Driving the coastal road from San Francisco to the Monterey peninsula reveals a very different California: windswept shorelines, cypress trees twisted by salt-laden breezes, and small towns where art galleries and seafood restaurants cluster around sheltered harbours. The Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive day trip from San Francisco combines scenic coastline, a historic harbour town, and the famous private coastal drive for a single-day escape. This guide explains what to expect on the tour, where it departs from, what you will see, and how to book your preferred departure.
Plan your visit: why Monterey and Carmel became coastal destinations
The Monterey Peninsula’s significance dates to the days of Spanish colonisation and early American trade. Monterey served as California’s capital under Spanish and Mexican rule, while its deep natural harbour made it a centre for fishing and maritime commerce. Later, with the arrival of the railroad and the growth of motoring, artists and writers discovered Carmel’s sheltered coves and dramatic light, turning the town into a creative enclave.
By the early 20th century, wealthy visitors established summer homes along the peninsula, and the section of private coastline known as the 17-Mile Drive was developed as a leisure route that showcased the area’s scenic variety: rocky headlands, preserved forested sections, and carefully sited estate lookouts.
Economic shifts moved Monterey’s commercial heart from sardine canneries to tourism and marine science. The establishment of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and related institutions anchored the town’s modern identity as a place where coastal conservation and visitor experiences intersect.
The result is a compact coastal region that offers varied visitor experiences within a short distance: historic downtowns, dramatic shoreline viewpoints, and manicured coastal roads that show the peninsula’s most photogenic scenes.
What you will see on the Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive day trip
This full-day excursion typically leaves San Francisco in the morning, follows Highway 1 south along the coast, and spends concentrated time in central Monterey, Cannery Row and the Monterey harbour area before continuing to the scenic 17-Mile Drive and into Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most itineraries include time for a stroll on Cannery Row, a look at Fisherman’s Wharf and the harbour, a drive and viewpoint stops on the 17-Mile Drive, and a brief visit to Carmel’s village and coastline.
On the 17-Mile Drive you will pass celebrated landmarks such as the Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay viewpoints, and Pebble Beach golf course. Landscapes alternate between short sandy coves, exposed rocky headlands, and clusters of wind-sculpted trees. The route was designed to highlight contrasts — from manicured fairways to raw ocean edge — in a short distance.
Monterey’s Cannery Row area offers a quieter, post-industrial charm: restored canneries now house galleries, cafés and marine attractions. At the harbour you may see commercial fishing boats alongside pleasure craft and marine mammal activity, especially sea otters and sea lions.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its fairy-tale cottages, narrow streets and a tightly controlled aesthetic that forbids many ordinary commercial signs. Expect art shops, independent bookstores, and restaurants gathered close to Carmel Beach, where dramatic sunsets and tide-pool explorations attract visitors later in the day.
Book the Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive day trip here to secure a seat on a scheduled departure from San Francisco.
Tour times, ticket prices and essential booking information
The tour is a full-day trip from San Francisco, departing in the morning and returning in the early evening. Exact departure times vary by season; most departures leave at 7.30am and return by 7pm. Always check your booking confirmation for the meeting time and location.
Ticket prices on the Gray Line tour are:
- Adults: approximately $139
- Children (ages 5 to 11): approximately $105
- Infants: free
Prices above are correct as of November 2025 when I last checked, but may increase in future. Check up-to-date prices and book your preferred date.
Where the tour departs and how to get there
The Gray Line tour does not offer hotel pick-ups, so you’ll have to get to one of the two pick-up points. These are at 478 Post Street by Union Square and 2805 Leavenworth Street near the waterfront.
The precise meeting point and any instructions for boarding are stated on your booking confirmation.
Public transport and ride-hailing services are practical for reaching central meeting points; allow extra time for morning traffic. If you are driving to a pickup point, check local parking options in advance because central parking can be expensive and limited.
Advance booking is recommended, especially in summer and on weekends when the route is a popular day trip from San Francisco. Reserve your seat online to avoid disappointment.
What to expect during the full-day experience
The day is a mixture of driving, short guided walks, and free time in towns. Short stretches on the coach are interspersed with stops at the likes of the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the Bird Rock Vista Point and the Pebble Beach Golf Links.
The tour gives you two hours to explore Cannery Row in Monterey, and one hour at Carmel Plaza. There are also several lookout stops along the 17-Mile Drive. Walking at viewpoint stops is short and on mostly even paths, but some shorelines and viewpoints involve steps or uneven rock surfaces.
Weather on the coast can be very changeable: cool marine air, fog or bright sun can all occur in a single day. Layers work best; bring a lightweight windproof layer and comfortable shoes for short walks.
Included in the day-trip price are coach transport, guided commentary, and entrance to the 17-Mile Drive. Add-ons such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium and lunch cost extra. Always check the tour inclusions on the booking page before purchase.
