Monterey to Big Sur Private Tour — 17-Mile Drive, Point Lobos & Bixby Bridge
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Low; primarily a seated driving tour with short accessible walks at viewpoints
Overview
A private, chauffeur-driven run from Monterey through 17-Mile Drive to Big Sur that trades a fixed itinerary for personal pacing. Expect ocean views, Point Lobos wildlife, and photo stops at Bixby Bridge and Pebble Beach.
Monterey to Big Sur Private Tour — 17-Mile Drive, Point Lobos & Bixby Bridge
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The morning fog peels off the Pacific like a slow curtain, revealing the dark blue of the ocean and the jagged silhouette of the coast. A chauffeur opens the door of a leather-upholstered luxury sedan and the smell of salt and eucalyptus fills the cabin. From Monterey’s harbor the road slips into 17-Mile Drive, where manicured fairways fall away to cliffs that dare the surf below. The driver-guide—local, patient, and unhurried—slides the car into a turnout and the group steps out, facing a coastline that works on its own timetable.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Coastal microclimates change rapidly—bring a windproof layer and a warm mid-layer even on sunny days.
Bring a telephoto or binoculars
Wildlife viewing—sea otters, seals, and occasional whales—benefits from magnification at pullouts.
Carry a card for fees and snacks
The 17-Mile Drive fee and small purchases in Carmel are easiest paid by card; vendor options are limited on the road.
Expect variable road conditions
Sections of Highway 1 can close after storms—confirm timing and alt routes with the operator the morning of your trip.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sea otter
- California sea lion
History
17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach were originally developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by the Southern Pacific’s Pacific Improvement Company; Carmel grew into an artists’ colony in the early 20th century.
Conservation
Point Lobos is a protected reserve with strict stay-on-trail rules; fees and restricted access help fund habitat protection and coastal restoration.
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Adventure Hotspots in Monterey
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered jacket
Windproof and insulating layers keep you comfortable during foggy mornings and windy viewpoints.
Camera with 70–200mm or telephoto zoom
Captures distant wildlife and compresses coastal vistas at pullouts like Bixby Bridge.
Binoculars
Useful for spotting sea otters, birds, and whales from turnout points.
Comfortable walking shoes
Many stops involve short uneven paths and rocky viewpoints requiring stable footwear.