Monterey and Carmel Coastal Day Trip: 17-Mile Drive, Cannery Row & Lone Cypress from San Francisco
Difficulty
easy
Duration
11 hours
Fitness Level
Low to moderate—mostly seated coach travel with short walking periods; basic mobility recommended
Overview
Leave the city for a full-day coastal run from San Francisco to Monterey and Carmel. Experience Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Cannery Row, the 17-Mile Drive, Bird Rock, and the Lone Cypress with timed photo stops and free time in Monterey.
Monterey and Carmel Coastal Day Trip: 17-Mile Drive, Cannery Row & Lone Cypress from San Francisco
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The bus peels away from Fisherman’s Wharf before sunrise, the city’s glass and steel shrinking behind a ribbon of highway and the Pacific opening wider by the mile. By mid-morning the shoreline has taken over: low cliffs punched by surf, a lighthouse standing vertical against a cold breeze, and gulls bickering over breakfast. The tour moves at the rhythm of the coast—photograph stops, short walks, and long windows for watching the ocean change color as you cross from urban San Francisco into the quieter, wind-swept stretch of the Monterey Peninsula.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for changing coastal weather
Morning fog can be chilly and burn off into bright sun—bring a light windproof jacket and a sun layer for midday.
Reserve aquarium tickets ahead
Monterey Bay Aquarium is not included and often sells out; pre-book a timed entry if you plan to visit during your stop.
Carry small change and a card
Lunch options in Cannery Row and Carmel range from casual to upscale—bring payment options and modest cash for quick purchases.
Prepare for limited walking time
This is a coach-based tour with short on-foot windows—prioritize key stops and wear comfortable walking shoes for bluffs and plaza strolls.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbor seals
- Brown pelicans
History
Monterey’s Cannery Row grew from a booming sardine canning industry that collapsed mid-20th century and inspired Steinbeck’s novels; Pebble Beach developed as an elite coastal resort in the early 20th century.
Conservation
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects offshore ecosystems—visitors are encouraged to respect marine wildlife viewing distances and to minimize plastic waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Francisco
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof shell
Blocks cold coastal wind during morning fog and bluff-side stops.
spring specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Stable, cushioned shoes for short walks on cobble, boardwalks, and bluff paths.
summer specific
Camera or binoculars
Useful for photographing the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, and marine life offshore.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the day; refill stations and cafés available in Monterey.
summer specific