Self Guided Driving Audio Tour of 17 Mile Drive Monterey

The Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour of 17 Mile Drive in Monterey offers an affordable and flexible way to explore one of California’s most stunning coastal routes. Priced at $14.44 per group (up to 8 people), this tour allows you to drive at your own pace over approximately 3 to 4 hours. With downloadable guides and offline navigation, it’s perfect for those who prefer a personalized experience without the rush of scheduled group tours. The tour features over 90 points of interest, including famous landmarks, wildlife spots, and scenic vistas, making it an ideal choice for visitors seeking independence coupled with expert storytelling.

A notable strength of this tour is its location-based audio commentary that plays automatically as you drive, thanks to GPS technology. It works offline, so no cell service or WiFi is needed once you download the tour. This feature ensures a smooth experience even in remote spots along the coast. While the entry fee of $12 and parking fees are not included, the overall value remains attractive, especially considering the free updates and lifetime access with a single purchase. It’s especially suitable for families, couples, or small groups who want to enjoy the scenic drive without rigid schedules.

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible self-guided audio tour for $14.44 per group
• Drive at your own pace over 3 to 4 hours along the 17-Mile Drive in Monterey
• Over 90 points of interest with stories, tips, and directions that activate automatically via GPS
• Offline capability allows exploration without cell service or WiFi
• Includes suggested itineraries for half-, full-, or multi-day journeys, with no expiry and free updates
• Start point at Heritage Harbor Parking Garage in Monterey

Exploring the Iconic Lone Cypress Tree and Bird Rock

The tour kicks off at Bird Rock Vista Point, a prime spot for wildlife viewing. This location is renowned for seabirds, seals, and sea lions gathering at Bird Rock, making it a favorite for nature lovers. The Lone Cypress, one of the most recognizable symbols of the area, is highlighted as a key stop—standing tall for over 250 years, it exemplifies the rugged beauty of the coast. Visitors appreciate the stories about these landmarks, hearing about their history and significance as they drive.

Scenic Stops on Kissing Rock Road and Spanish Bay

Next, the Kissing Rock stop is famed for its unique shape—two rocks leaning close together—offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This spot provides an ideal photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the rugged coastline. Not far from there, Spanish Bay fascinates with sandy beaches and dramatic sunsets, making it a tranquil yet striking place to pause.

The Point Joe lookout offers panoramic views of the crashing waves against jagged rocks, giving visitors an authentic sense of the coast’s power. Each of these stops is designed to maximize your appreciation of the natural landscape, with the audio commentary providing context and stories as you arrive.

Unique Rock Formations at China Rock and Their Visual Appeal

China Rock is a scenic highlight featuring dramatic cliffs and clear waters. Its impressive rock formations attract photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Visitors find the site’s visual drama and geological features especially captivating, with stories woven into the narration about the area’s history and natural features.

Discovering the Coastal Heritage and Shipwrecks

Along the route, the tour shares tales of historic Cannery Row, Spanish explorers, and shipwrecks, enriching the scenic drive with historical insights. The stories play automatically based on your location, offering a seamless experience that enhances the appreciation of the coast’s past and present.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at the Heritage Harbor Parking Garage in Monterey, located at 100 Pacific St. It operates daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, giving plenty of flexibility to start whenever suits your schedule. The tour is private, ensuring only your group participates, and is compatible with public transportation options nearby.

Once booked, travelers receive email and text instructions for signing into the GuideAlong app. You need to download the free app over WiFi or cellular data, then download the tour itself to work offline. The easy-to-use app allows control over the tour, so you can start, stop, or pause at any point.

Navigating the Route with GPS and Autoplay Stories

The tour’s location-based audio plays automatically as you drive, thanks to GPS technology. This means as you pass each landmark or scenic viewpoint, stories, tips, and historical insights are delivered at the right moment, providing an engaging experience without the need for a tour guide. The ability to customize suggested routes or create your own makes this tour adaptable to different schedules.

Travelers are advised to bring a car charger to keep their device powered and ensure uninterrupted narration. Since the tour is downloaded in advance, there’s no concern over losing cell service along the coast, which enhances reliability and convenience.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

Unlike traditional guided tours, this self-guided audio experience offers total flexibility. You control the pace, choosing how long to linger at each stop or skip ahead. The lifetime access with free updates means the tour remains useful for future visits, and the support team is available via phone, chat, or email should any technical issues arise.

The price point of just over $14 makes it a budget-friendly option for exploring the scenic 17-Mile Drive. The inclusion of over 90 points of interest ensures a comprehensive experience that covers natural landmarks, wildlife, and stories about the coast’s history.

Limitations and Practical Considerations

While the tour offers great flexibility and a wealth of information, travelers must account for additional costs such as the $12 entry fee and parking fees, which are not included. The tour is best suited for those comfortable with driving and who prefer to explore independently rather than in a large group.

The single purchase covers only one vehicle, making it suitable for groups traveling together. Travelers should be prepared to download the tour in advance and bring a fully charged device to avoid interruptions.

Summary of the Self-Guided 17 Mile Drive Tour

The self-guided audio tour of 17 Mile Drive in Monterey stands out for its affordability, flexibility, and comprehensive narration of the route’s most iconic sights. It combines stunning coastal views with stories about historic landmarks and local wildlife, delivered automatically via GPS to enhance the experience.

Ideal for those who enjoy driving at their own pace and want to explore without the constraints of a guided group, this tour provides a personalized journey along California’s scenic coast. With easy offline access and lifetime updates, it offers a practical and engaging way to experience the region at your leisure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the tour cost?
The tour is priced at $14.44 per group, covering up to 8 people in your vehicle.

How long does the tour take?
The typical duration is about 3 to 4 hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop.

Are there any additional fees?
Yes, the $12 entry fee and parking fees are not included in the tour price.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at the Heritage Harbor Parking Garage in Monterey, located at 100 Pacific St.

Is the tour suitable for offline use?
Absolutely, once the tour is downloaded through the GuideAlong app, it works offline with no need for cell service.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, the tour offers suggested itineraries and the option to create your own route.

What if I lose cell service during the drive?
The offline download ensures the narration continues smoothly even if you lose cell service.

Does the tour include wildlife viewing tips?
Yes, stops like Bird Rock and Kissing Rock highlight wildlife and scenic views, with stories about the local fauna.

Is this tour private?
Yes, it is a private experience, with only your group participating.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is available daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and you can start whenever you like.

How do I access the tour after booking?
You receive an email and text with instructions to sign in to the GuideAlong app, where you can download and start the tour.

What support is available if I encounter technical issues?
The GuideAlong support team is available via toll-free phone, chat, and email daily.

This self-guided audio tour provides an engaging, flexible, and informative way to explore the scenic 17-Mile Drive, making it an excellent choice for those seeking independence and rich coastal insights.