Visit the beautiful pacific coast town of Monterey, home to a world-leading aquarium, award-winning food and wine, and stunning Pacific Coast views. Perhaps you’ll be as inspired as John Steinbeck, Henry Miller, and Jack Kerouac when you visit this diverse town!
Check out one of our biggest Monterey tours to experience the best of this gem along the Pacific coast, the Monterey & Big Sur Discovery 2-Day Hotel Tours. Here you’ll join a Californian rite of passage as you experience the journey down the Pacific Coast Highway 1 on one of our Monterey trips from San Francisco. Start exploring the grandeur of nature and small-town vibes that captured the imaginations of America’s greatest writers.
You’ll step away from the big city into the laid-back beach towns just a few hours south of San Francisco, where you’ll experience entirely different scenery.
Enjoy two full days of exploring and adventuring along the rugged PCH while spotting marine wildlife around Monterey, reveling in the majestic giant redwoods of Big Sur, and getting active on either a kayak or e-bike tour. At night, enjoy one of Monterey’s specialty seafood restaurants before sleeping at a comfortable hotel nearby.
Day two of our Monterey excursions take you to Big Sur. So strap on your walking shoes and pack your camera, today you’ll trade in the small-town charm for the brilliant beauty of the rural Big Sur coastline.
As you drive south on the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll stop for photos of the dramatic scenery and famous landmarks such as the iconic Bixby Bridge. Don’t forget to watch for whales too, depending on the time of year you can sometimes spot Gray and Humpback whales from the highway.
Venture through the lush greenery in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where nestled in a beachy enclave of emerald water you’ll see one of the most photographed waterfalls on the Pacific Coast, McWay Falls.
Monterey is a city located in Monterey County on California’s central coast. It stands at an elevation of 26 feet above sea level on a land area of 8.466 sq mi. The city gave rise to California’s first theater, public building, public library, publicly funded school, printing press, and newspaper. Culture lovers will be right at home on our Monterey trips!
The city and surrounding area have attracted artists since the late 19th century and many celebrated painters and writers have lived there. Until the 1950s, there was an abundant fishery. Among Monterey’s notable present-day attractions are the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the annual Monterey Jazz Festival.
September–November are balmier months, where temperatures reach 23 degrees and there’s minimal rainfall. For a cooler, quieter experience, visit Monterey in the winter months between December and March. The summer months are sizzling and the coast comes to life. So if beaches and bustling crowds are your vibe, we recommend visiting in July.
Located just two and a half hours south of San Francisco, Monterey is a must-visit destination in California. Check out our Monterey bus tours to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea.
On this Monterey trip, you’ll walk the city’s renowned Cannery Row, made famous by American author John Steinbeck. Don’t forget to stop at one of the many local seafood restaurants and shopping options during your stop in Monterey for delicious fresh fish. Optionally, you could also explore the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
After you’ve taken in Monterey’s charms, keep traveling down the coast. Take in the cliff-side outlooks of Pacific Grove, 17 Mile Scenic Drive, and even enjoy the views from the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Course. When you arrive in Carmel-by-the-Sea, you can stroll around the streets and art galleries on this picturesque Monterey tour from San Francisco.
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