Monterey & Carmel Explorer

Our Monterey & Carmel Explorer Tour will take you along California's Pacific Coast on your way to historic Monterey & picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea along with a drive through Pacific Grove in between. Monterey Bay has great geologic and biological significance: it has an incredible abundance of sea life just offshore in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which borders 276 miles of California’s spectacular coastline. Several waves of industrial-scale whaling and fishing exploited the bounty of the huge undersea trench offshore. John Steinbeck (Grapes of Wrath) grew up in Salinas and spent much of his creative effort writing about the Monterey area. You’ll start the day traveling south on the famous Pacific Coast Highway, California Highway 1 (fog permitting). You will set foot in Monterey for about two hours, which gives you plenty of time to visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium (optional; please select your option on the right). Or opt to stroll among the shops along historic Cannery Row, grab a fresh seafood lunch or just wander along Ocean View Boulevard all the way to Lover's Point Beach. After, you will follow the coast through the beautiful little town of Pacific Grove on the way to the 17-Mile Drive. This famous road winds its way between magnificent homes and the spectacular coastline, between the greens and tees of world famous golf courses like Spyglass Hill, and among the last remaining forest of a rare species of trees, the Monterey Cypress, which is sculpted by relentless pacific breezes into fanciful shapes. The Lone Cypress is a very poignant example of one of these hardy trees hanging on to life (with the help of human engineering) in a seemingly impossible location. Upon arrival in the enchanted town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, you can explore the boutique shops on Ocean Avenue or be dazzled by the white sandy beach. If there is time and interest, we can visit the historic Carmel Mission as the last stop. Come and join our Monterey & Carmel Explorer Tour now for an exquisite experience.