Monterey Tours from San Francisco
The Monterey Peninsula lies about two hours south of San Francisco on US-101, or longer on coastal Highway 1. Its sights include Cannery Row, the 17-Mile Drive and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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What a Monterey tour from San Francisco is like
Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea lie about 120 miles south of San Francisco, about 2 to 2.5 hours for each leg. We carry 3 Monterey tours that leave San Francisco for the coast. Rated 4.7 out of 5 overall, the Monterey trips on this page gather more than 59 reviews.
A day trip to the Monterey coast runs 11 to 12 hours; the ones we feature last about 11.
Monterey tours from San Francisco: options and formats
Air-conditioned bus with wifi and a guide
Coach-based Monterey days put the long drive south in an air-conditioned vehicle. One 11-hour trip travels by bus with air conditioning and wifi, with guiding in English. It carries 4.7 out of 5.
Guided coastal day on Highway 1
Guided Monterey tours follow coastal Highway 1 for part of the journey. "Scenic tour along Highway 1 through Santa Cruz and Capitola", a guided route notes; it comes with a certified, professional driver and tour guide. Guests have scored it 5.0 out of 5.
Cannery Row and the old Fisherman's Wharf are the classic stops in Monterey. One Monterey and Carmel day covers the round trip to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, with free time at Cannery Row and Old Fisherman's Wharf. Its reviews come to 4.7 out of 5.
Which Monterey tour from San Francisco: a comparison
| Type of tour | ★ | Duration | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus with wifi and an English guide | 4.7 | ~11h | Air-conditioned bus with wifi + English-speaking guide |
| Coach on Highway 1 via Santa Cruz | 5.0 | ~11h | Coach with bathroom + Driver and guide + Highway 1 via Capitola |
The Monterey tours we compare share a length of about 11 hours; the vehicle, its comfort on board and the coastal towns named on the route differ between them. Topping the review count among the tours on this page is "Day Trip to Carmel and Monterey", with more than 53 reviews at 4.7 out of 5.
Table data is indicative and comes from the GuruWalk catalogue. Each activity's current details, including availability, are the ones shown on its listing when you book.
Before you book a Monterey tour from San Francisco
Sea lions and the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Besides Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the other classic stop in town; the old wharf is known for its sea lions.
The 17-Mile Drive and Carmel's Ocean Avenue
Between Monterey and Carmel, the 17-Mile Drive passes Bird Rock, the Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach. Carmel itself is a small village of stone courtyards and cottages along Ocean Avenue, above a white-sand beach.
Monterey tours from San Francisco: frequently asked questions
How late can I cancel a Monterey tour from San Francisco booked for 2026?
On some of the Monterey days we describe, cancellation stays free until 24 hours before. The full-day Monterey and Carmel tour needs 72 hours' notice.
Are Monterey tours from San Francisco guided in English?
Yes: English is spoken by the guides on the Monterey buses and coaches we feature.
What is on board the coach for a Monterey tour from San Francisco?
Onboard comfort differs between the Monterey coaches we compare. The Highway 1 coach through Santa Cruz has a bathroom on board.
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