Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco
San Francisco, United States

Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco

Outty Ranking 76 4.9 · 48 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $193
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Outty Ranking

76/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 48 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco worth booking?

Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco is a 12-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $193 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 48 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
76 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (48)
Duration
12 hours
From
$193 per person

From the spectacular rocky ocean waves to the iconic towns, Highway 1 from San Francisco provides an experience you rarely find. This tour combines the best of California in one day. We begin in Monterey Bay, that has unparalleled sea life. You may even spot a whale! You will have time for coffee at Cannery Row. Next is the famous 17-Mile Scenic Drive (including a stop at golf resort Pebble Beach). There will be photo stops at the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, Lovers Point or Point Pinos. We visit the beach town of Carmel, home to celebrities such as Clint Eastwood, where you can visit quaint shops, artisinal bakeries and coffee shops. Lastly, we will see the Bixby Bridge and Hurricane Point, the iconic highlights of Big Sur. Depending on the time of the year, there may be a spectacular Northern California sunset over the ocean as we make our way back to San Francisco.

What you get

    About this experience

    From the spectacular rocky ocean waves to the iconic towns, Highway 1 from San Francisco provides an experience you rarely find. This tour combines the best of California in one day. We begin in Monterey Bay, that has unparalleled sea life. You may even spot a whale! You will have time for coffee at Cannery Row. Next is the famous 17-Mile Scenic Drive (including a stop at golf resort Pebble Beach). There will be photo stops at the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, Lovers Point or Point Pinos. We visit the beach town of Carmel, home to celebrities such as Clint Eastwood, where you can visit quaint shops, artisinal bakeries and coffee shops. Lastly, we will see the Bixby Bridge and Hurricane Point, the iconic highlights of Big Sur. Depending on the time of the year, there may be a spectacular Northern California sunset over the ocean as we make our way back to San Francisco.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel Pick UP (within our zones)
    • Admission fees

    Not included

    • Meals

    What you'll see and do

    1. Silicon Valley

      Enjoy a relaxing drive south past Silicon Valley and through Gilroy and Castroville, the garlic and artichoke capitals of the world before arriving in Monterey.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Cannery Row

      We arrive in Monterey along the awi-inspiring Monterey Bay. We will stop at the town’s famous Cannery Row to grab a coffee and fresh pastry at Steinbeck Plaza.

      30 minutes here

    3. Pebble Beach

      Drive along the rocky shores of Pacific Grove, known as “Butterfly Town USA” because of the thousands of Monarchs which migrate every year. ]We will drive down the private 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach -- famous vistas, exquisite homes, and maybe some local wildlife. Stops along the way may include Bird and Seal Rock and the Lone Cypress. And golf lovers will be able to stop at the famous 18th green at Pebble Beach.

      90 minutes here

    4. Carmel

      Free-time in Carmel-by-the-Sea – a storybook village with artisan bakeries, exclusive stores and wine-tasting. You will have time to experience the charm of town that has attracted writers and film-industry luminaries for over 100 years.

      90 minutes here

    5. Big Sur

      Shoreline drive to Bixby Bridge and Hurricane Point. This is a great time for photo stops of these icons of Big Sur that many people will recognize from many films and television series.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 14 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Best Bay Area Tours Llc

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco, photo 2Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco, photo 3Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco, photo 4Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco, photo 5

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 47 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    47 verified traveler reviews for Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    43
    4 star
    3
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Tiffany_S · October 2026

    Perfect Way to Spend the Day!

    Every stop was amazing!! The trip was a day well spent with so much Information and great stops along the way. Brian was so knowledgeable about all of the locations, and even had awesome videos to watch along the way and great music to pass he time while driving. Great Experience!!

    via Viator

    Robert_R · October 2026

    Excellent Overview of Monterrey, Carmel, 17-mile Drive and Big Sur

    This was an Excellent Overview of Monterrey, Carmel, 17-mile Drive and Big Sur. I will definitely come back on my own to see some the the places covered on the tour in more detail. The tour includes a brief breakfast stop in Monterrey due to the early start and then a photo stop at Lover's Point. This is followed by the 17-mile drive with stops at Bird Rock and Lone Cypress, while pointing out various golf courses on the 17-mile drive. We then stop at the Pebble Beach Visitors center, followed by lunch in Carmel and a photo stop at Hurricane Point when one can see the Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur. This this first point where one can legally stop to get a picture of the famous bridge, but it is a good distance away, so a zoom lens would be preferred. On the way back, one stops at a farm for snacks and a bio break. Well organized and implemented. Our tour guide Steven was excellent throughout. Unfortunately for the photos, fog followed us most of the time.

    via Viator

    KENGHUAY_T · September 2026

    The driver cum tour guide...

    The driver cum tour guide was helpful and responsible. He would contact me one day before the trip. He also picked me up at my hotel instead of designated hotel. He also dropped me off at my second hotel after the trip. Very much appreciated for the flexibility and always enthusiastic in bringing us around. I like his attitude and service. Excellent

    via Viator

    364ashmitad · September 2026

    Great experience

    Great experience...recommend it

    via Tripadvisor

    Climber249080 · August 2026

    Monterey and Carmel

    Our tour guide was Brian. He was outstanding. We could tell that he truly enjoys his job. He was very knowledgeable about the area We truly enjoyed this tour

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    12 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    17
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Best Bay Area Tours Llc, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 79.1 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Best Bay Area Tours Llc runs

    Why this scores 76

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)51
    Booking momentum (14% weight)44
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)80
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.

    How much does Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco cost?

    +

    Prices start at $193 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Francisco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco take?

    +

    Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Francisco is not rushed.

    Is Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 48 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco?

    +

    Around 17 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Francisco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Francisco and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Francisco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in San Francisco?

    +

    San Francisco packs Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Napa and the bay into day-trip range, which makes booking order matter more than anywhere else in the US. Alcatraz sells out weeks ahead, wine-country vans fill on weekends, and the best food walks in the Mission and Chinatown cap at a dozen people. Our ranking favours small groups and guides who live in the neighbourhood they walk. On Outty we rank every San Francisco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz, Chinatown, North Beach, Little Italy: 7 Tastings & History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit San Francisco?

    +

    September and October, the city's real summer, once the fog season breaks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in San Francisco?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco?

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    Included: Hotel Pick UP (within our zones); and Admission fees. Not included: Meals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 178 listed pickup locations in and around San Francisco.

    What languages is Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in San Francisco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco?

    +

    Across 48 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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