Private Tour
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the natural beauty of California at your own pace on a private 10-hour scenic tour of Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur from San Francisco. Journey along the 17-Mile Drive, see the Big Sur Bixby Creek Bridge, go to Poit Lobos State Reserve and more. See the sights you want to see on a tour exclusive to you.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Carmel
Explore the Big Sur and Monterey areas of California at your own pace, and avoid the hassle of organized bus tours.
Private tour
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
Fuel surcharge
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Up to 6
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
H1023MDcathys,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Fred was an excellent guide with lots of information and a very comfortable vehicle. We enjoyed our day..........................

Julie P,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
Fred was a fantastic guide! Friendly, professional, accommodating, knowledgeable, and took us to the best spots! Fred ensured we got to see what was at the top of our sightseeing list and we got back to the hotel in time for our dinner reservations. We couldn't have asked for a better guide. Thanks so much for the wonderful, memorable day, Fred!
Christie W,Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
Our tour from San Francisco to Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey and many, many beautiful ocean views and sight stops along the way, was simply perfect! Our tour guide, Fred, was fantastic and shared a lot of very interesting information about the area and sights. He was very knowledgeable and graciously answered all of our questions. The stop at Gayle’s bakery in Capitola was just amazing - cappuccinos and croissants were scrumptious! Our lunch stop in Carmel-by-the-Sea was picture perfect from the weather - an exceptional California Sunday day - to the restaurant suggestion Fred expertly suggested! We all highly recommend Fred as your guide and this tour as an absolute “must” experience!
Stephanie H,Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
Mr. Marciano went above and beyond to ensure the day was perfect for me and my husband. He tailored the trip for our interests, was patient and kind while we stopped for photos and acted as our professional photographer for several landmarks. He recommended a delicious bakery for brunch to break up the trip. The drive and the day was perfect. I highly recommend Dingo Tours.
Sunshine577553,Jul 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our driver, Fred, was exemplary. He provided interesting feedback along the way and made sure that we saw everything that we wanted to see. It was an absolute delight to stop wherever we wanted for as long or as short a time as we wanted. We had lunch at the Nepenthe restaurant in Big Sur. Fred even took us through the towns of Carmel and Monterey and saw amazing houses and scenery. It would have been less expensive to take a bus tour, but then we'd have to stop at selected locations for established periods of time and would not have seen everything we experienced on this trip. We highly recommend this company.


Lorie R,Jun 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
Fred, our Dingo tour guide was wonderful in so many ways. Once we talked with him, he knew exactly how to gently guide us with planning our time to get the best experience. He was very knowledgeable, respectful and responsive to our needs. Thank you, Fred.
Bidit D,Jun 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
We recently went on a private family tour to Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey with Fred — and I can wholeheartedly say it was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip to California. Fred reached out a day in advance to confirm everything, and on the day of the tour, he was right outside our hotel at 8:00 AM sharp with a smile, ready to take us on this journey. Even though we were a bit late, he greeted us warmly without a hint of impatience. His Toyota Sienna was spotless and felt brand new — stocked with water bottles for every family member, which might seem like a small thing, but it really showed his thoughtfulness and care, especially since my family takes hydration seriously. The drive down Highway 1 was magical, and Fred’s deep knowledge of the region kept us engaged the whole way. He shared stories, pointed out hidden gems, and even stopped by local strawberry and vegetable farms when my dad wanted to try fresh fruit — a spontaneous moment that became a cherished memory. From Santa Cruz to Big Sur’s breathtaking trails lined with wildflowers, from the iconic Bixby Bridge to Hurricane Point — Fred guided us through each location with care, letting us soak in the beauty and helping us capture some amazing family photos. When it came time for lunch, Fred recommended Belle’s in Carmel, a cozy spot in a postcard-perfect town. It was the ideal place to relax and grab some souvenirs. Later, we strolled on the white-sand beach nearby under the blue sky and cool breeze — a moment of peace I’ll never forget. We ended our day in Monterey, lucky enough to spot some sea lions before Fred safely drove us back to our hotel. He let us rest during the return trip and ensured we reached back comfortably after a long, fulfilling day. What made this tour truly special wasn’t just the locations — it was Fred’s quiet professionalism, his attention to detail, and the care he showed to make sure my family had a great time. And they did — they were so happy. That alone means everything to me. Fred, thank you for giving us a day we’ll always remember. When I return to San Francisco, I’ll be booking another tour with you without a second thought.
David C,Apr 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
Great day out with the family. Big Sur and Carmel By the Sea were the highlights. The pastry shop at the beginning of the tour was good too!
Ben K,Mar 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
The guide picked us up at our hotel in a comfortable/clean and well-kept Toyota Sienna. We casually made our way, after making it out of town to the coast, through the scenic views from Santa Cruz, Pacific Grove, Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur. Breathtaking coastal views. Bug Sur does not disappoint. Fred was our guide and was a wealth of information about the area and most friendly. Ask about the bakery in Capitola, just past Santa Cruz. Wow!
simone b,Jan 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
It is very worth hiring the Dingo Tours service. Fred is very kind, careful, does not measure efforts to make the ride unforgettable. He knows a lot about the region and tells great stories. We made several days of tour: the tour on the coast to big sur, napa valley, muir woods, and several interesting points in São Francisco. I highly recommend!
Operated by Dingo Tours