Santa Cruz, California

Discover the scenic coastline of California on a day trip by air-conditioned bus from San Francisco. Visit the Monterey Peninsula, Cannery Row, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Travel scenic California’s Pacific Coast Highway 1 to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, famous for its spectacular ocean views, abundant wildlife, and historical past. Stop at Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck, where there are great shops and restaurants overlooking the Pacific. Next, travel through the famous 17-Mile Drive and see Pebble Beach Golf Course. Photo stops will be made along this gorgeous drive.  Your tour continues to Carmel by the sea where ample time is given to walk through this charming town dotted with lovely shops, and beautiful architecture.

Begin your tour by traveling south on the famous Pacific Coast Highway, California Highway 1. Head to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. At your first rest stop in Davenport, you will have a chance to take a selfie with the whole Pacific as your backdrop.  At Monterey, you will have 2 hours on your own to explore. You can visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, rent a kayak or paddleboard, hike along the coast, or take a bike to roam. You can also stroll among the quaint boutiques and art shops along the historic Cannery Row. Grab a seafood lunch at Old Fisherman’s Wharf.  Enjoy another eyeful of Pacific beauty along the scenic 17-Mile Drive through Del Monte Forest and take photographs of the hardy Lone Cyprus Tree. This famous road winds its way by magnificent homes and the spectacular coastline, between the greens and tees of world famous golf courses, and among the last remaining forest of a rare species of the Monterey Cypress.  Your scenic drive finishes at Pebble Beach Village. Upon arrival in the enchanted town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, you can explore the boutique shops on Ocean Avenue and be dazzled by the white sandy beach. If there is time, you can visit the historic Carmel Mission. Then, it will be time to head back to San Francisco. 

After booking you receive a separate Email from us with the instructions on how to install the app and the guide! You can ignore the "Ticket" Email from Get Your Guide. Please also check your spam-folder for our Email and please get in touch with us if something does not work! Complete your road trip around California with an audio guide featuring 169 locations and 3 hours of audio in 1 app. Listen to the recordings as you take in views at Yosemite, Mt. Whitney, and Zabriskie Point, experience the unique cultures of Silicon Valley, Santa Monica, and Hollywood, and drive down Highway 1. Feel at ease taking in the views while the app uses GPS to find your location and suggest stops. From famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge to lesser-known gems like Moss Landing, appreciate the wealth of beauty and history in California with detailed audio descriptions. Stop and start your journey as often as you please, there’s no constraints once you download the app and activate your audio guide. If there’s a specific site you’d like to visit, manually choose audio guides from the built-in map or from a list.

On this 2.5 hour surfing course you’ll learn the basics from a professional coach. All instructors are all lifeguard certified, and ready to teach you the fundamentals of surfing. You’ll learn about ocean awareness, wave breaks, ocean conditions, safety in and out of the water, wave etiquette, paddling, push-up and pop-up techniques, and riding waves and balancing. You’ll start out in shallow areas riding the whitewater until you’re comfortable enough to venture farther out. The environment is safe and non-threatening for beginning surfers. Have fun learning how to surf in Pacifica or Santa Cruz, and explore the wonders of the ocean with an experienced guide. If you’ve ever thought about trying out this iconic sport, this is a great opportunity to catch some waves!

Explore the Big Sur and Monterey areas of California at your own pace, and avoid the hassle of organized bus tours. Traveling by private car, enjoy the comfort of seeing the places you want to see without worrying about your departure or arrival time. Learn more about the famous landmarks with a reliable service, offering maximum security and, most of all, the best level of hospitality in the industry. Following a pick-up from your accommodation in San Francisco (pick-ups in other cities in the Bay Area are available on arrangement), get recommendations on the best places to stop to take pictures or explore further; you decide where you want to go. Take a scenic drive from San Francisco to Carmel and Big Sur via State Route 1, the north-south highway that runs along most of the Pacific coastline of California. Travel the forested road of 17-Mile Drive. Discover the Mission District and Monterey Bay Aquarium. See all the sights of Fisherman's Wharf. Drive down to the Big Sur Bixby Creek Bridge, and marvel at the flora and fauna of Poit Lobos State Reserve south of Carmel before your return to San Francisco.

