California Coast: Santa Cruz to Monterey
6 Days & 5 Nights- 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
What To Expect
Tour Style:
Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent tour.
Activity:
Inn to Inn Walking | A classic point to point walking trip, staying in a different location each night
This trip is suitable for:
Families, Mixed Abilities
As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 5 Years
Ideal if you have an interest in:
- Wellness & Spa
- Elegance & Unique Stays
- Coastal & Island
Inspiration:
- New
- Classic
Activity Level & Terrain
The hiking on this trip is moderate, averaging 8-9 miles per day.
Navigation
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.
Experience & Fitness
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.
Accommodations
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of accommodation. You will stay in carefully selected 3-4* small hotels. Your room will always have an ensuite or private bathroom. A delicious breakfast is also included.
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. Lunch is included on days 3, 4, and 5. Other lunches 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.
- 5 Nights at hand-selected lodges and hotels
- 5 breakfasts and 3 lunches
- Detailed pre-departure information pack
- Turn-by-turn route notes provided on arrival
- 24/7 telephone support
- Daily baggage transfer
- Either Monterey Aquarium Admission or Elkhorn Slough Boat Tour
- Travel to / from the start and end of the tour
- Travel insurance
- Personal equipment
- Room Upgrades (only where applicable)
- Additional nights along the route
When To Go
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.
Availability
This trip is available any time of year and can depart any day of the week. We suggest booking as far in advance as possible for a better chance of securing your desired dates.
Getting to the Start
The closest airport to Santa Cruz is San Jose International Airport. You could also fly into San Francisco International Airport or Oakland International Airport.
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.
Getting from the End
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.
You can take the Amtrak from Monterey to San Jose Airport in roughly 4 hours.
Luggage Transfer
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.
Equipment
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.
The Macs Way
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- Range of accommodation comfort levels
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- Choose your own travel companions
- Walk, cycle and explore at your own pace
- Make your own decisions
- Choose your own path
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