Pacific Coast Highway Tour: Monterey, Carmel & 17-Mile Drive

Embark on a scenic adventure along the Pacific Coast Highway, exploring the charming towns of Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Discover sea creatures at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and enjoy the beauty of the 17 Mile Drive.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Monterey Bay - Located on the coast of California, Monterey Bay is a picturesque bay of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium - Admission is not included. This nonprofit public aquarium in Monterey, California, is renowned for its focus on the marine habitats of Monterey Bay. It was the first to showcase a living kelp forest when it opened…
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
What's Not Included
  • Guide Gratuities
  • Meals
Additional Information

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…

Location
478 Post St
Post Street
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.2
(78 Ratings)
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Sophiabotticelli
Jan 8, 2026
Great tour with Don. Only complaint Post Street night drop off location = dark, no activity, street person yelling at me - Outstanding tour with Don. We covered so much. I’d highly recommend. My only issue was as a solo traveler — older, who had recently (a few months ago) healed from pneumonia in both lungs — for me having to get back to my hotel on my own was a royal pain. Please consider reinstating dropping people off at their hotels after an 11 hour tour or at least picking a better drop off nighttime location than dark Post Street location. At least drop off at a well lit hotel and active area. Even a man in my group asked “THIS is where you are leaving us???” My only Don complaint was he said he’d not noticed if the Cafe the bus dropped off across from would be open. Kind of important (since I’m a single older woman who needed to step inside somewhere to use my cell phone to call taxi). Luckily Don saw, and I saw, the Cafe was open (only with 5 remaining minutes). I was able to make my call inside. As I exited the Cafe to get into the cab a homeless guy was yelling at me (loudly and strangely) from across the street — 2, 3 times. I was shocked by this street guy’s aggressiveness because he could see I was GETTING into the taxi. He’s yelling at me from across the street over and over as I’m there WITH the taxi driver. How would it have been if we were 5 minutes later, and I had to call for the taxi standing on the street across from this guy. Might have been fine, but would have felt unpleasant. People, especially, senior older women, do not go on vacation to worry. Even that gentleman, much younger than me did not like the Post Street drop off area. Try to at least do a drop off location at night, in the dark that is well lit, has activity, hopefully, even has restroom access. Post Street pick up might be fine in morning, not fine at night. Otherwise Don and the tour was GREAT.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brian_m
Nov 19, 2025
Great trip! - Lovely wholesome experience… stops in Monterrey and Carmel were lovely!! We loved the Pigeon Point and Pebble Beach!!
Review provided by Viator
425gloriaw
Sep 29, 2025
Scenic Hwy 1 from San Francisco to Carmel - Great drive down Hwy 1. Our driver, Don, was excellent resource and logistics were well organized! Interesting nights and included all highlights that I wanted to revisit
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Happiness14653446552
Sep 27, 2025
Great trip!! Worth a day for such a great experience. - Fabulous trip! We had a lovely lady driver and the most fabulous lady guide. She was such a great communicator and character. Her knowledge was expansive and she shared some great insights and travel tips. The bus was really comfortable and the ladies made sure we were all comfortable and content. The trip itself was fantastic. We saw great things and places and had a fantastic time. Pigeon Point lighthouse was a great stop on the way to Monterey and we loved Carmel. Great trip, throughly recommended!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Derrick_r
Aug 10, 2025
Nice all day trip. Hits... - Nice all day trip. Hits all the hot spots with enough time to enjoy them. Will surely do it again. AA++
Review provided by Viator
Sharon_s
Jul 18, 2025
From San Francisco to Carmel and back! - Don was our guide and we enjoyed his narrative. The scenery from San Francisco to Monterrey to Carmel and back was fabulous!!
Review provided by Viator
174maryelleny
Nov 25, 2025
Good transport to beautiful places - The tour was great as far as getting to the places we wanted to see. The guide was not especially informative so it was more transportation than tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Liza_c
Aug 5, 2025
Daytrip By The Californian Scenic Coastline 🌞 - Quite a long journey for a day trip... We had Don, as our driver and tour guide. He is knowledgeable, polite and precise. I was most entralled by Carmel, a quaint place full of loveliness and dogs 😍 Very pretty and visually aesthetics. Love to visit again 🥰 The journey back to San Francisco, was bumpy and it's no feat for any driver. But, Don aced it and we were safely back in San Francisco, for our dinner 😊👍 The downsides : There were two women (mother and daughter), who were selfishly rude by making the rest of the tour wait for them - twice, and a mature narcissist male, who whined endlessly, for attention and too much of a high horse, in particular... Other than these nuisances, it was an enjoyable day trip by the Californian Coastline 😘👌
Review provided by Viator
P6461skpeterh
Jun 5, 2025
Long trip - Tom was a great driver / guide. It was a long day but a beautiful shore line. Monterey and Carmel are much more touristy than when we last visited in the 70’s. A bit disappointing. Peter
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jackie
Nov 23, 2025
Disappointing - Very poor quality transport and disappointing experience. A lot of time on an uncomfortable min bus with little reward. Too many unnecessary stops to see similar views of the ocean. Over 2.5 hour stop in Monterey where there was nothing to do if you don’t want to go to the aquarium. Less than 1 hour stay in Carmel which would have been a much nicer destination to look around and shop. Driver who talked too much nonsense and drove too fast and asked for $20 per person tip. Overall extremely disappointing and poor value for money.
Review provided by Viator
From $134
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).