For instance, it's just steps away from the Monterey Museum of Art and only a 10-minute walk to the Monterey State Historic Park. Plan for a visit to theferry building (houses a bunch of artisan shops and restaurants, as well as an awesome farmers market on Saturday mornings), a trip to Alcatrazor asunset bay cruise, and a visit toGolden Gate ParkandSutro Baths. Read More 11 Best Breweries in Monterey 2023 [For Craft Beer Lovers]Continue. If you only have a few hours to a day to explore, get some good food and see some of the iconic spots like Fishermans Wharf and The Golden Gate Bridge. The most convenient way is to rent a car, especially with the affordable options available from this airport. Maybe you could stop in Santa Cruz and stroll the Boardwalk (if it's open). We always enjoy taking a peek inside vintage/consignment stores like Moon Zooom and Crossroads Trading Co. before grabbing a midday pick-me-up at Verve Coffee Roasters nearby. The only downside is that among all of the airports close to Monterey on this list, SMF is the farthest option and will take about three hours to get to Monterey. Arrival times in the early morning, mid-day, and late evening are best if you want to avoid spending a significant amount of time making the transit. Dont forget to pack a jacket! Rental Cars: Take the rental car shuttle that arrives at designated stops on ground-level curbs outside both terminals every ten minutes. Once you are all souped up on caffeine, head to Arcangeli Grocery (aka Norms Market). Most importantly, with any SFO airport shuttle you want stress-free travel and we offer just that. Perks include 24/7 roadside assistance including towing, fuel delivery, and lockout service. Browse the ritzy boutiques of Carmel-by-the-Sea and get a . ), or taking a quick coastal stroll. When in HMB, you cant ignore the pristine beaches. Youve finally made it to Montereygive yourself a pat on the back! If youre traveling with younger children, Lemos Farm in Half Moon Bay, CA is a popular attraction that families cant miss. Before zipping off directly to Monterey, CA, we recommend taking your time and stopping at a few of the towns, state parks, and roadside stops listed below! 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. The best way to get to Monterey is by driving. Local Tip: Looking for the closest airport to Carmel, CA? Hardly much of a drive, maybe 1.5 hours is all. If you are more the type to compare prices between rental car companies, usePricelines rental carsearch. While the entire reserve is beautiful and worth exploring, dont missChina CoveandBird Island Lookout(on the south end of the park). Dont worry, theres so much more to this city than meets the eye! One of the most unique things to do near Santa Cruz is to head to Roaring Camp Railroads in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where you can take an authentic steam train ride through the redwoods! Santa Cruz is a great place to relax and grab dinner. Either bring your own car, or rent one! Theyre too cute to miss! Why? Click to find out more about all of Monterey Airbus's pickup and drop-offs locations at San Francisco International Airport and San Jos International Airport! Chef Travel Guide is your go-to resource for everything you need to explore Californias natural wonders and experience the best of the Golden State. These Carmel Ocean view hotels offers stunning views for a relaxing stay. With Mytransfers you can book your trip in less than 60 seconds and with instant confirmation. There are different options that you can take to get to Monterey from OAK. Small Group Redwoods, California Coast & Sausalito Day Trip from San Francisco. The shuttle costs $59 for a one-way ticket to Monterey, which will take around 2:45 hours, depending on traffic. We have great rates across the board, whether you need a transfer from SJC to SFO or just a ride from Monterey to the airport. After escaping the kitchen life, he is now focused on his passion for the outdoors and world travel. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. List of the best coffee shops in Monterey to find the best coffee. The cheapest ride to or from San Francisco Airport will usually be shared shuttle van . Another international airport near Monterey Bay is Sacramento International Airport (SMF). For dining and shopping, Main Street is where its at. Monterey Airbus is proud to announce we now provide wheelchair transportation, following an agreement with the United States DOJ. Got a few more days to spare? You do have to pay an entrance fee just to drive on it. Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is only 3.5 miles and an eight-minute drive from the city, which makes this the closest airport to Monterey. Regardless of when you go, the coast can always get breezy, misty, or foggy, so be sure to bring a light jacket. 1. 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. Year opened: 1942. Book your San Francisco to Montreal flight today. San Francisco, CASFO. Our credit card benefits typically cover car rental insurance, so we usually stick with that as our primary insurance. From SFO, you can choose between renting a car or hopping on a shuttle to get to Monterey. Park here instead and save that $25 for a second round of drinks! 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. Cruise along the coast-hugging Highway 1, passing the mansions of Pebble Beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Families have been visiting this hidden gem for years to pick strawberries and grab freshly made pies, jams, and other delicious treats. We provide scheduled airport shuttles from SFO and SJC airports to locations in Monterey, Marina, and Prunedale. From San Francisco International Airport, Monterey Airbus provides schedule drop offs and pickups at San Jose International Airport, Prundale, Marina, and Monterey. Even though this is a smaller airport compared to SFO, there are over 42 nonstop destinations serviced by 11 airlines. Crushing waves are the best lullaby. 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. Distance from downtown Santa Rosa: 7 miles. We have recently increased our pickup times to accommodate the increase in demand. Boarding time and security checks are quick and efficient and long-term parking is just a few steps away. Theres also a shuttle service that will take you directly to Monterey if you prefer not to drive. At best, youll have time to visit 5-7 stops before making it to Monterey in the late afternoon. Check out our list of flat fees for our Monterey and California Shuttle Bus below. 6 Best Coffee Shops in Carmel-by-the-Sea [2023], 11 Best Breweries in Monterey 2023 [For Craft Beer Lovers], 16 Best Ocean View Hotels in Carmel CA 2023 [Budget to Luxury], 10 Best Coffee Shops in Monterey 2023 [For Coffee Lovers], 27 Best Things to Do in Monterey and Carmel 2023 [2-Day Itinerary]. Monos Carry-On Pro Review: Is It Actually Worth The Price? In this scenic stretch of countryside, youll be met with rolling hills, farmlands, marshlands, and beaches. Our shuttles from Monterery to the San Francisco domestic terminal run daily, but check out our full schedule of SFO airport shuttles for domestic flights. Monterey & Carmel Explorer. Aportable hard coolerwill allow you to pack picnic lunches, bring cheese and jams, and more. Gabriel is the head writer for Chef Travel Guide and has been featured in the Huffington Post, Martha Stewart, Eat This, Not That, Real Simple, Muscle and Health, and many more. Admission is $10.75 per vehicle. This drive typically takes two hours, depending on traffic. Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive - Full Day Tour from San Francisco. The closest airport to Monterey is Monterey Regional Airport, but the best one to take will depend on where you are coming from and your travel plans. For dinner, we highly recommend Jacks Hamburgers or Lillians Italian Kitchen! Although Monterey Regional Airport is the closest, the best airport to fly into for Monterey is either San Jose Airport (SJC) or San Francisco (SFO). Rooms are spacious, elegantly furnished, and some rooms even provide ocean views. The full price is $48. When driving from SF to Monterey, you can choose the more direct route via US-101 S through Silicon Valley (San Jose) or take the scenic option via Highway 1. 200 Fred Kane Drive, Monterey, CA 93940+1 831-648-7000 Sign up to ride Get a price estimate Reserve a ride with Uber in advance at Monterey Regional Airport Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber to Monterey Regional Airport. For the best rates, check Rentalcars.com. iOttie car mount| This is my partner in crime on any road trip. 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. Show more. 