| Months |
May | View Dates» |
| Price (USD) |
From $2,999 | See Pricing» |
| Start & End |
Santa Cruz, California | Santa Barbara, California |
| Trip Length |
6 days | 5 nights |
| Rider Type |
3 | Learn More» |
| Daily Rides |
Options from 14 - 59 miles |
| Beyond Biking |
Kayaking, Historical Site Visit, Cultural Tour, Beach, Shopping |
| Trip Options |
Make it Private or Choose Your Own Date |
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Cycling the Central Coast will give you a week filled with a bicycling vacation's perfect ingredients: sun, heart-stopping views, and delicious food and drink. Trek Travel’s fully supported bike tour along the Pacific Coast Highway offers varied scenery from the seaside town of Santa Cruz to the sweeping coastal cliffs and redwoods of Big Sur and the beaches of Santa Barbara. You'll also get to see the diverse marine life in Monterey Bay, visit historic sites along the way, stay in hand-selected, unique hotels, and enjoy delectable fresh foods and inspired and delightful wines.
Trip Wow’s
- Visit the quintessential West Coast town of Santa Cruz.
- Savor fresh, local, seasonal produce and seafood prepared in California’s fusion style.
- Explore California’s quiet historic towns, lighthouses, and missions as you cycle down one of the most picturesque coastlines in the country.
- Take a sea kayak into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary or visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- Visit Hearst Castle near San Simeon and marvel at this impressive conglomeration of architectural styles.
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San Franscisco Add On Package |
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Days 1 – 3 | Santa Cruz to Cambria
Stay at Intercontinental the Clement Monterey
Ride through the eclectic seaside town of Santa Cruz | Check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium or sea kayak in Monterey Bay | Soak in the dramatic ocean cliffs of Big Sur | Savor fresh California cuisine
Days 4 – 6 | Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara
Stay at Big Sur Lodge
Explore Hearst Castle | Cycle along the Pacific Coast Highway | Wander the boutiques and tasting rooms of State Street | Relax in waterfront accommodations
San Francisco Add On Package
Explore the city of San Francisco and let Trek Travel take care of the details. Purchase our exciting 3 day, 2 night add on package to enjoy before or after your trip.
Intercontinental the Clement Monterey | Monterey, CA
The new InterContinental the Clement Monterey is next to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium in the heart of John Steinbeck’s historic Cannery Row. With stylish decor, the C Restaurant & Bar, spa, health club, pool, whirlpool, and an oceanfront patio, there are plenty of reasons to stay close. If you want to venture out however, Cannery Row's fashionable boutiques, delectable eateries, upscale galleries and vibrant street scene are just a few minutes away.
Big Sur Lodge | Big Sur, CA
This rustic lodge is located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, among towering redwoods, sycamores and maples. Nestled on the hillside above Highway One, there are no phones or televisions in these basic but comfortable and spacious rooms. The park, which is the gateway to the Ventana Wilderness, makes for a peaceful stopover on our way from Monterey to Cambria.
Sand Pebbles Inn | Cambria, CA
The Sand Pebbles Inn offers a spectacular oceanfront location and a relaxing experience for all guests. Located directly on Moonstone Beach, just steps from the water and tide pools, accommodations at Sand Pebbles provide all the amenities you will need to take in all the sights and sounds of coastal California.
Pismo Lighthouse Suites | Pismo Beach, CA
Pismo Lighthouse Suites is an all-suite hotel located atop the bluffs of Pismo Beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean’s beautiful sunsets. The spacious suites offer a place to spread out and unwind after a long day in the saddle. An outdoor heated oceanfront pool, ping pong tables and life size chess and checkers boards are some of the fun amenities at this relaxing hotel.
Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA
Hotel Oceana Santa Barbara was re-designed in 2008 by Annette Jaffe to complement the colorful grounds of the hotel and its enviable waterfront location. This cozy property is located just a short walk from the Marina, Stearn’s Wharf, State Street and many other Santa Barbara attractions and activities. Enjoy the spa facilities, open your windows or sit in the courtyard to take in the sea breeze and the atmosphere along the oceanfront of this vibrant city.
What’s Included in the Trip Price
- 5 nights of accommodation
- Daily breakfast, 2 lunches, 2 social hours, 4 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for each day
- The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides
- Daily route support
- The use of a Trek Domane 5.9 carbon road bike, or Trek Domane 5.9 Women’s Specific Design carbon road bike (limited selection), or Trek 7.6 FX hybrid bike
- The use of Trek bike helmets and other gear and equipment to make your ride comfortable
- Trek Travel water bottles
- Private tours
- Entrance fees to all group events/activities
- All luggage transfers
- All transportation during the trip, including private coaches
- Comprehensive trip literature and complimentary Trek merchandise
- All gratuities for special events, local guides, transfers, hotels, and restaurants
- $300 Discount on a 5 or 6 series Trek Domane or Madone, or Project One purchased at your local Trek retailer
Not Included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Transportation to the trip pick-up location
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Gratuities for Trek Travel guides
- Personal items purchased during the trip
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which allows you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. Your guides are happy to make recommendations should you so desire.
What is the weather going to be like?
Early fall usually means warm and pleasant conditions along California’s Central Coast. Expect temperatures to warm during the day into the mid 70’s and to drop at night into the 50’s. While the chance for significant precipitation is low this time of year, coastal weather can often bring fog and light precipitation, so layers and rain gear are recommended nonetheless.
What are the daily rides like?
| Rider Type | 3 |
Average Daily Mileage | 40 |
| Terrain | hilly |
Average Daily Elevation | 1,800 |
On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. San Francisco to Santa Barbara is best suited for our Type 3 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodate Type 2 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. Those who wish to ride every mile but are concerned about their physical ability may want to try our electric bike option–you still get a workout but can climb alongside even the strongest rider. Type 4 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is varied with rolling hills, at times steep and with strong coastal winds. See Itinerary for specific daily ride distance and elevation options.
What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. See Included In The Trip Price for more information.
As an alternative, call a Trek Travel Trip Consultant at 866.464.8735 for trip suggestions where more non-rider activities are available, such as:
General FAQs
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don’t necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
| Trip | Dates | Price (USD) |
San Francisco to Santa Barbara 2013
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May 26-31, 2013 |
Guaranteed Date* |
$2,999 per person | $950 single occ. |
| San Francisco to Santa Barbara 2014 |
May 18-23, 2014 |
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$2,999 per person | $950 single occ. |
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May 25-30, 2014 |
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$2,999 per person | $950 single occ. |
| San Francisco Add On Package |
Pre/Post Trip |
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$899 per person |
Want to travel with your with friends, family, or colleagues? We can make any trip private. More»
Our dates don't fit your schedule? Use Travel Match and suggest your own date. More»
*Our 2013 trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip. Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangments for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Guaranteed trips do not include Cross Country, Santa Barbara to Taos, Pyrenees Sea to Sea, or any Race trips.
Wow’s From Our Guests & More Photos
When we asked our guests what their favorite WOW’s were from their San Francisco to Santa Barbara vacations, here is what they said…
From the quirky seaside city of Santa Cruz to the palm-lined oceanfront of Santa Barbara, this trip offers sweeping coastal cliffs and renowned wines all enjoyed under the mythic California sun.—Stephanie Chapman, Trip Designer
