
Best Pacific Coast Highway Tours Near SF
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway near San Francisco, where dramatic ocean cliffs meet vibrant coastal culture. Compare top-rated tours and activities to experience world-class attractions, scenic drives, and unique local insights. Whether you seek thrilling outdoor adventures or peaceful retreats, find immersive cultural encounters and must-see landmarks that define this iconic destination. Book verified operators side-by-side for seamless planning and unforgettable memories along California’s most famous coastline.
Tourteller Selected
We've carefully curated the top activities.




Drive the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Monterey with a tour that plays from your phone as you go. Follow clear GPS directions, hear local stories, and stop whenever the coast calls your name. Cruise past ocean cliffs, surf towns, beaches, and redwood groves as you make your way down ...
- Pause, rewind, or replay anytime
- Lifetime access after purchase
- Built-in turn-by-turn route guidance
- Self-paced experience with no fixed start time
- Storytelling based on firsthand travel and research
- GPS-triggered audio with automatic playback at each stop
- Offline access after download
- Private Transportation
- Entrance Fees
- Parking Fees
- Meals & Refreshments
- Pacifica State Beach
- Devil's Slide Trail
- Gray Whale Cove State Beach
- Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
- Pillar Point Harbor
- Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail
- Ano Nuevo State Reserve
- Cotoni-coast Dairies National Monument
- Shark Fin Cove
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- West Cliff Drive
- Santa Cruz Wharf
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
- Moss Landing State Beach
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
This tour traverses the breathtaking scenery on the famous Pacific Coast Highway. Upon arriving in historic Monterey, you will have time to explore the fascinating sea creatures at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and stroll among the shops on Cannery Row. The tour will follow the coast through the beautif...
- 17-Mile Drive admission fee
- Expert guide and commentary
- Pickup and drop-off at a convenient location in Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf
- Free Wifi on vehicle
- Guide Gratuities
- Meals
- Monterey Bay
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Cannery Row
- 17-Mile Drive
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Lone Cypress
- Bird Rock Vista Point
- Carmel Beach Boardwalk
- Cypress Point Lookout
- Lovers Point
- Monterey Visitor Center
- Seal Rock Creek beach
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
We make sure that you have an unique experience driving along Hwy 1. We suggest the best spots for pictures and restaurants.
- Carmel
- San Francisco
- Monterey
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Travel the California Pacific Coast Highway 1 to the Monterey Peninsula. Enjoy coastal views, wildlife, and historical sites. Visit Cannery Row, known for John Steinbeck's work, and explore shops and restaurants by the Pacific. Stop by the Monterey Aquarium. Then, drive along the 17-mile Drive an...
- Transport by air-conditioned luxury coach with bathroom
- Certified, professional driver and tour guide
- Scenic tour along Highway 1 through Santa Cruz and Capitola
- Stops at Lonely Cypress and Pebble Beach
- 2-hour stop at Monterey, where you can explore Steinbeck’s Cannery Row or visit the Aquarium (at your own expense)
- 1-hour stop in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Hotel pickup or drop off
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food and beverages
All Related Tours & Activities
Products loading...
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.Prices across the options we compare range widely, from $16 to $747, with a typical spread of $23–$136 and a median price of $78. The variation largely depends on whether you choose a self-guided experience or a private guided tour.
Yes. While most listings are group or self-guided formats, two of the six options (33%) are tagged as private tours. These tend to sit at the higher end of the price spectrum but offer more flexibility and personalized attention.
Most full-day experiences last between 9.2 and 12 hours, with a median duration of 11 hours. This allows enough time to cover the scenic stops without feeling rushed.
The options we compare are offered in English and Portuguese. If you require guidance in another language, you may need to rely on self-guided materials or check specific tour descriptions for additional support.
Reviews highlight that guides add significant value, with frequent mentions of "best tour guide," "excellent," and "amazing." About 50% of the options include a guide, which helps navigate the route and share historical context. However, half of the listings are self-guided, which suits independent travellers who prefer to set their own pace.
Flexibility is common. Four of the six options (67%) offer free cancellation, and all six (100%) provide instant confirmation. This makes it easy to book ahead while keeping your plans open.
The experiences are heavily focused on Nature (100%), with many also covering Cultural and Historical themes. For transport, two-thirds (67%) use cars, while one-third (33%) use buses. This mix means you can choose between the intimacy of a car ride or the ease of a bus for longer stretches.
Dress in layers. Bring a windbreaker for foggy evenings, even if it is sunny during the day.
Stay alert and avoid empty streets. Use rideshares after dark and keep valuables out of sight.
Yes, but expect heavy traffic. Check Caltrans for real-time updates before you start your journey.