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Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Private Day Trip from San Francisco

Overview
Embark on a quintessential California road trip with this customizable full-day tour down the Pacific Coastal Highway from San Francisco. See the Big Sur coastline, visit the Monterey Peninsula — famous for its bay views, abundant marine life, and historical Cannery Row — and stroll around the top-rated destination of Carmel-by-the-Sea with your private guide. Pricing is per group, based on a maximum of six people.
City: San Francisco
Sun 01 Jun
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $912.00
Sun 01 Jun
Starting at $912.00
Make a reservation
What's Included
Bottled water
Snacks
Private driver/guide
Hotel or airport pickup and drop-off
Additional Info
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
What To Expect
1
Shark Fin Cove
The Shark's cove showcases awe inspiring views of some of the geological wonders along the 800 mile long San Andreas fault line.
2
Pescadero State Beach
This is a 5 min photo stop with amazing rock formations.
3
Greyhound Rock
The Greyhound Rock is part of the California Coastal National Monument in a Marine Protected Area.
4
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a splendid location with striking views of the beach communities around.
5
Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Course
Pacific Grove highlights the convergence of the ragged California Coastline, and Spanish Bay Golf courses.
6
Lone Cypress
The 250 year old Lone Cypress is Carmel's notable landmark.
7
Pebble Beach Golf Links
The lavish Pebble Beach Golf Club opened in 1919. At the time, it was and still remains one of most luxurious gold courses in the world.
8
Carmel Plaza
Carmel village has numerous intimate cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, wine tasting bars, and over 75 art galleries. It's one of the most picturesque villages in the country.
9
Bixby Bridge
Bixby Bridge was built in 1932. It is one of the iconic California landmarks with stunningly beautiful rock formations, and a white sand beach a the below.
10
Carmel
Visit Carmel -by-the -Sea and immerse yourself in this enchanting village showcasing 16th century cottages, intimate cafes, gourmet restaurants, art galleries, wine tasting bars and boutique shops at every corner.
Show 7 more stops
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traveler Photos
Reviews (16)
Brenda_F
Mar 2025
Disappointed. Before arriving in San Francisco, I already knew I wanted to do this tour. However, at this time of the year it is only achievable by private tours rather than a coach option. We booked through Viator with what looked a great itinerary. However, with a couple of days to go still no confirmation or contact from the tour guide. Which was not a great start. So, we had to chase them. On the morning of the tour, they were late and then advised they would be using a different vehicle which turned out to be a good thing as the message the day before stated they would be driving a Tesla which would have been very cramped indeed and totally unsuitable for the duration and distance being covered. Once we eventually got underway the guide stated to explain the route she was intending to go. Before she got through her information, I challenged this route as she was suggesting go down through Silicon Valley on to Monterey. This was not we booked or paid for. I wanted to do the stops as per highlight on the Viator website and that is what we had booked and paid for. She then tried to explain this was a suggested itinerary on the Viator website and should only be used as a guide. No where on the website or any information does this suggest it is a guide. After a heated conversation she agreed to do the route as per my printout (luckily, I had printed this out and brought a copy with me) Unfortunately, this itinerary became a very whistle stop tour and we did have to miss out on the suggested 1 or 1 ½ hour stops. But at least we went down highway 1 following the famous coast road and not on the interstate as she would have had us doing. So please ensure you know your route and itinerary that you have paid for otherwise this day will get cut in to a very short day with only seeing 2 or 3 places. Rather than seeing the amazing views off highway 1.
Response from Host
Mar 2025
I understand your disappointment. You booked the tour on December 12, 2024. We updated the route on January 1, 2025. We discontinued that route she insisted on taking because it no longer meets the needs of our customers. This is what I was trying to explain to her but she did not want to listen. I had a splitting headache that morning and decided to hire another SUV driver. I was the tour guide. He arrived 15 minutes late as he lives in the East Bay and was caught up in the Bay Bridge traffic. I gave them 2 free hours to make up for the inconveniences that included attractions that were not on their obsolete printout. The other couple they were with were happier with the tour and gave us a tip as well.
Badri_K
Dec 2024
Awesome, extremely safe driving, Awesome providing details of the area. Would definitely book wirh same guide/resource and Viator
Response from Host
Dec 2024
Thanks Keerthi. I had a memorable day with your wonderful family. Looking forward to your next visit in the summer. Happy New Year!
preetyb2018
May 2024
This is a well curated tour with many spectacular views and charming stops at Monterey, Carmel, Pebble Beach and The Big Sur. Our guide, Pep , enhanced the experience with her knowledge and insights and above all a very friendly, flexible and warm disposition.
Response from Host
Jun 2024
Thanks Preety. I had a memorable day with you and your husband. Hope to see you again on your next visit.

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