Swanton Berry Farm really is a strawberry lovers dream come true! We had such a blast picking strawberries on our most recent trip from SF to Santa Cruz! To get the most out of the stops from San Francisco to Monterey, and have enough time to do all the things in Monterey, I recommend spending a night or two down there. 12 years ago. Rental Cars: The rental car center is located directly across from Terminal B. Read More: 34+ Best Things To Do In Monterey Bay, CA. In this scenic stretch of countryside, youll be met with rolling hills, farmlands, marshlands, and beaches. Reserve your next shuttle bus to the San Francisco domestic airport with Monterey Airbus! For the best rates, check Rentalcars.com. As the regions leading shared-ride airport shuttle service, Monterey Airbus knows exactly what our customers want. At your first rest stop in Davenport, you will have a chance to take a selfie with the whole Pacific as your backdrop. Must-stop points along the route include the famousLone Cypress, Bird Rock, Fan Shell Beach, and the Cypresses of Crocker Grove. San Francisco $ 13 Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monterey Also for Monterey, here are a few examples of actual transportation services: Private transfer from Monterey to SFO: $370 Monterey Peninsula Airport One Way Transfer: $43 More Options Typical Local Transportation prices in San Francisco The hotel features an onsite spa, a pool, and a childrens club. Its one of the best airports to fly into for Monterey, and it will only take an hour and 40 minutes to two hours to get to downtown Monterey. The 17-Mile Drive is an exclusive stretch of road that takes you from Monterey to Carmel (longer, scenic route), full of dramatic coastal cliffs, peaceful beaches and forests, and world-class golf courses. Spare Tire| In addition to carrying a spare tire with you, dont forget to check your current tire conditions before you set off as well. Book your Montreal to San Francisco flight today. From Santa Cruz, the route continues along the spectacular Highway One until Monterey. Its sometimes possible to spot California gray whales just offshore. You can also catch a steam train from Roaring Camp all the way to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk during the high season. A visit to Swanton Berry Farm will grant you the classic u-pick experience in the summertime! San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey Bay Aquarium - Rome2rio Now that youve figured out the pros and cons of each airport, all thats left to do is to book your flight and pack your bags for your adventure to beautiful Monterey. We love a good road trip any darn time of the year. Such close distance makes Monterey the perfect coastal town for a day trip from San Francisco. HOW MANY DAYS FOR A SAN FRANCISCO TO MONTEREY ROAD TRIP? This all-day (11-hour) guided tour takes participants on Highway One, the scenic coastal route, from San Francisco to Monterey. Once you hop out of your car to explore, youll find antique shops, art studios, fresh seafood markets, and a few great restaurants all within walking distance of each other. San Jose Airport Taxi. From lighthouses to tide pools, world-renowned aquariums to nostalgic roller coasters, I guarantee you will love what Highway 1 on the Northern California coast has to offer! We also have airport shuttle pickups and drops in Monterey, Marina, and Prunedale. Not only does the tool allow you to compare rental car prices, but most of the time you can book with no prepayment and no cancellation fees. If youre flying into SFO, youll be a bit further away, but perfectly situated for the road trip route listed in this post! Ride some coasters, stroll around (walking around is admission-free), and eat some funnel cake! Fly Air Canada, voted "Best Airline in North America" by Skytrax and Global Traveler Magazine. For a deeper dive on how you should spend your time in Monterey, check out our Monterey travel guide, dedicated to all the fun things you could do in Monterey, CA. Our highly trained Chauffeurs get you to your destination in Monterey in comfort and absolute style. There are eleven airlines that fly through here, with 41 nonstop destinations within the US. Youll need sturdy shoes and should only attempt if a rope to guide you down the bluff is present (or, bring your own ropes). Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Town Car Service. Views like this are exactly the reason why the Highway 1 drive is so iconic! Browse the ritzy boutiques of Carmel-by-the-Sea and get a . Looking for flights from Montreal (YUL) to San Francisco (SFO)? Perks include 24/7 roadside assistance including towing, fuel delivery, and lockout service. The views are stunning and the rock formation really does look just like a shark fin! The Purisima Creek Redwoods North Ridge Trail (4.4-mile RT) and the Grabtown Gulch to Purisima Creek Loop (5.3-mile RT) hikes are among my favorite. