
Private Big Sur and Carmel Scenic Drive from Silicon Valley
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
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Quick answer
Is Private Big Sur and Carmel Scenic Drive from Silicon Valley worth booking?
Private Big Sur and Carmel Scenic Drive from Silicon Valley is a 8-hour experience in San Jose, United States, from $1025 per person. It scores 32 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 32 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $1025 per person
Discover the stunning beauty of Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey at your own pace on a private car tour. This adventure allows you the freedom to explore iconic landmarks like the Bixby Creek Bridge and the Mission District
What you get
About this experience
Discover the stunning beauty of Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey at your own pace on a private car tour. This adventure allows you the freedom to explore iconic landmarks like the Bixby Creek Bridge and the Mission District while enjoying the picturesque coastline along State Route 1. With personalized recommendations for photo spots and attractions, you can create your perfect itinerary. Experience the tranquility of the forested 17-Mile Drive and wander through the Monterey Bay Aquarium or Fisherman's Wharf before returning to San Jose. Enjoy the flexibility of pick-up from your accommodation and the comfort of a private vehicle. - Scenic drive along California’s breathtaking coastline - Customized itinerary with personal recommendations - Visit highlights like Carmel, Big Sur, and Monterey - Private car ensures a comfortable and hassle-free experience
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Private tour
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
- Surcharges on fuel
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a vibrant coastal city in Northern California, known for its surf culture, beaches, the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park, and the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). It's the county seat of Santa Cruz County, situated on Monterey Bay, offering a mix of laid-back beach town vibes, redwood forests, and a unique, eclectic community with surfing roots dating back to the late 1800s
20 minutes here
Bixby Bridge
The Bixby Creek Bridge is a historic, picturesque concrete open-spandrel arch bridge in Big Sur, California, completed in 1932 on Highway 1. It is one of the most photographed bridges in the US, known for its scenic coastal views
15 minutes here
Big Sur
Big Sur is a famous stretch of scenic, wild coastline known for dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, and its artistic and literary history
60 minutes here
Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park is a state park in Big Sur featuring two miles of rugged beachfront, coastal bluffs, and redwood-filled canyons. Located along Highway 1 south of Carmel, it is a popular, often free, destination for hiking, whale watching, and photography.
15 minutes here
Carmel
Carmel-by-the-Sea is an affluent, highly walkable one-square-mile coastal village in California known for its storybook "fairy tale" cottages, white-sand beach, and artistic, romantic charm. It features no street addresses, hidden courtyards, art galleries, upscale dining, and is exceptionally pet-friendly. The atmosphere is quaint, cozy, and scenic, often featuring foggy mornings and mild, temperate weathe
60 minutes here
17-Mile Drive
The 17-Mile Drive is a famous, privately owned scenic road on California's Monterey Peninsula, winding through Pebble Beach, offering stunning Pacific coastline views, famous golf courses like Pebble Beach Golf Links, iconic landmarks such as the Lone Cypress, and opportunities to see wildlife like sea lions and otters. It's a popular tourist attraction with a gate fee, known for its luxury homes and natural beauty, connecting Pacific Grove and Carmel.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Monterey
Monterey is a historic, scenic coastal city on California’s Central Coast. Famous for the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, it offers a mix of marine life, 19th-century Spanish-era architecture, and 17-mile drive coastal views. As California's first capital, it is rich in maritime history, culture, and tourism.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Up to 6 people tour
Up to 6 Pickup included
Carmel Monterey and Big Sur
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Dingo Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1025 to $1090
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 32
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Big Sur and Carmel Scenic Drive from Silicon Valley: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Jose.
How much does Private Big Sur and Carmel Scenic Drive from Silicon Valley cost?
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Prices start at $1025 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Jose usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Big Sur and Carmel Scenic Drive from Silicon Valley take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Jose is not rushed.
Is Private Big Sur and Carmel Scenic Drive from Silicon Valley worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 32 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Jose, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Big Sur and Carmel Scenic Drive from Silicon Valley?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Big Sur and Carmel Scenic Drive from Silicon Valley suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Big Sur and Carmel Scenic Drive from Silicon Valley?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Jose can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Jose and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Big Sur and Carmel Scenic Drive from Silicon Valley start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Jose within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Jose?
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San Jose mixes tech-history tours with the Winchester Mystery House, Santa Cruz Mountains wine trips, redwood hikes and easy day tours over to Monterey and San Francisco. On Outty we rank every San Jose experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Escape Game at Great Mall in Milpitas, 4 Hour Livermore Valley Wine Tour, Big Sur Monterey California Coast from San Jose 1 - 12 people. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Jose?
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April to June and September to October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Jose?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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