17 Mile and Pebble Beach Tour from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with spectacular scenery, luxurious sights, and a taste of California’s renowned coastline, the 17 Mile and Pebble Beach Tour from Los Angeles to San Francisco offers just that. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the itinerary promises a well-organized journey through some of California’s most iconic coastal sights.

What makes this tour appealing? First, it combines the convenience of door-to-door pickup in Los Angeles with a carefully curated sightseeing experience. Second, the chance to walk around Pebble Beach’s legendary golf course and the Lodge at Pebble Beach adds a touch of exclusivity. Lastly, the scenic drive along 17-Mile Drive offers breathtaking views that are hard to beat.

However, consider that this is a long, full-day excursion (about 8 to 10 hours), which might be tiring, especially if you’re not used to early mornings and extended travel. It’s best suited for travelers who want a seamless, guided experience with minimal planning, and who don’t mind a busy day of sightseeing. This tour is perfect for those craving iconic coastal views and a taste of luxury without the hassle of driving themselves.

Good To Know

• Comfortable, guided transportation makes it easy to enjoy the scenery without the stress of navigating traffic.
• Visit Pebble Beach’s Lodge and experience some of California’s most famous golf course views and multimillion-dollar mansions.
• Scenic drive along 17-Mile Drive offers postcard-worthy vistas of the Pacific Ocean, Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, and Del Monte Forest.
• The tour includes admission to Pebble Beach, making it a convenient, all-in-one experience.
• Timing is tight but flexible with plenty of stops for photos and exploring, fitting comfortably into an 8-10 hour window.
• A balanced group size (up to 55 travelers) ensures a fun, social atmosphere without feeling overcrowded.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting from Los Angeles

The journey kicks off early in the morning with pickup from your specified hotel or location in Los Angeles. This is a major plus because you won’t need to worry about finding parking or navigating through busy city streets. The transport is either a passenger van, minibus, or larger coach, depending on group size, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone.

Travel time from LA to Monterey Peninsula is roughly 6-7 hours, including rest stops and traffic considerations. While this is a long day, having a professional driver and guide at the wheel means you can relax, take in the scenery, and avoid the stress of driving yourself.

Exploring Pebble Beach and The Lodge at Pebble Beach

Once you arrive at Pebble Beach, you’ll get about 60 minutes at The Lodge at Pebble Beach. This iconic resort is a highlight and definitely worth the visit, even if just for a quick look around. The tour includes admission, so you can walk inside and soak up the atmosphere of a golf course community famed worldwide.

According to travelers, the Lodge offers an opportunity to see the luxurious side of California’s coast. Some reviews mention the “amazing ocean views,” and many appreciate the chance to snap photos of the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links. The setting is picture-perfect, with manicured lawns, rugged coastline, and historic charm.

The Scenic 17-Mile Drive

Next, we take a leisurely drive along 17-Mile Drive, which is often called one of the world’s most beautiful coastal routes. This drive hugs the Pacific coast, offering panoramic views, dramatic cliffs, and glimpses of luxury mansions owned by the wealthy elite.

Key sights along the route include the Lone Cypress, a centuries-old tree perched on a rock outcrop; Bird Rock, home to a colony of seals and sea lions; and the Del Monte Forest, a lush stretch of Monterey Cypress trees. The drive is narrated or guided (depending on the tour), adding context to the scenery.

Travelers love the stunning vistas and photo opportunities, with some noting the drive’s calm pace allows plenty of time to appreciate each viewpoint. The only potential drawback is that the drive can get congested, especially during peak tourist seasons, but the tour’s schedule helps mitigate this issue.

Ending the Trip in San Francisco

After completing the scenic drive and visit, the group is dropped off in San Francisco, closing the tour. There’s no return trip back to Los Angeles included, so you can start your exploration of San Francisco or continue your California adventure from there.

Practicalities and Value

Price-wise, the $164 per person rate covers transportation, admission to Pebble Beach, and a guide, which makes it quite reasonable considering the inclusions and the ease of a guided day out. It’s worth noting that separate costs like food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included, so it’s wise to budget extra for meals or snacks.

The tour operates with a minimum of two travelers, which makes it accessible for small groups, couples, or solo travelers wanting to join a shared experience. The group size can be up to 55, which provides a friendly, social atmosphere but still feels manageable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who want a stress-free, guided day that covers some of California’s most iconic coastal sights without the hassle of driving. It’s perfect for those interested in luxury resorts, coastal scenery, and convenient transportation.

While it’s a full day, the pace is well-managed, making it suitable for most fitness levels—just be prepared for early starts and long hours on the road. If you’re a fan of photo opportunities, scenic drives, and sightseeing at a comfortable pace, this is a good fit.

The Sum Up

The 17 Mile and Pebble Beach Tour from Los Angeles to San Francisco offers a thoughtfully curated glimpse into California’s coastal luxury and natural beauty. With included admission to Pebble Beach, a scenic drive along one of the world’s most renowned routes, and expert guidance, it provides a practical and enjoyable way to see some of the best sights without worrying about logistics.

The experience is invaluable for those wanting a snapshot of the California coast with ease and comfort, especially if visiting San Francisco is your ultimate destination. Even with a packed schedule, the stunning views, luxurious stops, and knowledgeable guides make it a worthwhile investment.

This tour is ideal for travelers who value convenience, scenic beauty, and a taste of California’s high-end lifestyle, all within a single day.

FAQ

Does the tour include transportation from Los Angeles?
Yes, the tour provides pickup from designated hotels or locations in Los Angeles, with transportation arranged in a passenger vehicle or larger coach depending on group size.

How long is the drive from Los Angeles to the Monterey Peninsula?
Travel time is approximately 6-7 hours, including stops, traffic, and rest breaks.

What attractions are included in the tour?
The main highlights are the visit to Pebble Beach’s Lodge, a drive along 17-Mile Drive with scenic stops, and the drop-off in San Francisco.

Is admission to Pebble Beach included?
Yes, the tour fee covers admission to the Lodge at Pebble Beach, allowing you to explore the estate and enjoy the views.

Are meals included?
No, food and beverages are not included, so travelers should plan to bring snacks, water, or purchase food along the way.

What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 55 travelers, but most bookings are smaller, creating a friendly and less crowded atmosphere.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and drinks for hydration are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women under 24 weeks are also welcome.