Monterey & Carmel Explorer

Overview

This tour traverses the breathtaking scenery on the famous Pacific Coast Highway. Upon arriving in historic Monterey, you will have time to explore the fascinating sea creatures at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and stroll among the shops on Cannery Row. The tour will follow the coast through the beautiful little town of Pacific Grove on the way to the 17 Mile Drive. The drive finishes up at the enchanted town of Carmel-by-the-Sea where you’ll can explore the boutique shops on Ocean Avenue or be dazzled by the white sandy beach.

City: San Francisco

Thu 17 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $134.00

Make a reservation

Thu 17 Jul

Starting at $134.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

17-Mile Drive admission fee

Expert guide and commentary

Pickup and drop-off at a convenient location in Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf

Free Wifi on vehicle

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meals are not included but available for purchase throughout the day.
California law requires tour guests to bring a car safety seat for all children under 8 years and under 4' 9" (1.4 meters) in height. Any guest that does not provide their child's safety seat at the time of the tour and does not inform the tour operator in advance may not be allowed to board the tour and will not be subject to refund.
Exact destinations & itinerary may differ due to weather, road conditions, and the guide's discretion.

What To Expect

Monterey Bay

Monterey Bay is a bay of the Pacific Ocean located on the coast of the U.S. state of California.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Admission only included if option added upon checkout. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a nonprofit public aquarium in Monterey, California. Known for its regional focus on the marine habitats of Monterey Bay, it was the first to exhibit a living kelp forest when it opened in October 1984.

Cannery Row

Cannery Row is the waterfront street in the New Monterey section of Monterey, California. It is the site of a number of now-defunct sardine canning factories. The last cannery closed in 1973. Today it has many restaurants and hotels, several of which are located in former cannery buildings, and a few historic attractions. Some privately owned fishing companies still exist on Cannery Row, housed on piers located a short distance from the historic district frequented by tourists.

17-Mile Drive

Although the route has changed since it opened in 1881, 17-Mile Drive is still exactly 17 miles long. More than 1.5 million visitors pass through 17-Mile Drive every year. Iconic Landmarks along famous 17-Mile Drive include The Lone Cypress, as well as Spanish Bay and Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Pebble Beach Golf Links is a public golf course on the west coast of the United States, located in Pebble Beach, California.

Lone Cypress

The Lone Cypress is a Monterey cypress tree in Pebble Beach, California. Standing on a granite hillside off the 17-Mile Drive, the tree is a Western icon, and has been called one of the most photographed trees in North America.

Bird Rock Vista Point

Bird Rock Vista is stop #7 on 17-Mile Drive and a wildlife hot spot.

Carmel Beach Boardwalk

Beautiful white sandy beaches.

Cypress Point Lookout

Stop #10 on 17-Mile Drive is the wonderful Cypress Point Lookout which looks out, to the southwest, over a small, white sand beach making for an excellent sunset spot.

Lovers Point

Lovers Point State Marine Reserve is one of four small marine protected areas located near the cities of Monterey and Pacific Grove, at the southern end of Monterey Bay on California’s central coast.

Monterey Visitor Center

Tourist information center in Monterey, California.

Seal Rock Creek beach

Seal Rock Creek Beach is a small sandy beach along the 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, CA. This white sand beach is at the mouth of Seal Rock Creek which flows intermittently. Just offshore is Seal Rock and a little to the north is Bird Rock.

Show 9 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (63)

ddss17

Aug 2019

Our trip to Monterey and Carmel was our favourite of our holiday and the trips we did. We were picked up by our driver Randall who straight away made us feel comfortable and gave us information and tips along the way. There were 6 of us on our tour which made the whole day more personal and we all got along well and had a laugh all day. We got to spend time in Monterey and had a walk round as we didn't add the aquarium on. We then went on to the 17mile drive and pebble beach which was a lovely area to sightsee round and take pictures. We then went to carmel which a beautiful town, with lots of shops and restaurants. We ate at Demetras which was recommended by Randall and certainly didn't disappoint the food was amazing. On our drive back because there was only 6 of us on tour and we were ahead of time to beat the traffic we got to drive through Santa Cruz past the boardwalk and had a quick stop to get a drink. It would have been lovely to have a bit of time on the boardwalk and around santa Cruz and all our tour and Randall agreed. Great day and would definitely recommend this day trip and Randall to anyone.

Response from Host

Aug 2019

Monterey/Carmel is one of Randall's favorite tours. I guess it shows! Thanks for letting us know you had a great time.

Max_J

Jul 2019

The tour was fabulous! Lots to see and do. Beautiful scenery! Great places to eat and would encourage others to do this tour

MaryFD1122

Jun 2019

Randall was hands down the best guide ever! We had an amazing day in Monterey & Carmel! Thank you making our trip amazing. Wish we would have meet him sooner!

Response from Host

Jun 2019

Not everyone who comes to SF takes the time to visit Monterey. It is such a great experience! We've passed your nice compliment on the Randall.