Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive: Full Day Tour from SF

based on 1965 reviews

Duration:12 hours (approx.)
Location: San Francisco, California

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Cruise along California's spectacular coastline on a relaxing day trip from San Francisco. Follow Highway 1 and enjoy stops at Pigeon Point Lighthouse and in Davenport for a quick coffee and snack.
Back on the road traveling by Monterey Bay and Peninsula, to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and Steinbeck's Cannery Row. Explore Monterey's charming shops or choose to go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Two hours is ample time for pictures and Instagram posts of everything you are experiencing.
See the stunning estates of 17-Mile Drive, as well as Bird Rock, Lone Cypress, and world famous, Pebble Beach Golf Course.
Arriving in Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for the museums and library of the historic Carmel Mission, and the fairytale cottages, and galleries of its village like center.
11 hours of breathtaking sightseeing, unique shopping, historical landmarks, mouth-watering culinary innovation.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
The lighthouse, constructed in 1871, serves as a guiding beacon for ships navigating the Pacific coast of California. It proudly stands as the tallest lighthouse along the West Coast of the United States and continues to play an active role in assisting the Coast Guard in navigation. During the journey, travelers will have the chance to disembark from the bus to capture memorable photos with the lighthouse as their backdrop or enjoy a brief stroll down to the nearby beach.
2.
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.
3.
The bus conveniently stops directly in front of the Davenport Cafe, which takes its name from the historical figure Captain John Pope Davenport. Captain Davenport settled at El Jarro Point, which is roughly half a mile away from the present-day town. This cafe is an excellent spot to take a break, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy some snacks. Additionally, travelers are welcome to make use of the cafe's restroom facilities.
4.
The Monterey Bay is situated along the California coast, to the south of the major cities of San Francisco and San Jose. At the north end of the bay lies Santa Cruz, while at the southern tip of the Monterey Peninsula, you'll find Monterey.
5.
Cannery Row, located in the New Monterey section of Monterey along the waterfront, was once home to thriving sardine canning factories. Today, Cannery Row has transformed into a popular tourist destination, featuring numerous restaurants and shops. As you drive through this historic district, you'll be heading towards the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is situated by the beautiful Monterey Bay. This is the designated stopping point for the Monterey segment of the tour. Here, travelers will have a generous 2-hour window of free time to explore several attractions, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, various restaurants, and stores. This ample time allows travelers to leisurely enjoy lunch, soak in the sights, and then proceed to the next destinations of 17-Mile Drive and Carmel. Note: Monterey Bay Aquarium (tickets must be purchased separately and reserved prior to departure date from the official Monterey Bay Aquarium website: www.montereybayaquarium.org)
6.
The 17-Mile Drive is a picturesque loop that winds through the private Pebble Beach community on the Monterey Peninsula. Along the way, travelers will be treated to stunning coastal vistas featuring pristine coves and sandy beaches. While the drive itself doesn't require much time, there are numerous designated stops where you can capture breathtaking photos. It's important to note that this attraction may be temporarily closed during certain annual events, including the PGA Tour in February and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance car show in August.
7.
This bustling wildlife hub is teeming with a vibrant population of birds, harbor seals, and noisy sea lions. Bird Rock, once buried under 4 to 5 feet of pelican and cormorant guano until 1930, was cleared for use as fertilizer. Subsequently, sea lions have claimed this cleared perch as their sunbathing spot, and they've been enjoying it ever since.
8.
Standing proudly on a granite hillside, the Lone Cypress is a remarkable Monterey Cypress tree. This iconic tree holds the distinction of being one of the most photographed trees in all of North America. It stands sentinel between two renowned golf courses, the Cypress Point Club and the Pebble Beach Golf Links, both of which are among the world's most famous. The Lone Cypress is estimated to be around 250 years old and bears the scars of past fires. To ensure its stability, it has been anchored in place with cables for the past six decades. Travelers will have the opportunity to disembark from the bus at this spot, offering them an excellent chance to capture memorable photographs of this enduring natural wonder.
9.
Pebble Beach Golf Links is internationally renowned as one of the most stunning golf courses globally, as it gracefully embraces the rugged coastline and offers expansive vistas of Carmel Bay, which opens up to the vast Pacific Ocean. This prestigious course hosts annual events by the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions. During your visit, travelers will have the opportunity to disembark from the bus and enjoy some time either in the clubhouse or exploring the souvenir shop. Please note that certain closures may occur due to annual events, such as the PGA Tour AT&T Pro-Am in February.
10.
Small beach community on California's Monterey Peninsula. The Scenic Bluff Path runs from surf spot Carmel Beach to bird-rich Carmel River State Beach.
11.
Situated in the charming heart of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Plaza offers a unique blend of fashion boutiques, specialty natural brands, exceptional dining establishments, gourmet shops, wine tasting rooms, salons, wellness studios, and much more, all within a relaxed and refined environment. During this stop, travelers will have the opportunity to disembark from the bus and enjoy a generous 60 minutes of free time to explore the offerings at Carmel Plaza at their leisure.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Neil_S
Guide was excellent and the trip was so comfortable. All the places visited were breathtaking, places you will never otherwise see
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-04 13:57:15

