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

Recommended by 100% of travelers

San Francisco, USA

10 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Without renting a car, it’s nearly impossible to drive the California coast from San Francisco to Big Sur in one day. This private tour provides a great solution—not only do you travel in the comfort of a private vehicle, but you also have the flexibility to visit each stop at your own pace. Create your own itinerary, or follow the recommendations of a guide as you explore Carmel, Monterey, Big Sur, and more.

California coast tour from San Francisco to Big Sur
Drive down the California coast in just one day
Customize your itinerary to include top sights along the way
Private tour with just your guide and group

What's Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges
Fuel surcharge
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
Private tour

Gratuities
Food and drinks

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

San Francisco, CA, USA

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.8:00 am

Itinerary

Carmel

10 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0

based on 23 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Wonderful Guide! Wonderful Day!

Julie_P, Oct 2025

Fred was a fantastic guide! Friendly, professional, accommodating, knowledgeable, and took us to the best spots! Fred ensured we got to see what was at the top of our sightseeing list and we got back to the hotel in time for our dinner reservations. We couldn't have asked for a better guide. Thanks so much for the wonderful, memorable day, Fred!

Response from Host, Oct 2025

We are very happy you enjoyed our Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur tour. It was a pleasure to show you these beautiful places. See you next time

Exceptional Big Sur, Carmel, & Monterey day tour

Christie_W, Sep 2025

Our tour from San Francisco to Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey and many, many beautiful ocean views and sight stops along the way, was simply perfect! Our tour guide, Fred, was fantastic and shared a lot of very interesting information about the area and sights. He was very knowledgeable and graciously answered all of our questions. The stop at Gayle’s bakery in Capitola was just amazing - cappuccinos and croissants were scrumptious! Our lunch stop in Carmel-by-the-Sea was picture perfect from the weather - an exceptional California Sunday day - to the restaurant suggestion Fred expertly suggested! We all highly recommend Fred as your guide and this tour as an absolute “must” experience!

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Once again, thank you for your review. It was a fantastic day with you and your family. See you in the future.

Incredible day along the coast

Stephanie_H, Jul 2025

Mr. Marciano went above and beyond to ensure the day was perfect for me and my husband. He tailored the trip for our interests, was patient and kind while we stopped for photos and acted as our professional photographer for several landmarks. He recommended a delicious bakery for brunch to break up the trip. The drive and the day was perfect. I highly recommend Dingo Tours.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thank you so much for your review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed our tour. We look forward to welcoming you back to Dingo Tours again soon!

GREAT Experience... Couldn't get any better.

Lorie_R, Jun 2025

Fred, our Dingo tour guide was wonderful in so many ways. Once we talked with him, he knew exactly how to gently guide us with planning our time to get the best experience. He was very knowledgeable, respectful and responsive to our needs. Thank you, Fred.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear you enjoyed our tour. We look forward to welcoming you back to Dingo Tours again soon!

A Perfect Family Day Along the Pacific, Thanks to Fred

Bidit_D, Jun 2025

We recently went on a private family tour to Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey with Fred — and I can wholeheartedly say it was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip to California. Fred reached out a day in advance to confirm everything, and on the day of the tour, he was right outside our hotel at 8:00 AM sharp with a smile, ready to take us on this journey. Even though we were a bit late, he greeted us warmly without a hint of impatience. His Toyota Sienna was spotless and felt brand new — stocked with water bottles for every family member, which might seem like a small thing, but it really showed his thoughtfulness and care, especially since my family takes hydration seriously. The drive down Highway 1 was magical, and Fred’s deep knowledge of the region kept us engaged the whole way. He shared stories, pointed out hidden gems, and even stopped by local strawberry and vegetable farms when my dad wanted to try fresh fruit — a spontaneous moment that became a cherished memory. From Santa Cruz to Big Sur’s breathtaking trails lined with wildflowers, from the iconic Bixby Bridge to Hurricane Point — Fred guided us through each location with care, letting us soak in the beauty and helping us capture some amazing family photos. When it came time for lunch, Fred recommended Belle’s in Carmel, a cozy spot in a postcard-perfect town. It was the ideal place to relax and grab some souvenirs. Later, we strolled on the white-sand beach nearby under the blue sky and cool breeze — a moment of peace I’ll never forget. We ended our day in Monterey, lucky enough to spot some sea lions before Fred safely drove us back to our hotel. He let us rest during the return trip and ensured we reached back comfortably after a long, fulfilling day. What made this tour truly special wasn’t just the locations — it was Fred’s quiet professionalism, his attention to detail, and the care he showed to make sure my family had a great time. And they did — they were so happy. That alone means everything to me. Fred, thank you for giving us a day we’ll always remember. When I return to San Francisco, I’ll be booking another tour with you without a second thought.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed our tour. We look forward to welcoming you back to Dingo Tours again soon!

