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Big Sur day trip guides

Everything to sort out before a day on the Big Sur coast: what fits into one day, where to stop, when to go, how the drive feels, which tour to take, and where Carmel and the 17-Mile Drive fit in.

Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary 2026: One Day, Hour by HourA timed plan from Carmel to McWay Falls and back.Read the guide →Big Sur Stops 2026: Where to Pull Over, Mile by MileEvery stop worth it, with miles, fees and 2026 closures.Read the guide →Best Time to Visit Big Sur 2026: Month by MonthFog, flowers, whales and storms, month by month.Read the guide →Driving Highway 1 in Big Sur 2026: Direction, Gas & SignalsDirection, pullouts, gas and the 2026 one-way signals.Read the guide →Big Sur Day Trip from San Francisco 2026: Tours ComparedWhich tour goes how far south, and what it costs.Read the guide →Big Sur vs Carmel & the 17-Mile Drive 2026: What Goes WhereWhat is Big Sur, what isn't, and how many days you need.Read the guide →

Tours

Choose your Big Sur tour

The three tours most people choose between. Every tour has its own page with the route and how far south it goes.

Highway 1, Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur Day Tour Lowest price New12 hoursFree cancellation

Highway 1, Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur Day Tour
From San Francisco17-Mile DriveSmall van

A long day from San Francisco: Monterey, the 17-Mile Drive and Carmel, then Highway 1 to Bixby Bridge. The cheapest way to see Big Sur without a car, if the bridge area is far enough south for you.

What's included
  • Pickup at San Francisco hotels
  • 17-Mile Drive entrance fee
  • Stops in Monterey, Pebble Beach and Carmel
  • Big Sur as far as the Bixby Bridge area
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Full tour details
From$193per person Reserve
Big Sur Coast Half-Day Tour from Monterey Best rated ★ 5.03 hoursCheck cancellation terms

Big Sur Coast Half-Day Tour from Monterey
Hotel pickupRedwood walkUp to 12

A local guide drives you about 30 miles down the coast from the Monterey Peninsula, with four or five short stops. You reach the redwoods of Pfeiffer Big Sur and are back for a late lunch.

What's included
  • Pickup at Monterey Peninsula hotels
  • Guide commentary on geology, wildlife and history
  • 4 to 5 short stops, redwood walk in Pfeiffer Big Sur
  • Cold drinks for groups of 4 or more
  • A $60 fuel fee for groups of 3 or fewer
Full tour details
From$227per person Reserve
Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur Private Tour Private car ★ 4.910 hoursFree cancellation

Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur Private Tour
PrivateUp to 4Your stops

Your own driver-guide from your San Francisco hotel, down the coast via Santa Cruz, Monterey and Carmel to Bixby Bridge. You set the stops and the pace, and the price covers up to four people.

What's included
  • Private car and driver-guide for up to 4
  • Pickup at your San Francisco hotel
  • Tolls, taxes and entrance tickets if needed
  • Guides who speak English, Spanish or Portuguese
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Full tour details
From$946per group Reserve

Plan your date before you go

Three hours on the coast with a local guide: hotel pickup on the Monterey Peninsula, four or five stops and a redwood walk.

Check dates for the half-day coast tour from Monterey