Unforgettable Big Sur Coastal Adventures

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Big Sur, where rugged cliffs meet the crashing Pacific waves. Experience world-class coastal scenery, iconic redwood forests, and stunning hiking trails through our curated selection of Big Sur adventures. Whether you are looking for a scenic driving tour, a guided nature walk, or a private luxury excursion, our experiences capture the essence of California's most dramatic coastline. From hidden coves to majestic landmarks, find the perfect Big Sur travel experience and start planning your unforgettable coastal escape today.

4.59/5 avg ratingFrom $14.24 per person16 unique experiences88% free cancellation

At a glance

Rating

Rating

4.59★ average

Based on 272 pooled reviews with ~90% positive sentiment

Tour Price

Tour Price

$34–$630 typical

Median price is $356, with a full range up to $1,175

Tour Length

Tour Length

3.6–11.5 hours

Median duration is 10.5 hours

Best Value

Best Value

Nature tours

Average 4.7★ at $281 per tour

Tour Type

Tour Type

69% private tours

Walking tours are the most common activity at 38%

Flexibility

Flexibility

88% free cancellation

100% of options offer instant confirmation

16 Products

Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco
$193
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Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco
Summary

From the spectacular rocky ocean waves to the iconic towns, Highway 1 from San Francisco provides an experience you rarely find. This tour combines the best of California in one day. We begin in Monterey Bay, that has unparalleled sea life. You may even spot a whale! You will have time for coffee a...

Inclusions
  • Hotel Pick UP (within our zones)
Itinerary
  • Silicon Valley
  • Cannery Row
  • Pebble Beach
  • Carmel
  • Big Sur
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

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

Big Sur McWay Falls opt 4 or 5 Hour Private Tour up to 12 ppl
$328
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Big Sur McWay Falls opt 4 or 5 Hour Private Tour up to 12 ppl
Summary

This is a private charter excursion by a local driver guide using a luxury sedan, full-size SUV, and Sprinter for 4 or 5 hours. The cost varies by group size. It is a unique way of visiting one of the most scenic areas in the U.S. The driver guide will stop at places you wish to enjoy in Monterey, B...

Inclusions
  • Bixby Bridge
  • Local driver guide
Exclusions
  • Gratuity
Itinerary
  • Big Sur
  • Bixby Bridge
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Good to know
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

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

Big Sur Monterey California Coast from San Jose 1 - 12 people
$498
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Big Sur Monterey California Coast from San Jose 1 - 12 people
Summary

This is a 8 hour private charter excursion by local driver guide using full size SUV up to 6 people and Mercedes Sprinter for 7 to 12 people. This is unique way of visiting one of the most scenic areas in the U.S. The driver guide will stop at places you wish to enjoy in Monterey, Big Sur, Bixby Bri...

Inclusions
  • Return trip by full size SUV OR Coast Starlight train from Salinas to San Jose Diridon Station
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Trasnsportation by full size SUV
Exclusions
  • Gratuity
Itinerary
  • Santa Cruz
  • Garrapata State Park
  • Bixby Bridge
  • Big Sur
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
  • Monterey
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

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

PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay
$15
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PCH: Big Sur Self-Guided Audio Tour from Monterey & Morro Bay
Summary

Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone can listen together! Experience the iconic Big Sur road trip with a self-guided driving audio tour! As you drive, learn about the fairytale cottages of Carmel, the purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach, & the enormous elephant seals at San Simeon. Drive o...

Inclusions
  • Text transcripts of audio narration & Self-paced format (start/pause/resume anytime)
  • Pre-recorded audio commentary (downloadable or streamable)
  • This is a GPS-powered, self-guided audio tour that works through an app
  • Lifetime access (no expiration) with Customer support (chat/email)
  • This tour is NOT a ticket to any attraction or site
  • Suggested walking/driving itinerary with stop-by-stop directions
  • Offline GPS-enabled route map
  • NO in-person guide or physical equipment (bring your own device & headphones)
Exclusions
  • Entrance fees, in-person guide, headphones, transport, parking, food,Wi-Fi or cellular data, rentals
Itinerary
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
  • Pacific Coast Highway
  • Partington Cove
  • Garrapata State Park
  • Point Sur State Historic Park
  • Andrew Molera State Park
  • Pfeiffer Beach
  • Grimes Point Scenic Overlook
  • Seal Beach Scenic Overlook
  • McWay Falls
  • Big Creek Bridge
  • Big Creek Cove Vista Point
  • Limekiln State Park
  • Jade Cove
  • Ragged Point
  • Piedras Blancas Light Station
  • Elephant Seal Vista Point
  • Hearst Castle
  • Nitt Witt Ridge
  • Morro Bay
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour 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., Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you, Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car, New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want., Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way., The tour requires a supported mobile device for navigation. Please use an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, an Android device with Android 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular service., Important Note: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) is closed between Big Sur and Ragged Point due to repairs from the Regent’s Slide. This 6.8-mile stretch is impassable. For current updates, visit the Caltrans site, As of April 16, 2025, the Overlook Trail to view McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is closed due to a long-term retaining wall repair project. The project is expected to continue into 2026 and will also limit parking spaces within the park. At this time, the only available viewpoint for McWay Falls is a small roadside viewing area along Highway 1. The Ewoldsen Trail remains open.
Cancellation Policy

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

Private Tour of California's Central Coast (San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Cambria)
$439
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Private Tour of California's Central Coast (San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Cambria)
Summary

- Your Tour Will Be Customized for Your Interests and Group Dynamics. - Ask Questions and Send Requests by Call, Text, Email, Facebook, or WhatsApp, and Hear Back Directly from Your Guide. - The Entire Itinerary Will Be Designed to Fit in Your Schedule and Needs for a Truly Relaxing Vacation. - Reci...

