Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco
San Francisco, United States

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

Outty Ranking 63 5.0 · 27 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $1,025
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Outty Ranking

63/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 27 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco worth booking?

Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco is a 10-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $1,025 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 27 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
63 / 100
Rating
5/5 (27)
Duration
10 hours
From
$1,025 per person

Discover the natural beauty of California at your own pace on a private 10-hour scenic tour of Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur from San Francisco. Journey along the 17-Mile Drive, see the Big Sur Bixby Creek Bridge, go to Poit Lobos State Reserve and more. See the sights you want to see on a tour exclusive to you.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the natural beauty of California at your own pace on a private 10-hour scenic tour of Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur from San Francisco. Journey along the 17-Mile Drive, see the Big Sur Bixby Creek Bridge, go to Poit Lobos State Reserve and more. See the sights you want to see on a tour exclusive to you.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private tour
    • All taxes, fees and handling charges
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
    • Surcharges on fuel

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Food and drinks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Carmel

      Explore the Big Sur and Monterey areas of California at your own pace, and avoid the hassle of organized bus tours.

      600 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    San Francisco

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Options you can book

    • Carmel Monterey and Big Sur

    • Up to 6 people tour

      Up to 6

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    pt, en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Dingo Tours

    Know before you go

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

    Photos

    Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco, photo 2Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco, photo 3Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco, photo 4Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco, photo 5Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco, photo 6Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 27 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

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

    Photo opportunities

    6 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    27 verified traveler reviews for Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    27
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Mike_R · September 2026

    Great trip and guide

    We had a great time seeing the beauty of the California coast. Fred, our guide, was ready and waiting for us when we got to our hotel lobby. He apologized for being a bit early and even offered to stop right away for us to get morning coffee. We declined, but our first break was at a wonderful bakery in Pacifica. Along the drive, he offered history and insights on the the towns we passed through as well as the agriculture and flora. The views of Half Moon Bay, Carmel-by- the-Sea, and Big Sur were stunning. Would highly recommend this great trip, and Fred.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the glowing review! I'm so glad you enjoyed exploring the coast, from the bakery stop to the stunning views around Half Moon Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur. Sharing the rich history, agriculture, and local flora of these coastal towns is always a highlight of the trip for me, so it’s wonderful to know those insights added to your day. It was a true pleasure guiding you, and I really appreciate the high recommendation. Hope to welcome you back for another California adventure in the future!

    via Viator

    karen_l · September 2026

    If your looking for the PERFECT GUIDE, ask for Marciano!!!

    Marciano was beyond five stars — truly a 10/10! From the beginning, he felt less like our tour guide and more like part of the family. He laughed with us, joined our conversations, took amazing photos, shared great stories and movie trivia, and took us to beautiful places we didn't even know we needed to see. Most importantly, he was incredibly kind, patient, and accommodating, especially while traveling with our elderly parents. He made our entire Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur experience easy, comfortable, and unforgettable. His knowledge, generosity, and genuine kindness are unmatched. We truly cannot say enough wonderful things about Marciano!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this incredible review! Hearing that Marciano felt like part of your family is the absolute best compliment we could ever receive. We know how special family trips are—especially when traveling with elderly parents—so knowing that he made the entire day smooth, comfortable, and stress-free for everyone truly means the world to us. Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur are full of hidden gems, and we are so glad Marciano was able to bring those spots to life with his stories, movie trivia, and photo skills! We’ll be sure to pass along every word of your kind praise to Marciano—he will be absolutely thrilled. We would love to welcome you and your family back for another unforgettable adventure anytime!

    via Viator

    mariangelieb2026 · July 2026

    Unforgettable experience!

    An unforgettable experience! Our guide Fred from Dingo Tours was absolutely phenomenal. He was super nice, highly flexible with our requests, and incredibly well-educated. He provided rich, engaging details about every stop, making our day trips to Big Sur, Muir Woods, and Sausalito perfect.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a kind review! It was an absolute pleasure guiding you through Big Sur, Muir Woods, and Sausalito. I'm thrilled to hear that the personalized pace and local details made your experience so special—coastal California is always a joy to share with fantastic guests like you. Safe travels on your future adventures, and I’d love to welcome you back anytime!

    via Tripadvisor

    Joseph_B · April 2026

    Perfect coast day

    Fred made the entire trip. He took us from San Francisco down the coast through Monterey and Carmel and knew exactly where to stop at every point. Not just the obvious spots either, he had a great feel for timing, angles, and places that actually make for memorable photos. The day felt easy and well paced, never rushed, but we still covered a ton. He was professional, personable, and clearly knows the area inside and out. You can tell he’s done this a lot, but it didn’t feel scripted. It felt like being shown around by someone who genuinely enjoys it. If you’re thinking about doing this drive, ask for Fred. It made the difference between a good day and one we’ll actually remember.

    Response from the operator: We are very happy you enjoyed the tour and had a good experience. Thank you so much for your business and time writing this review. See you next time!

    via Viator

    H1023MDcathys · October 2025

    Beautiful West Coast

    Fred was an excellent guide with lots of information and a very comfortable vehicle. We enjoyed our day..........................

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your review. We are very happy you enjoyed ou Pacific Coast Highway tour. See you in the future.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    10 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $1,025 to $1,090
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    9
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Dingo Tours, who run 9 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.6.

    See everything Dingo Tours runs

    Why this scores 63

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)43
    Booking momentum (14% weight)35
    Value for money (12% weight)24
    Listing quality (10% weight)67
    Local standing (8% weight)82
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco cost?

    +

    Prices start at $1,025 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 Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco take?

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    Plan for about 10 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 Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 27 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 Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private 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 Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

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

    +

    Around 9 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

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

    +

    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 Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco?

    +

    Included: Private tour; All taxes, fees and handling charges; Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected); and Surcharges on fuel. Not included: Gratuities; and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    What languages is Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. 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 Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private 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 Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

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

    What happens to Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private 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 Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco?

    +

    Across 27 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    What booking options are available for Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Carmel Monterey and Big Sur, Up to 6 people tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco.

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