Ultimate Guide: Pacific Coastal Highway Tour to Monterey Carmel from San Francisco

Travel along one of the most breathtaking drives in the US by embarking on a Pacific Coast Highway Tour to Monterey Carmel from San Francisco. If you’re looking for a day full of scenic views, rich history, and diverse ecosystems, then this tour’s the perfect choice. Sit back, relax and let your guide do the work!

What to Expect

The Pacific Coastal Highway Tour to Monterey Carmel is the perfect day trip away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. The tour will take you through Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway. You will experience 17-Mile Drive, which is considered one of the world’s most scenic drives. The tour includes a visit to Pebble Beach, Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and much more.

Tour Itinerary

The tour itinerary is as follows:

Pickup

The pickup location for this tour is San Francisco, and you will travel to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, with a comfortable bus and coach ride.

Scenic Drive

Enjoy a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Monterey. You’ll get to experience many breathtaking and picturesque views on this leisurely journey, making it perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Cannery Row

Explore Cannery Row, which was made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name. You will have some free time to walk throughout this historic district, and its many galleries, restaurants and attractions.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

From Cannery Row, the tour heads to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the world’s top aquariums. You will be able to observe marine life from the Pacific Ocean, ranging from sea lions to giant octopuses.

Optional 18-Mile Drive

Next up is a scenic drive on the 17-Mile Drive. Take this opportunity to take photos of the famous Lone Cypress overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Pebble Beach

You will have the chance to visit the legendary Pebble Beach, home of the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links, and the site of one of the most iconic American golf courses.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

The last stop of the tour is Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small, picturesque beach town. You will have the opportunity to stroll around the town’s charming streets filled with garden courtyards, shops, boutiques and galleries. Before heading back to San Francisco, we’ll visit the town’s historic mission, which was founded by the Spanish in the late 18th century.

Drop-off

Your tour concludes in San Francisco, exactly where you originally began.

Highlights

• Experience the scenic and breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway
• Visit three of California’s most famous towns- Cannery Row, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Pebble Beach)
• Take a stroll along the heavenly beaches of these towns
• Explore Monterey Bay Aquarium -consistently ranked in the top-ten best aquariums globally
• Pass by the grandiest golf courses in history, Pebble Beach Golf Links
• Affordability and convenience

Book Your Tour Today!

If you’re interested in the Pacific Coastal Highway Tour to Monterey Carmel, click here to book your tour today! Expect to pay around $98 per person for a 10-hour guided tour.

Final Thoughts

The Pacific Coastal Highway Tour to Monterey Carmel from San Francisco is a premier way to explore the Californian coastline. It provides visitors with an opportunity to see an array of different sights including historical landmarks, wildlife conservations, stunning coastal drives, and vibrant towns. The tour is perfect for travelers hoping to revel in an authentic Californian experience. With all its rich and diverse history and culture, California is a great getaway destination!

FAQ About San Francisco

If you’re planning to visit San Francisco for the first time, it’s natural to have a lot of questions. Here are some answers to common questions that first-time visitors to San Francisco may have.

1. What is the best time to visit San Francisco?

San Francisco is a year-round destination, but some times of the year are better than others. The best time to visit San Francisco is from September to November when the summer crowds have left, and the temperature is pleasant. The weather is notoriously unpredictable in San Francisco, so it’s always a good idea to bring layers.

2. How do I get around San Francisco?

San Francisco has an excellent public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and cable cars. You can purchase a Clipper card, which is a reloadable transit card that can be used on any public transit system in the Bay Area. You can also take taxis or use ride-share services such as Uber or Lyft. Walking and biking are also good options for getting around San Francisco.

3. What are some must-see attractions in San Francisco?

San Francisco has many attractions that are worth a visit, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park, and the Painted Ladies. Other popular attractions include the Exploratorium, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Ferry Building Marketplace.

4. What is the best way to see the Golden Gate Bridge?

The best way to see and experience the Golden Gate Bridge is to walk or bike across it. There are several spots where you can rent bikes, such as Blazing Saddles, and start your journey from there. Alternatively, you can take a guided bike tour that includes the Golden Gate Bridge.

5. What are some good neighborhoods to explore in San Francisco?

San Francisco has several vibrant neighborhoods that are worth exploring, including:

• The Mission District, which is known for its street art, murals, and diverse food scene.
• Haight-Ashbury, which was the center of the counterculture movement in the 1960s.
• Chinatown, which is the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America.
• The Castro, which is the heart of San Francisco’s LGBTQ community.

