BEST of Monterey Peninsula & Carmel-by-the-Sea Small Group Tour

3.1
(27 reviews)

8 to 10 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Discover California’s coastal magic on this full-day small-group tour from San Francisco. Cruise the legendary Pacific Coast Highway in a brand-new high-top van capped at 12 passengers, soaking up dramatic ocean views and stories of maritime history. Enjoy two hours in Monterey to explore Cannery Row, savor fresh seafood, or visit the world-famous aquarium. Then wind through the exclusive 17-Mile Drive with stops at Bird Rock, the Lone Cypress, and Pebble Beach Golf Links. Wrap up your day in Carmel-by-the-sea, browsing upscale boutiques and wine tasting rooms in a storybook setting. With expert commentary, scenic stops, and relaxed elegance, this coastal escape is the perfect blend of beauty, culture, and charm!

What's Included

Admission tickets for 17-Mile Drive, Bird Rock Vista Point, Lone Cypress, Pebble Beach Golf Links
Water and light snacks
Friendly and Professional Guides
Brand-New High-Top Vans Capped at 12 Passengers
Gratuities (10% - 20% recommended)
Meals, Food, and Beverages
Any expenses are not listed in Fee Included

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 to 10 hours (approximately)
  • San Francisco (Pass by)

    Your coastal escape begins as you step aboard a luxury coach in the heart of San Francisco, ready to trace the legendary Pacific Coast Highway. This world-famous route hugs the rugged California shoreline, revealing jaw-dropping views of windswept cliffs, crashing surf, and endless ocean horizons. With every turn, the landscape unfolds like a living postcard — dramatic, wild, and unforgettable. Let your guide handle the driving while you relax, snap photos, and soak in the raw beauty of the Pacific. From charming seaside towns to historic landmarks, this scenic journey sets the tone for a day filled with coastal wonder.

    Admission ticket free
  • Pacific Coast Highway (Pass by)

    Pacific Coast Highway (Pass By)

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    Pigeon Point Light Station Tallest lighthouse on the west Coast of the United States. It is still an active Coast Guard aid to navigation. Explore the lighthouse or a quick walk down to the beach. 20 minutes 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    20 minutes Admission ticket included
  • (Pass by)

    Monterey Bay and Lovers Point (Pass By) As your guide glides around the stunning Monterey Peninsula, feast your eyes on sweeping views of Monterey Bay—one of California’s most vibrant marine ecosystems. From the kelp-draped shallows to the deep submarine canyon teeming with life, this stretch of coastline is a living postcard. The bay spans from Santa Cruz to Monterey, shimmering with sapphire waters and framed by untouched shoreline. Your guide will share captivating insights into the region’s oceanographic significance and its legacy in the fishing industry. With every curve of the road, you’ll discover new angles for breathtaking photos—so keep your camera ready for this unforgettable coastal showcase.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Cannery Row

    Cannery Row Step into the heart of Monterey with a two-hour stop at the legendary Cannery Row—once a sardine-packing hub, now a vibrant waterfront haven. Stroll the historic boardwalk lined with oceanfront restaurants, quirky boutiques, and art-filled galleries. Savor fresh seafood with bay views, sip coffee at a cozy café, or dive into the wonders of the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium (admission not included). Whether you're snapping photos of the sparkling shoreline or soaking up the laid-back charm, Cannery Row offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty. It’s no wonder this iconic street is the crown jewel of California’s Central Coast 1.5 hours • Admission Ticket Free

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    17-Mile Drive

    17-Mile Drive Prepare to be swept away by the breathtaking beauty of the 17-Mile Drive—one of the world’s most iconic coastal routes. Winding through the exclusive enclave of Pebble Beach, this scenic journey unveils dramatic cliffs, windswept cypress forests, and lavish oceanfront estates. Your guide will point out legendary landmarks like the Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach Golf Links as we make several stops for unforgettable photos and fresh coastal air. From crashing surf to serene coves, every mile feels cinematic. Seasonal closures may occur during major events like the PGA Tour or the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, but your guide will ensure a seamless experience. This legendary loop through Del Monte Forest offers a front-row seat to California’s coastal splendor. 1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Bird Rock Vista Point

