San Fran Monterey: Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour

Discover the breathtaking coastal drive between San Francisco and Monterey with the Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour. This flexible, self-guided experience allows you to explore charming towns, enjoy scenic views, and encounter diverse marine life – all at your own pace. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply seeking a relaxing road trip, this 3-hour journey promises an unforgettable adventure along California’s stunning coastline.

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Good To Know

Scenic 3-hour self-guided journey along the California coastline from San Francisco to Monterey, including charming coastal towns and must-see natural attractions.
Flexible tour with downloadable audio guide, allowing travelers to start and stop at any point along the route, including Monterey and San Francisco.
Wheelchair accessible experience with adaptability to accommodate individual preferences and needs for a wide range of travelers.
Affordable pricing starting from $11.85 per group (up to 20 participants) with a pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Mixed customer feedback regarding the app’s usability, with some finding the self-guided format challenging, while others appreciated the flexibility in starting and stopping locations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour offers a 3-hour journey along the scenic California coastline, starting from San Francisco and ending in Monterey.

Priced from $11.85 per group (up to 20 participants), the tour provides an audio guide and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Customers can reserve now and pay later.

Along the way, travelers will explore charming cities, coastal towns, and must-see sights like the California Coast Range and Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve.

The self-guided tour is accessible via smartphone and requires no data usage during the experience.

Looking for more options in Monterey? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Experience Highlights

Along the Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour, travelers can explore scenic views, charming cities, and coastal towns such as El Granada, Half-Moon Bay, San Gregorio, Pescadero, Davenport, and Santa Cruz.

Explore scenic views, charming cities, and coastal towns along the Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour.

The tour offers the opportunity to:

Discover must-see sights like the California Coast Range, California Coastal National Monument, Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and Greyhound Rock State Marine Conservation Area.
Enjoy birdwatching at the Moss Landing Wildlife Area.
Learn about marine life at Whale Trail sites and tidal pools.

Tour Features

The Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour features a downloadable self-guided tour that users can access via their smartphones.

With lifetime access, travelers can explore the scenic route at their own pace. No data is used during the tour, as the initial download only requires WiFi or mobile signal.

Customers can access customer service by phone or text if any issues arise.

While some reviewers found the app challenging to navigate, the tour’s flexibility allows users to start and stop anywhere along the route, making it wheelchair accessible.

Meeting Point & Accessibility

Travelers can start or stop the Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour at either Monterey (Highway 1 at Highway 68) or San Francisco, with the flexibility to begin anywhere along the scenic route.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring equal access for all participants.

The tour features:

The ability to start or end the journey at various points along the Pacific Coast Highway
Seamless accessibility for travelers using wheelchairs or other mobility devices
Adaptability to accommodate individual preferences and needs throughout the self-guided experience

This flexibility and inclusivity make the Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour an appealing option for a wide range of travelers.

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Customer Feedback

What do customers say about the Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour? Based on 2 reviews, the overall rating is 4 out of 5.

Some travelers found the app challenging to navigate without tech skills, indicating mixed feedback regarding usability. While the tour allows for flexibility in starting and stopping locations, a few customers seemed to struggle with the self-guided, smartphone-based format.

There's plenty more to explore in Monterey

Scenic Views and Natural Wonders

A highlight of the Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour is the chance to explore the region’s scenic coastal landscapes and natural wonders.

The tour takes visitors through:

Breathtaking vistas of the California Coast Range, where the rugged mountains meet the Pacific Ocean.

Breathtaking vistas of the California Coast Range, where the rugged mountains meet the Pacific Ocean.
The California Coastal National Monument, a network of small islands and rock outcroppings teeming with marine life.
The Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a haven for birdwatchers with its diverse array of waterfowl and shorebirds.

These natural treasures provide a chance to take in the beauty and diversity of the California coastline.

Exploring Charming Coastal Towns

As travelers meander along the Pacific Coast Highway, they’re treated to a delightful array of charming coastal towns.

The quaint village of El Granada offers stunning ocean vistas and a peaceful respite.

Half-Moon Bay’s historic main street is lined with boutiques and cafes.

In San Gregorio, visitors can explore a serene redwood forest.

Pescadero boasts a bustling farmer’s market and centuries-old Duarte’s Tavern.

Further north, Davenport’s laid-back atmosphere and dramatic cliffs draw nature enthusiasts.

And in Santa Cruz, the lively boardwalk and pier provide endless entertainment.

These picturesque towns showcase the diverse character of California’s stunning coastline.

Marine Life and Birdwatching Opportunities

The Pacific Coast Highway offers abundant opportunities for spotting diverse marine life and birdwatching.

Along this scenic route, travelers can:

Observe whales, dolphins, and sea lions at Whale Trail sites, where these magnificent creatures can often be seen breaching the waves.
Explore tidal pools teeming with a variety of vibrant starfish, anemones, and crabs.
Hike through the Moss Landing Wildlife Area, a prime destination for birdwatchers to spot a myriad of seabirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl.

Enjoy the natural beauty and abundant wildlife that make this coastal drive truly captivating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Stop and Explore Along the Way During the Tour?

Yes, the tour allows participants to stop and explore along the way. The self-driving format provides the flexibility to visit scenic spots, coastal towns, and other highlights at your own pace during the 3-hour experience.

Do I Need to Download Any App or Software to Access the Tour?

Yes, you’ll need to download the tour’s self-guided app to access the audio guide and route. The app can be downloaded prior to your trip and doesn’t use any data during the tour.

Is There a Way to Get Audio Narration in Other Languages?

The tour offers an audio guide in English only. Currently, there is no option to access the narration in other languages. Customers would need to rely on their own language resources during the self-guided experience.

Are There Any Recommended Stops for Dining or Shopping?

The tour highlights scenic coastal towns with opportunities for dining and shopping. Recommended stops include Half Moon Bay for seaside restaurants and boutiques, and Santa Cruz for its lively boardwalk and eclectic shops.

How Do I Access the Tour if I Don’t Have a Smartphone?

Unfortunately, this self-guided tour is only accessible via a smartphone. If you don’t have one, you won’t be able to access the audio guide or navigation during the drive. Consider taking a guided tour or exploring the area independently without the tour features.

The Sum Up

The San Francisco to Monterey Pacific Coast Self-Driving Tour offers an unforgettable journey along California’s stunning coastline. Travelers can explore charming towns, witness breathtaking scenery, and spot marine life at their own pace. With options starting at just $11.85 and the flexibility to start or stop anywhere, this self-guided tour caters to all travelers, making it an excellent choice for a memorable coastal adventure.