California Coast Biking Tour
Overview
This 8-day guided cycling tour shows you that California offers so much more than just beaches! You will spend time cycling in the salty sea air and enjoying the spectacular coastline, but this tour also explores the Santa Cruz Mountains, wine country, and even the Hearst Castle.
This energetic road cycling tour follows some of the famous Highway 1, with its thrilling views of the dramatic cliffs with the Pacific crashing below. You’ll begin your tour riding from San Jose towards the mountains all the way down to Pismo Beach, taking in all the California splendor as you travel south. Savor nights in charming hotels and sample the region’s delicious food and wine. For a cycling tour in California, this can’t be beaten!
California Coast Biking Tour Overview
This 8-day guided cycling tour shows you that California offers so much more than just beaches! You will spend time cycling in the salty sea air and enjoying the spectacular coastline, but this tour also explores the Santa Cruz Mountains, wine country, and even the Hearst Castle.
This energetic road cycling tour follows some of the famous Highway 1, with its thrilling views of the dramatic cliffs with the Pacific crashing below. You’ll begin your tour riding from San Jose towards the mountains all the way down to Pismo Beach, taking in all the California splendor as you travel south. Savor nights in charming hotels and sample the region’s delicious food and wine. For a cycling tour in California, this can’t be beaten!
Cycle along the spectacular coast for amazing scenery and visits to the surf and beach towns along your route.
Bike into wine country and discover the incredible produce from the local vineyards.
Ride to Hearst Castle and visit the incredible estate, grounds, and museum.
Enjoy the dramatic locations of some of your cliff-top hotels that offer sweeping views of the ocean.
Trip map for California Coast Biking Tour
Barbara C.
Amalfi Coast Bicycle Tour
We went through 10Adventures not familiar with them at all, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Allyson K.
Everest Base Camp
Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
Amy D.
XC Skiing in the Dolomites
It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Itinerary for California Coast Biking Tour
Bike Preparation and Orientation Dinner
Your tour begins when you meet the shuttle for your drive to Saratoga. When you arrive you’ll have time to fit your bike before you go to the welcome dinner with the group.
Santa Cruz Mountain Ride
Today you’ll ride high into the Santa Cruz Mountains. Enjoy plenty of vantage points from the trail as you enjoy some of the highest elevations of the tour.
You’ll end the day in Aptos, where you’ll be treated to dinner at an award-winning restaurant, The Sparrow Café.
Cycle to Carmel
You’ll be cycling along the Pacific Coast Trail today, and will enjoy gorgeous coastal views of the ocean. Keep an eye out for sea lions, dolphins, or even whales as you cruise.
Then, you’ll take an exhilarating ride on 17-Mile Drive on your way to Carmel Valley. This is probably one of the most picturesque rides you can do in the country.
Riding to Rocky Point and Beyond
During your ride today, you’ll visit the dramatic arched bridges of Rocky Point. Stop to snap some photos under these fascinating formations.
You’ll be riding through Big Sur and on to Ragged Point- truly one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline you’ll likely ever enjoy.
Visit Hearst Castle
Continue your ride along the glorious Pacific Ocean towards San Simeon. Here you’ll find California’s majestic Hearst Castle, a National Historic Monument where you can stop to explore the property and museum before arriving in Cambria for the night.
Ride Through Wine Country
Today you’ll be leaving the ocean behind as you head into wine country. Ride through the lush hills and vineyards on your way to Paso Robles. You’ll have plenty of time to stop throughout the ride to sample some of the local creations!
Explore San Luis Obispo
Cycle back to the oceanfront on your ride to Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. Take some time to explore the historic town before you cycle to Pismo Beach. This is an area of astounding biodiversity, so keep an eye out for sea life and birds!
Cycle Edna Valley and Depart
The ride today takes you back into beautiful wine country. Cycle the Edna Valley and explore the vineyards and rolling hills on your way to Lopez Lake. You’ll ride back to Pismo Beach in the afternoon to catch the shuttle back to San Jose.
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
Dates and prices for California Coast Biking Tour
This guided California Coast Biking Tour is run as a group tour for your group only and the price is fixed per person.
The prices below are per person:
What’s included for California Coast Biking Tour
Meals
7 breakfasts and 7 dinners and are included in this tour. Please note that your non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are not included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in San Jose are not included.
Please note this tour arrives in San Jose on the evening of your final day, so you may wish to add a hotel night post-tour. We can help you arrange this.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for you and your luggage is included as outlined in the itinerary. Round trip transport between Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport and Saratoga at the beginning of the tour and from Pismo Beach to San Jose at the end of the tour is included.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide
- Van shuttle and support van
- Trail maps and narratives
Not Included
- Bike rental
- Cycling equipment such as helmets, gloves, and shoes
- Entrance fees were applicable or admission to Hearst Castle
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Beverages both non-alcoholic and alcoholic
- Fees not mentioned as included
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, servers, or hotel staff if desired
Optional Extras
- Various bicycle rentals are available and include touring saddles, odometers, pumps, tire irons, and patch kits. You may choose to combine your rental with your own saddle and pedals. Pricing and options available on request
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Solo traveler supplements
- Any additional nights before or after the tour
Accommodation for California Coast Biking Tour
This tour is based on 3-star hotel accommodations. The hotels offer comfortable rooms, and many of them have ocean views.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers may be required to pay a supplement. Please let us know if you prefer a single room where possible (this will incur a fee).
Frequently asked questions for California Coast Biking Tour
How hard is the California Coast Biking Tour?
We rate this tour as a 4/5. This tour is best for riders with experience road biking, as the pace is energetic and you’ll be riding up to 74 miles each day. The tour is predominantly on paved roads and highways with some steep climbs.
Do I need a visa to travel to the United States of America?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the California Coast Biking Tour?
7 breakfasts and 7 dinners and are included in this tour. Please note that your non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are not included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to San Jose to start this tour?
The nearest airport is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), where your shuttle van will meet you.
Is the California Coast Biking Tour guided?
Yes, you will have an English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour.
Where does the California Coast Biking Tour end?
This tour ends with a drop-off at the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport ( SJC ).
Are equipment rentals included?
No, bike rentals are not included but can be added as a supplement. There are various style and size options available to rent to mitigate the challenges of shipping your bike. Please bring any additional equipment desired.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes, you bring your own bike. If you would like to do so it is recommended that you use a reputable specialty company to ship your bike ahead of time to the first hotel. You can also bring your own saddle and pedals to combine with your rental bike.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to the United States of America?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for the United States of America?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to the United States for this tour?
The best time to travel to California for this tour is between April and October. The weather on the north-central coast tends to stay pleasant and mild throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
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