MONTEREY & BIG SUR DISCOVERY 3 DAY CAMPING TOUR

Duration: 3 Days

Step out of city life and experience the trip of a lifetime as you take the Pacific Coast Highway 1 along the famous California Golden Coast. Hang out in laid back beach towns, check out the giant redwoods, explore rugged coastal cliffs, and hike in famous Big Sur. Enjoy 3 full days of hiking, exploring and adventuring through Santa Cruz and the boardwalk, Monterey and Cannery Row, biking or kayaking, or a visit to the best aquarium in the USA! From the protected waters and wildlife of Monterey Bay to the coastal mountains hugging the shoreline, you’re sure to fall in love with the dreamlike beauty of this vast and magnificent land. Choose from camping or hotel accommodations: your guide will provide everything you need to enjoy your night in town or under the stars. Never camped before? No problem – we provide all the gear, and our guides ensure a fun-filled, friendly atmosphere.

Snap Shot

• 3-day guided camping/lodging trip
• Coastal redwood hiking
• Pacific Coast Highway 1 Coastline
• Six delicious home-cooked meals (camping option only)

Departs 8am Fridays June through October

DAY 1 – San Francisco to Monterey

Bid farewell to the City by the Bay and head south toward sun-drenched Santa Cruz. Keep an eye out for produce stands filled with artichokes and hang gliders floating over the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1. We’ll make a quick stop at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk* for some rollercoasters and fried snacks, before making our way south to Monterey. 

In the afternoon, prepare to hit the ground running as you head to the central coast’s crown jewel, Monterey. Explore the bay by kayak or stand-up paddleboard*, or simply stroll along the coast. If you’d rather get a closer look at what is beneath the water (like the world’s largest octopus), head over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium*. Of course, you’ll have to check out historic Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf: adventure, history and clam chowder await! You’ll stay overnight in Monterey County at a nearby campground or hotel.

DAY 2 – Full Day Big Sur

Today you’ll get out into the wilderness and explore the rural coastline. Hike through the forests of Big Sur and the amazing Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Pacific Coast, McWay Falls. You’ll weave your way through some of the largest trees in the world as you hike amongst the Coastal Redwoods. On your way back you’ll have a chance to hike through Point Lobos State Reserve, where you’ll explore hidden coves and beautiful shorelines.

DAY 3 – Monterey to San Francisco

Enjoy your final morning in Monterey along 17-mile drive before heading back north where you’ll have a chance to kayak at the Elkhorn Slough*, the largest tidal salt marsh in California.  The slough is home to sea otters, sea lions, seals, brown pelicans, American avocets, cormorants, egrets! Find out what is going on at The Mystery Spot* in Santa Cruz before heading north to the quaint town of Half Moon Bay. Your journey ends today in San Francisco where the hustle and bustle of city life returns.

*additional activities are optional and entrance fees are not included

ADDITIONAL CAMPING INFORMATION:

Camping is easy, but cooperation is important. Don’t worry if you’ve never camped before; many people haven’t. We supply the gear, using quality tents, camping and cooking equipment (you will need a sleeping bag – they are available for rent). Everybody is expected to participate in the set-up and breakdown of camp, and our professional guides are there to ensure a positive camping experience. We camp at comfortable campsites that have hot showers and modern facilities.

Camping Food: We provide the food, but not the chefs. Our guests are the cooks, waiters, and dishwashers. The fare is all-you-can-eat and very tasty, and is a mixture of chicken, beef and vegetarian. Most people eat better with us than they do on the rest of their travels. Please inform of any dietary restrictions or allergies prior to your trip.

INCLUDED

Central San Francisco pick-up and drop-off

Narrated guided tour

Park entrance fees

6 meals on the camping tour option only (no meals included for lodging guests – food will be available nearby the hotels) NOTE: Please advise us of any food allergies or special dietary needs you may have while booking the tour. All of the food shopping is done prior to the tour departure.

Hotel or camping accommodations (double occupancy same-sex or couple share, single occupancy supplement applies for single bookings. Camping gear provided; sleeping bags available for $20 rental fee.)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (paid locally)

Santa Cruz Boardwalk activities (prices vary)

Kayak/paddleboarding (prices vary by vendors)

Monterey Bay Aquarium ($29.95-$49.95)

Elkhorn Slough kayaking ($30 and up)