Embark on an unforgettable coastal journey along the breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway, stretching from San Francisco to Monterey. This self-guided driving tour offers you the freedom to start your adventure anywhere along this picturesque route, providing an immersive and informative experience that will turn your scenic drive into a sight-seeing, fact-finding, trivia-answering, family-friendly adventure on one of the most scenic drives in the world! As you traverse this remarkable stretch, you'll have the opportunity to explore charming cities and quaint coastal towns that grace the California coastline. Discover the unique street layout of El Granada, bask in the beauty of Half-Moon Bay, delve into the history of San Gregorio, and savor the coastal charm of Pescadero, Davenport, and Santa Cruz, home to its renowned Boardwalk, among many others. Our audio guide will introduce you to the awe-inspiring wonders along the way, including the majestic California Coast Range, the enchanting California Coastal National Monument, the serene Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, the towering giants of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and the pristine waters of the Greyhound Rock State Marine Conservation Area. Birdwatchers can explore the fascinating Moss Landing Wildlife Area, a pit-stop for migratory shorebirds. Experience the heart of America's agricultural center in Salinas. Take a moment to pause and marvel at nature's wonders, such as the striking rock formation resembling a Shark Fin and the serene Coast Diaries Beaches. Discover the tranquility of Wilder Ranch State Park and the Natural Bridges State Beach while immersing yourself in the history and beauty of the area. Venture into the realm of marine life as you learn about and, with luck, witness the astounding sea creatures at one of the Whale Trail sites and tidal pools. Keep an eye out for the iconic Pigeon Point Lighthouse and relish the opportunity to explore Santa Cruz and the Monterey Canyon and Marine Sanctuary. Gain insights into the region's rich history and its original inhabitants, and uncover stories of early settlers at the Pajaro Dunes. Delve into the wonders of Elkhorn Slough, a remarkable wildlife sanctuary, and get acquainted with the incredible flora and fauna that call this coastal area home today. You'll also discover the challenges and threats posed by nature to this incredible highway. Don't miss this chance to embark on a remarkable journey of discovery along the Pacific Coast Highway, where every twist and turn reveals the wonders of California's captivating coastline.

Set among the beautiful redwoods of Santa Cruz and Marin, the 1-Day Wilderness Skills Clinic is a great way to escape the hustle-and-bustle of the working week and get back to nature! The trained instructors – expert survivalists and naturalists – are excited to share these sacred skills with you. Learning these timeless traditions, such as native shelter building and fire-by-friction, helps to build self-esteem and awareness from knowing that you can survive! This class is 100% hands-on and appropriate for all ages but the pace is geared towards teens and adults. Everything you learn, you will do yourself! Be prepared for your next wilderness adventure by practicing timeless skills including building a shelter, making fire, learning about edible plants, making native style traps, and learning several other indigenous skills. This 5-hour class is about getting back to the earth, learning how our ancestors lived in harmony with the planet, and experiencing nature to its fullest. There is something here for everybody – come with an open mind and be ready to learn!

Experience the best of Santa Cruz on a guided eBike tour that takes you through the city's most iconic spots. Start your adventure in the historic downtown area, where you'll see charming shops, vibrant street art, and bustling local markets. Your experienced guide will share fascinating stories about the city's history and culture as you ride. Next, pedal your way to the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a classic seaside amusement park with thrilling rides and games. Feel the ocean breeze as you cruise along scenic beaches, stopping to admire the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Continue your journey to the picturesque marina and West Cliff Drive, where you'll witness surfers riding the waves at Steamer Lane and Cowell's Beach. Throughout the 10-mile ride, you'll have the flexibility to use pedal assist as needed, making it suitable for all fitness levels. Whether you want a workout or prefer a leisurely ride, the eBike can accommodate your needs. The tour concludes back at the starting point, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Santa Cruz's beauty and charm.