Monterey and 17-Mile Drive vs Carmel-by-the-Sea
Monterey, Pacific Coast Highway
| Monterey and 17-Mile Drive | Carmel-by-the-Sea | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hrs | 3 hrs |
| Price | Check locally | Check locally |
| Effort | Easy | Easy |
| Best time | Morning / Afternoon | Morning / Afternoon |
| Guidance | Self-Guided | Self-Guided |
| Budget tier | Budget | Mid-Range |
| Must-see | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open | Daily | Daily |
Verdict
Both are essential Monterey experiences — if you can, do both.
Why Not Both?
Both activities together take about 6 hrs — easily combined in a single day.
These itineraries include both activities:
7 Days
Best 7 Days in Pacific Coast Highway — Without Family Friendly
San Francisco → Los Angeles → San Diego → Monterey
7 Days
Best 7 Days in Pacific Coast Highway — Autumn
San Francisco → Los Angeles → San Diego → Monterey
7 Days
Best 7 Days in Pacific Coast Highway — Food & Wine & Walking Tours
San Francisco → Los Angeles → San Diego → Monterey