6. Is it safe to walk around San Francisco at night?

San Francisco is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid walking alone and stick to well-lit areas. If you’re unsure about an area, it’s best to take a taxi or use a ride-share service.

7. What are some good restaurants in San Francisco?

San Francisco has an excellent food scene, with many options for all tastes and budgets. Some popular restaurants include:

• Tartine Bakery & Cafe, which is known for its excellent pastries and bread.
• The Slanted Door, which serves Vietnamese-inspired dishes with a modern twist.
• State Bird Provisions, which is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving inventive small plates.
• La Taqueria, which is a local institution serving some of the best tacos in the city.

8. Is it easy to find parking in San Francisco?

Parking in San Francisco can be challenging, especially in popular areas such as downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf. Street parking is available but can be difficult to find, and you may need to pay for parking in a garage or lot. If you’re driving in San Francisco, it’s a good idea to research parking options in advance.

9. What is the weather like in San Francisco?

San Francisco has a mild, temperate climate with cool, foggy summers and mild winters. The temperature rarely gets above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) in the summer, but it rarely drops below freezing in the winter. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to bring layers.

10. What is the best way to get to San Francisco from the airport?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located about 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of downtown San Francisco. There are several options for getting from the airport to the city, including:

• BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), which is a train system that connects SFO to downtown San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area.
• Taxis and ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft.
• Shuttle buses and private car services.

Book Your Tour Now

San Francisco is a beautiful and vibrant city with many things to see and do. By knowing the answers to these common questions, you can plan your trip to San Francisco with confidence and make the most of your time in this amazing destination.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most visited cities in the world, and for good reason. It is a hub for culture, art, and technology, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the West Coast. But with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your itinerary. In this guide, we’ll cover how to spend your time as a tourist in San Francisco, from visiting iconic landmarks to experiencing the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

1. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is perhaps the most iconic landmark in San Francisco. Walking along the bridge is one of the most popular things to do here, and it’s easy to see why. The views from the bridge of the San Francisco Bay are incredible, especially at sunset. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about the bridge’s history and engineering.

2. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a bustling neighborhood filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions, such as the famous sea lions at Pier 39. It’s a great place to experience San Francisco’s maritime culture and to try some of its famous seafood. Make sure to visit the Musée Mécanique, an antique arcade museum filled with vintage games, or take a boat tour to Alcatraz Island.

3. Walk through Chinatown

Chinatown is one of the oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods in San Francisco. Walking through it feels like you’re in a different world, with its colorful lanterns, street markets, and authentic Chinese food. Try visiting the Fortune Cookie Factory or taking a guided tour to learn more about its history.

4. Go to Alamo Square

Alamo Square is a beautiful park that offers stunning views of the city’s skyline. The main attraction here is the row of Painted Ladies, a group of Victorian houses painted in pastel colors that are often featured in movies and TV shows. It’s a great spot for a picnic or to take some memorable photos.

5. Visit the de Young Museum and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor

The de Young Museum and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor are two of San Francisco’s most popular museums. The de Young Museum features American art from the 17th through 21st centuries, while the California Palace of the Legion of Honor has a diverse collection ranging from ancient art to contemporary works. Both museums also have beautiful gardens that are worth exploring.

6. Explore the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood

The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is known for the counterculture movement that took place here in the 1960s. Today, it’s a bohemian district filled with vintage clothing stores, record shops, and colorful murals. It’s a great place to wander around and get a sense of San Francisco’s alternative culture.

7. Take a Cable Car Ride

Cable cars are an iconic form of transportation in San Francisco and they’re also a lot of fun to ride. The Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines offer some of the most scenic routes, taking you up and down the city’s famous hills. Just be prepared to wait in line during peak tourist season.

8. Visit Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world, spanning over 1,000 acres. There is so much to see and do here, from visiting the botanical gardens to exploring the Japanese Tea Garden. Make sure to also check out Stow Lake, where you can rent a paddleboat and enjoy the views.

9. Tour the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest modern and contemporary art museums in the country. It features works from famous artists such as Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol. It’s a great place to spend a few hours and get your fix of culture.

10. Eat Your Way Through the City

San Francisco is known for its diverse and delicious culinary scene. From Dim Sum in Chinatown to seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, there’s something for every taste. In addition to the famous attractions, make sure to try local favorites like sourdough bread, Mission-style burritos, and Dungeness crab.

Book Your Tour Now

San Francisco is a city with endless possibilities for tourists. By visiting its iconic landmarks, exploring its diverse neighborhoods, and indulging in its delicious cuisine, you will have an unforgettable trip. Use this guide to plan your itinerary and make the most of your time in San Francisco.