Private Tour
Big Sur Monterey California Coast from San Jose 1 - 12 people
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
This is a 8 hour private charter excursion by local driver guide using full size SUV up to 6 people and Mercedes Sprinter for 7 to 12 people. This is unique way of visiting one of the most scenic areas in the U.S. The driver guide will stop at places you wish to enjoy in Monterey, Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, River Inn, Pfeiffer state park of Coastal Redwoods, Nepenthe, and many other places. This is a private trip not a group tour.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Santa Cruz
Driving through Redwoods to Santa Cruz then to Castroville.
Garrapata State Park
View Garrapata State Park, Rocky PointContinue on Highway One through Point Lobos, Garrapata and Rocky Point to Bixby Bridge.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
WiFi on board
Return trip by full size SUV OR Coast Starlight train from Salinas to San Jose Diridon Station
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Trasnsportation by full size SUV
Lunch
Dinner
Gratuity
Options
Round trip by SUV or Van
Round trip by SUV or Van
Reviews
37 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great scenery and guide, but the itinerary is totally unrealistic
181amitkumarj,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00My wife and I took this excursion yesterday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. While we enjoyed the coastal scenery, we felt the structure of the trip was significantly flawed based on the advertised itinerary. The Highlights: Our guide, Juan, was the saving grace of the experience. He did a fantastic job during the first half of the trip around Monterey and the Bixby Creek Bridge. He was knowledgeable and showed us some truly beautiful spots to kick off the day. The Issues: The primary issue is the timing vs. the itinerary. Despite the 8-hour duration, we felt rushed and unable to experience the "Possible Stops (S)" or "Points of Interest (V)" mentioned in the itinerary. Missed Locations: We had zero time to explore Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (no hike/walk in the redwoods) and no time for Nepenthe / Café Kevah to gaze at the Pacific. We didn't even stop for lunch or refreshments, yet we still couldn't fit in all mentioned point of interests and stops. This is even with less than 5-minute "photo ops" toward the end. Inaccurate Planning: I guess, it is mathematically impossible to cover all the mentioned points (Monastery Beach, Garrapata, Bixby, Pfeiffer Redwoods, etc.) within 8 hours while departing from San Jose, especially if you want to actually "explore" rather than just look out a window. Final Verdict: It was a "good" trip because the scenery is world-class and Juan was excellent, but for this price point, the value isn't quite there. The organizers need to either extend the trip duration or trim the itinerary to be more honest about what is actually achievable. If you book this, expect a "drive-by" experience rather than an "exploration" experience.
A mediocre tour of Big Sur Monteray coast McVay Falls from San Jose, Ca.
vs2xmaru,Jun 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00This tour is a scenic presentation, parts of the scenery was nice, but on the whole it was not a "wow" scene. Our tour guide is very accommodating, however our family felt the description lacked some history of most of the sites. Ben, tour guide spoke with a moderate Mexican accent, at times, not sure what he said. We passed great farm land, but now sure the kind of produce raised. The driver is not sure what is growing either. Most impressive was the city of Carmel, private homes looked unique in design, appears to be millionaire's and billionaire's home. Big Sur area wasn't impressive, but had lunch at a quaint restaurant conducive for that area, food was good.
Beautiful trip/very helpful guide!
geor122,Nov 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The drive along the coast was beautiful, especially going through Carmel-by-the-Sea. Juan made every attempt to accommodate our schedule and let us see all the places we wanted to visit. We really enjoyed the trip!
Our knowledgeable driver...
Jay S,Jul 2, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Our knowledgeable driver knew wonderful places to stop and added comments about the areas. Carlos pointed out all sorts of things we would have missed had we been without him.
Gotta love S curves
1991KEB,Jun 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This drive was full of S curves, but that didn't take away from the beautiful beaches and the rock formations. The Bixby bridge is almost a hundred years old and amazing. The stops give you such beauty.
Absolutely a must-see! The view is breath-taking, and so peaceful.
Sunshine303730,Jun 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely a must-see! The view is breath-taking, and so peaceful. Bring a sweater, as it is windy! The arch is gorgeous, the beach was almost empty when we went, and we were able to find see stars and many crustaceous.
California Coast
Leslie C,May 18, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00On this tour I was able to see and photograph the beautiful California coast. Carlos was an amazing guide who knew where all the out of the way spots were that made this tour special. Thank you Carlos! I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
If you need a 1-day trip for Big Sur, this is the way to go.
773grgf,Feb 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Driver was punctual for pickup. SUV was very comfortable. The itinerary sent a few days prior was detailed, stop by stop, and provided a very good outline of what was to come. The area from Monterrey to Mcway Fall is vast so ideally one would spend 3+ days in the area, but time was compressed for us and this 1-day tour provided the highlights of Carmel to Mcway Fall perfectly. It’s so convenient to have the driver know the narrow, twisty-turning road so well; and he knew the best places to drop off for perfect pictures. We never had to stress with driving or finding parking. You might be a little hurried to eat and shop at certain stops so keep it under 30 minutes so you can see everything (especially at Pfeiffer State Park) and complete the tour in 8 hours.
Phenomenal Beauty!!
X7012SKneilh,Jan 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Monterey, California, and its neighboring gem, Big Sur, provided me with an enchanting experience that seamlessly blended amazing views, tranquility, and outdoor adventures. The drive along the coastal stretch between these two destinations is nothing short of breathtaking. The serene and peaceful drive along the Pacific Coast Highway offers panoramic views of the ocean that are simply awe-inspiring. The coastal cliffs, crashing waves, and rugged landscapes create a sensory feast, making every twist and turn along the route a visual delight. Both Monterey and Big Sur boast incredible hiking opportunities that cater to nature enthusiasts of all levels. The trails meander through lush forests, along cliffside paths, and to scenic viewpoints that showcase the stunning coastal scenery. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply seeking a leisurely stroll, the variety of trails ensures that everyone can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. The abundance of scenic spots, including iconic landmarks like Bixby Creek Bridge, adds to the charm of the journey. Monterey and Big Sur offer a perfect escape for those looking to unwind in nature, soak in amazing views, and embark on memorable outdoor adventures.
A great day in Monterey!
Allison C,Jan 11, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience! Ben was extremely kind and helpful in setting our itinerary for the day, and also took the time to provide other recommendations for our brief stay in CA. Our driver Carlos was friendly, flexible and attentive and clearly communicated options and timing. Everyone, including our young-adult kids, had a great time and felt the trip was a good balance between driving and hopping out to walk/hike/explore. We only had one day to explore Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey but this tour made us determined to come back for a longer visit!
Related Experiences
Operated by California Pacific Excursions