Posted By : jsoul58
This was by far the best tour that I've taken so far, the tour guide was incredibly friendly, funny, and very knowledgeable about landmarks and all of the stops of the tour. One of the best things is that he'd stop at key locations for a quick hop off photo opportunity, which as a photographer; I was highly appreciative of. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone, and am looking forward to my next Viator tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-27 10:43:56

Posted By : Paul_T
17 mile drive was a highlight with plenty to see along the drive. And the driver was very, very good!! Very scenic and lots to see and do.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-26 13:12:16

Posted By : 427annmariew
Wonderful day starting with our arrival at the bus stop where the rep confirmed our reservation. Our bus driver, Danny from Honduras, was professional, personable, knowledgeable, courteous, animated, friendly, welcoming to all passengers, excellent with time management, and a very skilled and safe driver. The views along the way were breathtaking and Danny allowed us plenty of time for photos. The weather cooperated and was beautiful with comfortable temps. The cost was well worth the price of this trip. I would highly recommend this tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-26 12:24:56

Posted By : Anonymous
We loved the vegetable fields! They were being harvested! Loved the shoreline! Wish we could have gone to aquarium at Monterey Bay and the Mission in Carmel!! Would have added so much to the tour!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-24 12:50:57

Posted By : rappfamily2015
We had a girls trip with our teenage daughters. It was beautiful and amazing we all had a great time. We found that June is a cold month there.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-23 22:09:44

Posted By : Nitinkumar_T
It was an excellent trip. We look forward to more trips. The captian was at his best in driving and describing. Thank you
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-23 12:22:03

Posted By : Marcela_H
The tour guide was fantastic! Friendly, knowledgable and kind. The scenery is magical. We loooved the tour!! Totally recommended
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-23 12:07:24

Posted By : Care B
Overall we enjoyed the entire trip, however the focal point for us was going to Monterrey and getting to spend 2 hours there as advertised—which was cut to 1.5 hours by the driver—we barely finished our lunch before having to sprint back to the bus! That was very disappointing as we based our time on having 2 hours there to eat plus browse the shops. Note: the driver also made a few misstatements along the way. Otherwise, the trip was good and scenic.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-19 22:00:30

Posted By : Rick_S
The scenery is absolutely stunning. If you are fortunate with your driver (we were) the trip can be very pleasant. Our driver had a soothing, relaxed voice and delivery style, very easy on the ears. The driving is long however so be prepared to spend half your day on the bus and the other half wishing you had more time to see the two main stops. Also, not enough time to actually see the links at Pebble beach. Make sure you arrive early for good seating on the bus. You will be in that seat for the duration. Bring snacks. The baked goods at the first fest stop are excellent but there are few other opportunities along the route. Plan one or two specific activities for Carmel or you will waste much of the little time available there.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-19 13:22:14