Private ExcursionMulti-Day Itinerary

3-Day Pacific Coast Highway, Big Sur & San Francisco Tour

The Classic California Coastal Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco and Return

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Format
Private Group Departure
Pickup
Hotel pickup available in Greater LA
Route Destinations
Los Angeles • Santa Barbara • Big Sur & Central Coast
Golden Gate Bridge iconic red towers spanning San Francisco Bay against blue sky
01 — EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Key Sights & Experiences

  • Travel the world-famous Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1)
  • Photo stops at Bixby Bridge, coastal redwoods, and dramatic Big Sur cliffs
  • Private drive along 17-Mile Drive and the iconic Lone Cypress in Pebble Beach
  • San Francisco sightseeing including the Golden Gate Bridge & Twin Peaks
  • Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey’s historic Cannery Row
EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW

The Ultimate California Coastal Road Trip

Experience the quintessential American journey along California’s legendary Pacific Coast Highway. This 3-day private excursion connects the glitz of Los Angeles with the majestic cliffs of Big Sur, the tranquility of the Monterey Peninsula, and the cosmopolitan allure of San Francisco.

Designed for discerning travelers, families, and private parties, you’ll enjoy total privacy in a luxury vehicle with an experienced California chauffeur/guide managing all route planning, navigation, and timing.


3-Day Journey Itinerary

Day 1: Los Angeles → Santa Barbara → Big Sur → Monterey

Depart Los Angeles in the morning heading north along Highway 101. Stop in Santa Barbara to explore historic Stearns Wharf and Mediterranean-style architecture. Continue toward Big Sur, where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific. Stop for photos at Bixby Creek Bridge before continuing to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey.

Day 2: 17-Mile Drive → Silicon Valley → San Francisco

Begin with 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. See the Lone Cypress, coastal scenery, and the Monterey Peninsula. Continue north toward the San Francisco Peninsula. Visit Twin Peaks for panoramic views when conditions permit, followed by a Golden Gate Bridge vista point.

Day 3: San Francisco Highlights → Return to Los Angeles

Visit key San Francisco sights including Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Lombard Street. Return to Los Angeles in the afternoon/evening.

02 — ROUTE & STOPS

Tour Itinerary & Timeline

Day 1

Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, Big Sur & Monterey

Overnight: Monterey

Depart Los Angeles along the Pacific coast, explore Santa Barbara, traverse the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, and arrive in historic Monterey.

START

Pickup at your hotel or address

Your private guide meets you at your hotel, residence, or agreed pickup location.

01.Santa Barbara Waterfront & Historic Downtown

Morning stroll along Stearns Wharf and Mediterranean-inspired historic arcades.

02.Bixby Creek Bridge & Big Sur Highway 1

Marvel at one of the most photographed bridges in the world spanning deep ocean canyons.

03.Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park & Coastline

Scenic vista stop overlooking pristine rocky coves and towering coastal redwoods.

04.Carmel-by-the-Sea & Monterey Evening

Check in to your Monterey/Carmel hotel, with free evening time along Cannery Row or Ocean Avenue.

Day 2

17-Mile Drive, Monterey Peninsula to San Francisco

Overnight: San-francisco

Explore world-renowned Pebble Beach, the Lone Cypress, and cruise north into the City by the Bay.

01.Pebble Beach 17-Mile Drive & Lone Cypress

Drive through prestigious golf estates, coastal cypress groves, and dramatic oceanfront fairways.

02.Twin Peaks Panoramic City View

Panoramic 360-degree viewpoint overlooking the San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, and peninsula.

03.Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point

Iconic photo stop at the world-famous orange suspension bridge connecting San Francisco to Marin County.

04.San Francisco Hotel Check-In & Evening

Arrive at your downtown or waterfront San Francisco hotel with evening at leisure for fine dining.

Day 3

San Francisco Highlights & Return to Los Angeles

Morning exploration of Fisherman's Wharf and cable car districts, followed by a scenic return journey to Los Angeles.

01.Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39

Morning sights including sunbathing sea lions, historic sailing ships, and views of Alcatraz Island.

02.Lombard Street & Union Square

See the world's most crooked street and the historic heart of San Francisco shopping.

03.Comfortable Return Drive to Los Angeles

Chauffeured highway return to your Los Angeles hotel, concluding an unforgettable 3-day adventure.

END

Drop-off back at your hotel or address

At the end of the tour, your guide returns you to your hotel, residence, or agreed drop-off location.

03 — PROVISIONS & POLICIES

What's Included & Excluded

Included with Excursion

  • 3 full days of dedicated private luxury vehicle and driver/guide services
  • Door-to-door pickup in Los Angeles and return drop-off
  • 17-Mile Drive vehicle entrance permit
  • Chilled bottled water on board
  • Flexible daily timing and customized photo stops

Excluded / Optional Expenses

  • Hotel accommodations (customer selected or arranged on request)
  • Meals and drinks
  • Optional attraction entry tickets (e.g. Monterey Bay Aquarium)
  • Driver/guide gratuities (optional)

Third-Party Admissions & Activity Costs

Activity / AdmissionStatusNotes
Hotel Accommodations (2 Nights)optionalClients may book their own preferred hotels in Monterey and San Francisco, or request arranged lodging.
Pebble Beach 17-Mile Drive Vehicle Entranceincluded
Meals & Personal Expensesexcluded

Overnight Accommodations

Travelers book their own hotels according to their preferred boutique or luxury tier. Our coordinator provides curated recommendations along the route.

EXPERIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY

Tour Highlights & Sights

6 Photos
Big Sur coastal highway bluffs and crashing Pacific Ocean waves

Big Sur coastal highway bluffs and crashing Pacific Ocean waves

17-Mile Drive scenic coastal route in Pebble Beach

17-Mile Drive scenic coastal route in Pebble Beach

Carmel-by-the-Sea village street and English cottages

Carmel-by-the-Sea village street and English cottages

Historic San Francisco Cable Car climbing steep city street

Historic San Francisco Cable Car climbing steep city street

California sea lions basking on docks at Pier 39

California sea lions basking on docks at Pier 39

Lombard Street crookedest street hairpin turns and gardens

Lombard Street crookedest street hairpin turns and gardens

Private Excursions

Reserved exclusively for your group with tailored pacing.

Custom Itineraries

Flexible routes crafted to match your schedule and interests.

Pickup Arrangements

Chauffeured pickup from hotels, residences, or LAX terminals.

Direct Operator Support

Local California tour coordinators available toll-free at (800) 761-1775.

BESPOKE PLANNING

Want to Customize This Route?

Private departures can be adjusted to match your party's schedule. We can tailor start times, pickup locations, route stops, or vehicle arrangements to your exact preferences.

REPUTATION & REVIEWS

Guest Reviews & Reputation

Read feedback from guests who explored California on private sightseeing tours with American Riviera Tours.

Tripadvisor
4.9/ 5.0

150 traveler reviews

Unedited guest accounts, passenger photos, and verified feedback from Los Angeles private sightseeing guests.

Independent traveler reviews
Google Reviews
5.0/ 5.0

70 Google reviews

Direct traveler feedback on custom itinerary pacing, professional driver-guide courtesy, and seamless private vehicle touring.

Verified local customer reviews
Viator
Bookable on Viator
Tours available on Viator

Global tour marketplace

American Riviera Tours private experiences are distributed and bookable on Viator for travelers using global travel platforms.

Book directly or via trusted platforms
Private Pricing
Private Excursion