Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco
Description
From the spectacular rocky ocean waves to the iconic towns, Highway 1 from San Francisco provides an experience you rarely find. This tour combines the best of California in one day. We begin in Monterey Bay, that has unparalleled sea life. You may even spot a whale! You will have time for coffee at Cannery Row. Next is the famous 17-Mile Scenic Drive (including a stop at golf resort Pebble Beach). There will be photo stops at the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, Lovers Point or Point Pinos. We visit the beach town of Carmel, home to celebrities such as Clint Eastwood, where you can visit quaint shops, artisinal bakeries and coffee shops. Lastly, we will see the Bixby Bridge and Hurricane Point, the iconic highlights of Big Sur. Depending on the time of the year, there may be a spectacular Northern California sunset over the ocean as we make our way back to San Francisco.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Enjoy a relaxing drive south past Silicon Valley and through Gilroy and Castroville, the garlic and artichoke capitals of the world before arriving in Monterey.
We arrive in Monterey along the awi-inspiring Monterey Bay. We will stop at the town’s famous Cannery Row to grab a coffee and fresh pastry at Steinbeck Plaza.
Drive along the rocky shores of Pacific Grove, known as “Butterfly Town USA” because of the thousands of Monarchs which migrate every year. ]We will drive down the private 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach -- famous vistas, exquisite homes, and maybe some local wildlife. Stops along the way may include Bird and Seal Rock and the Lone Cypress. And golf lovers will be able to stop at the famous 18th green at Pebble Beach.
Free-time in Carmel-by-the-Sea – a storybook village with artisan bakeries, exclusive stores and wine-tasting. You will have time to experience the charm of town that has attracted writers and film-industry luminaries for over 100 years.
Shoreline drive to Bixby Bridge and Hurricane Point. This is a great time for photo stops of these icons of Big Sur that many people will recognize from many films and television series.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
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
Reviews(28)
Brian is highly energetic and cooperative to work with each of the traveller. Sets up cameras and telescope for the group!
Thank you Brian for the very well organized trip to Carmel - Bixby Creek Bridge - Monterey. Enjoy the beautiful nature for a full day and gain valuable local knowledge. Thanks for this first class trip and the amazing photos! Cheers!
Tour didn't go to Big Sur as was advertised. Views were spectacular, but didn't need 1.5 hours for lunch in a tourist trap and meal recommendations were poor. Guide was very good on wildlife and had zoom cameras so could spot animals and sent us pictures. A lot of interesting videos on the coach , which it would have been better to send links before hand, so that we could concentrate on the scenery. Nice trip, but poor value for money, didn't deliver what was advertised. compared to all trip I took the day before to Yosemite with Extranomicsl and to the Grand Canyon
We truely appreciate your feedback. This is a new tour for us and we are fine-tuning timing of all activities. So your opinions are very important. If you ever have a chance to return, we hope you will see how your feedback will have improved the experience.
Amazing tour. Right off the bat we knew Brian was going to show us a good time. Loved all the fun facts. We love naturalists! Views of my dreams. Photos don’t do it justice.
Hour guide tour Brian was the best! He pick up us at the hotel at the exact time he said and he made the drive super fun with all his fun facts and stories of the area! He is a local, born and raised on the pacific so he knows everything and take you to the right spots so you can enjoy the tour 100%. He brought water and binoculars, and he took us amazing pictures with his professional camera. Really recommend this tour, you we'll an amazing atmosphere and the small group is a plus!
It’s a long day depending on where you start. We lucked out and had Beautiful Weather. Our guide Steve is really good at what he does. I would recommend having coffee only at the first stop. The lunch stop offers a better experience. That said, Tidal Coffee in Monterey has excellent coffee and serves a huge breakfast burrito that’s plenty enough for two.
WOW. This tour, guided by Steve was truly magnificent. Visually spectacular, comfortable ride, plenty of CLEAN stops and a wealth of knowledge and humour to go with it. Highly recommend this tour.
Steven was an excellent guide! He made the trip a lot of fun and had great information to share. The scenery along the coast was incredible. This is a must-do if you are in Northern California. I’m glad someone else was doing the driving so I could sit back and take in the amazing views! I would highly recommend this trip!
Brian was so courteous and great. From Bixby to San Francisco fun tour. Would recommend for a whole day excursion.
Amazing tour - Brian was great!!
