Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur private Day Trip from San Francisco in Sausalito
Sausalito, United States

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

Outty Ranking 57 4.5 · 19 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $1020

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$1020
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur private Day Trip from San Francisco worth booking?

Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur private Day Trip from San Francisco is a 10-hour experience in Sausalito, United States, from $1020 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (19)
Duration
10 hours
From
$1020 per person

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

What you get

    About this experience

    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.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • Snacks
    • Private driver/guide
    • Hotel or airport pickup and drop-off

    What you'll see and do

    1. Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard

      Pacific Grove highlights the convergence of the ragged California Coastline, and Spanish Bay Golf courses.

      15 minutes here

    2. 17-Mile Drive

      The 17 Mile Drive is an iconic area in Carmel showcasing Hollywood movie star estates.

      40 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. 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.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    4. 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.

      90 minutes here

    5. 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.

      15 minutes here

    6. 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.

      60 minutes here

    7. Garrapata State Park

      Soberanes Point in Garrapata state park is the most fascinating part of Big Sur as it has something for all nature lovers. Amazing rock formations, creeks, hiking trails, a seal and bird rock, and an array of wild flowers.

      15 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Sausalito

    Meeting point

    Sausalito

    Clients can meet us at any agreed location, hotel, restaurant, or Air B and B location.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Ends at

    Clients can meet us at any agreed location, hotel, restaurant, or Air B and B location.

    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 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Alegro Private Tours

    Know before you go

    • 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

    Photos

    Bixby BridgeShark's cove, DavenportBixby BridgeCarmel classic cottagesCarmel village parkPacific Coast highway

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

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

    Photo opportunities

    7 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

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

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    19 verified traveler reviews for Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur private Day Trip from San Francisco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    16
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Joann_B · May 2026

    Enjoyable day. Pep was...

    Enjoyable day. Pep was our tour guide and she kept everyone entertained throughout the trip to and from Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur. The scenery was beautiful and we enjoyed a nice lunch, a sweet treat, and a stroll through Carmel before heading on to the Big Sur area.

    Response from the operator: Thanks Joanna. I had a fun day with your wonderful family. Enjoy the rest of your vacation. Hope to see you again on your next visit.

    via Viator

    439janiev · October 2025

    Big Sur Beauty

    🌊 Amazing Big Sur Experience! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Had such a great time with Pep on our tour from Carmel to Big Sur! We cruised down the coast in a Tesla, stopped for some short walks, and soaked in all the amazing views. The scenery was just stunning. Pep even brought along a local specialist who knew so much about the area — that was such a cool touch! Super fun, easygoing, and really memorable. Totally recommend this tour if you want a laid-back but awesome way to see the coast!

    Response from the operator: Thanks Jaine. I had a memorable day exploring Big Sur with you. Hope to see you again in the future.

    via Tripadvisor

    Regina_S · August 2025

    Wonderful Day Out in Scenic Northern Cal

    My friend and I had a great day out with our tour guide, Pep. Pep was very knowledgeable about the area with dome fun facts. She was also flexible on how we structured our tour. This tour was breathtaking and well worth it. The views and photos we got to take were stunning. I highly recommend this tour.

    Response from the operator: Thanks Regina. I had a memorable day with you and your friend. I look forward to seeing you again on your next visit.

    via Viator

    Brenda_F · March 2025

    Make sure you get what you paid for.

    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 the operator: 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.

    via Viator

    Badri_K · December 2024

    Awesome time

    Awesome, extremely safe driving, Awesome providing details of the area. Would definitely book wirh same guide/resource and Viator

    Response from the operator: Thanks Keerthi. I had a memorable day with your wonderful family. Looking forward to your next visit in the summer. Happy New Year!

    via Viator

    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
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    7
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 57

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)77
    Review evidence (18% weight)41
    Booking momentum (14% weight)34
    Value for money (12% weight)34
    Listing quality (10% weight)69
    Local standing (8% weight)29
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur private Day Trip from San Francisco: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur private Day Trip from San Francisco cost?

    +

    Prices start at $1020 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sausalito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur private Day Trip from San Francisco take?

    +

    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 Sausalito is not rushed.

    Is Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur private Day Trip from San Francisco worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 19 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sausalito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur private Day Trip 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 Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur private Day Trip 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 Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur private Day Trip from San Francisco?

    +

    Around 7 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 Sausalito 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 Sausalito and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur private Day Trip 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 Sausalito 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 Sausalito?

    +

    Sausalito, CA packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Sausalito by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Sausalito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings, 2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay, Muir Woods and Sausalito Half Day Tour. 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 Sausalito?

    +

    Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Sausalito, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. 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 Sausalito?

    +

    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.

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