Discover Monterey, Carmel, the 17-Mile Drive & the stunning scenery of Hwy 1

San Francisco , United States

Discover Monterey, Carmel, the 17-Mile Drive & the stunning scenery of Hwy 1

Active

10h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Visit Monterey, along California’s dramatic and rugged coastline. This exhilarating experience will take you to the nation's most scenic routes from San Francisco to Monterey and Carmel. Admire beautiful farmlands and green fields along the back roads of Monterey County and Salinas Valley where John Steinbeck was born. Take a walk to hidden beaches and see endangered species, including sea otters. Admire surfers negotiating huge waves and hang gliders flying over them along Marina State Beach, where dolphins and whales may swim by. Delight in Monterey’s rich history and experience a vibrant lifestyle and sweeping views along Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row. Explore seaside restaurants, quaint shops, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, . Embark on the scenic 17-Mile Drive from Pacific Grove all the way to Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea to enjoy breathtaking scenery. Discover the idyllic seaside village of Carmel-by-the-Sea -a world-class shopping destination, with quaint restaurants,

Available options

Private tour by van/minibus

Pickup included

Private tour by luxury SUV

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

We offer complimentary private pickup /drop-off, state parks entrance fees, and a private guided day trip

Air-conditioned vehicle

17 Mile drive entrance fees

Detailed itinerary

We offer complimentary private pickup /drop-off and meet and greet in the lobby of your hotel or at

your designated pickup location in San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mate county, San Jose and Monterey. Your private and personal tour guide will be holding a placard with our company’s logo and your name on it. The length of the tour will be adjusted accordingly as we are based in San Francisco.

After a complimentary pick-up at your hotel (anywhere between San Francisco and Carmel), you will depart south and cruise along California State Route 1, on the dramatic and rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean.

This unique and exhilarating drive will take you through the nation’s most scenic areas, from San Francisco to Monterey and Carmel. On the road, admire the Pacific Coast’s views, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. Take a walk to hidden beaches and see endangered species, including sea otters, harbor seals, and maybe even whales or dolphins. You will travel through amazing sights, coastal towns, and attractions, passing Pacifica or Half Moon Bay, San Gregorio State Beach, Pescadero State Beach and Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Greyhound Rock County Park, and Davenport. You’ll visit Santa Cruz and its famous surfing overlook or drive via Capitola By-the-Sea as we head south passing Zmudowski State Beach Park or Moss Landing State Beach, Marina State Beach, Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf or Cannery Row, the 17-Mile Drive; and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Delight in Monterey’s rich history and experience the bay’s vibrant lifestyle and sweeping views, running along Fisherman’s Wharf and John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row. Further explore Monterey’s seaside restaurants, quaint shops, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, museums, and wine tasting rooms.

Following Monterey, embark on the scenic 17-Mile Drive from Pacific Grove, all the way to Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea, and enjoy magnificent scenery, including the Spanish Bay, Sunset Drive and Point Pinos Lighthouse, Asilomar Beach, the Bird’s and Seal’s Rock Overlook, Lone Cypress, and the world-renowned Pebble Beach Resort and Golf Links where you may having lunch. Visit the enchanting village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is known for its stunning scenery and rich artistic history, and then drop off at your hotel.

What's not included

All meals, overtime

Sorry, we cannot transport passengers with disabilities as our vehicles are not equipped for that

Tips/gratuities are voluntary payments to your guides as a gesture of appreciation for good service

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Our policy regarding passengers with disabilities: Sorry, our vehicles are not equipped for passengers with disabilities and therefore, our commercial insurance doesn’t allow us to transport persons with any kind of disabilities for the sake of their own safety and well-being

Important notes

Your private and personal tour guide will be holding a placard with our company’s logo and your name on it. The length of the tour will be adjusted accordingly as we are based in San Francisco. We offer complimentary private pickup /drop-off, state parks entrance fees, and a private guided day trip

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