Smartphone Driving Tour between Santa Maria & Monterey 'Big Sur'

Pismo Beach , United States

Smartphone Driving Tour between Santa Maria & Monterey 'Big Sur'

Active

(5 reviews)

4h - 5h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Connect your smartphone to your vehicle's stereo and listen to a tour guide while you drive Big Sur!

Follow the suggested route along the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the world! Start anywhere along the route between Santa Maria & Monterey. Tour experience is the same in either direction.

Pass over the incredible Bixby Bridge, visit San Luis Obiso's Bubblegum Alley, check out Morro Rock & the famous Hearst Castle. We'll point out must-see sights, state parks, tourist attractions and recreation areas and give a historical overview of the area and its original inhabitants.

With no time constraints, enjoy the freedom to stop anywhere and explore. Tour guide commentary will play automatically as you drive. No data is used during the tour.

This audio guide will keep your group entertained and engaged! Most points of interest also have a fun multiple-choice trivia question about the sights.

Trust the platform with over 75 tours & 17,000+ happy customers.

Available options

Between Santa Maria & Monterey

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.

No signal required or data used during tour

Good mobile or WiFi connection needed for the initial download

What you'll see

The city we’re just to the north of now, Santa Maria, was actually called ‘Central City’ originally. In 1885, it adopted the name Santa Maria.

What's not included

**Recommended attractions may be closed/inaccessible due to season or reasons beyond our control.

Attraction Tickets

Smartphone or tablet

Transportation (use your own vehicle)

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 2.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessible

Meeting point

The tour starts at either Santa Maria or Monterey, although you can start anywhere along the route.
The specific point for Santa Maria is Highway 101 at E Betteravia Road.

Important notes

Thanks for booking the between Santa Maria & Monterey "Big Sur" audio driving tour!

**HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE TRIPVIA TOURS APP & START THE TOUR**

Tour Code PACH75
1. Download and install the Tripvia Tours app (look for the logo with the multi-coloured letters). If you're reading this on your phone, tap on this link www.onelink.to/tripvia.
2. Open the app and find the tour you booked
3. Enter tour code PACH75.
4. Tap 'download tour', ***It is very important to ensure you have a good Wi-Fi or mobile data connection for the download process.
5. Follow the tutorial before leaving for your tour to learn how the app works.
6. Enjoy your tour!

Help → info@tripvia.tours | 1-866-874-7842

About Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach is a charming coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, historic downtown, and vibrant dining scene. It's a perfect destination for beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxing getaway.

Top Attractions

Pismo Beach Pier

A historic pier offering stunning ocean views, fishing opportunities, and a glimpse into local marine life.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

Pismo State Beach

A beautiful beach known for its sand dunes, tide pools, and family-friendly activities.

Nature Half-day Parking fee

Monarch Butterfly Grove

A unique natural habitat for thousands of monarch butterflies during their migration season.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Downtown Pismo Beach

A vibrant area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Shopping/Dining Half-day Varies

Must-Try Local Dishes

Clam Chowder

A creamy soup made with fresh clams, potatoes, and vegetables.

Appetizer Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free upon request.

Fish Tacos

Grilled or fried fish served in a tortilla with fresh salsa and toppings.

Lunch Can be made with grilled fish for a healthier option.

Oysters

Freshly shucked oysters served with various sauces and toppings.

Appetizer Vegetarian options available.

Popular Activities

Surfing Kayaking Hiking Beachcombing Sunbathing Spa treatments Visiting historic sites Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer offers warm weather, clear skies, and all tourist attractions are fully operational. However, it's the busiest time of the year.

18-25°C 64-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-8 (Pacific Standard Time, PST)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Pismo Beach is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, visitors should take standard precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when walking alone at night, especially on the beach
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services

Getting there

By air

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport • 10 miles (16 km)
Santa Barbara Airport • 100 miles (160 km)

By train

San Luis Obispo Station

By bus

San Luis Obispo Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable and cover most major routes. Service can be limited in the evenings and on weekends.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Pismo Beach Shell Beach

Day trips

San Luis Obispo

15 miles (24 km) • Half-day to full-day

A charming college town with a vibrant downtown, historic missions, and a variety of cultural attractions.

Avila Beach

10 miles (16 km) • Half-day

A picturesque beach town with a relaxed atmosphere, offering a variety of water activities and scenic views.

Morro Bay

15 miles (24 km) • Full-day

A coastal town known for its beautiful bay, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Pismo Beach Clam Festival • Annual, typically in October Pismo Beach Music Festival • Annual, typically in July

Pro tips

Visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove during the migration season for a unique and unforgettable experience
Explore the downtown area on foot to discover hidden gems and local favorites
Try the local clam chowder and other seafood dishes at the Splash Café or The Cracked Crab
Take a day trip to nearby attractions like San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach, or Morro Bay for a variety of experiences
Book accommodations and popular activities in advance, especially during peak season