Route 1 with the family

David_C, Apr 2025

Great day out with the family. Big Sur and Carmel By the Sea were the highlights. The pastry shop at the beginning of the tour was good too!

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Thank you for your review. We are happy you enjoyed the tour. See you next time!

Don’t mos in the SF area

Ben_K, Mar 2025

The guide picked us up at our hotel in a comfortable/clean and well-kept Toyota Sienna. We casually made our way, after making it out of town to the coast, through the scenic views from Santa Cruz, Pacific Grove, Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur. Breathtaking coastal views. Bug Sur does not disappoint. Fred was our guide and was a wealth of information about the area and most friendly. Ask about the bakery in Capitola, just past Santa Cruz. Wow!

Response from Host, Mar 2025

We are glad you enjoyed the tour. See you next time.

Wonderful

Suresh_D, Nov 2024

His enthusiasm made the experience even more enjoyable. As we drove through picturesque landscapes, he shared fascinating stories and historical tidbits about each location. Not only did he point out landmarks, but he also encouraged us to take photos at the best spots, ensuring we captured the memories of our trip. During our breaks, he introduced us to local delicacies, regional specialties at the restaurants he suggested. Each meal was a delightful experience, from the cozy café serving homemade pastries to the vibrant market offering fresh produce and artisan snacks. By the end of the trip, we felt not only informed but also connected to each other and the places we visited. Fed had truly made this adventure memorable, and we left with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and culture of the region.

Response from Host, Dec 2024

We are very happy you enjoyed the tour. See you next time for different experiences.

Awesome experience!

Mary_P, Jun 2024

Brian was a wonderful tour guide. He was very knowledgeable. He was friendly and made us feel comfortable. He took us to beautiful spots along the pacific coast and stopped at places that we would never have found. We stopped at a fruit stand, a bakery, Big Sur, Carmel By the Sea, Pebble Beach and other places. We highly recommend booking a tour with his company.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Thank you for your review. We are glad you enjoyed your day. See you next time.

Excellent way to get a taste of the CA

Andrea_H, Mar 2024

Marciano was a wonderful driver. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip down the coast even if the weather wasn’t 100% cooperative. The Bixby Bridge was well worth the extra effort even if it was raining! We also really enjoyed our tour of the Carmel beach- houses and gardens were beautiful.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for your review. We are glad you enjoyed the tour. See you next time!

Great tour.

JesusB_R, Jun 2022

The Bixby Bridge was awesome. The driver Fred was very friendly, informative and entertaining. The weather was excellent.

Response from Host, Jun 2022

Thank you for your review. See you next time

An Absolute Treat!!!

Tashawna_U, Jun 2021

My husband and I are first time visitors to CA and Marciano treated us like royalty on our visit to Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey! First off, in this time of COVID-19 this is a perfect private tour for those who want to explore the scenery down the Pacific Coast Highway. Our first rest stop (I believe in Santa Clara) had a little food shop. I highly recommend the warm banana nut bread. Marciano was a very attentive guide and even made an unscheduled stop at Pacific Grove. The coastline contained pinkish-purple flowers and the views were stunning! Monterey was a great stop with a walk along the pier where you can hear the seals in the water. I even picked up inexpensive hand crafted jewelry from one of the outside vendors. The town of Carmel was very quaint and the beaches lovely with the bluest water I’ve seen thus far! The views from Bixby Bridge is worth the price of admission! Marciano was the best! He guided us along the way, and was an expert on taking panoramic pictures! I want to also thank Ed who was very responsive in answering all my questions. I highly recommend this tour!

Response from Host, Jun 2021

We are glad you enjoy the tour and the service we provided. Thank you, see you next time!

No stress day, worth every cent.

Seth_W, May 2021

Fred did an amazing job all day. Our party were my 2 kids, 13/9, 70 yo dad, my wife and I. He was very informative and made the trip top level. We thought about driving ourselves but Fred knew every stop, every photo op, every bathroom, etc. Lunch suggestions in Carmel, no parking hassle. Very laid back yet thorough. I can’t say enough about how spectacular the day was and I would use him again vs driving myself.