Day trip

From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour

4.3505154 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.3505154 out of 5 stars
388 reviews
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Day trip
From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour
4.3505154 out of 5 stars
4.4
4.3505154 out of 5 stars
388 reviews

Take a relaxing day trip from San Francisco along California's beautiful coastline. Drive Highway 1 to Monterey, explore Steinbeck's Cannery Row, and visit charming Carmel-by-the-Sea.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 11.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Pickup included
For the Downtown, 478 Post Street pickup, meet a representative from the local partner directly across the road from the Encore Cafe. Please arrive by 7:25 AM in order to check-in. Your bus will depart at 7:40 AM. For the Fisherman's Wharf, Leavenworth Street departure, the bus will board just in front of Bay City Bike Rentals & Tours which is across the road from the address. You can identify the boarding point by the blue canopy that is clearly visible. Please arrive by 7:45 AM in order to check-in. Your bus will depart at 8:00 AM.

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

C
Chaim – United States

We got George our guid/driver which is a great guide. A walking encyclopedia that presented his knowledge in a perfect way. There was a problem with the car and it should be fixed.

D
Daniyela – Germany

The driver was very nice and always smiling and laughing. He did dropped of people to where they wanted to be dropped off on my time. Usually I don’t have any problems with very helpful people because I’m the same way but that cost me some time and coming from another continent my concern was walking 25-30 minutes back to my hotel as a single mother with 2 kids. It was kind of scary. The bathroom had no water and nobody was able to use it even though that was included in the cost.

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    2 pickup location options:

    2805 Leavenworth St, 478 Post St

  • Bus/coach

    (80 minutes)

    Pigeon Point Lighthouse

    Photo stop, Scenic views on the way (15 minutes)

    Optional

  • Bus/coach

    (15 minutes)

  • Davenport

    Break time, Photo stop, Scenic views on the way (20 minutes)

  • Bus/coach

    (80 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Cannery Row

    Break time, Photo stop, Free time, Shopping, Sightseeing, Self-guided tour, Scenic views on the way (2 hours)

  • Timeline stop icon

    17-Mile Drive

    Photo stop, Visit, Sightseeing, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (1 hour)

    Pebble Beach Resorts

    Break time, Photo stop, Visit, Free time, Shopping, Sightseeing, Self-guided tour, Scenic views on the way (15 minutes)

    Optional

  • Timeline stop icon

    Carmel Plaza

    Break time, Photo stop, Free time, Shopping, Sunset, Self-guided tour (1 hour)

  • Transfer

    (3 hours)

  • 2 drop-off locations:

    478 Post St, 2805 Leavenworth St

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Full­-day trip from San Francisco to Monterey and Carmel
  • Visit Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck
  • Explore the charming town of Carmel by the sea
  • Travel the 17-mile Scenic Drive (entrance included)
  • Visit the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Course

Full description

Discover the scenic coastline of California on a day trip by air-conditioned bus from San Francisco. Visit the Monterey Peninsula, Cannery Row, and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Travel scenic California’s Pacific Coast Highway 1 to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, famous for its spectacular ocean views, abundant wildlife, and historical past. Stop at Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck, where there are great shops and restaurants overlooking the Pacific.
Next, travel through the famous 17-Mile Drive and see Pebble Beach Golf Course. Photo stops will be made along this gorgeous drive. 
Your tour continues to Carmel by the sea where ample time is given to walk through this charming town dotted with lovely shops, and beautiful architecture.

Includes

  • Local professional driver and guide
  • Air-conditioned bus transportation
  • Bathroom on board
  • Tour along Highway 1 by the towns of Santa Cruz and Capitola
  • 17­-mile drive entry fee
  • Stops at Lonely Cypress and Pebble Beach
  • 2-hour stop at Monterey
  • 1.5-hour stop at Carmel by the Sea
  • Tips (optional)
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Select participants and date

Important information

Know before you go

  • Buses are air-conditioned with a bathroom
  • This tour operates rain or shine

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 388 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.4/5
  • Value for money
    4.2/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
C
Chaim – United StatesFebruary 28, 2025 – Verified booking
We got George our guid/driver which is a great guide. A walking encyclopedia that presented his knowledge in a perfect way. There was a problem with the car and it should be fixed.
D
Daniyela – GermanyJuly 29, 2024 – Verified booking
The driver was very nice and always smiling and laughing. He did dropped of people to where they wanted to be dropped off on my time. Usually I don’t have any problems with very helpful people because I’m the same way but that cost me some time and coming from another continent my concern was walking 25-30 minutes back to my hotel as a single mother with 2 kids. It was kind of scary. The bathroom had no water and nobody was able to use it even though that was included in the cost.
D
Deborah – United KingdomJune 20, 2024 – Verified booking
Really fabulous day, really appreciated the number of stops made along the way at some really scenic spots. Carmel and the 17 Mile Drive were the highlights for me. Comfortable coach with onboard restroom, not needed as plenty of breaks but was nice to have. Our guide was really great, very courteous and considerate of our needs and I learned quite a lot through his commentary. Would do this trip again and again!

Product ID: 7381

Activity provider:Gray Line San Francisco

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