An eight‑hour private drive from San Jose that stitches together Bixby Bridge, Point Lobos, Nepenthe and a redwood walk in Pfeiffer State Park. Ideal for travelers who want curated stops, onboard Wi‑Fi and the flexibility of a private vehicle.
An eight‑hour private drive from San Jose that stitches together Bixby Bridge, Point Lobos, Nepenthe and a redwood walk in Pfeiffer State Park. Ideal for travelers who want curated stops, onboard Wi‑Fi and the flexibility of a private vehicle.
Book with California Pacific Excursions
Book directly with California Pacific Excursions for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
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Operated by California Pacific Excursions · Big Sur, California
You pull out of San Jose before the heat of the valley builds, and the city’s grid resolves into a ribbon of highway that slides west toward the ocean. As the SUV drops toward the coast, fog fingers the hills and then parts to reveal a granite cliff and the long arc of the Pacific. Bixby Creek Bridge appears like a suspended idea of engineering against the breaking sea — the first of several picture stops that order the day.
easy.
8 hours.
Light; most activity is in and out of the vehicle with short, gentle walks (about 1 hour) under the redwoods.
The standard pickup and drop‑off is 65 Cahill Street, San Jose (Diridon area), but pickup from hotels in San Jose, Monterey or Carmel can often be arranged for an additional fee.
Yes — this is a private charter for your party only, with vehicle options for groups from 1 up to 12 people.
Yes — the itinerary includes stops at Nepenthe, Big Sur River Inn and viewpoints; restrooms and food are available at those locations though timing depends on your chosen stops.
Yes — the booking lists an option for a Coast Starlight train return from Salinas to San Jose Diridon as part of the return logistics.
Occasionally — winter storms and landslides can close segments; the operator monitors road conditions and will notify you of changes or cancellations.
Generally yes for children and those with limited mobility for short, accessible stops; tell the operator your needs when booking so they can plan appropriate pickup and stop choices.
The modern coastal route was consolidated in the early 20th century; Bixby Bridge opened in 1932 and helped make the region accessible to motorists, while Point Sur Lighthouse has guided ships since the late 1800s.
Big Sur’s fragile coastal and redwood ecosystems are sensitive to trampling and vehicle pollution — stay on trails, pack out trash and respect seasonal closures to protect habitat.
California Pacific Excursions operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Book with California Pacific Excursions
Book directly with California Pacific Excursions for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now