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. As many as 10,000 seals will pay a visit to the dunes and beaches of Ao Nuevo State Park to breed and give birth to their pups. The sheer number of seals is certainly impressive, but so is their size. This hike is only 1.6 miles long. Here, youll find coves filled with some of the clearest waters in all of Big Sur. This hike travels through the lush groves of old-growth redwood trees and giant sequoias of the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains. Fly Air Canada, voted "Best Airline in North America" by Skytrax and Global Traveler Magazine. If youre flying into the Bay Area, the SJC international airport in San Jose, CA will land you closest to Monterey, CA. You want friendly drivers, comfortable vehicles, and reasonable rates. Read More: Best Things To Do In Santa Cruz, CA. Do NOT leave home without them. We also have airport shuttle pickups and drops in Monterey, Marina, and Prunedale. It's time to grab a ride with Monterey Airbus! No matter what you decide to do here, youre sure to have a wonderful time. Must-stop points along the route include the famousLone Cypress, Bird Rock, Fan Shell Beach, and the Cypresses of Crocker Grove. 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. So, you're not looking at a very long driving time either. Re: Things to do between San Francisco and Monterey. The sunsets here are excellent, making it the ideal place to call it a night. 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 entire trip would only take 1:15 hours and costs only $25. Rental Cars: The in-terminal car rental centers are conveniently located across from baggage claim. This is the perfect place to rent a kayak and get out on the water. In this post, I want to show you why its worth taking the longer route to get from San Fransisco to Monterey, California and beyond. Town Car Service. Scenic Drive via Highway 1 (PCH): 120 miles, 2.5 to 3 hours. They are road trip essentials! 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). The SFO domestic pickup spot for terminals 1, 2, and 3 is located across the street from lower level baggage claim. Looking for a gorgeous hiking spot while in the Half Moon Bay area? YOUR QUICK CHECKLIST: License and registration| This is a no-brainer, but always good to check you have all documents before its too late and you get too far away from home. HOW MANY DAYS FOR A SAN FRANCISCO TO MONTEREY ROAD TRIP? Because of its postcard-perfect setting, historic charm, and wide array of tourist attractions, Monterey is one of the most popular day trips from San Francisco. If youre flying into SFO, youll be a bit further away, but perfectly situated for the road trip route listed in this post! 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! He was born and raised in California and has worked as a professional restaurant chef for over 20 years. The remainder of the drive, from Santa Cruz to Monterey, takes about 50 minutes along Highway One, which follows alongside the coastline and affords stunning views. Rental Cars: The rental car center is located directly across from Terminal B. Another airport you can fly into for Monterey is Oakland International Airport. After youve done some strolling, head toPhils Fish Market and Eatery, a super well-known food joint featured on Food NetworksRoad TestedandThrowdown with Bobby Flay. To help you make the best decision for your upcoming trip, we created this comprehensive guide on the closest airports to Monterey, CA. Looking for more on SF and the Bay Area? Monterey airbus is a great way to save on your SFO airport shuttle costs. Shuttle Schedule:San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport(SJC). You can take a bus from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey Bay Aquarium (Station) via Mission St & 1st St, San Francisco, Salinas, Salinas Transit Center / Gate 7, and Monterey Transit Plaza / Gate 2 Munras in around 6h 2m. 12 years ago. Was this page helpful? Though its very possible to do the drive from San Francisco to Monterey in 2 hours, youd be missing out on all the fun along the way. You can also take the BARTa 40-minute ride costs about $10. Incredible location - right at the beach. Drive down Highway 1 through the iconic Big Sur coastline! Alternatively, you can take a bus from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Monterey via Mission St & 1st St, San Francisco, Salinas, and Salinas Transit Center / Gate 7 in around 5h 38m. Wildflowers along Monterey Bay. If youre lucky, youll get some sun! As the West Coasts oldest beach resort, Capitola, CA sure is worth a visit. The easiest and most cost-effective airport shuttle service to and from the airport from your home, office, or hotel. Its located at the mouth ofElkhorn Slough, one of Californias largest wetland areas and home to hundreds of animal species. From MRY: Car Rental: This is your best option when arriving at Monterey Regional Airport. Is there a shuttle from SFO to SJC? Begin your tour by traveling south on the famous Pacific Coast Highway, California Highway 1. Yes. For a scenic drive, Highway 17-S to Hwy 1 is the best choice, but some sections are pretty windy. Monterey lies about 2 hours