Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast on a full-day private journey from San Francisco to Monterey and Carmel. Explore coastal towns, world-famous attractions, and the beauty of California’s Highway 1.
- Private luxury transport with hotel pickup and drop-off
- Scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway
- Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and Aquarium
- 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove
- Iconic Lone Cypress and Spanish Bay
- Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea with art galleries, shops, and beaches
- Optional stop in Silicon Valley on the way
- Knowledgeable local guide
- 10–12 hour full-day adventure
Ready to Discover San Francisco and Beyond?
From city landmarks to Wine Country and redwood forests, we create unforgettable tours. Fill out the form and our team will help you plan your perfect adventure.
About This Tour
This private tour offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and coastal charm. The journey begins with a scenic drive south from San Francisco, with an option to pass through Silicon Valley and see campuses of Oracle, Meta, Google, and Apple.
Arriving in Monterey, once the capital of Alta California, you’ll have three hours to explore highlights such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Learn the area’s fascinating history, from Spanish explorers and Mexican settlers to its literary connection with John Steinbeck.
After Monterey, enjoy the legendary 17-Mile Drive, one of the most scenic roads in the world. Along the way you’ll stop for photos of landmarks including the Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay, Stillwater Cove, Pebble Beach golf courses, and the rugged Pacific shoreline.
The final stop is Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming seaside town famous for its artistic heritage, boutique shops, galleries, and the Mission San Carlos Borromeo. Spend about an hour exploring before returning to San Francisco. On the way back, we can also stop at Gilroy, the Garlic Capital of the World, for a flavorful finale to your day.
Guided by Our Expert Tour Guide You Will Visit
- Silicon Valley campuses (optional drive-through)
- Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row
- Monterey Bay Aquarium (entry available)
- 17-Mile Drive with scenic stops and photo opportunities
- Pebble Beach and world-class golf courses
- Lone Cypress, Pacific Grove, and Spanish Bay
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, with its galleries, shops, and historic mission
Itinerary
|
Inclusions
- Private luxury vehicle with air conditioning
- Professional local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in San Francisco
- Bottled water
Exclusions
- Monterey Bay Aquarium admission
- Meals and personal purchases
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Group Size: Maximum 14 travelers
- Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible
- Cancellation Policy: Cancel free up to 24 hours in advance
Why Choose Us?
- Experienced, friendly guides
- Comfortable luxury vehicles
- Flexible booking and free cancellations
- Top-rated by travelers worldwide
Private Tour to Monterey and Carmel from San Francisco FAQ
Planning a private day trip from San Francisco to Monterey and Carmel? These answers cover timing, stops, tickets, pickups, and what to expect along Highway 1 and the 17 Mile Drive.
This is a full day private experience, typically around 10 to 12 hours. Pickup is usually in the morning and you return to San Francisco in the evening, with timing influenced by traffic and how long you choose to spend at key stops.
The day usually starts with hotel pickup in San Francisco, then heads south toward Monterey for time around Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. After that, you continue to the scenic 17 Mile Drive with photo stops, then finish with time in Carmel by the Sea before returning to San Francisco. Your guide keeps the pacing flexible so the day feels relaxed rather than rushed.
You will have meaningful time in both places. Monterey typically gets the longest window so you can explore the waterfront, shops, and lunch options, while Carmel is a dedicated stop for strolling, galleries, and the historic mission area. Exact time at each stop can shift based on your preferences and traffic.
Yes, the tour includes the 17 Mile Drive portion with scenic stops and photo opportunities. Highlights commonly include coastal viewpoints, Pebble Beach areas, and famous landmarks like the Lone Cypress and Spanish Bay, depending on timing and local conditions.
Monterey Bay Aquarium admission is not included. If you want to visit, your guide can help plan the timing so you can enjoy the aquarium without sacrificing the best coastal stops.
Hotel pickup and drop off are included from San Francisco, typically from convenient areas such as Downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf. Your exact pickup time and details are confirmed with your booking.
Included items typically cover private luxury transportation with air conditioning, a professional local guide, hotel pickup and drop off, and bottled water. Not included are third party admissions such as Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets, meals and personal purchases, souvenirs, and gratuities.
Yes. Since this is a private tour, your driver guide can often adjust pacing and focus based on what you want to see most. There is also an option to pass through Silicon Valley on the way, and some days allow for an optional stop in Gilroy. Let the team know your priorities so they can confirm what fits comfortably in one day.
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but it is generally stroller accessible. If you have mobility considerations, share them at booking so the route and stops can be planned as smoothly as possible.
Coastal weather can change quickly, so layers are the move. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a phone or camera for viewpoints along Highway 1 and the 17 Mile Drive. If you plan to visit the aquarium or do extra shopping, a small day bag helps.
You can cancel free up to 24 hours in advance. If you are unsure about weather or timing, contact the team as early as possible and they will help you choose the best option for your date.
