The 10 Best Monterey & Carmel Day Trips from San Francisco

1.Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive: Full Day Tour from SF

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,187 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $125Our pick

Ride from central San Francisco to Pigeon Point, Monterey, Pebble Beach, 17-Mile Drive, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. You get a professional guide, several photo stops, two hours in Monterey, and one hour in Carmel. Guides such as George, Thomas, Don, and Tom are known for lively local commentary.

“Our tour guide went out of their way to take us to additional stops or spent a little more time at the stops that were planned. We really got our money’s worth. It was absolutely beautiful. We chose to go to the aquarium in Monterey which was great. The food and shopping were also top notch. We loved everything about this tour!”

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2.Monterey and Carmel Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 110 reviews · 11 hours · from $134

Spend 11 hours traveling from San Francisco to Monterey, Pebble Beach, and Carmel-by-the-Sea with an English-speaking driver-guide. You’ll get coastal photo stops, free time for Cannery Row or the aquarium, entry to 17-Mile Drive, and hotel pickup from Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf.

“Great trip and excellent bus driver/guide. Comfortable bus. Recommend this trip to everyone”

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3.Monterey, Carmel and Pacific Coast Explorer from San Francisco

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 77 reviews · 11 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $134

Spend 11 to 12 hours touring California’s coast, with stops at Davenport, Monterey, Cannery Row, Pebble Beach, the Lone Cypress, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Your guide handles the driving and commentary while you enjoy ocean views, free Wi-Fi, and included 17-Mile Drive access.

“George is well educated , fun and great tour guide , and safe driver for us ( the bus has its own toilet ) Go with this tour, Nice Monterey Bay area to look around, yummy food, awesome aquarium, 17 Miles scenic road trip and Cute Carmel 😍 ...”

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4.From LA: SF, Yosemite, Santa Barbara and Carmel 3-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 72 reviews

Travel from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, Solvang, Carmel, San Francisco and Yosemite or Monterey, depending on season. You get two hotel nights, an air-conditioned coach, a bay cruise and guides in your chosen language. Guides such as Pasquale, Jacob, Henry and Roberto have earned praise for useful commentary and careful service.

“Excellent experience! The quality of transportation and hotels was very good, and breakfast was included. The tour guide, Pasquale, was friendly, gave us lots of information and good tips, and spoke several languages. The activities were very well organized, and I think they take you to places that are a little difficult to access and/or drive to on your own due to weather conditions. My only recommendation would be to spend a little more time in San Francisco, but the Golden Gate tour was very good. I definitely recommend the tour and the agency we used.Read more”

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5.Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 54 reviews · 10 hours

Spend 10 hours in a private car with a guide such as Fred or Marciano, traveling from San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel, 17-Mile Drive, and Big Sur. Set the pace, stop for photos, and shape the day around your interests, with transportation and tolls included.

“Marciano was extremely flexible and very knowledgeable about the tour! Highly recommend for anyone looking to do a day trip to Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterrey. The views and the landscape were spectacular. I would rate this more than five stars if I could.”

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6.Monterey, Carmel, 17 Mile Dr, Big Sur & Mcway Falls Pvt Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · 12 hours Top rated

You’ll travel in a private vehicle with guide Pablo from San Francisco along California’s coast, stopping in Monterey, Carmel, Pebble Beach, 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, and McWay Falls. The day can be adjusted for your group, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

“Pablo was great. The tour was very customizable and he was able to pick us up at our preferred location. The area was beautiful and we are glad we got to see it!”

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7.17-Mile Drive, Monterey Peninsula &Carmel Max 12 Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 30 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $118Best value

Spend about 11 hours tracing California’s coast from San Francisco to Monterey and Carmel. A guide drives a group of up to 12 to Pigeon Point, Cannery Row, Bird Rock, Lone Cypress, Pebble Beach, and Carmel Plaza, with water, snacks, and 17-Mile Drive admission included.

“I had a fantastic time on the one day tour booked through Viator, thanks to our amazing guide Antony! He was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure we had a great time exploring the awesome places on the itinerary. He shared interesting facts and insights about each spot, and even played some awesome music along the way! The tour was super well-organized, starting on time, and Antony was very attentive and accommodating. I loved that there was no rush or push, just a relaxed and enjoyable day out. Highly recommend! 5 stars!”

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8.Monterey Peninsula, Carmel, 17-Mile Drive Max 12 Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 29 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $118

Spend about 11 hours touring California’s coast from San Francisco to Monterey, Pebble Beach, and Carmel. A group of up to 12 rides in a vehicle chosen for the day’s numbers, with stops at Pigeon Point, Cannery Row, Bird Rock, the Lone Cypress, Pebble Beach, and Carmel Plaza.

“We are in the middle of the trip now, the driver asked to collect $15 service fee per person, is it normal?”

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9.Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 10 hours (approx.)

Spend about 10 hours with a private guide on California’s Highway 1, traveling from San Francisco to Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur. Guides such as Fred, Marciano, and Brian tailor photo stops, food breaks, and sightseeing for your group. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if selected.

“Mr. Marciano went above and beyond to ensure the day was perfect for me and my husband. He tailored the trip for our interests, was patient and kind while we stopped for photos and acted as our professional photographer for several landmarks. He recommended a delicious bakery for brunch to break up the trip. The drive and the day was perfect. I highly recommend Dingo Tours.”

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10.Carmel / Monterey Hwy 1 tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 9 to 11 hours (approx.)

You’ll ride in a private air-conditioned vehicle from San Francisco to Monterey and Carmel, following Highway 1 and the 17-Mile Drive. The day includes coastal viewpoints, time in Monterey, a walk through Carmel’s charming center, bottled water, snacks, and flexible pickup and drop-off for up to seven people.

“The whole coast line is a miracle of nature!!..Carmel is out of this world charming! Pacific ocean’s wilderness and beauty are immersive!”

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