“Family Friendly” Scenic E-Bike Tour along 17 Mile Dr

If you’re dreaming of soaking in some of California’s most breathtaking coastline without the hassle of driving, this eBike tour along 17 Mile Drive might just be what you need. While we haven’t personally pedaled these exact bikes ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions make it clear this experience offers a relaxed way to enjoy iconic sights. Perfect for those who appreciate scenic beauty without the physical strain, it’s especially appealing for families, groups, or anyone looking to explore at a gentle pace.

What really caught our eye are the stunning views of the ocean and the chance to see the filming locations of the HBO hit “Big Little Lies.” Plus, the small group setting and knowledgeable guides promise a more personal experience, which we think adds a lot of value. One thing to consider is the tour’s pace—if you’re after a quick, high-energy ride, this might not be your best fit, as it’s designed to be slow and leisurely. It’s well-suited for travelers who want to take their time soaking in scenery and learning about the area, making it ideal for families with older kids or anyone new to eBiking.

Key Points

• Beautiful coastal scenery and iconic sights make this a memorable ride.
• Guided experience ensures you learn interesting facts and see filming locations.
• The relaxed pacing is great for sightseeing and less experienced riders.
• Small group size offers a more personal, engaging tour.
• The included gear and safety briefings help you feel secure and prepared.
• Price point offers good value for a 3-hour guided adventure with all essentials included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour

What’s Included and Why It Matters

For $79 per person, you get a well-rounded experience that covers e-bike rental, a guided tour, helmets, safety briefing, water, and snacks. This transparency in what’s included is a big plus; no hidden costs, and everything you need for a comfortable ride is provided. The tour lasts about 3 hours, which strikes a nice balance between seeing plenty without feeling rushed or exhausted.

The small group of no more than 10 participants means you’ll have more room to enjoy the ride, ask questions, and get a personalized experience. Several reviewers rave about their guides—one called Taylor “a fabulous guide,” and others appreciate how knowledgeable and motivated their guides were. That personalized touch really enhances the tour, making the sightseeing more than just a ride.

Starting Point and Logistics

Meeting at Big Sur Adventures on Cannery Row, near the Monterey Bay Aquarium, makes this a convenient option if you’re already exploring Monterey. The bikes are lined up along the porch facing Ocean View Blvd, easy to find with your map app. The tour begins on the Monterey Coastal Rec Trail, then winds along Oceanview Blvd through Marine Gardens Park all the way to Bird Rock.

You’ll be riding on a mix of separated bike lanes and shared roads, with a speed limit of 25 mph. The route is about 16 miles round trip and is designed to be friendly for those who are new or a little cautious. The pace is slow enough to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and listen to your guide’s commentary.

The Scenic Highlights

The main attractions along the route include famous filming locations from “Big Little Lies,” which adds a fun pop culture twist to the ride. Fans of the show or anyone interested in movie trivia will find this particularly engaging. You’ll also pass the beaches where many of the beach running scenes were shot, giving you a chance to see the rugged coastline and pristine sands that make this stretch so photogenic.

Another highlight is the views of the mansions and golf courses in Pebble Beach, which are breathtaking from a distance. While the tour doesn’t necessarily stop at every landmark—like the Lone Cypress or Pebble Beach Lodge—those can be seen from various viewpoints along the drive.

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What to Expect During the Ride

The tour is designed with a relaxed, easy pace in mind. Expect winding roads with plenty of stops at viewpoints, so you can take photos and soak in the scenery. The guides share information about local ocean wildlife, landmarks, and the history of the coastline, making it both a visually and intellectually stimulating experience.

The bikes are electric, which means you’ll need minimal effort to pedal, especially on uphill sections, making this accessible even for beginners. We loved the way the e-bikes make the entire route manageable, even for those who might typically find long rides tiring.

Kid and Family Considerations

This tour is technically family-friendly, with a minimum rider height of 4’10” and weight limit of 350 lbs. Parents can book tandem bikes with their children or solo bikes if children are over 4’10” and comfortable riding on an eBike. The “child rate” applies to children between 40 and 120 lbs riding tandem with a parent.

While not every child may be ready to handle an eBike, most families with older kids (12+) who are comfortable on bikes should find this a fun outing. For younger children, the provider offers cargo e-bikes with seats, making it easier to bring little ones along safely.

Durability and Comfort

The bikes are described as super bikes—reliable and well-maintained—which is reassuring for a smooth ride. The gear includes helmets and a safety briefing, ensuring everyone feels secure during the trip. The water and snacks included help keep everyone energized, especially on a warm day.

Reviews and Real-Life Experiences

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides—calling them motivated, fun, and informative. One reviewer from Germany said, “Super Fahrräder! Wir hatten einen tollen Tag!” (Great bikes! We had a wonderful day!) Another added, “It was a great event with a highly motivated and experienced tour guide.” The personal stories highlight how guides enhance the experience, making it more engaging and educational.

Participants also note that the views are “spectacular” and the ride is “perfectly paced for sightseeing,” which confirms that the tour delivers on its promise of a relaxed, scenic journey. The private, personalized feel—especially when only two travelers are booked—adds to the appeal.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather.
• Pack snacks and a water bottle—though these are provided, extra snacks can be handy.
• Arrive a few minutes early to get fitted with your gear and ask any last-minute questions.
• If you’re traveling with children, check if they meet the height and weight requirements, and consider tandem bikes for younger kids.
• Be aware that the tour involves riding on roads shared with vehicles, so a basic comfort with bike riding is necessary, although the e-bikes make it much easier.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This eBike trip along 17 Mile Drive is a fantastic choice for anyone eager to enjoy the California coast without the physical strain of traditional biking. It offers a relaxed, guided experience with stunning scenery, interesting stops, and a friendly, knowledgeable guide leading the way. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will appreciate the easy pace and the opportunity to learn about local landmarks and film locations.

If you’re someone who values comfort, scenic beauty, and a touch of storytelling, this tour is likely to leave you with memorable photos and a better understanding of this iconic stretch of coastline. It’s particularly well-suited for those new to biking or visitors who prefer a more laid-back approach to sightseeing.

However, if you’re craving a fast-paced, high-energy ride or are looking for a more intense workout, this might not be the best choice. But for anyone wanting a fun, scenic, and educational outing, especially in good weather, it’s definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The electric bikes make pedaling easy, and the tour is designed to be at a relaxed pace. Just a basic ability to ride a bike is needed.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothing, snacks, water, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses for sun protection. The tour provides helmets and safety instructions.

Can children participate?
Yes, children over 4’10” and comfortable riding on an eBike can join. Tandem bikes are available for younger children, and the provider recommends kids be at least 12+ for solo riding.

How long is the ride?
The total tour duration is about 3 hours, covering 16 miles round trip, including stops. It’s paced to allow plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers e-bike rental, guide, helmets, safety briefing, water, and snacks. Lunch and transportation are not included.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
While not explicitly stated, outdoor scenic tours like this are best enjoyed in good weather. It’s smart to check the forecast and dress accordingly.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cyclist looking for a relaxing day, this e-bike tour along 17 Mile Drive offers a wonderful way to experience the coast’s beauty without the effort. It’s a balanced blend of scenic sightseeing, cultural interest, and friendly guidance—making it a memorable part of your Monterey adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: