Exploring Monterey and Carmel by bike is a fantastic way to see some of California’s most stunning coastlines, iconic landmarks, and charming neighborhoods. These areas are perfect for cycling thanks to their relatively flat terrain, scenic vistas, and abundance of well-maintained bike paths and small roads. Whether you’re after a guided experience that covers highlights along the famous 17-Mile Drive or a relaxed ride through Carmel’s fairy-tale cottages, there’s a bike tour suited for nearly every type of traveler. Plus, the region’s mild climate means biking can be pleasant nearly year-round, making it a reliable choice for a memorable outdoor adventure.
From family-friendly electric bike excursions to more specialized dog-friendly rides, these tours combine comfort, fun, and insight. They’re a great way to cover more ground than walking, learn about local history, or simply enjoy the ocean air. Be sure to plan ahead, especially during peak seasons, as many tours are popular and book up quickly.
1. Monterey’s 17 Mile Drive Electric Bike Tour, 2.5-3 hour
At number 1, this electric bike tour of 17-Mile Drive is a standout for its combination of ease, scenery, and family-friendliness. Starting from Pacific Grove, the tour makes it easy to cover the 8-mile scenic stretch with an electric bike that helps you breeze past hills and long stretches of coast. The guide points out key highlights like the Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay, and China Rock, with stops at impressive viewpoints where you can take photos or just soak in the views.
The tour’s ability to accommodate tandem riding with children (up to 120 lbs) and inclusive gear like helmets and gloves makes it ideal for families or those new to e-biking. Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides like Zane, who make the experience fun and informative, and many mention how the e-bike makes the ride accessible for all fitness levels. The tour’s value lies in the mix of scenic stops, local stories, and the fun of riding without exhaustion—plus, the price of $59 per person is quite reasonable for a three-hour guided adventure.
Bottom Line: A family-friendly, scenic, and affordable way to see one of California’s most iconic coastlines without breaking a sweat.
2. Carmel-by-the-Sea 2.5-3 Hour Electric Bike Tour
This Carmel-by-the-Sea e-bike tour offers a delightful ride through one of California’s most picturesque towns. The guide takes you along the Golden Rectangle, passing landmarks like the Carmel Mission Basilica, the Devendorf Park, and the scenic coastline along Scenic Drive. The use of an electric bike allows you to explore more ground comfortably, including the town’s fairy-tale cottages, such as the famous Hansel & Gretel houses.
Guests love the relaxed pace and the personable guides like Suzy, who share stories about the area’s architecture and early history. The tour also includes a brief stop at the historic Carmel Mission, which is a highlight for history enthusiasts. At $79, this tour offers a rich experience that balances sightseeing with storytelling, making it an excellent choice for those wanting an in-depth yet leisurely exploration of Carmel.
Bottom Line: Perfect for lovers of architecture and coastal scenery, this tour offers a relaxed and picturesque ride through Carmel’s charming streets.
3. Monterey 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour
Number 3 on the list, the guided electric bike tour of 17-Mile Drive provides a small-group experience focused on both scenery and storytelling. Starting in Monterey, you’ll follow your guide along the famed route, with stops at Pebble Beach and iconic points like Lovers Point and the John Denver Memorial. This 2.5-hour tour emphasizes a more personal experience, with small groups limited to ten riders, ensuring plenty of attention from your guide.
Guests note the tour’s informative commentary and ability to cover a lot of ground in a short time. The e-bike helps you navigate the hills and long stretches effortlessly, with reviews consistently praising the helpfulness of staff and the quality of the bikes. The tour is especially suited for those who want a guided, enriching experience of the coast’s highlights without the physical strain of traditional biking.
Bottom Line: An intimate, guided experience that combines scenery, history, and comfort—ideal for those seeking a personalized coastal ride.
4. Carmel-By-The-Sea Electric Bike Guided Tour
This Carmel-by-the-Sea guided e-bike tour is perfect for those who want to see Carmel’s distinctive architecture and coastline in under three hours. Starting from the bike shop, the guide takes you past historic cottages like the Hugh Comstock fairy-tale houses and along the scenic Carmel coastline, including stops at Carmel River State Beach and Mission Ranch. The electric bikes make traversing Carmel’s gentle hills easy, allowing you to focus on the sights and stories.
Guests highlight how Leslie’s tour was both informative and fun, with a good pace and plenty of time at key sights. The tour’s inclusive approach and small-group format ensure a personalized experience. For $75, it offers great value for a compact yet comprehensive tour that balances architecture, seaside scenery, and local lore.
Bottom Line: A charming way to discover Carmel’s unique homes, beaches, and history without the physical strain, suitable for all ages and abilities.
5. Monterey Bay Famous Dog Friendly Electric Bike and Sidecar Tour
Number 5 features a uniquely dog-friendly experience designed for pet owners wanting to bring their best friend along. The Dog-Friendly Bike & Sidecar Tour offers a relaxed two-hour ride around Carmel Beach and Scenic Road Walkway, with your dog comfortably seated in a custom sidecar. The tour includes stops at Carmel Beach and Carmel River State Beach, where dogs are welcome to run free or relax.