Book now and review what is included for your selected date.
What’s included and what’s not
Included:
- Round-trip coach transport from the stated San Francisco meeting point
- Guided commentary en route and at viewpoint stops
- Access through the 17-Mile Drive (vehicle permit/entrance fee where applicable)
- Short walking time at selected viewpoints and towns
Not included: Meals unless, optional attractions (for example Monterey Bay Aquarium admission unless specified), personal expenses, and gratuities.
Check the tour description for specific inclusions before you book.
Best times to visit for wildlife and comfortable weather
Marine wildlife is most visible in the cooler months when upwellings and plankton draw fish and marine mammals close to shore. Whale watching along the Monterey coast peaks during migration windows — spring and autumn — while sea otters, seals and sea lions are a near-constant presence at the harbour and rocky points.
Summer brings clearer skies but also the possibility of coastal fog in the mornings. Spring and autumn often provide comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds, making weekday departures outside school holidays an excellent choice for quieter viewing.
If you want to combine the day trip with a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, budget the time in your Monterey stop: the aquarium can easily occupy two to three hours, so you will have to skip some sections. Reserve aquarium tickets in advance if you want to save time
Seasonal considerations for your visit
Summer is high season for the peninsula and for day trips from San Francisco. Expect more traffic and busier town centres, particularly on clear weekends. If you prefer smaller crowds, consider shoulder seasons in spring or autumn.
Winter weather can bring brisk ocean conditions and occasional storms that change the character of coastal viewpoints. Tours operate year-round, but weather can influence itinerary timing and visibility.
Getting to meeting points and transport options
If you are staying near Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf, the meeting points are within easy walking distance. If you must drive to the meeting point, factor in time for parking and city traffic.
How this tour differs from self-drive
Self-driving the same route gives maximum flexibility but adds responsibility: vehicle hire costs, navigating narrow coastal roads, and arranging parking at popular viewpoints. The guided day trip removes logistical friction, provides local knowledge from guides, and often includes entrance to the 17-Mile Drive that can be more complex to arrange independently.
If you favour a relaxed day with expert commentary and a set itinerary, the guided option is efficient. If you prefer to linger at specific sites or photograph at unusual hours, a self-drive will suit you better.
Compare dates and departure options and book online.
Combining this trip with other San Francisco activities
The peninsula pairs well with other coastal or wine-region itineraries. Many visitors combine the day trip with a separate wine-tasting afternoon in the Santa Cruz Mountains or a half-day at nearby state parks.
Frequently asked questions about the Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive day trip
Will I see the Lone Cypress? Most tours include a viewpoint for the Lone Cypress along the 17-Mile Drive. Access is by vehicle viewpoint stops rather than a long walk.
Is the 17-Mile Drive private? Yes. Much of the 17-Mile Drive runs through privately managed land; visitors usually enter with a paid permit or as part of a registered tour.
Can I include Monterey Bay Aquarium admission? It’s not included in the tour price, but you can visit while in Monterey. If the aquarium is a priority, book aquarium tickets in advance.
Is this tour suitable for children? Yes. The day trip is family-friendly, although long coach time and walking at viewpoints may be tiring for very young children. Children get reduced fares.
Are tours wheelchair accessible? Unfortunately not.
What should I bring? Layers, a windproof jacket, comfortable shoes for short walks, a camera, and any personal medication. Bring water and snacks if you have specific dietary needs. You’ll also need money for lunch.
Can I drive my own car on the 17-Mile Drive? Yes, private vehicles may drive the 17-Mile Drive by paying the required entrance/permit fee. On busy days the drive can be slow; guided tours often have timed entries and local routing knowledge.
Reserve your preferred date now.
Useful information for planning
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Typical departure time | Morning departures from 7.30am. Confirm on your booking confirmation. |
| Typical return time | Early evening around 7pm, depending on traffic and stops. |
| Duration | Approximately 11 hours round trip from central San Francisco, depending on traffic and itinerary choices. |
| Meeting point | Central San Francisco meeting points stated on confirmation (Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf area). |
| Parking | Parking near meeting points is usually public paid parking. Check the meeting instructions for nearby parking garages and rates. |
| Accessibility | Alas, the tour is not wheelchair accessible |
| Price range | Adult tickets cost $139 as of November 2025. |
| Peak season | Summer months and holiday weekends. For smaller crowds, travel in spring or autumn weekdays. |
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. Book through them and I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More San Francisco travel
Other San Francisco travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- Review of the Tonga Room tiki bar in San Francisco.
- How much does the San Francisco to Sausalito ferry cost?
- Why the audioguide makes a visit to Alcatraz Island special.
- Embracing touristy San Francisco at Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Planning a visit to the Walt Disney Family Museum or the California Academy of Sciences.
