Monterey Peninsula & Carmel-by-the-Sea Day Trip from San Francisco — 17-Mile Drive, Cannery Row & Coastal Views
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels—includes short, low-elevation walks and standing at viewpoints.
Overview
Trace the Pacific from San Francisco to the famous 17-Mile Drive on a small-group day trip that balances dramatic viewpoints with local culture. Perfect for anyone who wants big coastal scenery, wildlife sightings, and convenient stops in Monterey and Carmel without the driving.
Monterey Peninsula & Carmel-by-the-Sea Day Trip from San Francisco — 17-Mile Drive, Cannery Row & Coastal Views
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You step into the van just as San Francisco yawns open — fog thinning, the city’s edge brightening with a promise of clear coast. The high-top van hums south along Highway 1 and the Pacific pushes at the windows: cliffs that refuse to be quiet, surf that bangs out an unfiltered rhythm. In eight to ten hours you’ll meet lighthouse terraces, a famed Lone Cypress perched on hard granite, and a village whose shops and tasting rooms make an art of lingering.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for coastal winds
Mornings can be foggy and afternoons sunny; bring a light windproof jacket you can tie around your waist when the sun comes out.
Reserve aquarium tickets in advance
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular add-on—book online ahead if you plan to visit during the two-hour Monterey stop.
Charge devices and bring spare memory
Stops are short and scenic; a fully charged phone or camera and extra SD space ensure you capture the Lone Cypress and Bird Rock.
Comfortable shoes for short walks
Expect uneven surfaces at viewpoints and light walking around Cannery Row and Pebble Beach—sturdy walking shoes make the day easier.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Harbor seals
- Brown pelicans
History
The Monterey Peninsula was central to California’s 19th-century fishing and canning boom; Cannery Row grew from sardine processing plants to a cultural waterfront reimagined by mid-century writers and conservationists.
Conservation
Monterey Bay’s marine reserves and the aquarium’s research programs focus on protecting kelp forests and marine mammals—stay on marked trails and avoid disturbing wildlife at coastal viewpoints.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Francisco
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof shell
Protects from sudden coastal gusts and foggy drizzle.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the long day with refill opportunities on stops.
Camera or smartphone with extra battery
Necessary for capturing prime viewpoints like the Lone Cypress and Bird Rock.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides traction on rocky viewpoints and cobbled streets in Cannery Row and Carmel.