south from San Francisco driving, depending on the route. Airport Shuttles. For another great meal, head to Pasta MoonRistorante, serving up delicious Italian fare. and the town of Salinas, home to the National Steinbeck Center. The Monterey Transit Plaza is in downtown Monterey, near many shops and restaurants. If you dont want to drive, you can also take the Monterey Airbus shuttle, which drops passengers off at selected hotels in Monterey. Our airport shuttles, SUVs, and sedans are perfect for everything from executive travel to student transportation to heading to Monterey attractions with friends and family. A place for recreation and seaside vacations, Santa Cruz offers fun in the sun at its sandy beaches, historic boardwalk amusement park, and lively downtown. If private car service is more your style, you can choose from one of our private luxury sedans and limousines to transport you throughout the Monterey region in elegance and comfort. 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. Not only will you be able to keep beverages cold and refreshing, but you will also be able to keep perishables fresh. You can check the rates here. Besides the shared ride airport shuttles, we can also provide door-to-door shuttle services from SFO to Monterey. 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. For the most scenic route, take Highway One the entire way. Regardless of which rental car company you decide to go with, make sure you have the appropriate car rental coverage. Inside the market, youll find goods like olallieberry pie, strawberry shortcake, berry jams, freshly squeezed strawberry lemonade, and even t-shirts for sale. There are also 45+ airlines and flights to more than 120 destinations worldwide, making this the best option if you are traveling internationally. Carmel is a great town to grab a bite to eat and go wine tasting. 9. 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. "This is a fantastic reliable service that we used to get to and from SFO airport for our" more. BEST TIME TO TAKE A ROAD TRIP TO MONTEREY, CA, MONTEREY ROAD TRIP PREPARATION: RENTAL CARS, MAP OF STOPS: HIGHWAY 1 FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO MONTEREY, CA, SAN FRANCISCO TO MONTEREY VIA HIGHWAY 1: 23 BEST STOPS, SF TO MONTEREY ROAD TRIP: ESSENTIAL PACKING LIST, NOCO Boost HD Car Battery Jump Starter Box, 58+ Free and Affordable Things To Do In San Francisco, California, 8 Best San Francisco Neighborhoods To Visit (And What To Do Beyond SF! Distance from San Francisco to Monterey Bay: 120 miles. It passes through Gilroy and San Jose. You get to take advantage of savings at Hertz, up to 20% off the base rate, when you include your designated AAA Discount code (CDP#) in your reservation. Head to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Portable Cooler| Coolers are a must for any road trip. Jumper Cables / Car Jump Starter | A must-have for any road trip! The closest airport to Monterey is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), which is only an eight-minute drive from downtown. Lastly, get a AAA membership! With a little planning, your trip can be a smooth ride. Limos. It's west of Salinas and 72 miles from San Jose, 113 miles south of San Francisco, 186 miles from Sacramento and 322 miles north of Los Angeles. While it is more convenient and faster to fly into SJC, the airfare usually costs a bit more than in OAK. 17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in California, 21 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles, 23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Francisco, 17 Best Free Things to Do in San Francisco, Where to Stay in San Francisco: Best Areas & Hotels, From San Francisco to Redwood National & State Parks: 4 Best Ways to Get There, 20 Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in San Francisco, 14 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco with Kids: 12 Top Things to Do, 14 Top-Rated Campgrounds near San Francisco, CA, 15 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways in the Bay Area, CA, 11 Top-Rated Beaches in the San Francisco Area, 15 Top-Rated Hiking Trails near San Francisco, CA, San Francisco Walking Tour: 10 Top Sights, From San Francisco to Yosemite: 5 Best Ways to Get There, 1-Day, 2-Day & 3-Day San Francisco Itineraries for Travelers, 16 Top-Rated Day Trips from San Francisco, 11 Best Hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii, 12 Top-Rated Things to Do on Gran Canaria, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, From San Francisco to Monterey by Organized Tour, Monterey, Carmel, and 17-Mile Drive Full-Day Tour from San.
