Skip to contentSkip to content

Private Monterey and Carmel One-Day Tour from San Francisco

Private Monterey and Carmel One-Day Tour

private tour
Main Image
Duration: 11 hours

Overview

This beautiful private tour down the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Monterey has many options. Explore the city’s historic past, Cannery Row, Old Fisherman’s Wharf and more. Cruise along the 17-mile Drive through Pebble Beach to charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tour length - 11 hours approximately

Included

  • Drive down Coastal California Highway 1
  • Free time at Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Cruise the scenic 17-Mile Drive
  • Stroll in enchanting Carmel-by-the-Sea
  • Pickup & drop-off anywhere in the SF Bay Area
  • Flexible departure time and stops for photos
  • Big savings for large groups
  • Guide gratuity

Excluded

  • Meals and beverages unless requested

Important information

How long is the tour?

This private tour takes about 11 hours but can vary based on the pickup location and pre-approved changes to the itinerary.

Can the tour be scheduled for any day?

Nearly any day. Monterey Bay Aquarium is closed on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check with Guest Services at (415) 357-0700 about availability during holidays.

Where is the departure location?

Since this is a private tour, we can pick-up from any single location in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Can we bring suitcases or other large items?

Generally, we ask that you do not bring anything on tour larger than 22”x14”x9”, or 56cmx36cmx23cm. If your group will not occupy the entire tour vehicle, there may be room. Please check with Guest Services at (415) 357-0700 about arrangements in advance of the tour day.

Is this a guided tour?

Yes, the tour is guided with an English-speaking guide. There will also be time on your own during the stops.

Are meals included? Can I buy or bring my own?

Meals are not included on this tour. We will stop for about 1.5 hours where you can purchase lunch.

What should I wear?

Temperatures vary depending on the season and time of day, so we recommend that you wear layered clothing in case of unexpectedly climbing or falling temperatures. We do not recommend wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts in the winter. However, we realize that everyone is acclimated to different weather and thus trust you to make your own judgement. For footwear, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, such as regular tennis shoes, sneakers, or boots with rubber soles and treads. In the summer months, hiking sandals can be worn on the tour, but high heels, beach flip-flops, and other open-toed shoes are not recommended.

What should I bring?

Extra spending money for meals, snacks, souvenirs, etc
A light jacket (easily removable) in case of wind
Camera
Water bottle
Warm clothes and a waterproof jacket (during the winter months)
Hat and sunscreen (during the summer months)
Sturdy umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain)

Will we stop at the Lone Pine or Pebble Beach?

We will take 17-mile drive from Monterey to Carmel, making a few stops for photos along the way. We will stop at both Lone Pine and Pebble Beach, unless we are denied access, due to a special event.

Do you have a lost and found?

Yes, items left in the vehicle are stored in a lost and found area for 30 days. If you left something on one of our tours, please give us a call office at 1-866-231-3752 (toll free from the USA) or 1-415-357-0700 to see if it has been found. Once you have confirmed with us that your item has been found by our staff and you are still in town, you can come by our office to pick up your item. Otherwise, we will ship almost any item to any destination within the U.S. for a flat fee of $25. Extranomical Tours is not responsible for lost or stolen items

Highlights

More information

Private Monterey and Carmel Tour Details

Monterey is a rich and entertaining mix of wildlife, stunning coastal views and important history. Walk in the steps of figures like Grapes of Wrath author John Steinbeck. Let our travel consultant work with you to refine the details for your group.

After a pickup at a convenient place for your group in San Francisco, you’ll be swept into a Pacific Coast wonderland. You’ll head down California State Route 1 toward Monterey along the picturesque Pacific Ocean coastline. Grab a memorable photo of your group with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop!

Keep an eye out for the sea otters playing in the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This underwater park stretches hundreds of miles along the coast from San Francisco to Cambria and is home to hundreds of species of marine mammals, birds, and fish.

In Monterey, you’ll have all the free time you need to explore. That’s plenty of time to visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Alternatively, you can take the time to stroll out to Lovers’ Point, check out the many boutiques that line historic Cannery Row, or grab a fresh lunch at Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

Back on your tour vehicle, you’ll be treated to more beauty on the 17-Mile Drive. This scenic road winds its way through the Del Monte Forest between magnificent multi-million dollar homes, spectacular coastline and Pebble Beach golf course. Catch a photo of the hardy Lone Cypress Tree.

After leaving 17-Mile Drive, arrive in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. Check out the quaint shops on Ocean Avenue or get some white Pacific sand between your toes at the beach. If you like, finish with an inspiring visit to the Carmel Mission.

Departure

Anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area

Private Monterey & Carmel Tour Itinerary

This suggested itinerary may be modified to suit the interest of the group

7:30 am – 8:00 am

  • Pickup at any location in San Francisco

8:00 am – 11:30 am

  • Scenic Highway 1 drive along California’s Pacific Coastline

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

  • Free time to explore Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf

1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

  • Cruise California’s coastline on the 17-mile drive
  • See the Lone Cypress near the Pebble Beach Golf Links

4:00 pm – 5:15 pm

  • Explore, dine, and shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea
  • Visit the Carmel Mission

5:15 pm – 7:00 pm

  • Conclude the tour at your pickup location

Read more helpful articles about Monterey and Carmel in our BLOG.