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Down the Big Sur Coast

Highlights

  • Spend a spooky evening at Alcatraz Prison.
  • Visit the sharks, sea otters, penguins and other marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
  • Explore the Monterey Bay area by boat or sea kayak, and watch for the various marine life.
  • Walk beneath the giant coastal redwoods south of Big Sur.
  • Tour publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst's elaborate home complete with a tiled swimming pool and zebras.
  • Stroll along historic Santa Barbara's streets and see some of the California Missions.
Season: January to December
Duration: 7 to 10 Nights
Starting from: $3,275

Destinations

  • San Francisco - 1 night: Check into your hotel, then see popular landmarks Telegraph Hill, Lombard Street, Fisherman's Wharf, and Pier 39.
  • Monterey - 1-3 nights: While in Monterey, plan to spend time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, both popular attractions.
  • Big Sur - 1-3 nights: Visit Pfieffer Beach, a secluded beach with unspoiled sand, rock formations and surf. 
  • Hearst Castle State Historical Monument - 1-3 nights: Choose from five tours of Hearst Castle.  The Visitor Center allows great views of the castle 1,600 feet above.
  • Santa Barbara - 1-3 nights: Watch whales from Shoreline Park, or take a boat ride to the Channel Islands.
  • Los Angeles: Drive to Los Angeles to catch your departure flight.

  • Friendly guidance from an experienced Trip Planner
  • Personalized Adventure Kit trip portfolio
  • First night accommodation in a 3-4 star hotel in your gateway city
  • Rental of a deluxe RV, sized to suit your group or a full-size SUV
  • Nightly reservations in carefully chosen campgrounds or deluxe lodging in or around the National Parks

Monterey Kayaking Tour - 2 hour

Explore the dynamic shoreline of Monterey Bay Harbor, renowned for its history, scenic beauty and abundant marine life. Set within the nation's largest marine sanctuary, see highlights that include sea lions,shorebirds, and kelp beds along Cannery Row. It is the only area where sea otters (currently an endangered species) can still be found in the wild. A great family adventure where young children ride tandem.  $50/Adult; $30/Child (ages 3 through 6)

Monterey Whale Watching Tour - half day

Board a large, stable, covered boat for an educationally oriented whale-watching trip with an experienced marine biologist who narrates, answers questions, and collects valuable data on the mammals sighted during these trips. Observe the spectacular diversity and abundance of whales and dolphins inhabiting Monterey Bay.  $45/Adult; $35/Child (ages 4 through 12)

Big Sur Morning Sunshine Horseback Ride - 1.5 hour

Wind through groves of Sycamore and Redwood trees; cross the Big Sur River and watch for Black Tail deer in the meadows. A fresh morning breeze accompanies you while strolling along the beach. (260 lb maximum; no expectant mothers; not recommended if you have back problems.)  $50/Person (minimum age 6)

Big Sur Redwood Roundup Horseback Ride - 2.5 hour

Ride your horse deep into the ancient Redwood Forest. Clover and ferns blanket the ground and your trail crosses the Big Sur River several times. Amble along flower-studded meadows before arriving on the beach, where you'll be greeted by crashing waves and sometimes watched by curious otters. (260 lb maximum; not recommended if you have back problems; no expectant mothers.) $70/Person (minimum age 6)

Hearst Castle Day Tours - 2 hour

Tour 1 is recommended for first-time visitors. This broad overview of the many facets of the property includes the National Geographic movie "Hearst Castle - Building the Dream" and a bus ride; this is the least strenuous tour. (Tours 2, 3 and 4 are more in-depth, visiting the main house, guest house, gardens and grounds; these tours are more strenuous.) Originally known as "Camp Hill," Hearst Castle is one of the largest house museums in the U.S., with one of the most sophisticated guided tour programs in the country.  $24/Adults; $12/Child (ages 6 through 17)

Santa Barbara Mountain to Shore Bike Tour - full day

Bike from the mountains to the shore on a downhill, 20-mile ride that is great for all skill levels. Stop along the way to enjoy some of the area's most loved locations, such as the Santa Barbara Mission. Includes gear, guides, history, lunch & shuttle. $115/Person, minimum 4 persons, and minimum age 8
Big Sur Coastline, Sequoias and Yosemite National Park

Big Sur Coastline, Sequoias and Yosemite National Park

11 to 14 Nights  |  Starting from $4,425

From the Pacific Coast to giant sequoias and granite mountains, this trip hits the highlights of California's most spectacular scenery. From San Francisco down Pacific Highway 1, you'll travel along the scenic coast before heading inland to the Giant Forest where four of the world's five largest sequoias are found. Another scenic drive awaits you into Kings Canyon and then on to Yosemite with its impressive waterfalls, towering cliffs, rounded domes, and massive monoliths.

Monterey and Big Sur - Quick Getaway

Monterey and Big Sur - Quick Getaway

Under 7 Nights  |  Starting from $1,625

Head down the Big Sur Coast for 4 nights from San Francisco to walk the beaches, hike in the coastal redwoods and see the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Get out on the ocean on a wildlife Zodiac tour or sea kayaking trip, or take a horseback ride on the beach.

Northern California Coast including the Redwood Forests

Northern California Coast including the Redwood Forests

11 to 14 Nights  |  Starting from $4,365

Explore some of California's treasures, starting in beautiful San Francisco. You'll head north through the Anderson Valley to the quaint coastal town of Mendocino. Follow the coast north into the giant redwood forests. Ride the train, jetboat or just walk the paths into the tall trees. Head inland into unspoiled, hidden California and back down to San Francisco through Wine Country.
Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

7 to 10 Nights  |  Starting from $3,055

From granite mountains to giant sequoias, this trip hits the highlights of 3 of California's most spectacular national parks. Start your tour in the Bay area, then head east to Yosemite with its impressive waterfalls, towering cliffs, rounded domes, and massive monoliths. Visit the country's second oldest National Park, home of the Giant Forest where four of the world's five largest sequoias are found. Top it off with an incredibly scenic drive into Kings Canyon, "a rival to Yosemite" according to famed naturalist John Muir.