Carmel Tour in The Heavenly 17 Mile Drive

Discover the Private Carmel Tour Along the Heavenly 17-Mile Drive

The Carmel Tour in The Heavenly 17 Mile Drive offers a flexible, private experience for those eager to explore one of Northern California’s most scenic routes. Priced at $287, this tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours and features pickup options for added convenience. As a completely private tour, it allows you to customize your journey, making it ideal for travelers seeking a personalized adventure. The tour is led by Bill Devoe, a local guide known for his intimate knowledge of Santa Cruz’s best spots and hidden treasures.

What sets this tour apart is the interactive Pintours App, which enables you to pause, skip stops, and access detailed information about each location at your own pace. This flexibility appeals to those who want control over their experience, whether they prefer to linger at particular viewpoints or move quickly through certain stops. While the tour covers famous coastal highlights and world-class golf courses, it also emphasizes scenic vistas and natural beauty, offering an immersive taste of the California coast.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience for personalized exploration
• Price of $287 for approximately 2 to 3 hours of sightseeing
• Includes stops at iconic locations like Pebble Beach and Cypress Point Lookout
• Led by local expert Bill Devoe, providing insightful commentary
• The Pintours App allows pauses, skips, and detailed info access
• Pickup offered from designated meeting points

Starting Point at Highway 1 Gate – 17 Mile Drive

The tour begins at the Highway 1 Gate, a convenient departure point for travelers eager to start their scenic journey. From this spot, your private tour vehicle will whisk you along the famous 17-Mile Drive, known worldwide for its dramatic coastal scenery and luxurious surroundings. Being a private tour, you can decide how long to spend at each site, making the experience flexible and tailored to your interests.

The initial stop includes 22 viewpoints along the 17-Mile Drive, where you’ll witness the Pacific Ocean crashing against rocky cliffs. While the drive itself is free of charge, admission tickets are not included. You can enjoy the spectacular coastline at your own pace, with the guide ready to share facts and stories about the landscape.

Exploring the Iconic Poppy Hills Golf Course

One of the tour highlights is the Poppy Hills Golf Course, located within the Del Monte Forest. Recognized for its breathtaking natural beauty and challenging fairways, it attracts golf enthusiasts from around the world. This stop is scheduled for approximately 20 minutes and includes an admission ticket. The course’s setting in lush forest makes it a visual treat, with towering trees and well-kept greens creating a tranquil atmosphere.

The tour provides an opportunity to see one of the most celebrated golf courses in the area, while also enjoying the surrounding forest scenery. Whether you’re a golfer or simply appreciate stunning landscapes, this stop offers a memorable snapshot of California’s golf culture.

Marveling at Spyglass Hill Golf Course and Its Views

Next, the Spyglass Hill Golf Course offers a similarly picturesque experience. Known for its lush fairways and sweeping vistas, this course stands as a favorite among golf fans. The 20-minute stop includes an admission ticket and provides an up-close look at one of the most beautiful golf settings in the world.

Expect to see greens so lush and views so breathtaking that they seem unreal. The setting is perfect for those who appreciate natural beauty combined with a touch of luxury. The guide shares insights into the course’s history and design, enriching your visit.

Breathtaking Coastal Vistas at Cypress Point Lookout

At the Cypress Point Lookout, you’ll encounter dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean panoramas. This 20-minute stop is a visual feast, with stunning views of the coastline and the famous Cypress Point Club below. The vantage point offers an excellent photo opportunity and a moment to appreciate California’s rugged coastline.

The lookout’s dramatic scenery makes it a favorite for visitors. Here, the guide’s commentary helps you understand the significance of the landscape, adding depth to the experience.

Discovering the Hidden Beauty of Pescadero Point

The Pescadero Point stop is a lesser-known highlight where coastal views truly shine. Over 20 minutes, visitors enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Pacific and rocky shoreline formations. Known for its curious and picturesque scenery, Pescadero Point offers a quieter moment to take in nature’s grandeur.

This stop appeals to those seeking a more secluded experience, away from the busier spots. The guide emphasizes the natural features and scenic beauty that make Pescadero Point a special part of the drive.

Visiting the Legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links

The tour concludes at Pebble Beach, home to the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links. Known for drawing celebrities and golf legends for over a century, this site provides an iconic view of California’s coast. The 25-minute visit is free of charge, allowing visitors to soak in the scenery and iconic golf course.

While the tour doesn’t include access to the golf course itself, the view of the links from the lookout points is unforgettable. The surroundings exude elegance and history, making it a fitting finale to this scenic journey.

Logistics and Meeting Points

The tour departs from the Highway 1 Gate at the start of the 17-Mile Drive, a central and accessible location. The end point is at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center on Portola Road, where the tour concludes. Pickup options are available, simplifying access for visitors and providing a seamless experience.

This private tour is designed for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking and service animals allowed. It is suitable for those who enjoy flexible pacing and personalized attention.

The Flexibility of the Pintours App

A standout feature of this tour is the Pintours App, which enhances the experience by giving you the ability to pause the tour, skip stops, or access detailed information about each location. This feature allows for a tailored visit, whether you want to linger longer at specific viewpoints or move quickly through others.

The app is especially valuable for those who appreciate control over their sightseeing pace, and it makes the experience feel more personal and interactive.

Who Will Appreciate this Tour?

This private Carmel and 17-Mile Drive tour suits travelers who value scenic beauty, personalized experiences, and flexibility. It’s a good fit for those who prefer to avoid large groups and want the option to customize their stops and timing. The tour’s focus on coastal vistas and golf course views makes it particularly appealing to nature lovers and golf enthusiasts alike.

However, it’s important to note that tickets for the golf courses and other stops are included, but admission to the 17-Mile Drive itself is not. Also, some reviews mention potential issues with ticket acceptance at the park, so travelers should ensure they follow the provided instructions to avoid surprises.

Final Thoughts on the Carmel 17 Mile Drive Private Tour

This private, customizable tour offers a scenic journey along one of California’s most celebrated coastal routes. With expert commentary from Bill Devoe and the innovative Pintours App, visitors gain an engaging, flexible experience that highlights stunning vistas, world-class golf courses, and dramatic cliffs.

While the $287 price may seem high for some, the personalized approach and exclusive stops justify the cost for those looking for a tailored, high-quality sightseeing experience. The tour’s emphasis on natural beauty and scenic highlights makes it well-suited for photo enthusiasts and those who appreciate leisurely exploration.

The only real consideration is the potential ticketing issue at the park, which guests should clarify beforehand. This tour provides a beautiful, informative, and flexible way to discover the legendary 17-Mile Drive in Carmel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a group or private tour?
This is a private tour, with only your group participating, allowing for a customized experience.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration is approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on how long you spend at each stop.

What is included in the tour?
Stops at 22 viewpoints along the 17-Mile Drive, visits to Poppy Hills Golf Course, Spyglass Hill, Cypress Point Lookout, Pescadero Point, and Pebble Beach. Some stops include admission tickets.

Can I skip stops I’m not interested in?
Yes, the Pintours App allows you to pause, skip, and access detailed information about each location.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at the Highway 1 Gate and ends at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center.

Is parking available?
Parking details are not specified, but the departure point is at the Highway 1 Gate, a well-known access point for the drive.

Are food and drinks included?
No, the tour does not specify inclusion of food or drinks, focusing instead on views and sightseeing.

What are the ticketing considerations?
Tickets for the 17-Mile Drive are not included and must be purchased at the park; some reviews mention issues with ticket acceptance, so plan accordingly.

Is this tour accessible for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, making it suitable for a broad audience.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is through Viator with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility and peace of mind.