Monterey, Carmel and Pacific Coast Explorer from San Francisco
About this activity
Highlights
- Scenic drive along Pacific Coast Highway
- Visit to historic Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Stroll through charming Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Explore the iconic 17-Mile Drive
- Discover the beauty of Big Sur coastline
Full description
Included / Excluded
- 17-Mile Drive admission fee
- Expert guide and commentary
- Pickup and drop-off at a convenient location in Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf
- Free Wifi on vehicle
- Guide Gratuities
- Meals
Itinerary
Monterey Bay is a bay of the Pacific Ocean located on the coast of the U.S. state of California.
Admission is not included. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a nonprofit public aquarium in Monterey, California. Known for its regional focus on the marine habitats of Monterey Bay, it was the first to exhibit a living kelp forest when it opened in October 1984.
Cannery Row is the waterfront street in the New Monterey section of Monterey, California. It is the site of a number of now-defunct sardine canning factories. The last cannery closed in 1973. Today it has many restaurants and hotels, several of which are located in former cannery buildings, and a few historic attractions. Some privately owned fishing companies still exist on Cannery Row, housed on piers located a short distance from the historic district frequented by tourists.
Although the route has changed since it opened in 1881, 17-Mile Drive is still exactly 17 miles long. More than 1.5 million visitors pass through 17-Mile Drive every year. Iconic Landmarks along famous 17-Mile Drive include The Lone Cypress, as well as Spanish Bay and Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Pass by: Pebble Beach Golf Links is a public golf course on the west coast of the United States, located in Pebble Beach, California.
The Lone Cypress is a Monterey cypress tree in Pebble Beach, California. Standing on a granite hillside off the 17-Mile Drive, the tree is a Western icon, and has been called one of the most photographed trees in North America.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small beach city on California's Monterey Peninsula. It's known for the museums and library of the historic Carmel Mission, and the fairytale cottages and galleries of its village-like center. The Scenic Bluff Path runs from surf spot Carmel Beach to bird-rich Carmel River State Beach, with a scuba entry point. South lie the sea animals and whaling museum of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Pass by: Bird Rock Vista is stop #7 on 17-Mile Drive and a wildlife hot spot.
Pass by: Beautiful white sandy beaches.
Stop #10 on 17-Mile Drive is the wonderful Cypress Point Lookout which looks out, to the southwest, over a small, white sand beach making for an excellent sunset spot.
Pass by: Lovers Point State Marine Reserve is one of four small marine protected areas located near the cities of Monterey and Pacific Grove, at the southern end of Monterey Bay on California’s central coast.
Pass by: Tourist information center in Monterey, California.
Pass by: Seal Rock Creek Beach is a small sandy beach along the 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, CA. This white sand beach is at the mouth of Seal Rock Creek which flows intermittently. Just offshore is Seal Rock and a little to the north is Bird Rock.
Pass by: Vista point in Del Monte Forest, California.
Important information
Know before you book
- This is a private tour; only your group will participate.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are included; please provide your accommodation details upon booking.
- Gratuities and meals are not included in the tour price.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and varying weather conditions.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning coastal views and landmarks.
- Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Meals are not included but available for purchase throughout the day.
- Exact destinations & itinerary may differ due to weather, road conditions, and the guide's discretion.
Traveler reviews
12hrs in California
We were picked up 40mins late. The excuse was traffic restrictions because of a road race. It then took more than an hour to get out of SF. This could have been planned for by the tour company. The bus was not in a great state of repair. It had a cracked windscreen a bad seat and damaged bodywork. The guide/ driver was pleasant enough but did not offer a "guided tour" and only spoke occasionally on the long trip to Monteray and on the two hour trip back from Carmel. Our stops in Monteray and Carmel were only 30 mins and 120 mins. If you see this tour as a long journey to Monteray and back with about 3.5 hrs in the towns and Pebble Beach Drive it could be for you. We were quite disappointed.
A day in Monterey
Beautiful sightseeing coast, with Monterey Bay and restaurants , the awesome beaches and golf areas, very far from Sah Francisco, I recommend this tour.
Beautiful coastal trip
Loved this trip. Beautiful scenery down the coast and enjoyed all the stops. So much to see and do. Loved Monterey and Carmel by the Sea
Best Bus Tour
Don is an excellent tour guide. He is very knowledgeable. Took us to Monterey, Pebble Beach and Carmel all beautiful places. He gave clear instructions where the bus would be parked so no one could get lost. I highly recommended him for your adventure. Job well done Don. Thank you!
Great tour with Don. Only complaint Post Street night drop off location = dark, no activity, street person yelling at me
Outstanding tour with Don. We covered so much. I’d highly recommend. My only issue was as a solo traveler — older, who had recently (a few months ago) healed from pneumonia in both lungs — for me having to get back to my hotel on my own was a royal pain. Please consider reinstating dropping people off at their hotels after an 11 hour tour or at least picking a better drop off nighttime location than dark Post Street location. At least drop off at a well lit hotel and active area. Even a man in my group asked “THIS is where you are leaving us???” My only Don complaint was he said he’d not noticed if the Cafe the bus dropped off across from would be open. Kind of important (since I’m a single older woman who needed to step inside somewhere to use my cell phone to call taxi). Luckily Don saw, and I saw, the Cafe was open (only with 5 remaining minutes). I was able to make my call inside. As I exited the Cafe to get into the cab a homeless guy was yelling at me (loudly and strangely) from across the street — 2, 3 times. I was shocked by this street guy’s aggressiveness because he could see I was GETTING into the taxi. He’s yelling at me from across the street over and over as I’m there WITH the taxi driver. How would it have been if we were 5 minutes later, and I had to call for the taxi standing on the street across from this guy. Might have been fine, but would have felt unpleasant. People, especially, senior older women, do not go on vacation to worry. Even that gentleman, much younger than me did not like the Post Street drop off area. Try to at least do a drop off location at night, in the dark that is well lit, has activity, hopefully, even has restroom access. Post Street pick up might be fine in morning, not fine at night. Otherwise Don and the tour was GREAT.
