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Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose

5 (32)
San Jose, US
5 (32)
San Jose, US
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Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Big Sur and Monterey California Coast with a private charter excursion from San Jose. This 8-hour tour will take you on a scenic drive along Highway 1, stopping at all the must-see sights including Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer State Park of Coastal Redwoods, Nepenthe, and McWay Falls. Your knowledgeable driver guide will customize the trip to your preferences, making this a truly unique and personalized experience. Marvel at the rugged coastline, wander through majestic redwoods, and capture stunning photos of iconic landmarks. This is not a group tour - it's a private adventure just for you! At the end of the trip, you have the option to take the Coast Starlight train back to San Jose or choose a round trip by SUV. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey along the California coast. Book now and embark on the trip of a lifetime.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 8 hours
  • Suitable for 1-6 Participants
  • Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Scenic drive along the California coast
  • Opportunity to explore Santa Cruz and Monterey
  • Visiting iconic Bixby Bridge
  • Enjoying the beauty of the Coastal Redwoods
  • Seeing the picturesque McWay Falls
  • Private transportation
  • WiFi on board
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • All fees and taxes
  • Return trip by full size SUV OR Coast Starlight train from Salinas to San Jose Diridon Station
  • Trasnsportation by full size SUV
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Gratuity

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More about this experience

Introduction

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Big Sur coast on the Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls tour. This private charter excursion promises an unforgettable experience as you explore one of the most scenic areas in the United States. With an expert local driver guide and a full-size SUV at your disposal, you'll have the freedom to customize your itinerary and visit all the must-see spots. Traveling along Highway 1, you'll pass through picturesque towns like Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Carmel, enjoying stunning coastal and mountain views along the way.

What to Expect?

Expect a full day (8 hours) of awe-inspiring sights and memorable experiences. From driving through Silicon Valley to reaching the coast at Santa Cruz, this tour takes you on a journey through diverse landscapes, including coastal mountains, sandy dunes, and lush redwood forests. You'll have the opportunity to visit famous landmarks like the Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls, where you can capture stunning photos and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Feel free to request stops at any special places you'd like to see and savor a delicious lunch at the charming River Inn or mythical Nepenthe.

Who is this for?

This tour caters to all adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty of coastal landscapes and want a personalized experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, this private excursion ensures that your preferences and interests are fully met. Capture incredible memories with loved ones, explore hidden gems, and indulge in the freedom of creating a customized itinerary that suits your tastes.

Why Book This?

Embark on this tour for a truly unique and immersive exploration of the Big Sur coast. Unlike group tours, this private charter excursion allows you to enjoy the undivided attention of your knowledgeable driver guide, who will ensure that your journey is tailored to your desires. With the flexibility to choose your stops and spend as much time as you wish at each location, you have the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this iconic coastline. Prepare to be swept away by the stunning views, charming towns, and iconic landmarks, all while traveling in comfort and style.

Good to Know

This tour includes a return trip option by SUV or the opportunity to catch the Coast Starlight train back from the Salinas Amtrak station to San Jose Diridon station. The total duration of the tour is approximately 8 hours, allowing ample time to explore the various attractions and soak in the beauty of the coast. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the mesmerizing landscapes and unique sights along the way. Your driver guide will share their local insights and recommendations, ensuring that you have the most enriching and enjoyable experience possible.

Reviews

Customers ravingly applauded the flexibility and personalization of this private tour. With positive feedback centered around the knowledgeable driver guides and the stunning beauty of the Big Sur coast, one can rest assured of an unforgettable experience. Visitors particularly enjoyed the stops at McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge, praising the driver guides for their expertise in selecting the best vantage points for incredible photos. Many expressed their appreciation for the freedom to create a customized itinerary and explore the lesser-known gems of the region. Overall, guests felt that this tour provided an exceptional opportunity to discover the majesty of the Big Sur coastline.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

1) From San Jose - Total time 8 hours. Driver guide will pick you up at San Jose Diridon Station at about 9:30 a.m. Driving through Silicon Valley and The Redwoods you reach the coast at Santa Cruz. Along Highway 1 you go through Aptos, Capitola, and agricultural area to Elkhorn Slough and Moss Beach. Soon you are in Castroville driving through miles of artichoke and strawberry fields. Along the coast you see sand dunes on the west and Salinas Valley with the coastal mountain range to the east. Salinas River empties into Monterey Bay. Past California State University of Monterey in what used to be Fort Ord through Marina and Seaside you reach Monterey and Carmel by 11:30. Continue on Highway One through Point Lobos, Garrapata and Rocky Point to Bixby Bridge.

