California Coast Bike Tour
Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, and Santa Barbara: Cycling the Iconic Central Coast
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
Itinerary
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: Alila Ventana 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 Los Olivos, 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 Los Olivos’ many tasting rooms.
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: Fess Parker Hotel - Day 4
Santa Ynez: California's Other Wine Country
This morning, we’ll ride into Santa Barbara wine country along Foxen Canyon Road. A gentle climb leads past golden fields where cattle graze lazily, framed by delightful views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. On our descent, we’ll cruise through vineyards of Rhone varietals in Foxen Canyon and the Santa Maria Valley, where chic tasting rooms dot the landscape. Enjoy the most beautiful lunch of the trip at our favorite winery, complete with a tasting and stunning vineyard views. After lunch, continue cycling to our next hotel or catch a ride in the van. Settle in and relax by the pool before regathering for our final dinner: a taste of essential California cuisine.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Foxen Canyon, Sisquoc, Santa Maria
Accomplished: 30 miles / 50 km, elevation gain: 1,929 feet / 587 meters
Longer Option: 60 miles / 100 km, elevation gain: 3,858 feet / 1,164 meters
Accommodations: Fess Parker Hotel - 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 Jose or Monterey, California Pick-Up Location: Stanford Park Hotel Pick-Up Time: 9:30 am
Departure Details
Airport City: Santa Barbara or Los Angeles, California Drop-Off Location: Downtown Santa Barbara Drop-Off Time: 11:00 am
Arrival and departure details for alternate itineraries and future year departures may be subject to change.
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.
Dates + Availability
Inclusions + Details
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