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa This luxury beachfront resort offers traditional room decor, a deluxe rooftop spa, an oceanfront restaurant, and bikes you as a guest can use to explore Monterey. Monterey Bay - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) This includes an average layover time of around 2h 1m. Review the videos belong to learn more about Monterey Airbus domestic pickup location at SFO. Fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Monterey (MRY) Take the bus from Fremont / Abrego Street to Foam / Irving 4h $112 - $515 Line 292 bus, shuttle Take the line 292 bus from Mission St & 9th St to SFO Airport Terminal 2-Lower Level Take a shuttle bus from SFO - San Francisco Airport Domestic to Monterey - Calle Principal / Parking Garage 4h 52m But the catch? Grab some coffee atCoffee Mia, head to the beach for a stroll, and take a minute to catch the paragliders in the air at Sand City! There is one main draw that makes this state park stand out. Every winter, from December through April, a must-see-for-yourself event occurs herethousands of enormous elephant seals arrive on the shores for their breeding season. The Ultimate San Francisco To Portland Road Trip: 50+ Stops You Need To Make In Between, Complete Guide to Revealing The Priceline Express Deals Hotel Before You Book, The Ultimate Packing Checklist For 3 Months Of Travel, Patagonia Outlet: Everything You Need To Know About The Shopping Experience, The Perfect Kauai 7-Day Itinerary For An Unforgettable Hawaiian Vacation, The Nike Employee Store: How To Get In and What To Expect (Beaverton, Oregon). Oddly, summer weather tends to be primarily overcast, with a few extremely sunny days here and there. At times, youll find a random swing anchored to one of the pier foundation arches which stretch out into the surf. Fly Air Canada, voted "Best Airline in North America" by Skytrax and Global Traveler Magazine. For more infosee our Disclosure Policy. Monterey, Carmel & 17-Mile Drive Day Trip from San Francisco 2023 - Viator Other places to visit along the way include oceanfront Davenport, which boasts some of the area's best beaches; idyllic Capitola, with its colorful waterfront houses, ocean-view restaurants, small sandy beach, and wooden fishing pier; and Santa Cruz, loved by families, surfers, and sun-worshippers for its beach boardwalk, surfing culture, and summer sunshine. With over 75 nonstop destinations within the US, theres no doubt that SFO is the largest airport in the Bay Area. Land area: 1125 acres. They have a self-checkout system, but usually, someone is around to help if you need it. Drive from San Francisco to Monterey 2h 4m $20 - $30 Fly Fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Monterey (MRY) 3h 32m $120 - $392 Shuttle Take a shuttle bus from SFO Airport Internation Arrivals to Monterey - Calle Principal / Parking Garage 3h 49m $53 - $70 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Questions & Answers It is also the second-busiest on the Western Coast of North America and the seventh busiest airport in the United States. The most convenient way is to rent a car, especially with the affordable options available from this airport. Theres literally so much to do in Santa Cruz, so much that we dedicated an entire post to the best things to do in Santa Cruz, CA! The next morning, start your day off with a jog by the beach or at a hip breakfast joint! Monterey lies about 2 hours south from San Francisco driving, depending on the route. As it is a small airport, dining options are limited, and the check-in process could take a long time, especially during peak season. But some of the towns youll encounter like Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Carmel, CA deserve way more than a fraction of a day! If you want to go a more scenic way along the CA Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway or the PCH), then plan that to take you about 2.25-2.5 hours. To start you off, I'll send you my FREE travel essentials checklist + travel resources guide! San Francisco to Monterey Bay Aquarium - Rome2rio Santa Cruz is the most popular city on the route it's less than an hour from Monterey and 1 hour from San Francisco. Book flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Montreal (YUL) - Air Canada The best way to get to Monterey is by driving. Whether you're headed to Monterey or San Francisco Airport, Monterey Airbus provides timely and stress-free transportation, the perfect way to start or end any trip. To do this, take the BART from OAK to Coliseum Station, then hop on the Blue Line to 24th Street Mission Station. San Francisco to Monterey Road Trip: 23 Best Stops On Highway 1 Moss Landing, located 20 miles north of Monterey, is a little fishing village thats popular for antiquing, surfing, and nature watching. 316. Admission is $10.75 per vehicle. Author Lisa Alexander is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and returns regularly. There are two routes to Monterey by car:Highway 1, which runs from San Francisco to Los Angeles along the Pacific coastline, andUS Route 101, which runs through the rich valley. Get the best rates at RentalCars.com. You can find their pick-up locations at SFO here. You can take the Monterey Airbus, an airport shuttle that will take you directly to San Jose Airport. Monterey Airbus offers many locations in the Monterey area as well as SFO and SJC! The entire trip would only take 1:15 hours and costs only $25. So, you're not looking at a very long driving time either. It does take a bit longer, but with all the exciting stops to entertain yourself with, whos keeping an eye on the time? For a longer option jam-packed with beauty, we love the 10.2-mile roundtrip Berry Creek Falls Loop Hike. Ideally, youd have 2-3 full days to embark on this coastal adventure! Allow 2-3 hours or more for the whole drive, especially if you plan to stop and eat. This route is much more scenic than Highway 101, as the stretch along Highway 280 runs parallel to the wooded rolling hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey Bay Aquarium (Station) Distance from San Francisco to Monterey Bay: 120 miles. For the best rates, check Rentalcars.com. Whether you're headed to Monterey or San Francisco Airport, Monterey Airbus provides timely and stress-free transportation, the perfect way to start or end any trip. The cheapest ride to or from