Driving the California Coast: A Self-Guided Audio Tour, Monterey & Carmel

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.