From San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Day Tour

Exploring the California coast beyond San Francisco can be a captivating experience. This day tour to Monterey and Carmel promises to unveil the region’s natural wonders and historic charm. Traversing the iconic 17-Mile Drive, visitors will witness the dramatic coastline and encounter renowned landmarks. From the vibrant Cannery Row to the quaint streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the Monterey Peninsula. With a knowledgeable guide at the helm, travelers can explore the area’s rich history and appreciate its breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a California enthusiast, this tour provides an opportunity to learn about the captivating allure of the Pacific Coast.

This experience made our list of the 16 Best Tours In Monterey.

Key Points

• This 11.5-hour excursion departs from downtown San Francisco and Fisherman’s Wharf, exploring the Monterey Peninsula, Cannery Row, and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
• The tour includes entry to the renowned 17-Mile Drive and visits to notable locations along the dramatic Pacific coastline.
• Guests will have ample photo opportunities throughout the day, with a certified guide providing commentary on the region’s history.
• The itinerary includes a 15-minute stop at Pigeon Point Lighthouse, a 20-minute break in Davenport, and a 2-hour visit to Cannery Row.
• The tour offers a 1-hour visit to the picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its charming town and Pebble Beach vistas.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The Monterey and Carmel Day Tour offers an 11.5-hour excursion along California’s scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the Monterey Peninsula, Cannery Row, and the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Travelers will depart from downtown San Francisco and Fisherman’s Wharf, making stops at highlights like the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Davenport, and the famous 17-Mile Drive.

The tour includes entry to the 17-Mile Drive and visits to Cannery Row, Pebble Beach Resorts, and the picturesque Carmel Plaza. Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy ample photo opportunities and the chance to wander through these iconic California destinations.

Pickup Locations and Timings

The tour departs from two convenient pickup locations in San Francisco – downtown at 478 Post St, with a meet time of 7:25 AM and a departure time of 7:40 AM, and Fisherman’s Wharf at 2805 Leavenworth St, with a meet time of 7:45 AM and a departure time of 8:00 AM.

This ensures passengers can easily access the tour, whether they’re staying downtown or near the popular Fisherman’s Wharf area.

The air-conditioned bus will then depart promptly at the scheduled times, allowing the tour to make the most of the day exploring the beautiful Monterey Peninsula and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Guests are advised to arrive at their selected pickup location a few minutes early to ensure a smooth start to the day.

Detailed Itinerary

First, the tour makes a brief 15-minute stop at the picturesque Pigeon Point Lighthouse, allowing passengers to admire its historic maritime architecture and take in the scenic coastal views.

After this, the bus heads to the charming town of Davenport, where travelers can enjoy a 20-minute break to explore the quaint shops and eateries.

The next highlight is Cannery Row, the famous location in John Steinbeck’s novels, where the group will have 2 hours to wander, dine, and discover the area’s rich history and lively atmosphere.

Afterward, the tour embarks on the renowned 17-Mile Drive, providing stunning vistas of the Pebble Beach Resorts before concluding with an hour-long visit to the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Highlights of the Tour

Traveling the renowned 17-Mile Drive is one of the day’s highlights, offering passengers stunning vistas of the Pebble Beach Resorts along the way.

Guests will also visit the iconic Cannery Row, made famous by author John Steinbeck’s novels.

Wandering the quaint town of Carmel-by-the-Sea provides an opportunity to explore its charming shops, art galleries, and cafés.

Throughout the tour, there are ample photo stops to capture the dramatic Pacific coastline and its natural beauty.

With a certified guide providing commentary, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s history and significance.

This well-rounded itinerary ensures travelers experience the best of Monterey and Carmel during their day trip from San Francisco.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus, as well as the entry fee for the renowned 17-Mile Drive.

Passengers will also enjoy the services of a certified professional driver and guide who can provide commentary throughout the journey.

The tour features stops at key landmarks like the Lonely Cypress and Pebble Beach Resorts.

However, the tour doesn’t include meals or any personal expenses. Travelers are responsible for their own meals and any additional activities or purchases they wish to make during the tour.

Traversing the 17-Mile Drive

Winding along the rugged cliffs of the Monterey Peninsula, the iconic 17-Mile Drive offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and storied history. From the weathered Lone Cypress, a centuries-old tree perched precariously on a rocky outcrop, to the opulent mansions of Pebble Beach, the drive showcases the area’s diverse landscapes and architectural marvels. Along the way, guests can pause at designated viewpoints to snap photos, admire the crashing waves, and enjoy the serene coastal ambiance. The following table highlights some of the must-see attractions and highlights along this renowned scenic route.

Attraction	Highlights
Lone Cypress	One of the most photographed trees in the world
Pebble Beach Golf Links	Host to the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am tournament
Seal Rock	Haul-out site for sea lions and seals
Carmel River State Beach	Picturesque stretch of sandy beach and dunes
Ghost Tree	Eerie, wind-sculpted Monterey cypress tree

Exploring Cannery Row

Along the charming waterfront of Monterey’s Cannery Row, visitors can enjoy the area’s rich industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Once home to a thriving sardine canning industry, this iconic stretch now bustles with unique shops, art galleries, and acclaimed restaurants that celebrate the region’s maritime legacy.

From the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s world-class exhibits to the eclectic mix of boutiques and eateries, Cannery Row offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities.

Key highlights include:

1. Exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a leading marine conservation and education center.
2. Browsing the array of boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops.
3. Dining at renowned seafood restaurants overlooking the scenic waterfront.
4. Uncovering the area’s fascinating history through interpretive displays and exhibits.

Wandering Through Carmel-by-the-Sea

Visitors strolling through the charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea can’t help but be captivated by its quaint, European-inspired ambiance. Tucked along the rugged central California coastline, this picturesque town beckons with its enchanting blend of art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafés.

From the whimsical architectural details of its cottages to the expansive white-sand beach that flanks the town, Carmel offers a truly enchanting escape.

Wandering through the town’s streets, visitors will discover a wealth of hidden treasures, from unique art pieces and handcrafted jewelry to gourmet treats and locally-sourced produce.

Whether browsing the shops, indulging in a leisurely meal, or simply soaking in the breathtaking coastal scenery, Carmel-by-the-Sea provides a delightful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Recap

This Monterey and Carmel Day Tour offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the stunning California coastline.

Departing from San Francisco, the tour provides an 11.5-hour journey along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, offering captivating views, visits to notable landmarks, and ample time to take in the charming towns of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

With a knowledgeable guide and plenty of photo opportunities, this tour promises an unforgettable experience along the dramatic California coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: