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

If you’re eyeing a day trip that combines stunning coastlines, luxury golf courses, and iconic California scenery, this 17 Mile and Pebble Beach Tour could be just what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, I’ve looked into it thoroughly, and it certainly offers a compelling way to experience some of California’s most celebrated sights in one day.

What I especially like about this tour is how it balances scenic drives with a chance to walk through world-famous spots like Pebble Beach, all wrapped up in a manageable 8-10 hour itinerary. Plus, having professional guides and comfortable transportation makes the journey feel smooth rather than rushed. A potential consideration is the long day—if you’re not a fan of extensive travel or aren’t able to handle a full day on the road, this might be a bit much.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive sightseeing experience without the hassle of planning multiple stops themselves. If you enjoy picturesque drives, learning a bit about the area, and seeing some of California’s most opulent homes and natural beauty, this could be a solid choice.

Key Points

• Convenient all-in-one experience covering Los Angeles, the scenic 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, and San Francisco.
• Includes guided commentary, enriching your understanding of the sights along the coast.
• Comfortable transportation with small-group or larger coach options.
• Value-packed at $164 per person, considering admission fees and guided service.
• Long day but filled with notable sights—perfect for those who love scenic travel.
• No return to LA, ending in San Francisco, which is ideal if you’re planning to continue your trip there.

What to Expect from the Tour

This trip kicks off early in the morning—around 6:45 am—which means quite a long day on the road. You’ll start in Los Angeles, with pickups arranged at selected locations. The journey northward is broken into several highlights that make the entire experience worthwhile.

The Scenic Drive Begins

From LA, you’ll cruise along California’s amazing coastline, heading toward the Monterey Peninsula. This stretch is known for its sea breezes, roaring waves, and the odd rock formation—think of it as a postcard scene that never gets old. We love the way this trip emphasizes the natural beauty, passing by bizarre rocks and playful seals lounging on beaches, which adds that lively coastal atmosphere.

The Star: 17-Mile Drive

The core of this experience is the 17-Mile Drive, a world-renowned route hugging the Pacific and dotted with famous golf courses, seaside mansions, and scenic stops. It’s no exaggeration to say that the views here are stunning—think rugged coastline, lush greenery, and iconic landmarks.

Pebble Beach and The Lodge

Your visit to The Lodge at Pebble Beach includes a 60-minute stop, giving you time to explore the luxury resort and take in the views. Pebble Beach isn’t just about golf; it’s also a symbol of California’s affluent lifestyle, with opulent homes lining the coast. During the stop, you can walk around the golf courses or just soak in the scenery at your leisure. Keep in mind, admission to Pebble Beach is included, and many reviews mention how impressive the views are from every vantage point here.

The Journey Continues to San Francisco

After soaking in the sights at Pebble Beach, the tour continues onward to San Francisco, where the trip concludes. You won’t be returning to Los Angeles, making this a great option if San Francisco is your next destination. The drive takes between 8 and 10 hours—perfectly paced for a day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.

The Practical Side: Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

The tour includes professional transportation—either a minivan, van, or full-sized bus—making it accessible and comfortable. The group size can go up to 55 travelers, which isn’t tiny but still manageable for conversation and personal attention from guides.

Starting early at 6:45 am, you’ll enjoy a full day packed with scenic stops, guided commentary, and time at Pebble Beach. The admission fees are included, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs at the attractions.

Considerations for Travelers

Most travelers find that the guided aspect enhances the experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Reviews praise guides for their knowledge and friendliness, often mentioning how they make the drive more engaging.

However, keep in mind that long hours on the bus are part of the package. If you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer shorter outings, this might be less ideal. Also, since the tour ends in San Francisco, you’ll need transportation arrangements if you want to return to LA later.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price:

• Admission to Pebble Beach and the Lodge
• Guided commentary from a professional driver-guide
• Transportation by a comfortable vehicle

Extras to consider:

• Food and drinks (not included, so bring cash or snacks)
• Gratuities for your guide
• Personal expenses or souvenirs

The tour’s value shines in the admission fees and guided service, making it a good deal compared to booking all these elements separately. Still, it’s primarily a sightseeing day—if you’re looking for a culinary adventure or a more relaxed pace, you might want to explore other options.

How the Day Unfolds

The day starts early, with pickups in LA. After departing, the focus is on enjoying the scenery and learning from your guide. Expect to spend about an hour exploring Pebble Beach and the Lodge, capturing photos of the iconic Lone Cypress and the ocean views.

The 17-Mile Drive itself is about 20 miles long, but it feels like much more because of the stunning vistas and points of interest. Many travelers comment on how breathtaking the coastal views are, with some describing it as a “perfect photo opportunity.”

Post-Pebble Beach, the drive toward San Francisco involves stops for rest, eating, and stretching your legs. The last leg is a bit longer, but the scenery continues to impress, making the long hours feel worthwhile.

The Experience from the Traveler’s Perspective

Based on reviews, guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, which can make a big difference on a long day. One reviewer shared: “The guide was so engaging and informative; it made the drive fly by.” Others highlight how the views exceeded expectations, noting that the combination of ocean vistas, mansions, and golf courses creates a luxurious, postcard-worthy backdrop.

Some travelers do mention that the tour is quite long, especially if you’re not used to extensive road trips. However, for those who love coastlines and scenery, the drive itself becomes part of the adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is excellent for scenery lovers, first-time visitors, and those wanting a hassle-free way to see the coast. If you’re comfortable with a long day on a bus, you’ll find this a comfortable way to pack in some of California’s most iconic sights.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate guided commentary, want to avoid the logistics of self-driving, or are short on time but eager to see the coast’s highlights. If luxury and scenic beauty are your priorities, Pebble Beach and the 17-Mile Drive deliver.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of California’s coast, combining natural beauty, luxury, and easy logistics. While it’s a full day, the stops are thoughtfully curated, and the guided aspect helps make the long hours enjoyable rather than exhausting.

If you’re someone who wants to see the best of California’s coastline without the hassle of planning, this tour provides a practical and scenic solution. It’s especially appealing if you’re ending your day in San Francisco or just want a straightforward way to experience the iconic 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the tour is open to most travelers, it’s designed for those comfortable with a full, long day on the bus. Kids who enjoy scenery and are okay with extended travel should be fine, but the itinerary doesn’t specifically cater to children.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, along with sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It’s also smart to carry cash for snacks or souvenirs and drinks for hydration.

Does the tour include transportation back to LA?
No, the tour concludes in San Francisco, so you’ll need separate arrangements if you want to return to Los Angeles.

How long is the drive from LA to Pebble Beach and San Francisco?
The entire trip is around 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic, stops, and how long you spend at each attraction.

Are admission fees included?
Yes, the fee for Pebble Beach and The Lodge at Pebble Beach is included in the price.

What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 55 travelers, which makes it a semi-group experience—large enough to be lively but still manageable.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

If scenic coastlines, iconic views, and seamlessly guided day trips sound appealing, this 17 Mile and Pebble Beach Tour is worth considering. It’s a practical way to tick off some of California’s most photographed spots in just a day.