The Private Monterey, 17-Mile Drive, and Carmel Coastal Tour
If you’re visiting the Bay Area and are dreaming of an experience that truly feels like an escape, our Private Monterey and Carmel Coastal Tour was made for you. At Edge of the World, we curate unforgettable custom private tours for couples, families, and friends who want to trade the usual crowded buses and rigid schedules for a more relaxed, tailored adventure. With us, you can choose your own adventure and travel through some of California’s most beautiful landscapes. Here’s a sample itinerary that perfectly blends the wild beauty of the Pacific with the quaint charm of the state’s historic seaside villages. Book your custom tour and escape the city to experience the beauty of the California Coast with an expert guide!
Sample Tour Itinerary
9:00 a.m. | Convenient Pickup in San Francisco
Skip the city traffic and car rentals! We offer convenient pick-up directly from your San Francisco hotel, so you can truly relax and enjoy the journey. Once you settle into our comfortable and spacious private van, your expert guide will handle the navigation while sharing all about the colorful history of the area and what makes California’s coastline so incredibly special.
Morning | Drive the Legendary Pacific Coast Highway
The drive itself is one of the most memorable parts of our Monterey and Carmel tour. We travel along the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), a historic route spanning over 650 miles, famous for its dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean. We’ll pass through the scenic coastal city of Santa Cruz, where wide beaches, surfers, and a classic boardwalk create that quintessential California vibe. Continue south along the PCH’s rugged cliffs, where with every twist and turn of the highway, you’ll experience absolutely breathtaking views of the ocean.
Midday | Lunch on Historic Cannery Row
By midday, we’ll arrive in Monterey, a city known for its stunning coastline and rich maritime history. Here, we’ll visit the famous Cannery Row, a lively waterfront destination that was once the heart of the sardine packing industry in the early 20th century. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch, stroll out on the pier, and explore the nearby boutiques.
Afternoon | Pacific Grove & The 17-Mile Drive
After lunch, we take a short, scenic drive through Pacific Grove, an area well-known for its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture and as a hotspot for migrating Monarch butterflies. We then start our journey on what is widely considered one of the most beautiful stretches of road on the planet, Pebble Beach’s famous 17-Mile Drive. Along the way, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of gorgeous seaside golf courses, white-sand beaches, and the legendary Lone Cypress.
Late Afternoon | A Visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea
Next, we arrive at the enchanting artist colony of Carmel-by-the-Sea. With its shingle-roofed cottages, whimsical architecture, and secret passageways, this historic town seems like something straight out of a fairytale! Here, you’ll have plenty of time to check out the many unique art galleries and shops and view some of Carmel’s most beloved architectural sites like the Carmel Mission and the Carmel Boardwalk.
Sunset | Cypress Point
As our day on the coast comes to a close, we head to Cypress Point for an unforgettable view of the California sunset. Here, you’ll watch the setting sun dip beneath the horizon of the Pacific, surrounded by magnificent cypress trees and the sound of the waves. It is a quiet and powerful moment that serves as the perfect ending to your adventure.
8:00 p.m. | Return to San Francisco
After sunset, hop back into our comfortable van and enjoy the ride back to the city. We’ll drop you off directly at your hotel, leaving you with treasured memories of a day spent at the very edge of the world. Are you ready to experience the beauty of Monterey and Carmel?
Reserve Your California Coastal Tour near San Francisco
Are you ready for the perfect city escape? Customize your Private Tour of Monterey and the Carmel Coast with Edge of the World. Whether you’re vacationing with family, planning a romantic getaway, or exploring with friends, we’re here to help you create the perfect California adventure.
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