Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea:
Custom Private Day Trip Itinerary Idea
At Edge of the World Tours, we don’t just offer your standard day trip; we specialize in creating truly unforgettable, unique custom tours in the San Francisco Bay Area, designed for couples, families, and friend groups looking to experience the true culture and beauty of Northern California. While our popular guided San Francisco tours are a great way to experience the thrill of the city, sometimes you just want to get out of the hustle and bustle. If this sounds like you, we recommend planning a special day trip from San Francisco to Monterey with our expert tour guides.
Take an unforgettable journey down the California Coast on one of the most iconic highways on the planet, the PCH, away from the busy city and into a world of magic, tranquility, and serene beauty. Experience a day full of adventure, history, and wonder as you travel to some of the Golden State’s most beloved coastal destinations. Our tours are 100% customizable, so if there’s something you want to see, we can make it happen. However, if you need some inspiration, here’s an example of a day trip with Edge of the World tours:
Enjoy Easy Airbnb
or Hotel Pickup
Skip the stress of an overpriced Uber or packed public transport! At Edge of the World, we make it easy. Pickup and dropoff from your hotel, Airbnb, or home are included with every custom group tour in San Francisco! Just hop in our comfortable vans and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
First Stop: Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
Located about 50 miles south of San Francisco, we’ll help you discover the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse, one of the tallest in the United States, which has been guiding mariners since the late 1800s! This 115-foot structure, featuring its enormous Fresnel lens, was considered an engineering marvel of its era, guarding the rugged California coast and aiding sailors in navigating the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean. This still-operational lighthouse is a must-see for anyone who loves maritime history, the ocean, and adventure, and is the perfect first stop on a tour from SF to Monterey!
Second Stop: Historic Whaling Village of Davenport
Home to some of the state’s most beautiful, secluded beaches, a vibrant local art scene, and a charming, seaside town, Davenport is truly a hidden gem of Northern California. Founded in the 1860s, this once bustling whaling village is a great place to stop on our tour from San Francisco to Carmel. Enjoy a relaxing walk down the quaint streets teeming with history and charm, stop by one of the local cafes for a coffee, and take a moment to breathe in the town’s stunning ocean air and take in all the views. A visit to Davenport, CA, makes for the perfect addition to your custom tour if you appreciate California’s rugged coastal beauty and rustic charm.
Third Stop: Cannery Row & Monterey Bay Aquarium
The next destination on our private tour to Carmel is the beautiful city of Monterey, CA. Here, we’ll stop along Cannery Row for a delicious seaside lunch. Once the busy hub of the town’s sardine industry, this charming waterfront street features dozens of amazing restaurants, boutique shops, and the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium! Don’t worry, you’ll have a chance to visit the Aquarium yourself after you enjoy your meal and some unbeatable ocean views. Visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium is an absolute must, especially for those traveling with kids. This world-class facility showcases California’s diverse marine life, such as sea otters, jellyfish, leopard sharks, and wolf eels. It’s an inspiring and educational highlight of any of our San Francisco family tours!
Fourth Stop: Victorian Pacific Grove & 17-Mile Drive
After our stop in Monterey, we’ll travel through the storybook town of Pacific Grove, famous for its many beautifully preserved Victorian homes and pristine coastline. Enjoy stunning sights of the ocean surrounded by towering, wind-swept cypress trees. We’ll then make our way through the world-famous 17-mile drive! This private road winds through the Del Monte Forest, offering endless unobstructed views of the ocean, dramatic cliffs and bluffs, and several famous golf courses and mansions. If it sparks your interest, we can also make a stop at the nearby Pebble Beach Resort, a world-renowned golf course known for its elegant architecture, phenomenal views, and interesting history. Whether you’re an avid golfer or just looking to get out of the city and enjoy some time with family in nature, our San Francisco private tours are the perfect option.
Fifth Stop: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Our final destination on our private tour brings us to the enchanting town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This coastal village lives up to its reputation as one of the most beloved spots on the entire California coast. It feels like you’re being transported back in time, or perhaps into a fairytale, when you visit this historic artist colony and stroll among the town’s quaint cottages, gorgeous courtyards, and unbelievably beautiful white-sand beaches. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the many local galleries or perhaps stop in at a wine tasting room or one of the many lovely cafes. Truly the perfect ending to a romantic getaway or day trip for your family, a visit to Carmel is one for the books.
Book Your Private Day Trip from San Francisco to Monterey
With over a decade of experience crafting custom day trips from San Francisco, Edge of the World Tours is the Bay’s go-to choice for unforgettable adventure. Take a winery tour in Sonoma Valley, explore the city on a guided San Francisco tour, or book your very own custom tour to Monterey and see all the best that Northern California has to offer! Start planning your private day trip from SF today!
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