Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco

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.

Itinerary

1. 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.
2. 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. (30 min)
3. 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. (1h 30min)
4. 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. (1h 30min)
5. 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. (1h 0min)