San Francisco

15 Best Monterey & Carmel Day Trips

South along the coast to the 17-Mile Drive’s cypress points, Carmel’s cottage streets and Monterey’s wharf. The scenery does the talking for most of the day.

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

Discover California’s stunning coast with this full-day tour from SF to Monterey, Carmel, and the iconic 17-Mile Drive—perfect for scenic lovers and first-timers.

Most Popular★ 4.0

“George was an excellent driver and guide with great communication throughout the tour. The mini bus was not comfortable as it was very bumpy and it certainly was not a luxury coach as advertised which was disappointing as it was a long day.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

2.San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour

Discover California's stunning coast with this 11-hour Monterey and Carmel day trip, featuring iconic scenic drives, marine life, and charming towns.

★ 4.3

“We were pleasantly surprised with how nice everything was for the price. Quality coach bus, well planned tour, knowledgeable driver, beautiful sites. It was absolutely the highlight of our visit to the Bay area. Patrick the driver was amazing!”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

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

Discover California’s stunning coast on a full-day tour from San Francisco, visiting Monterey, Carmel, and iconic scenic spots with expert guides and breathtaking views.

★ 4.0

“This was a beautiful trip to Monterey and Carmel. It was a full day from 0730a-8pm. There were several stops along the way and the driver was courteous and professional. Definately worth it!”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

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

Experience iconic California highlights on this 3-day tour from LA, including Yosemite, San Francisco, Carmel, and Santa Barbara, with expert guides and stunning sights.

★ 4.4

“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…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

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

Experience California’s stunning coast on a private, customizable tour covering Monterey, Carmel, 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, and McWay Falls. Perfect for nature lovers and scenic road trip fans.

★ 5.0

“This tour was a fantastic option for a family or a group of friends. The driver provided drinks, snacks, and fresh fruit for us to enjoy while sightseeing. Each stretch of driving lasted between 20 to 40 minutes before reaching the next scenic or iconic…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

7.Best of Monterey Peninsula & Carmel-the-Sea Small Group Tour

Experience California's stunning coast on this full-day small-group tour from San Francisco, exploring Carmel, Big Sur scenery, and iconic landmarks.

★ 4.5

“Guide with Antony! Good trip over all, there were jams on the way back but it’s normal, plus tour gives us the fast past lane! Views were great, although it was unfortunate that pigeon tower is under renovation. Antony was funny and very knowledgeable on…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

8.Monterey Peninsula and Carmel by the Sea Small Group Tour

Discover California’s scenic coast on this small-group tour from San Francisco, featuring iconic stops like Cannery Row, Pebble Beach, and Carmel.

★ 4.5

“Excellent value for money, a long scenery packed day! Fantastic stops, especially the Pebble Beach golf club which was a total surprise! Lovely to see so much of the Californian countryside on the way too. Very enjoyable.”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

9.17-Mile Drive,Carmel & Monterey Day Trip from San Francisco

Explore California’s coast on a guided 17-Mile Drive, Carmel, and Monterey trip from San Francisco. Expect scenic views, informative guides, and flexible options.

★ 3.0

“I was waiting over 15 minutes for the bus to collect, when a black car with a chinese driver drove up and told me he is the tour as there are not enough people for a bus. I was very confused but the company confirmed…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

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

Discover the California coast from San Francisco to Big Sur on a private, customizable tour. Enjoy stunning views, expert guides, and authentic experiences.

★ 5.0

“My husband and I are first time visitors to CA and Marciano treated us like royalty on our visit to Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey! First off, in this time of COVID-19 this is a perfect private tour for those who want to explore the…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

12.Carmel / Monterey Hwy 1 tour

Explore the scenic California coast on a private tour from San Francisco, visiting Carmel, Monterey, and the iconic 17-Mile Drive with expert guides.

★ 5.0

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

Check Availability →Read our full review →

15.Airport Transportation – San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Carmel-by-The-Sea

Experience hassle-free, comfortable airport transfer from San Francisco to Carmel-by-the-Sea with personalized service, monitored flights, and top-rated chauffeurs.

★ 5.0

“Lucky7 Transportation is the very best Limo service in the San Francisco/San Jose area. We have used them for several years now and the owner, Padam, is always on time, communicates well, the vehicles are spotless, and he is friendly and a very safe driver.…”

Check Availability →Read our full review →

More Monterey & Carmel Day Trips