17-Mile Drive & Monterey tour from San Francisco: small group

The Lone Cypress and five legendary stops in one coastal day

A full-day small-group tour from San Francisco traces the Pacific Coast Highway to Monterey, the 17-Mile Drive and Carmel-by-the-Sea, with a live English-speaking guide, entry to Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the 17-Mile Drive attractions and two hours at Cannery Row and Carmel Plaza. You travel in a comfortable vehicle with other travelers, stops are set, and all park admission is included—the route and timing are arranged so the day holds together without building it yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Coastal tour from San Francisco to Carmel

• Board luxury vehicle in San Francisco
• Drive along Pacific Coast Highway
• Visit tallest lighthouse on west coast
• View Monterey Bay and Lovers Point
• Stop for two hours at Cannery Row
• Drive 17-Mile Drive scenic route
• Stop at Bird Rock Vista Point
• Visit Lone Cypress for photos
• Explore Pebble Beach Golf Links area
• Pass through Carmel-by-the-Sea village
• Spend two hours at Carmel Plaza

The Experience

The day starts in San Francisco and follows the Pacific Coast Highway south, hugging the California shoreline as it curves past windswept cliffs and crashing surf. Your guide handles the driving while you watch the landscape unfold—the road itself is the first attraction, and the stops that follow are built into the rhythm so you're never rushed between them. Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the tallest on the west coast, sits at the first pause; you can explore the grounds or walk down to the beach depending on how long you want to linger.

Monterey arrives with a two-hour window at Cannery Row, the historic waterfront street that was once a sardine-packing hub and is now lined with restaurants, galleries and shops facing the bay. The Monterey Bay Aquarium sits here if you want to spend your time there, or you can walk the boardwalk, eat fresh seafood with views, or simply sit and watch the water. The choice is yours inside those two hours; the guide will meet you at an agreed time to move on.

The 17-Mile Drive comes next—a private scenic loop through Pebble Beach that the tour enters with all admission included. Bird Rock Vista Point gives you 15 minutes to watch sea lions and seabirds on the offshore rocks, with waves and wildlife sounds filling the air. The Lone Cypress, a 250-year-old tree clinging to a granite outcrop above the Pacific, gets another 15 minutes for photos and the quiet of standing in front of something that has weathered centuries. Pebble Beach Golf Links appears as a 15-minute stop where you can walk past the fairways and peek into the clubhouse, even if you don't golf. The drive itself—the curves, the cypress forests, the cliffside views—is as much the point as the named landmarks.

Carmel-by-the-Sea closes the day with two hours at Carmel Plaza, an upscale outdoor shopping area in the heart of the village. Three wine tasting rooms sit here, along with restaurants and boutiques; you can browse, eat, taste or simply sit in the garden courtyards before the drive back to San Francisco begins. The guide will point out the village's other landmarks—the Carmel Mission, the Bluff Path along the shore—as you arrive, but the time is unstructured and yours to spend.

What’s included

• Comfortable vehicle ride with a live English-speaking guide.
• entry tickets to Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the 17-Mile Drive, Bird Rock Vista Point, the Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach Golf Links.
• water and light snacks during the drive.
• two hours at Cannery Row to explore, eat or visit attractions on your own.
• two hours at Carmel Plaza for shopping, dining or wine tasting.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Jupiter Legend Corporation

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want the Pacific Coast Highway and all three coastal towns—Monterey, the 17-Mile Drive and Carmel—in a single day without driving yourself or arranging the stops. The guide handles the route and timing, all park entry is included upfront, and the two-hour windows at Cannery Row and Carmel Plaza give you freedom to spend time on what interests you instead of moving through on a fixed schedule.

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Top questions

What is the Lone Cypress and why do people stop there?

The Lone Cypress is a 250-year-old Monterey Cypress tree standing on a granite outcrop above the Pacific Ocean on the 17-Mile Drive. It's one of the most photographed trees in North America and a symbol of the California coast; the tour gives you 15 minutes to walk around it and take photos.

How much time do I actually get to spend at Cannery Row?

Cannery Row gets a two-hour stop built into the tour schedule. You can explore the boardwalk, eat at one of the oceanfront restaurants, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium if you choose, or browse the galleries and shops—the time is yours to use as you want, and the guide meets you at an agreed time to continue.

Does the tour include admission to all the stops on the 17-Mile Drive?

Yes, admission to the 17-Mile Drive itself, Bird Rock Vista Point, the Lone Cypress, and Pebble Beach Golf Links are all included in the tour price. Pigeon Point Lighthouse admission is also included. The only major attraction not included is the Monterey Bay Aquarium if you choose to visit it during your Cannery Row time.

What happens if I'm traveling with young children—do I need to bring a car seat?

Children under 6 may require a booster seat by law depending on the vehicle type. If you're traveling with an infant, you'll need to bring your own infant car seat. Contact the tour operator at least 3 days before departure if you need a booster seat, and they can arrange one or confirm what to bring.

How long is the drive from San Francisco to Monterey, and when do we get back?

The full tour runs 11 hours from pickup to return. The drive down the Pacific Coast Highway takes time, but the route itself is scenic and part of the experience; your guide will share stories and insights along the way. Exact return time depends on your pickup location in San Francisco, which you'll arrange with the operator at least 3 days before the tour.

Can I visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium during this tour?

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is located at Cannery Row, where the tour includes a two-hour stop. Admission to the aquarium is not included in the tour price, but you can purchase a ticket and visit during your Cannery Row time if you choose. Your guide will meet you at an agreed time to continue to the 17-Mile Drive.