Guests love how easy it is for their dogs to join, and many mention how much their pets enjoyed the experience. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to include their furry friends and see the coast at a slow, enjoyable pace. Priced at $125, it’s a bit more than standard tours but offers a unique, pet-centric twist.
Bottom Line: Ideal for dog owners wanting a scenic, pet-friendly ride that incorporates some of Carmel’s best beaches.
6. 4 hour Electric Bike Rental on 17 Mile Drive
Looking for freedom to explore at your own pace? The 4-hour e-bike rental along 17-Mile Drive gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary. This option is best for confident riders who prefer to stop and start at their leisure, perhaps grabbing lunch at Pebble Beach or lingering at viewpoints.
Guests find the bikes in good shape and appreciate the helpful staff. With four hours, you can comfortably cover the famous stretch, stop for photos, and enjoy some local eateries along the way. The price of $55 offers good value for a self-guided experience, especially for those who want to customize their trip.
Bottom Line: Perfect for independent explorers who want to set their own pace and see more of the coast on their own schedule.
7. 17-mile Drive Electric Bike Rental (4 hours) Best Place to Start!
This 4-hour e-bike rental for 17-Mile Drive is a popular starting point because it offers the ideal amount of time to explore without rushing. Riders rave about how easy it is to rent the bikes and how well the staff guides you through the process. It’s a great way to experience the full beauty of the coastline, with plenty of stops along the way.
For $55, you get the flexibility to create your own adventure, stopping at favorite spots or taking detours. Reviewers mention how enjoyable and straightforward it is to ride these bikes, even for beginners. This option is best suited for those who want independence but with the reassurance of quality bikes and support.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for self-guided exploration, especially if you want to spend ample time taking in the scenery at your own pace.
8. Big Sur’s Old Coast Road eBike Tour
Number 8 offers a guided e-bike tour of Big Sur’s Old Coast Road, perfect for those craving more remote and rugged scenery. Starting from a pullout on the Pacific Coast Highway, this three-hour tour takes you along the historic wagon road used before Hwy 1 was built. Highlights include vast ocean vistas, the Andrew Molera State Park, and the chance to see cows grazing as you ride.
The guide shares insights about the area’s natural beauty and history, making it more than just a scenic ride. The ride covers about 10 miles with some loose dirt and gravel, so moderate cycling experience helps. Many reviewers mention how the guide Noah was knowledgeable and flexible, even letting riders control their pace on climbs.
Bottom Line: Excellent for adventurous travelers who want a guided ride that goes beyond the typical coast, with off-road and historical charm.
9. Big Sur Electric Bike Tour Along Old Coast Road
Finally, the Big Sur Electric Bike Tour combines off-road exploration with the comfort of an electric bike. Over 2-3 hours, you’ll ride about 5 miles along the historic Old Coast Road, enjoying sweeping views of Big Sur and the Little Sur River Valley. The guide provides rich commentary on the area’s beauty, geology, and history.
While the ride involves some uneven terrain and the possibility of dust or mud depending on the season, the experience rewards you with scenic overlooks and a sense of adventure. Guests appreciate the knowledgeable guide and the ability to see the natural landscape with minimal fatigue. The tour is suited for those comfortable with moderate off-road riding.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a bit of off-road excitement combined with scenic vistas and meaningful commentary, this tour hits the mark.
How to Choose
When selecting your ideal bike tour in Monterey or Carmel, consider your budget, fitness level, and interest. If you want a comprehensive, guided experience with storytelling, tours like the Monterey 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour or Carmel-by-the-Sea Guided E-bike Tour are great. For those seeking flexibility and independence, self-guided rentals like 17-mile Drive Electric Bike Rental (4 hours) offer freedom to explore at your own pace.
Travelers with pets should consider the Dog-Friendly Bike & Sidecar Tour, while families seeking a light, fun experience might prefer the Electric Bike Tour of 17-Mile Drive. Budget-conscious riders will find good value with shorter rentals, and adventure seekers will enjoy the off-road options like the Big Sur Old Coast Road Tour.
Booking early, especially in peak seasons, is advised to secure your preferred date and ensure availability.
The Sum Up
From guided scenic rides to personalized self-guided rentals, Monterey and Carmel offer a variety of bike tours that highlight the region’s best features. For those who want a relaxed introduction, the electric 17-Mile Drive tours are hard to beat, especially with their excellent reviews and value. If you’re after something more off the beaten path, the Big Sur rides give you a sense of adventure and rugged beauty.
Travelers interested in architecture and coastal charm will love the Carmel tours, while pet owners can enjoy the Dog-Friendly Sidecar Tour. No matter your style or budget, booking in advance will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride along California’s stunning coast. Happy pedaling!