Monterey to Santa Barbara
Itinerary
Explore California’s Central Coast the best way possible. From Monterey, cycle along the famous Carmel coastline, and climb coastal hills into Big Sur’s famous Redwoods. Roll along the picturesque cliffside coastline before cutting inland to quieter roads, farmland and rural countryside. Climb up the Santa Barbara mountains and finish your ride with an incredible descent towards the sea.
Day by Day
Arrival | Monterey
Arrive into Monterey and hit the coast. From the Monterey Bay Aquarium, to the quaint Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf, there’s lots to explore.
Day 1 | Monterey - Big Sur | 44.5 miles
Start the day with the famous 17-mile drive through Pebble Beach, stopping in Carmel for a visit to a few galleries and the sandy beach. After miles of rolling coastal bliss, enter Big Sur, where you’ll finish at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campsite for a night nestled amongst giant Redwoods.
Day 2 | Big Sur - Kirk Creek | 28 miles
Keep the day short and enjoy all the beauty around you. Stop for hikes, visit hidden beaches and check out the famous McWay Waterfall, while biking some of Southern California’s biggest and most beautiful climbs.
Day 3 | Kirk Creek - San Simeon | 40.5 miles
Enjoy epic views and soar down the curving coastal Highway 1. Pass sea lions and catch distant glimpses of the famous Hearst Castle before finishing in San Simeon.
Day 4 | San Simeon - Oceano | 56 miles
Head inland for quiet riding between rolling hills. Briefly ride along the coast in Morro Bay, before heading inland again to the town of San Luis Obispo, and South towards Pismo Beach's curious Monarch colony.
Day 5 | Oceano - Lake Cachuma | 78 miles
Pass Missions, forest lined creek roads, meadows, and small adorable towns on our way to Lake Cachuma.
Day 6 | Lake Cachuma - Santa Barbara | 24 miles
Starting with a major climb, you’ll soon be rewarded with some of the most incredible views Southern California has to offer. From the top of the Santa Barbara mountains, you’ll see rolling hills and coastline for miles before you descend into town.
A Glimpse at Day 1
Monterey - Big Sur | 44.5 miles
7 am: Wake up and get ready for day 1. Make sure you have all your personal belongings packed in your panniers.
8 am: Eat breakfast, load your panniers onto your bike, do a last minute check and hit the road!
9 am: Cycle through Monterey, passing Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Stop and enjoy the ocean views and incredible wildlife along the coast.
10:30 am: Bike the famous 17-mile drive, passing Pebble Beach, and enter Carmel-by-the-Sea.
12 pm: Grab a snack, or lunch, and head to the beach for a short rest. Visit the Carmel Mission on your way out of town. Make sure to grab supplies before leaving town if you haven't picked them up already.
1 pm: Pass Point Lobos State Reserve, perhaps stopping for a short visit, and start riding down the famous HWY 1.
3 pm: Enter Big Sur. Get your camera ready for dramatic coastlines and unforgettable views. Continue to Pfeiffer Big Sur State park, set up camp and make sure to take a stroll in the Redwoods before settling in for the night.
Have questions? Check out our
PACK:
Bike Equipment
Touring bike, waterproof panniers & handlebar bag, pump, bike tools, & essential spare parts. You'll also receive a custom biking jersey to keep!
Camping Gear
Tent, sleeping mat, tarp, cookware, flashlight, sleeping bag
Route Design
Expertly designed day-by-day route suggestions, essential tips, campsite options, places of interest, and dining recommendations along the way.
PLAN FOR:
Accommodation Costs
