Big Sur Monterey and Carmel Tour From San Francisco

A day trip from San Francisco down the Big Sur coast, with stops in Monterey Bay, Carmel and along the 17-Mile Scenic Drive before the return to the city.

This day trip follows Highway 1 south from San Francisco, taking in rocky ocean shoreline and several towns on the Monterey Peninsula and in Big Sur. The route begins in Monterey Bay, where the sea life is rich and whales may be spotted. A stop at Cannery Row includes time for coffee.

Next comes the 17-Mile Scenic Drive, which passes the Pebble Beach golf resort and offers photo stops at Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, Lovers Point and Point Pinos. The route then reaches Carmel, a beach town where Clint Eastwood is among the well-known residents. Visitors can browse its shops and sample baked goods from local artisan bakeries and coffee shops.

In Big Sur, the itinerary includes Bixby Bridge and Hurricane Point. Depending on the time of year, a sunset over the ocean may be visible on the drive back to San Francisco. The trip suits visitors passing through the Bay Area who want to see several stretches of the California coast in one day, and it departs from San Francisco.