From what I can see, there are no tours that go along the coast. Given that ( & that renting a car is not possible for me) what options do I have to enjoy the beauty?

Are there day trips I can do out of LA or SF to see the coast at least partially? Its a shame if I come to West coast & just do the cities of LA & SF

Any help will be much appreciated!

Thanks!!

amtrak coast starlight

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conten.../1237405732511

Amtrak turns inland at San Luis Obispo so you will not see and of the Highway 1 scenery.

There are multiday tours along Big Sur, I've seen the busses when they overnight in Lompoc.

Eg Starline has one from SF and you return on the Amtrak. I'm sure there are others since I've seen international groups as well.

Thanks for that!
So the options are to take a day tour like one of these
http://www.sightseeingworld.com/tour...ontereycarmel/
or a hop-on hop-off one
http://www.opentopsightseeing-sf.com/monterey_new.php

Anybody have any feedback on them?

Thanks mlgb...will check them out...

If you can't find something that works for you that goes all the way through Big Sur, you might consider visiting the Monterey area, which has some great coastline. Point Lobos state park is about 3 miles south of Carmel and I believe that there is a bus line that goes there. Point Lobos will give you a nice sample of the gorgeous coastline through Big Sur, so you wouldn't have to miss it entirely.