booking per vehicle
- GPS-triggered smartphone audio tour
- Live GPS route map
- Download for offline use
- Flexible, self-paced access
- Headphones (optional; audio also plays through your phone or vehicle speakers)
- Attraction admission and interior access unless specifically stated
- Smartphone or tablet (bring your own)
- Vehicle and fuel (drive your own)
- Parking fees at optional stops
- In-person guide
Meeting Location
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Santa Maria (pass by)
Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve (pass by)
Santa Barbara Wine Region (pass by)
Arroyo Grande (pass by)
Grover Beach (pass by)
Pismo Beach (pass by)
Monarch Butterfly Grove (pass by)
Montana de Oro State Park (pass by)
San Luis Obispo (pass by)
San Luis Obispo botanical garden (pass by)
Morro Bay (pass by)
Cayucos Pier (pass by)
The Whale Trail (pass by)
Cambria (pass by)
Hearst San Simeon State Park (pass by)
Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center (pass by)
Hearst Castle (pass by)
Piedras Blancas Light Station (pass by)
Los Padres National Forest (pass by)
Fort Hunter Ligget (pass by)
Jade Cove (pass by)
Big Creek State Marine Reserve (pass by)
Esalen Institute (pass by)
Slates Hot Springs (pass by)
McWay Falls (pass by)
Santa Lucia Range (pass by)
Big Sur (pass by)
Bixby Bridge (pass by)
Garrapata State Park (pass by)
Point Lobos (pass by)
Whalers Cove (pass by)
Carmel-by-the-Sea (pass by)
Monterey (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This is a self-guided drive in your own vehicle, with optional outdoor stops on uneven or steep ground. You can enjoy the audio without entering attractions. Highway 1 may have controlled traffic, closures or fire-related access restrictions; check Caltrans and park notices before departure. McWay Falls overlook trail and beach access are closed.
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Drive?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-214606P91
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 3.80 out of 5 stars based on 10 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- 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).
- One booking per vehicle.
- GPS-triggered smartphone audio tour.
- Live GPS route map.
- Download for offline use.
- Flexible, self-paced access.
- Headphones (optional; audio also plays through your phone or vehicle speakers).
- Attraction admission and interior access unless specifically stated.
- Smartphone or tablet (bring your own).
- Vehicle and fuel (drive your own).
- Parking fees at optional stops.
- In-person guide.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Drive is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Santa Maria–Monterey Big Sur Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Drive will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- One booking per vehicle
- GPS-triggered smartphone audio tour
- Live GPS route map
- Download for offline use
- Flexible, self-paced access
- Headphones (optional; audio also plays through your phone or vehicle speakers)
- Attraction admission and interior access unless specifically stated
- Smartphone or tablet (bring your own)
- Vehicle and fuel (drive your own)
- Parking fees at optional stops
- In-person guide
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This is a self-guided drive in your own vehicle, with optional outdoor stops on uneven or steep ground. You can enjoy the audio without entering attractions. Highway 1 may have controlled traffic, closures or fire-related access restrictions; check Caltrans and park notices before departure. McWay Falls overlook trail and beach access are closed.
