Smartphone Driving Tour between Santa Maria & Monterey 'Big Sur'
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
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Additional Info
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
What To Expect
Santa Maria
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.
Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve
Oceano Dunes, one of the most expansive coastal dunes remaining in California offers visitors countless activities, from camping right on the sand and horse-back riding, to more hair raising adventurous options.
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
**Recommended attractions may be closed/inaccessible due to season or reasons beyond our control.
Attraction Tickets
Smartphone or tablet
Transportation (use your own vehicle)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Doesn’t work without reception on your phone
850ginaw,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The app worked well when we were in cellphone coverage, and I did download the entire trip from Santa Maria to Monterey ahead of time. When we lost cell signal (which was for over 2 hours, half the trip) I couldn’t access the app to play the trip from where we were. We didn’t close the app but we did switch to the radio in between the locations and it kept signing us out and we had to log back in. So we missed half of the trip, it was very disappointing. The stuff we did hear was interesting, I wish the whole thing had worked.
Great drive
D686BZdebbiet,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a really fun trip. The app was informative and funny, and we liked the trivia. Highly recommend
A little information and Dad Jokes
sboettch,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good info, but would’ve liked more. Dad Jokes were silly, great for families.
Great and affordable add to road trip!
jeangrossman,Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved the tour but had a little bit of trouble with the service after we hit a road closure and had to turn back. Otherwise we thoroughly enjoyed what we learned and highly recommend!
Good tour but poor navigational assistance.
Brandon S,Aug 7, 2024
- Review from Viator
3.00Dialogue was interesting but a little corny. The directions were not very user friendly and not easily manipulated while driving. Definitely need a passenger that is phone tech savvy with you as the driver won’t able to easily use the app.
Worth the miney
ddoncov77,Dec 1, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Please double check pacific coast hey1 for closure I didn't look carefully and had to turn back driving north Not many crossover from rt1 to 101 Nice trivia It was worth the money Should still some homework ahead of time
Download link not working
Mark B,Sep 12, 2023
- Review from Viator
1.00Download link not working and refused to issue refund. Had to book directly from vender website so paid twice.
Like having a tour guide sitting in the backseat of our car.
322triciaw,Aug 25, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved using this app! It was like having a tour guide in our car. Experienced places we never expected and learned more about the area than we ever knew. Will definitely use it for other trips. Hoping they extend to other areas where we will travel.
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Operated by Tripvia Tours