Monterey

Further south you can wander in the Redwoods, have lunch at The River Inn or at Nepenthe or ask the driver to take you to any special place you want to see. By about 3:30 you return to Monterey. Time permitting you can take an alternate drive through 17 Mile Drive and see Pebble Beach.

Bixby Bridge

This iconic single span concrete bridge built during 1940s is seen in many movies and commercials. You stop at both ends for views and taking photos.

McWay Falls

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Admission Included

Reviews

(32)

5 (32)

Sunshine303730

Absolutely 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.

Leslie_C

On 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.

773grgf

Driver 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.

X7012SKneilh

Monterey, 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.

Allison_C

This 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!

ruedafam

We really enjoyed the trip. Our Driver-Carlos really knew his way around the different areas. We had a wonderful experience and saw some fantastic views. He is also an excellent driver.

J6331VBjulianf

The 80-foot waterfall cascading gracefully onto McWay Beach, with its shimmering turquoise waters and the lush green forests, creates a picture-postcard scene that seems almost too perfect to be real. Also, make sure to take the time to visit the McWay Falls Overlook – a short, easily accessible trail that treats you to a panoramic view of the waterfall and the cove below. It's a spot that's perfect for capturing breathtaking photographs!

Christina_N

Our family (my husband, brother, and me) were delighted with the beautiful, relaxing, and memorable wonders of Big Sur. Ben reached out before our tour to ensure that we had a full understanding of the itinerary, coordinate our pick up time and location, and asked if we had any specific questions or requests. Carlos, our driver and tour guide, was a delight. He met us where we were staying, made sure we got from point to point easily and comfortably, had a wonderful sense of humor, and ensured that we all had a great time. We saw so many incredible vistas during the day from Bixby Bridge to McStay Falls, redwoods, the PCH coastline, and so much more. We enjoyed a few short and easy hikes/walks (this is up to you), a couple of glasses of wine with a lovely lunch and gorgeous weather. Not having to drive ourselves so we could enjoy the views without worrying about traffic, where to park or figuring out directions, and just absorb the beauty of Big Sur, was glorious. We all came back from the day relaxed and rejuvenated. My husband said it was one of the best days he's had in a long time! Booking the tour with California Pacific Excursions was one of the best decisions we could have made to truly enjoy our Big Sur experience. Thank you Ben and Carlos!

Gerard_L

Mcway falls. Bixby bridge. Both beautiful. Make sure to call tour operator 2 hours before to insure they come on time

dav232016

Ben at California Pacific Tours was informative and super responsive as he helped plan our trip via phone, text and email. Ben and my family mapped out a rough itinerary in advance for our family group of 6. The day of our tour, Carlos picked us up at our vacation rental in Watsonville. We knew in general terms what we were hoping to see, but we asked Carlos for his recommendations as the tour progressed. Carlos incorporated Point Lobos at our specific request, and then gave us an overview of upcoming areas of interest. We could pick and choose our stops as the day progressed. Carlos knew things like the ease or difficulty of trails, what we should look for on the trails, approximate price range in shops and restaurants, and even where the cleanest bathrooms are. Carlos suggested stops at several places we would have missed had we driven the route on our own (McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach among others). All of the stops we made were well worth experiencing. With my mom being a senior, we needed to know what to expect as far as walking to and from view sites. Some view sites require no walking, but where there are trails, Carlos told us in advance what to expect so we could decide. Most times we were dropped off at the door or trail entrance, which made things nice. We consider this tour a top highlight of our Monterey trip. Highly recommend to other travelers. Thanks Ben & Carlos.
Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners
2024-06-03 07:23