California Coast: Santa Cruz to Monterey Extended
- Visit the vibrant coastal city of Santa Cruz
- Walk the coast of the spectacular Monterey Bay Peninsula
- Enjoy numerous wildlife viewing opportunities - spot whales, seals, and more
- Hike through towering redwood groves and along peaceful sandy beaches
- Follow in Steinbeck’s footsteps along famous Cannery Row
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Santa Cruz and OvernightYour adventure begins in the energetic coastal city of Santa Cruz, known as the birthplace of both surfing and mountain biking as well as host to many beautiful beaches. Arrive at your leisure, and if time permits, enjoy either a six mile round trip walk to the gorgeous Natural Bridges State Park, an eight mile loop walk to the fascinating Seymour Marine Discovery Center, or a casual stroll downtown.

This Spanish-style hotel is located in the heart of Santa Cruz, within walking distance to trails, shops, restaurants, and major attractions of this coastal town. The 53 modern rooms include air conditioning and wifi for a comfortable stay.

Located within a short walk to the historic Beach Boardwalk, the West Cliff Inn offers rooms beautifully decorated with local artisan accessories, and coastal-inspired decor.
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, head out for your loop hike today which takes you through a variety of landscapes. After the first two miles through rolling grasslands on the Wilder Ridge Trail, arrive at an overlook that boasts spectacular views of Monterey Bay. From here, continue on to Twin Oak Trail where you’ll walk past magnificent coast live oaks, small redwoods, and Douglas fir trees along the creek. Keep an eye out for wildlife including hawks, vultures, and deer.
If desired, you can add an extra two miles to your hike by branching off from the Wilder Ridge Loop onto the Enchanted Loop, which showcases some of the park’s finest redwoods as well as tanoaks. This forested option is an excellent complement to the wide open views of Wilder Ridge.

This Spanish-style hotel is located in the heart of Santa Cruz, within walking distance to trails, shops, restaurants, and major attractions of this coastal town. The 53 modern rooms include air conditioning and wifi for a comfortable stay.

Located within a short walk to the historic Beach Boardwalk, the West Cliff Inn offers rooms beautifully decorated with local artisan accessories, and coastal-inspired decor.
Say goodbye to Santa Cruz this morning as you make your way along the ocean on a mix of paths and sandy beach, passing the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the harbor, and quiet coastal neighborhoods. Stop at the colorful, trendy seaside beach town of Capitola for lunch, and continue on to your accommodation in the beachfront town of Aptos.

The Seacliff Inntands on 6 acres of landscaped grounds with winding garden paths and is moments from the beach in Aptos. The hot tub and pool provide yet another place to relax on-site.
Today’s hike takes you through the stunning Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, where you’ll walk amongst towering old-growth redwood trees and along the peaceful Aptos Creek. Enjoy trail options ranging anywhere from five to thirteen miles, returning to your accommodation in Aptos for the evening and enjoying an optional sunset stroll along the beach.

The Seacliff Inntands on 6 acres of landscaped grounds with winding garden paths and is moments from the beach in Aptos. The hot tub and pool provide yet another place to relax on-site.
Find peace and solitude today as you leave the more populated beaches behind and walk on long, quiet stretches of sandy beach, speckled with beautiful shells, marine life, birds, and driftwood. Cross the calm Pajaro River, and walk to the mouth of Moss Landing Harbor, home to the birder’s paradise of Elkhorn Slough. Arrive in the town of Moss Landing, known for its many antique shops, restaurants, and easy access to fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.

The Captain's Inn is a small guesthouse set among the stunning wetlands of Monterey Bay. The outdoor decks are perfect for wildlife viewing at this charming and historic inn.

Inn at Moss Landing Point is a 30 room brand new boutique hotel located right by the Moss Landing harbor in a quaint historic fishing town.
This morning, take advantage of optional activities such as whale watching or touring Elkhorn Slough by foot, boat, or kayak, or simply relax over breakfast before heading out for the shortest yet most challenging walk of the trip. Enjoy another peaceful day on this quieter stretch of white sand shoreline and dunes.

Located near Marina State Beach, this hotel has comfortable rooms, and breakfast and wi-fi included!