    Bird Rock Vista Point A dazzling stop along the iconic 17-Mile Drive—offers a front-row seat to California’s coastal wildlife spectacle. Once cloaked in guano (seabird droppings), this offshore rock now hosts sunbathing sea lions, playful harbor seals, and a flurry of seabirds like pelicans, cormorants, and gulls. Step off the coach and spend 15 unforgettable minutes immersed in nature’s symphony—waves crashing, sea lions barking, birds soaring. Your guide will unveil the rock’s quirky ecological transformation and the vibrant life it now supports. With sweeping views of the Pacific and dramatic rock formations, it’s a photographer’s dream and a nature lover’s paradise Stop: 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Lone Cypress

    Lone Cypress Pause for a powerful moment at the Lone Cypress—one of the most photographed trees in North America. Clinging to a granite outcrop above the Pacific, this 250-year-old Monterey Cypress stands as a breathtaking symbol of resilience, having weathered centuries of storms, sea spray, and time itself. Nestled between two world-famous golf courses, it’s a living icon of the California coast. You’ll have 15 minutes to walk around, capture stunning photos, and feel the quiet majesty of this solitary sentinel. With its dramatic setting and timeless beauty, the Lone Cypress is a must-see highlight of the 17-Mile Drive. 15 Minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 6

    Pebble Beach Golf Links Pebble Beach Golf Links is more than a golf course—it's a pilgrimage for lovers of beauty, sport, and history. Perched on California’s rugged Monterey Peninsula, this legendary public course offers jaw-dropping views of Carmel Bay and the Pacific Ocean. In just 15 minutes, you can stroll past windswept fairways, peek into the storied clubhouse, and browse the upscale golf shop. Even non-golfers are swept away by the cliffside greens, iconic holes like the par-3 7th and par-5 18th, and the chance to spot seals and sea lions basking nearby. Host to five U.S. Opens and countless PGA Tour moments, Pebble Beach is a bucket-list destination where elegance meets wild coastal drama. 30 Minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea (Pass by)

    Carmel-by-the-Sea (Pass By) As your coastal journey draws to a close, settle in for a scenic drive through the enchanting village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Nestled on the Monterey Peninsula, this fairytale town is a tapestry of whimsical cottages, windswept cypress trees, and golden beaches kissed by Pacific sunsets. Though we won’t stop, your guide will unveil Carmel’s hidden gems—from the historic Carmel Mission to the breathtaking Bluff Path that hugs the shoreline. With its storybook charm, vibrant art galleries, and upscale boutiques tucked into leafy courtyards, Carmel offers a dreamy finale to your adventure. It’s not just a drive—it’s a glimpse into one of California’s most magical coastal treasures.

    Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Carmel Plaza

    Carmel Plaza Your final stop is the chic Carmel Plaza, an upscale outdoor haven nestled in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Spend two leisurely hours exploring a curated mix of luxury boutiques, gourmet shops, and wellness studios. Sip world-class wines in one of three tasting rooms, savor globally inspired cuisine—from East/West fusion to rustic French fare—and unwind in lush garden courtyards. With its relaxed elegance and coastal charm, Carmel Plaza offers the perfect setting to reflect on your journey and indulge in a little self-care before heading back to San Francisco. Whether you're shopping for one-of-a-kind fashion or simply soaking in the ambiance, this refined destination is a memorable finale to your day. 1.5 hours • Admission Ticket Free

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant travelers may join if they are under 24 weeks pregnant by the end of the trip.
  • Please double-check your booking details (name and contact info), as any errors may result in additional personal costs.
Supplied by Jupiter Legend Corporation

Show 5 more

Tags

Day Trips
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
City Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Small Group
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

Show more

Rating

3.1 Based on 27 27 reviews
5 stars
11
4 stars
2
3 stars
2
2 stars
3
1 star
9
Likely to sell out
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}