San Francisco Airport will usually be shared shuttle van . Or review the pickup and drop off videos above for more information. He was born and raised in California and has worked as a professional restaurant chef for over 20 years. Airport Shop Team Leader - International Airport Job San Francisco San Francisco to Monterey Drive [Best Stops on Pacific Coast Highway] Grab some refreshing tiki drinks at Hulas Island Grill, then stroll around downtown Santa Cruz, being sure to enjoy all the restaurants, coffee shops, surf shops, and vintage shops in the area. Harley Farms also offers farm tours and picnics! Monterey Airbus is proud to announce we now provide wheelchair transportation, following an agreement with the United States DOJ. This tool was sent from heaven and serves as a car jump starter, portable power bank, LED flashlight, and 12-volt portable powerall in one! Besides the shared ride airport shuttles, we can also provide door-to-door shuttle services from SFO to Monterey. The Intercontinental is within walking distance of lots of shopping, wine tasting, and dining opportunities. Joining a guided excursion takes the stress out of traveling from San Francisco to Monterey and is the best option for visiting Monterey as a day trip from San Francisco. To get you started, visit The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum to learn all about the citys significant surf history with artifacts, photographs, and plenty of old-school boards. and the town of Salinas, home to the National Steinbeck Center. Pro Tip: If youre heading to the Ritz-Carlton for drinks, avoid their parking (which will set you back $25+). An Epic California Coastal Drive: San Francisco to Los Angeles Road The pier deck has been gone for years, but that makes this spot even more photogenic. California Shuttle Bus - Rates & Policies | Monterey Airbus Given that theres so much to do in Monterey (as well as around Monterey), you can really have yourself ajam-packed weekend adventurehere! Sand City: Once a factory district where sand was made/processed (hence the name), its industrial areas later became a popular place for artists to work and live (illegally). Built in 1907 as the Coney Island of the West, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk oozes nostalgic California vibes. Dont worry, theres so much more to this city than meets the eye! The tidepools at this reserve are probably one of the most beautiful and easily accessible natural wonders of the Northern California coast. And if you happen to be visiting during the early spring (March-April), dont miss the teensy weensy baby goats! If you or your children have a love for farm animals, dont miss the opportunity to play with goats at Harley Farms Goat Dairy, conveniently located in Pescadero! Save. Passengers at Terminal A can take any airport blue shuttle bus to the Rental Car Center. Excellent on time service, seamless online reservation system, friendly, professional staff. This is the perfect place to rent a kayak and get out on the water. One minute, you could experience fog, wind, and mist, and the next minutesunny blue skies! Do NOT leave home without them. Monterey, California Weekend Getaway Guide - TripSavvy Lastly, get a AAA membership! Ask any one of the 75,000 passengers we carry each year and theyll tell you: Our Monterey shuttle is unparalleled in terms of value and simplicity. Though membership does not cover car rental insurance, there are some awesome, exclusive car rental perks. San Jose Airport (SJC) or San Francisco (SFO), Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty. To help you make the best decision for your upcoming trip, we created this comprehensive guide on the closest airports to Monterey, CA. Davenport Pier is located at the beach below the bluff, but it is not easy to get to. The top cities between Monterey and San Francisco are Santa Cruz, San Jose, Oakland, Pacific Grove, Half Moon Bay, Berkeley, Santa Clara, Sausalito, and Palo Alto. We offer a full array of Sedans, SUV's, Limousines, Vans and Mini-Coaches in Monterery all meticulously maintained to exceed your expectations! Read More 10 Best Coffee Shops in Monterey 2023 [For Coffee Lovers]Continue. Not only is it a lifesaver when we actually do encounter car troubles, but its great to have (for peace of mind) even if we dont. The service departs from San Francisco by bus; connects to a train service in Emeryville, which continues on to Salinas; and finally connects to a bus in Salinas that drops off travelers at Monterey Transit Plaza. Request a ride to and from MRY at the tap of a button. It connects to State Highway 156 and allows access to Prunedale and Castroville in the west. Without traffic, travelers can easily complete the drive point-to-point in just under 2 hours by taking the US-101 S. While this route may get you there the fastest, the route we recommend for this road trip is Highway 1. For the latest information, please visit their website here. Incredible location - right at the beach. Got a little bit of extra time and want to hop off the beaten path? Head to the lush Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. And Im not just talking about being able to see sea barnacles and snails. Monterey Peninsula Airport has regular flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas on airlines United, American, US . Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the closest airport to Monterey, with only a short six to eight-minute drive to downtown. The drive from San Francisco, CA to Monterey, CA is approximately 120 miles. Pro Tip: Keep in mind that the weather is often overcast and windy in Half Moon Bay, even during the summertime (due to thick fog that often blocks out the sun). The Monterey Airbus offers shuttle services throughout the Monterey Bay area including Carmel, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Marina, and Seaside. (If you had to pick just one, Id suggest picking Lillians.). Book Main Event for Luxury Limousines and Car Services. Theres also a shuttle service that will take you directly to Monterey if you prefer not to drive. Written by Lisa Alexander Feb 3, 2023We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Great online booking system! Read more about Roaring Camp and see the train scheduleshere. There are a lot of airports for Monterey, CA you can choose from, but each of them has its own pros and cons, depending on your preference and circumstances. From the San Francisco Bay Area, take US 101 south to Prunedale (in inland Monterey Bay). Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and land near the heart of the City by the Bay. Intercontinental The Clement Monterey Hotel another higher-end hotel option, located right on Cannery Row. Our limousine fleet is perfect for executive transportation, student transportation, and private shuttles in Monterey. Berry Creek Falls is by far the most popular destination in Big Basin. You should only be on the road about two hours each way. If youre renting a rental car and youre not sure if it has a navigation screen, bring a phone mount with you. 1. No matter what you decide to do here, youre sure to have a wonderful time. Route: Pick up your rental car at the San Francisco International Airport (or Bay Area Airport of your arrival) and start your drive from SF to LA via Pacific Coast Highway. Probably one of the cutest hotels Ive ever laid eyes on! Car Rental: Driving from SJC to Monterey takes about an hour to an hour and a half. San Francisco: Monterey and Carmel Tour | GetYourGuide What sets us apart from other airport shuttles at SJC and SFO? Read More 16 Best Ocean View Hotels in Carmel CA 2023 [Budget to Luxury]Continue. Here are some basic driving times from notable California cities: Of course, well be focusing on the Highway 1 route here! It you're traveling to Monterey, book a San Francisco International Airport (SFO) airport shuttle today! Theyre open from 10am-5pm, but try to get there as early as possible because they can run out early! Ao Nuevo State Park is a nature reserve featuring wetland marshes, dune fields, coastal scrub, and beaches. Looking for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Montreal (YUL)? Monterey has a small airport that receives some commercial flights (MRY), but the nearest big airport is in San Jose (SJC). Be sure to stop by Old Fishermans Wharf for a meal at Old Fishermans Grotto(you need to try the clam chowder here, its iconic). Not only will you see Berry Creek Falls in all its glory, but you will also get a chance to visit Silver Falls and Cascade Falls. Five airlines operate at Monterey Regional Airport with direct flights to San Diego, Seattle, Las Vegas, Dallas, Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Burbank, and Orange County. There are a ton of walks and trails to choose from, and most of them are relatively easy and can be done without breaking too much of a sweat. Got a few more days to spare? Crushing waves are the best lullaby. A complimentary continental breakfast is provided (on a silver tray if youd like). You wont be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. You may like: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach, CA is one of my all-time favorite places to go tide pooling. There are also little ponies here, serving up fun pony rides to small children. If you are more the type to compare prices between rental car companies, usePricelines rental carsearch. A free shuttle service from the rental car center is available upon customer request for the off-airport rental car agencies. Monterey Transportation: Tips to Get Around the Bay Area - SF Tourism Tips Grab coffee and pastries atDowntown Local, an adorable coffee shop on the main street. Villa Franca Inn Located 10 minutes walk from Monterey town center, the Villa Franca Inn offers bright, clean and modern guest rooms which include free WiFi, a microwave and fridge, and TV. We like to rent fromHertz. Another major airport near Monterey, CA, is Oakland International Airport (OAK), which takes about 2:20 hours to get there by car. Pebble Beach Shuttles | Monterey Airbus Be warned that State Highway 156 often gets congested on the weekends with tourists. Is there a shuttle from SFO to SJC? In this local favorite natural reserve, you will find a few hiking trails, hidden beaches, and many viewpoints to keep you busy for 1-2 hours. Regardless of when you go, the coast can always get breezy, misty, or foggy, so be sure to bring a light jacket. If you want to pick your own berries, simply pick up a box from inside the market, head out to pick to your hearts content, then pay inside. Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive - Full Day Tour from San Francisco. Then, get in line for Barbaras Fishtrap (serving up the freshest fish in the area) or Sams Chowder House (known for their lobster rolls and creamy clam chowder). Portable Cooler| Coolers are a must for any road trip. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Distance to Monterey: 101 miles Drive Time to Monterey: 1:40 hours San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the closest major airport to Monterey, CA. How to Get from San Francisco to Monterey - Dylan's Tours Davenport used to be a bustling whaling village, established in 1867by a whaling captain named John Pope Davenport.