Monterey, Pebble Beach and Carmel Tour With Optional Aquarium
Active
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Immerse yourself in one of California’s most
distinctive coastal landscapes. Experience the abundance of the coast with a visit to Monterey and its world class Aquarium, the wave-filled California Coast and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
After a drive from San Francisco we arrive to Monterey, home to the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, which offers an up-close look at one of the most biologically diverse marine
environments in the world. The tour continues along the waterfront through the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. Photo stops are available at landmarks such as Lone Cypress, Bird Rock,
Lovers Point, and Point Pinos.
Your final stop is Carmel-by-the-Sea, a picturesque seaside town that has been a destination
for artists, free-spirits and film industry types. Visitors can wander
through quaint shops and enjoy baked treats or coffee from local
cafés along the way.
As we head back , the coast provides sweeping ocean scenery
and at certain times of year, is capped off by
sunset over the water.
Available options
Monterey, Pebble Beach & Carmel w/ Optional Monterey Bay Aquarium
Pickup included
WITHOUT AQUARIUM
No Aquarium Ticket Included<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel Pick Up Within Our Zones
17 Mile Drive Entrance Fee Included
Monterey Bay Aquarium- If WITH AQUARIUM Option is chosen
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Enjoy a relaxing drive south past Silicon Valley and through Gilroy and
Castroville, the garlic and artichoke capitals of the world. We then arrive in Monterey,
passing its Fisherman’s Wharf and arriving at world-famous Cannery Row.
2
Stop 2
Grab a coffee and fresh pastry in Cannery Row’s Steinbeck Plaza.
Plenty of time to enjoy the Aquarium. Whether its jellyfish, otters or whale
bones, you will be amazed, educated and inspired. OR, for those who opt not to go to the
aquarium, they can enjoy a exploring Cannery Row at their leisure.
You can choose to book WITH or WITHOUT Aquarium
3
Drive along the rocky shores of Pacific Grove, known as “Butterfly Town
USA” because of the thousands of Monarchs which migrate every year. Your guides know
the best, local spots for viewing sea otters and can take time for tide-pooling and seeing local
starfish and hermit crabs. We will drive down the private 17-Mile Drive through Pebble
Beach, California for famous vistas, exquisite homes, and maybe some local wildlife. Stops
along the way may include Bird and Seal Rock and the Lone Cypress.
4
Carmel by the Sea, a relaxed coastal atmosphere with charming boutiques and
inviting bakeries. This beloved seaside town is a favorite retreat for artists, creatives, and
longtime residents alike.
5
Traveling north along California’s Highway 1, we make our way back towards
San Francisco. Along the drive we will drive through Santa Cruz in search of the perfect
sunset to top-off our day.
What's not included
Meals
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important notes
For customers with Aquarium included, your guide will provide your entry ticket to avoid the line on the day.
About San Francisco
San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.
Architecture/Historical
1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride
Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours for a tour
$45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Nature/Park
Half-day to full day
Free to enter, varies by attraction
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.
Entertainment/Shopping/Dining
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining
Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Cultural/Historical
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.
Bread
Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.
Seafood
Contains shellfish
Mission Burrito
The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.
Main Course
Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat
Ghirardelli Chocolate
Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.
Dessert
Contains dairy, may contain nuts
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Marin Headlands
Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Picnic in Golden Gate Park
Wine tasting in Napa Valley
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony
Best Time to Visit
September to November
This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.
13-22°C
55-72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas
San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
- • Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe
Getting there
By air
- San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
- Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown
By train
Emeryville Station, Richmond Station
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center
Getting around
Public transport
BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
North Beach
Haight-Ashbury
Mission District
Castro
Marina District
Day trips
Sausalito
15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.
Napa Valley
80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight
Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.
Muir Woods National Monument
25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
Festivals
San Francisco Pride • June
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August
Union Street Italian Festival • October
Pro tips
- Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
- Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
- Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
- Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
