Real California Coastal Road Trip
Real California Coastal Road Trip
4 Days Starting in Santa Monica and ending in San Francisco
Visiting: Los Angeles, Central Coast, Monterey Area, San Francisco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SIYC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
18-35 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
While Los Angeles and San Francisco each have their fair share of landmarks, the road that links that two has its own sights and sounds worth exploring. Roadtrip along California’s Pacific Coast Highway on this four-day adventure, starting in the City of Angels before heading north to take in the natural splendour of Big Sur. You’ll feel plucked from a car commercial as you cruise scenic mile after scenic mile, soaring redwoods to one side and endless ocean to the other, with campsites waiting each night. Sometimes it's not the destination that counts, it’s the journey!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Accommodation: Hostel (multishare)
Welcome to Los Angeles! The City of Angels needs no introduction and will play host to the start of your coastal Californian experience. Your adventure will begin with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm, but if you arrive earlier there’s no shortage of sights to keep you occupied. Stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, experience the food markets of Downtown LA or head to one of the many theme parks in the area – the choice is yours!
Day 2: Central Coast
Location: Central Coast
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Head to Venice Beach this morning for your first taste of the sea breeze. Home to the iconic Muscle Beach gym – and known for the many walks of life that grace the boardwalk – you'll be free to explore this free-spirited slice of LA for yourself. Whether you stop by the Venice Beach skatepark, ride the Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier or try out a local eatery, there’s plenty on offer! Then, swap spaghetti junctions for seaside views as you drive north, stopping at coastal viewpoints to stretch your legs and snap some pictures. Pismo Beach will provide a picturesque final pit stop before you set up camp for the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Monterey Area
Location: Monterey Area
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Continuing north along the Pacific Coast Highway, today you’ll take in some of the finest natural scenery California has to offer. Big Sur doesn’t do things by halves, with this famous stretch of coastline sandwiched between soaring redwoods and endless ocean. Taking it slow to soak in the views (and maybe spot an elephant seal or two), there’ll also be a stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. An almost-flat hike will take you to a view of the magical McWay Falls – an 80-foot drop that flows directly into the Pacific during high tide. The seaside city of Monterey will then provide your camping ground for the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Trading one all-American experience for another, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk awaits! Let your inner child run free on a variety of fairground rides or go the full nine yards and treat yourself to a funnel cake. Later, Half Moon Bay’s coastal charm will provide a moment of respite after the morning’s madness before you follow the road to your final stop at San Francisco. A guided tour of the vibrant city will help you get your bearings, and then it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow travellers as your adventure comes to an end, and no accommodation is provided tonight. As there's a great deal to do in San Francisco, we recommend you stay a couple of extra days to make the most of the city. If you do wish to spend extra time in San Francisco, we'll be happy to help you book additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
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Airport Transfers at Destination
No
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Fully Guided
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Visit Santa Monica Pier
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California Coastal Highway 1
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Los Angeles - Venice Beach
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Big Sur - Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
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San Francisco - Leader-led city tour
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Half Moon Bay
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Transport
- AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN THE USA & CANADA
- We recommend taxis and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber when traveling to and from hotels in the USA and Canada. These services are widely available across North America, offering convenient and accessible transportation options. Private transfers in North America incur high costs and present an increased risk of missed connections due to their fixed schedules. In contrast, taxis and rideshares offer both cost-effectiveness and flexibility, ensuring a smoother journey. With transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and on-demand availability, we believe that taxis and rideshare apps not only offer a reliable alternative to private transfers but also provide a secure, trustworthy, and budget-friendly transportation option for our customers.
- NORTH AMERICA VEHICLES
- Our large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van.
- The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
- While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.
Accommodation
- NORTH AMERICA CAMPING
- The campsites that we use are selected for either their scenic beauty, their convenient location to places of interest and/or the facilities available. We aim to offer you a selection of different types of campsites.
- If you've never camped before - no problem! We provide a complete set of camping and cooking equipment. This includes roomy easy-to-pitch tents, which are shared by only two people and are equipped with thin foam rubber mattresses and vinyl floors. Your leader will show you how to pitch a tent on the first day. On many trips we also spend a few nights in reasonably priced hotels/motels/hostels (as per the itinerary).
- Remember that sleeping bags are not provided. Check out the Packing section for more information.
- You'll find the necessary facilities - toilets and in most cases showers, washing machines and dryers - at many of our campsites. The showers at some campsites only have cold water available and some may require a payment (usually no more than US$1-$3 for a quick shower). This is payable locally and is a contribution towards the cost of a limited water supply. Some campsites won't have any facilities, but this will rarely be for more than one night at a time. This is true of many campsites within Yosemite National Park, so if your trip is visiting this park, please prepare to go without a shower on this night, although it can often be arranged to stop and utilise facilities on our way out of the park.
- In all campsites there are strict quiet hours when no loud noise is allowed. This means that all music, singing and group gatherings must stop. We request that all our travellers respect these campsite rules.
- For trips where there are lodges/cabins used, couples travelling together may be separated as our rooming arrangements are based on single gender.
- Our high-quality camping equipment (including tents) can be affected by bad weather conditions. This can result in some wet and cold conditions inside the tent. Your spirit of adventure and flexibility will help make your adventure trip an exciting and unforgettable experience. On nights where the group is camping, and weather conditions are extreme (such as snow or heavy rain), there may be an opportunity for the group (if everyone agrees) to stay at an alternative location such as a nearby hostel or hotel. When this is the case the upgrade is at your own expense.
Important Information
- 1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6:00pm on Day 1 in Los Angeles and finishes on arrival into San Francisco at approximately 5pm on Day 4.
- 2. In Los Angeles the group will be in 8 and 6 person dorms, with shared bathrooms. The hostel will do their best to separate the group by gender, but it's not guaranteed.
- 3. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip however excludes night 1 (Los Angeles) where you will be in shared accommodation.
- 4.The arrival time back into San Francisco on the last day depends on each group, but if you decide to fly out on this day, please don't book a flight before 9 pm.
- 5. A sleeping bag is required for this trip.
- 6. Please note that the legal drinking age in the US is 21 and in some parts of Canada it's 19.
- 7. 2024 departures: Highway 1 and Big Sur area parks are currently inaccessible due to landslides and are scheduled to reopen sometime in June 2024. Until the road is reopened you will spend two nights in the Central Coast region instead of camping near Monterey, and explore the scenic coastal regions near San Simeon, Cambria and Morro Bay.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This trip includes time spent travelling in a private vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
Although our private vehicles do have air conditioning, it has to work pretty hard to keep a full group cool. Expect to feel hot during summer and cold at other times of the year, especially at night. Please consider the season and research the weather conditions to determine the best time to travel for you. Remember to come prepared with adequate clothing.
This trip involves either a partial or full camping experience, giving you access to more remote destinations at close proximity, and the joy of camping under the night skies and beside a campfire. This is a participatory trip – a fancy way of saying you’re not just along for the ride, but you are part of a team! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with camp activities like food prep and washing up. It’s all about giving your new travel mates a hand, and everyone knows there’s nothing worse than trying to put up a tent on your own!
From gorgeous coastal hikes to the hilly San Francisco, this trip can involve a lot of walking. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.
If you have more time to spend in the region, check out our Epic American West trip: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/united-states/epic-american-west-152108 -
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 18 years old or above
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
LOW - Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Tuesday - Friday
Jun 25, 2024 - Jun 28, 2024Friday - Monday
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Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 05, 2024Friday - Monday
Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024Friday - Monday
Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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