Big Sur & Monterey Coast tour from San Jose: Private SUV

You stop where you want on Highway One, not where a schedule says to.

An 8-hour private tour from San Jose to Big Sur and Monterey Coast with a local driver guide in a full-size SUV or Mercedes Sprinter (up to 12 people). The guide stops at Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for a walk through coastal redwoods, Hurricane Point, Point Sur Lighthouse, and viewpoints along Highway One. You choose which stops matter and how long to linger at each one. Pickup from San Jose is included. The return is by private vehicle or Coast Starlight train from Salinas.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Bixby Bridge30m
2. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park2h

Big Sur and Monterey Coast Excursion

• Drive through Redwoods to Santa Cruz
• Drive to Castroville
• View Garrapata State Park and Rocky Point
• Continue on Highway One to Bixby Bridge
• Picture stop at Bixby Bridge
• View Hurricane Point and Point Sur Lighthouse
• Visit Big Sur River Inn and Nepenthe for refreshments
• Walk in the Redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
• Return through Monterey, Prunedale, Gilroy, and Morgan Hill

The experience

What sets this apart is the flexibility built into the route. Instead of a fixed itinerary, you and your driver guide decide where to stop along the way, whether that's a picture at Bixby Bridge, refreshments at Big Sur River Inn or Nepenthe overlooking the Pacific, or an extra hour walking through the redwoods at Pfeiffer State Park. The drive itself covers the most scenic stretch of California's coast, passing through Point Lobos, Garrapata State Park, and Rocky Point on Highway One before turning inland through Monterey and back toward San Jose.

The vehicle depends on your group size: a full-size SUV handles up to 6 people, and a Mercedes Sprinter accommodates 7 to 12. Both are air-conditioned and equipped with WiFi. Your driver guide speaks English and Spanish and knows the region well enough to suggest stops you might not have planned. The day runs 8 hours total, which gives you real time at each place instead of a quick photo and move on.

You'll return to San Jose either by the same vehicle or, if you prefer, by the Coast Starlight train from Salinas: that choice is yours to make. All fees, taxes and transportation are included in the price. Bring your own lunch or plan to eat at one of the stops along the way.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned SUV or Mercedes Sprinter.
• driver guide in English or Spanish.
• WiFi on board.
• all fees and taxes.
• return trip by vehicle or Coast Starlight train from Salinas to San Jose Diridon Station.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by California Pacific Excursions

Is this one for you?The pace is entirely yours. You set how long to spend at each stop, which means a group that wants an hour in the redwoods gets it, while another that prefers more coastal viewpoints and fewer walks can skip the longer hikes. This works best if your group can agree on a few priorities before the day starts, since the 8 hours need to cover both the drive and the stops.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is there to do at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park on this tour?

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is where you walk for about an hour through coastal redwoods: the only stretch of the day built in as a set activity, though your guide can adjust the timing if you want more or less time in the trees.

Does the tour stop at Bixby Bridge?

Yes, Bixby Bridge is a picture stop on the route along Highway One, one of the most photographed bridges on the California coast.

Can we eat lunch during the 8 hours?

Lunch is not included, but the route passes Big Sur River Inn and Nepenthe, both with food and ocean views, where you can stop and eat. Your guide can suggest timing that works for your group.

What's the difference between the SUV and the Sprinter van?

The full-size SUV fits up to 6 people. The Mercedes Sprinter accommodates 7 to 12 and offers the same air conditioning, WiFi and driver guide service.

Is pickup from my San Jose hotel included?

Pickup from San Jose is included in the tour price. Your guide will arrange the meeting point and time when you book.