Monterey Bay Inn-to-Inn Hiking
6 days / 5 nights
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United States|
Highlights
- Traverse iconic Santa Cruz Boardwalk and historic Monterey
- Enjoy leisurely walks along pristine beaches and scenic coastal trails of Monterey Bay
- Awaken in a new charming coastal hotel or B&B each morning
- Experience the majestic marine life of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Explore diverse landscapes, from vibrant towns to tranquil dunes
- Delight in the serenity of less-traveled paths, offering intimate encounters with the bay’s breathtaking scenery
The ground is almost level throughout. Days 2 and 5 are mostly on paved paths and quiet streets, including the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail on Day 5. Days 3 and 4 are mostly on beach sand and sandy dune paths, soft in many places. On these days you may have to wade across the Pajaro and Salinas river mouths, which is easiest at low tide; after heavy winter rain the water can be too deep. Near the end of Day 3 you walk along the edge of Highway 1 over the Elkhorn Slough bridge, where there is no sidewalk.
There is little climbing, never more than about 500 feet in a day. The effort comes from the distances: four walking days in a row, between about 8 and 16 miles, or about 11 miles a day on average. Day 3 is the longest, about 16 miles, and much of it is on beach sand, which is slower and more tiring than a firm path. Day 4 is the shortest, about 8 miles. On request, the team can arrange a pick-up part way along Day 3 to shorten it.
Read our full hiking difficulty guideWhat’s included in the price?
Self-guided
Are you looking for a good adventure and limitless flexibility? Then you should try out a self-guided tour, perfect for independent explorers who want to set their own pace. Without the need to stick to a group schedule, you’re free to linger at scenic viewpoints while the logistics are taken care of in advance.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Carefully selected 3- and 4-star hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs, all with private en-suite rooms and breakfast included, except in Moss Landing. Expect comfortable, well-appointed rooms with attentive hospitality, typically in convenient and scenic locations — some properties also offer on-site dining.
These are examples of the type and standard you can expect. Actual properties may vary depending on availability.
What to bring to the tour
- Hiking shoes/boots
- 25 to 35-liter backpack
- Base layer
- Sports T-shirts
- Hiking shorts
- Hiking water-repellent pants
- Waterproof jacket
- Midlayer
- Sports socks and underwear
- Leisurewear for evenings
- Shade hat/cap
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hiking poles
- ID card or passport
- Snacks
- Cash
- Water bottles or hydration pack
- Toiletries
Explore the picturesque Monterey Bay with this meticulously designed experience, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore the diverse beauty of the California coast – from the vibrant streets of Santa Cruz to the historic waterfront of Monterey.
At the heart of your journey lies Monterey Bay, a marine sanctuary of unparalleled beauty. Its coastline, a harmonious blend of sandy beaches and rugged cliffs, offers hikers dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean.
The bay's waters, teeming with marine life, present opportunities to witness the playful antics of sea otters, the graceful flight of seabirds, and, if fortune favors, the majestic breaching of whales.
Your adventure begins in the eclectic town of Santa Cruz, known for its iconic boardwalk and surf culture. As you venture south, the quaint towns of Aptos, Moss Landing, and Marina unfold before you, each with its own story and charm, before culminating in the historic city of Monterey, a jewel of California's coast.
The walking has minimal elevation changes, but the days are long: four walking days of 8 to 16 miles, much of it on sand. The path follows coastal trails and sandy beaches and suits regular walkers with good fitness.
Our luggage transfer service ensures that your belongings await you at each new destination, allowing you to walk with just the essentials.
We provide GPS navigation tools and a digital guidebook, guiding you through each trail's segment with ease. Whether navigating the next stretch of beach or looking for a local dining spot, these resources put the information you need at your fingertips.
After each day's journey, retreat to the comfort of carefully selected hotels and B&Bs that offer a warm welcome and a restful night's sleep. Additionally, our team delivers excellent customer support, ensuring that assistance is just a call away should you need it.
Join us for an unforgettable journey along one of California's most scenic routes, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for a truly transformative experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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SELF-GUIDED TRAVEL
Explore independently and with confidence while we keep everything running from behind the scenes.
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![Pair of Sea Otters [enhydra lutris] in the Elkhorn Slough at Moss Landing on the Central Coast of California USA](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.world-discovery.com%2F8468%2Felkhorn-slough-at-moss-landing-scaled.webp&w=1920&q=90)
![Pair of Sea Otters [enhydra lutris] in the Elkhorn Slough at Moss Landing on the Central Coast of California USA](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.world-discovery.com%2F8468%2Felkhorn-slough-at-moss-landing-scaled.webp&w=828&q=75)