The Sanctuary Beach Resort invites guests to experience California’s Central Coast from an undisturbed stretch of shoreline. This hotel is only an upgrade option and extra will need to be paid in order to request and include it.
Follow in John Steinbeck’s footsteps today as you set off for Monterey, home to stunningly gorgeous coastline and one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems. Choose to walk either through Fort Ord Dunes State Park on a paved path or along the high dunes of quiet beaches. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as seals, sea lions, sea otters, and seagulls. Arrive at your hotel on the famous Cannery Row, and enjoy an included visit to the incredible Monterey Bay Aquarium.Â

Soak up the spirit of Monterey at the Monterey Bay Inn. The spacious rooms each offer balconies overlooking the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, San Carlos Beach, or historic Cannery Row.
Your final day of walking leads you along the coast of the Monterey Peninsula, taking you past the turquoise waters of Lovers Point Park and the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse. Celebrate a successful adventure with a delicious included dinner at your accommodation.

Asilomar Lodge is a classic California retreat in Pacific Grove. The historic guest rooms are charmingly rustic and free of modern-day distractions with rustic while the more contemporary Asilomar rooms feature patios, balconies and cozy fireplaces. All are set on expansive grounds close to downtown and Asilomar Beach.
After breakfast, continue on with your onward travels. If interested in an additional night here to explore Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach, speak with your adventure specialist.
Other Information
Is it for me?If you enjoy walks along stunning coastlines to enjoy a plethora of marine wildlife viewing opportunities, then this tour is for you. Enjoy your staying in your very comfortable accommodations and enjoy the abundance of seafood.
Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers
As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 12 Years
The hiking on this trip is moderate, averaging 8-9Â miles per day.Â
The trails used on this trip are well-established, thoroughly waymarked, and highly traveled. However, conditions vary including mud, rocks, and sand. You should be accustomed to hiking for several hours at a time and will enjoy your tour much more if you are well-prepared. Some hiking experience is necessary.
You will stay in carefully selected 3-4* hotels. Your room will always have an ensuite or private bathroom.
Please be aware that availability at the accommodations on this tour can be hard to come by. Therefore, if a property listed is not available, we will use alternate accommodation of the same standard. Discounts will only apply if we use properties not of the same standard and you agree to this, if this is the only option to confirm your booking.Â
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we will always try and accommodate you subject to availability. A single supplement is payable.
Meals
A hearty breakfast is included each morning. 5 lunches are included (Days 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7) as well as 1 dinner the final night in Pacific Grove. Other lunch and dinners are not included so you are free to choose from the surrounding options. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby restaurants.Â
Navigating is easy using your handmade guidebook provided on arrival. The guidebook provides route notes, and turn-by-turn directions. There are also suggestions on places to eat, points of interest, and local history You will also have 24/7 telephone support from us here at Macs Adventure.
- 8 Nights at hand-selected lodges and hotels
- 8 Breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
- Detailed pre-departure information pack
- Turn-by-turn route notes provided on arrival
- Support from our Local Partner and 24/7 telephone support
- Daily baggage transfer
- 90-minute wildlife & otter boat tour at Moss Landing
- Travel to / from the start and end of the tour
- Travel insurance
- Personal equipment
- Some lunches and dinners
- Room Upgrades (only where applicable)
- Additional nights along the route
We offer this trip year-round and there are plenty of reasons to visit in each season based on your goals. Throughout the year the average high temperatures are in the upper 60s Fahrenheit, with lows in the 40s and 50s.Â
Availability
This trip is available any time of year and can depart any day between Wednesday and Sunday. If you wish to depart on a Monday or Tuesday it may be possible but an additional supplement will be needed. We suggest booking as far in advance as possible for a better chance of securing your desired dates.Â
The closest airport to Santa Cruz is San Jose International Airport. You could also fly into San Francisco International Airport or Oakland International Airport.Â
It's about a 40-minute drive between San Jose and Santa Cruz. There are plenty of car rental options at the airport, or you can take the Early Bird Shuttle. There is also the public bus, Santa Cruz Metro route 17 Express that connects Santa Cruz to the Airport.Â
Your tour ends in Monterey. The nearest airport is San Jose International Airport. You could also fly out of San Francisco International Airport or Oakland International Airport. There is also the Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) with limited domestic flights.Â
You can take the Amtrak from Monterey to San Jose Airport in roughly 4 hours.Â
Baggage transfer from San Francisco to Sonoma is included in the cost of your holiday. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 22 kg / 50lbs per person.
Our pre-departure information pack includes a detailed equipment list on what to take with you. This includes warm and cold weather gear, hiking boots, rain gear, and lots of other specifics. If you have any questions about what to take, we'd be happy to share our own top tips and advice.
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