Inclusions
  • Itinerary customization, reservations
Itinerary
  • Paso Robles Wine Region
  • Morro Bay
  • San Luis Obispo
  • Elephant Seal Vista Point
  • Cambria
  • Paso Robles
  • Big Sur
  • Avila Beach
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Public transportation options are available nearby, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, No smoking of any kind inside of the vehicle
Cancellation Policy

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

APP Self-guided routes West Coast with audio guide
$35
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APP Self-guided routes West Coast with audio guide
Summary

It is a navigation APP with self-guided routes with audio guide along the West Coast Everything you need to know about the West Coast Points of interest linked to Google Maps geolocation Driving routes along the West Coast Walking routes in the National Parks Walking routes in the different cities ...

Inclusions
  • It is a navigation APP that includes self-guided routes with all the points of interest on the West Coast.
Exclusions
  • Does not include any other service
Itinerary
  • Hollywood Sign
  • Desert Discovery Center
  • Grand Canyon National Park
  • Antelope Canyon
  • Las Vegas
  • Yosemite National Park
  • San Francisco Bay
  • Carmel
  • Big Sur
  • Santa Barbara
  • Santa Monica
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Specialized infant seats are available, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Big Sur Sightseeing Tour
3.3 hrsEco-Friendly
$248
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Big Sur Sightseeing Tour
Summary

What makes this Big Sur tour truly unique is our over 25 years of unparalleled expertise in guiding educational adventures through the majestic Monterey County, offering you a deep dive into the natural wonders of the Big Sur coast and fascinating insights into the ancient redwood trees that define ...

Inclusions
  • Local guide
Itinerary
  • Bixby Bridge
  • Hurricane Point
  • Big Sur
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
$20
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Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Summary

GuideAlong's Audio Tour takes you on an incredible self-guided journey along this scenic 130 mile stretch of California’s coast. Along the way you'll be guided to all of the area's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including towering Redwood trees, an elephant seal observation deck, and...

Inclusions
  • Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
  • Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
  • Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
  • Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
  • Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates
  • GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 170 Points
  • Includes an app based self-guided experience, so you do not need any in-person guide.
  • Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
Exclusions
  • Entry Fees, National Park Passes, Reservations
Itinerary
  • Big Sur
  • Bixby Bridge
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
  • Hearst Castle
  • McWay Falls
  • Morro Bay
  • Pfeiffer Beach
  • Point Lobos
  • Elephant Seal Vista Point
Good to know
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time., Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account., Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour., Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips., Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date., Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule., Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore., Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline., Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged., Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email., ⚠️ Important Update: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) is currently closed between Big Sur and Ragged Point due to ongoing repairs from the Regent’s Slide. This 6.8-mile section is impassable. For the latest updates, please visit the Caltrans site., The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
Cancellation Policy

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

Smartphone Driving Tour between Santa Maria & Monterey 'Big Sur'
$12
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Smartphone Driving Tour between Santa Maria & Monterey 'Big Sur'
Summary

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 ...

Inclusions
  • 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
Exclusions
  • **Recommended attractions may be closed/inaccessible due to season or reasons beyond our control.
  • Attraction Tickets
  • Smartphone or tablet
  • Transportation (use your own vehicle)
Itinerary
  • Santa Maria
  • Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve
  • Santa Barbara Wine Region
  • Arroyo Grande
  • Grover Beach
  • Pismo Beach
  • Montana de Oro State Park
  • San Luis Obispo
  • San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
  • Morro Bay
  • Cayucos Pier
  • The Whale Trail
  • Harmony
  • Cambria
  • Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center
  • Hearst Castle
  • Piedras Blancas Light Station
  • Los Padres National Forest
  • Fort Hunter Ligget
  • Jade Cove
  • Esalen Institute
  • McWay Falls
  • Big Sur
  • Bixby Bridge
  • Point Lobos
  • Monterey
Good to know
  • 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
Cancellation Policy

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

Private Big Sur and Carmel Scenic Drive from San Jose
$1,025
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Private Big Sur and Carmel Scenic Drive from San Jose
Summary

Discover the stunning beauty of Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey at your own pace on a private car tour. This adventure allows you the freedom to explore iconic landmarks like the Bixby Creek Bridge and the Mission District while enjoying the picturesque coastline along State Route 1. With personalized...

Inclusions
  • Private tour
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
Exclusions
  • Food and drinks
Itinerary
  • Santa Cruz
  • Bixby Bridge
  • Big Sur
  • Garrapata State Park
  • Carmel
  • 17-Mile Drive
  • Monterey
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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