Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Tour Private Tour from San Francisco

Marciano was beyond five stars — truly a 10/10! From the beginning, he felt less like our tour guide and more like part of the family. He laughed with us, joined our conversations, took amazing photos, shared great stories and movie trivia, and took us to beautiful places we didn't even know we needed to see. Most importantly, he was incredibly kind, patient, and accommodating, especially while traveling with our elderly parents. He made our entire Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur experience easy, comfortable, and unforgettable. His knowledge, generosity, and genuine kindness are unmatched. We truly cannot say enough wonderful things about Marciano!

An unforgettable experience! Our guide Fred from Dingo Tours was absolutely phenomenal. He was super nice, highly flexible with our requests, and incredibly well-educated. He provided rich, engaging details about every stop, making our day trips to Big Sur, Muir Woods, and Sausalito perfect.

Fred made the entire trip. He took us from San Francisco down the coast through Monterey and Carmel and knew exactly where to stop at every point. Not just the obvious spots either, he had a great feel for timing, angles, and places that actually make for memorable photos. The day felt easy and well paced, never rushed, but we still covered a ton. He was professional, personable, and clearly knows the area inside and out. You can tell he’s done this a lot, but it didn’t feel scripted. It felt like being shown around by someone who genuinely enjoys it. If you’re thinking about doing this drive, ask for Fred. It made the difference between a good day and one we’ll actually remember.

Fred was an excellent guide with lots of information and a very comfortable vehicle. We enjoyed our day..........................

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.