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California Coast Bike Tour

Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, and Santa Barbara: Cycling the Iconic Central Coast

5 days / 4 nights Level: 3Price From: $4,995Collection: Classic

Tour Highlights

  • Bike the entire length of California’s Big Sur coastline and cover some of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world
  • Savor fresh seafood, farm-to-table fare, and flaky pastries at the hippest restaurants, hidden bistros, and charming bakeries
  • Experience Central Coast luxury at hotels and inns in ideal locations lining the way from dramatic Carmel-by-the-Sea to country-chic Los Olivos
  • Taste wine where it’s produced in the Santa Ynez Valley—a region that’s coming to compete with California’s well-known Napa and Sonoma wine country
  • Challenge yourself with a century ride that covers 100 miles of Pacific coastline from Big Sur to Morro Bay

Eat

Creative California cuisine, farm-to-table produce, and fresh-caught Pacific seafood

Drink

Cooler-climate wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills; Rhone varietals from Santa Ynez; Cabernet from Happy Canyon

Print Itinerary
  • Day 1

    From the Top!

    Our adventure begins on the cusp of Northern California as you meet your guides in Palo Alto for a transfer to Monterey. And just like that, you’re on California’s Central Coast! We’ll get to know each other over coffee at the historic Fisherman’s Wharf, then get fitted to our bikes for an unforgettable first ride: the scenic coastal road plainly called 17 Mile Drive. Pedal by Cannery Row (a nod to Steinbeck’s novel of the same name), past Spanish Bay, and alongside Pebble Beach, home to the legendary golf links. Pull into our favorite cycling-themed bistro for a laid-back lunch in Carmel: this artsy beach town gives you a taste of the Central Coast flavor, and it’s a local hotspot for shopping and exploring. After lunch, finish up with a short spin to our luxury hotel in the heart of a charming coastal town. Settle in with a glass of champagne before our first dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Lunch / Dinner
    Destinations: Monterey, Carmel
    Accomplished: 23 miles / 37 km, elevation gain: 1,099 feet / 335 meters
    Accommodations: Hotel Villa Mara

  • Day 2

    Beautiful Big Sur

    Rise and shine: we’re heading out early so we can enjoy the coastal road during the cool and peaceful morning hours. Today it’s Highway 1 all the way—and the postcard-worthy views that come along with it. From the fog-shrouded mountains above to the crashing surf below, every mile is a visual feast. We’ll even pedal across Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most recognizable landmarks on the Big Sur coast. Stop for a well-earned lunch in Big Sur, a place that derives its name from the Spanish “el pais grande del sur” or the “big land of the south.” Since these coastlands lie south of Monterey, the onetime Spanish capital, this beautiful community became known as “Big South”—or Big Sur. This afternoon, get settled at the hotel, head down to the beach, or wind down with a hike into the backcountry. Tonight we’ll have a beautiful sunset dinner—a quintessential Central Coast experience.

    Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
    Destinations: Notleys Landing, Bixby Creek Bridge, Big Sur
    Accomplished: 26 miles / 42 km, elevation gain: 2,831 feet / 863 meters; optional afternoon hike
    Accommodations: Glen Oaks Big Sur

  • Day 3

    Down the Pacific Coast

    Time for the biggest ride of the trip—a day of total coastal bliss. Start cycling towards McWay Falls and check out this breathtaking waterfall that empties directly on the beach. Then it’s back on the bikes as we climb and descend through a changing landscape: first towering redwoods, then endless coastal panoramas. Take a moment to appreciate the view during a snack stop before we continue riding to Ragged Point. After lunch, transfer to San Luis Obispo, home to our fantastically whimsical hotel—or make it a full century and pedal all the way to Morro Bay, where Highway 1 finally veers away from the coast. The rest of the day is yours to explore SLO’s many of-the-moment eateries and breweries.

    Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
    Destinations: Gorda, Big Sur, San Simeon
    Accomplished: 47 miles / 75 km, elevation gain: 4,800 feet / 1,223 meters
    Longer Option: 100 miles / 162 km, elevation gain: 7,580 feet / 2,311 meters
    Accommodations: Hotel SLO

  • Day 4

    Santa Ynez: California's Other Wine Country

    This morning we’ll head inland on the sinuous roads that surround Santa Maria, making our way into the Santa Ynez Valley by way of Foxen Canyon. Ride through the epicenter of Santa Barbara wine country and its well-loved vineyards lining the route to Ballard Canyon. We’ll stop for lunch at a destination restaurant serving locally-sourced dishes. After lunch, bike the rest of the way to the wine-tasting village of Los Olivos (or catch a lift in the van). Our hotel is right in the heart of town, so take a stroll around or relax by the pool before dinner. Tonight, regroup for a fantastic farewell meal prepared by an innovative local chef.

    Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
    Destinations: Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, Buellton
    Accomplished: 37 miles / 59 km, elevation gain: 1,856 feet / 566 meters
    Longer Option: 47 miles / 75 km, elevation gain: 2,594 feet / 791 meters
    Accommodations: The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern

  • Day 5

    The End of the Road

    On our final morning, choose to take a spin through the vineyards or catch some extra sleep and a leisurely breakfast. Your guides will transfer you to Santa Barbara and see you off to the next leg of your California travels.

    Meals: Breakfast
    Destinations: Santa Barbara
    Accomplished: Optional morning ride

DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.



Arrival Details

Airport City: San Francisco or San Jose, California Pick-Up Location: Stanford Park Hotel Pick-Up Time: 9:30 am
Departure Details

Airport City: Santa Barbara or Los Angeles, CA Drop-Off Location: Downtown Santa Barbara Drop-Off Time: 11:00 am
Travelers Take Note

This itinerary is currently under review due to recent closures on Highway 1. Please contact us for updates.

Highway 1 is as popular for cyclists as it is for motorists. Be prepared for (and comfortable with) riding in some traffic along the route, and discuss your desired travel dates with a DuVine Travel Specialist to avoid more populous visiting periods.

For the hikes on this tour, we strongly recommend bringing hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction (not running shoes or sneakers). Moisture-wicking clothing or daypacks are also recommended, but not required.

Any scheduled tour can be made private. Your group, your dates. Go Private

2024Single Supplement From: $1,800

See our cancellation policy

Weather by Month
Average Temperature + Precipitation

Average Temperature + Precipitation

Month
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
High (°F)
64°
65°
67°
70°
72°
76°
77°
78°
77°
72°
66°
63°
Low (°F)
42°
45°
45°
48°
51°
53°
54°
55°
54°
48°
43°
42°
Rain (in)
376
376
251
125
00
00
00
00
00
125
125
251

Accommodations

  • Thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region
  • Luggage transfers

Meals

  • Daily breakfasts, all lunches, nutritious snacks, and après velo cocktails
  • 3 gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants and renowned culinary establishments
  • Carefully selected local wine, beer, or spirits with every meal

Activities

  • Wine tastings and activities as outlined in the tour itinerary
  • Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events
  • Gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service

Gear

  • Top-of-the-line bicycle selection
  • Bike helmet
  • Complimentary DuVine gear including a custom cycling jersey, DuVine t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring bag
  • GPS in most destinations

Support

  • Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge
  • Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts
  • Pick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points
  • Daily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance
NOT INCLUDED:
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

See our FAQs page for answers to common questions.

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Custom DuVine Road Bike

Manufacturer: Ventum

Type: Road

Included in trip price

Turbo Vado SL 4.0

Manufacturer: Specialized

Type: Hybrid E-Bike

Included in trip price