Does this tour include the entrance fees to 17 Mile drive?

Yes it includes the entrance fees.

How do I set up a hotel pick up?

Please confirm your hotel pick up at least 5 days prior to departure. You will receive the specific details and contact information after redeeming your voucher online.

The Pacific Coast can be windy and chilly in the morning, so it’s best to dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes or sandals.

I’m traveling with a child. Do I need to bring a child seat?

For your child's safety, all vehicle tours require child safety seats or a booster for every child under 8 years of age or 4' 9" in height, as dictated by California State Law. Please bring your own seat. Failure to provide a seat for your child will result in forfeit of your seat on the tour without a refund.

Will the tour stop at the Lone Cypress or Pebble Beach?

Yes. We will take the 17-mile drive from Monterey to Carmel, making a few stops for photos along the way. We will stop at both the Lone Cypress and at Pebble Beach unless there is a special event.

How long is the tour?

The tour takes approximately 11 hours long (depending on traffic).

Does the tour make a stop for lunch?

Yes we stop for lunch and you have free time to walk around Monterey, but lunch is not included in the price.

4.4(351 reviews)

Monterey & Carmel Tour

From$139.99

11 hours

Commentary: Guide · en

San Francisco, USA

About this activity

Enjoy this full day tour along one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world - California's Highway 101. Explore the charming coastal towns of Monterey and Carmel-by-The-Sea, and pass along the famous 17-Mile Drive

Highlights

Enjoy breathtaking views along the Pacific Coastal Highway 1
Visit Monterey Historic Town Center and Carmel-by -the-Sea
Explore Monterey Bay Aquarium (entrance fee not included)
Ride along 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach Golf Course
Pickup & drop-off at most San Francisco hotels

Full description

Starting from San Francisco, we head south on the world-famous Highway No 1, California's most scenic coastline! After the scenic ride, we visit Steinbeck's Cannery Row in Monterey. Enjoy the local seafood restaurants and shopping options, or explore the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium (additional fee applies). Monterey is a rich and entertaining mix of wildlife, stunning coastal views and important history.
Next, you can venture through the charming seaside town Carmel-by-the-Sea with its historic main street that provides cute little shops, art galleries and cozy cafes to take a relaxing break. From here you can also wander down to the beach and take a stroll along the Pacific Ocean.

After exploring all the natural beauty throughout the day, we head to a more futuristic world on our way back to San Francisco as we pass through Silicon Valley, the high-tech capital of the world. Get a glimpse of the places where Facebook, Google and many other tech companies grew to life.

Sit back and relax while enjoying one spectacular view after another as we cruise down the world famous Highway No. 1, winding down the roads along the Pacific Ocean. Once we reach Monterey, you can enjoy the local seafood restaurants and shopping options, or explore the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium (additional fee applies). More than 250,000 creatures fill over 200 spectacular galleries and exhibits, including a walk-through aviary, three story kelp forest, Penguins, and a million-gallon Outer Bay display. Alternatively, you can take the time to stroll out to Lovers’ Point, check out the many boutiques that line historic Cannery Row, or grab a fresh lunch at Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

We continue our tour along the picturesque 17-Mile Drive. This scenic road winds its way through the Del Monte Forest between magnificentmulti-million dollarhomes, spectacular coastline, Pebble Beach golf course*, the Lone Cypress Tree, and some of the best coastal panoramas in the world. Next, you can venture through the charming seaside town Carmel-by-the-Sea with its historic main street that provides cute little shops, art galleries and cozy cafes to take a relaxing break. From here you can also wander down to the beach and take a stroll along the ocean.

After exploring all the natural beauty throughout the day, we head back to San Francisco, enjoying the magnificent views of the sparkling skyline while relaxing in your comfortable seat, taking home your best memories from this wondrously scenic tour along California’s most beautiful coast.

* Closed during Pro Golf Tournaments and the Concurs d'Elegance

Included / Excluded

Guided tour in a luxury coach bus
Entrance fees to 17-Mile Scenic Drive
Hotel pick-up and drop-off (where available)

Entrance to Monterey Bay Aquarium
Food and Beverages
Tips and Gratuities (recommended)

Meeting point

Start Location

Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, US

Hotel pick-up available upon request but must be reconfirmed at least 48 hours prior to departure by following the instructions after online check-in

Important information

Know before you book

The tour route and some stops may vary due to the weather and traffic conditions
A lunch stop is provided but lunch is not included in the tour price
17-Mile Drive is closed during Pro Golf Tournaments
Fully guided experience (in English)

Know before you go

Hotel pickups must be scheduled at least 5 days in advance
Guest must reconfirm their tour by checking-in online
Hotel pick-up times: approx. 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Mobile voucher accepted

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the activity starts

Bookings via Email: Free cancellation up to 5 days prior to departure. Bookings via API or Online Portal: Free cancellation up to 72 hours prior to departure.

Reviews

4.4(351 reviews)

namnC3430LC

Aug 2026

5.0

Great way to see San Francisco! The hop-on hop-off bus made it easy to visit the main attractions, and the views were amazing. The staff were friendly and the whole experience was convenient and enjoyable. Definitely recommended for first-time visitors.

EmmaCLE

Aug 2026

5.0

My friend and I had the best half day experience to Napa Valley with Big Bus Tour Company!! Big shout out to Patrick our driver for the day who was excellent with telling us different information about all the areas we drove though, and he was honestly such great fun for the entire trip which made it all the better! We only had a small group that day (2 Ireland and 2 Wales, Patrick will know) which meant Patrick also stopped at the most scenic location on the way home for some amazing views and photos and it was a great end to the trip!! We 100% recommend the trip and if you get Patrick as your driver you are in for a great trip and some great craic! Sincerely, The two girls from Ireland!

EmmaCLE

Aug 2026

5.0

Frequently asked questions

FAQs

Additional information

The tour route and some stops may vary due to the weather and traffic conditions.A lunch stop is provided but lunch is not included in the tour price.17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach Golf Course (closed during tournaments).HOTEL PICK-UP:Hotel pick-up is available in various zones in Downtwon San Francisco but must be requested with the local operator directly at least 5 days prior to departure (further details on your voucher) CHILDREN:We require you to bring a child safety seat or booster seat for all children under 8 years of age or 4' 9" in height, as dictated by California State Law. You need to bring your own child- or booster seat. Failure to provide a seat for your child will result in forfeit of your seats on the tour without a refund.