Monterey Bay Inn-to-Inn Hiking

6 days / 5 nights

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Journey light and comfortably from Santa Cruz to Monterey, traversing serene beaches and wildlife-rich trails, complemented by cozy seaside stays each night.

Starting point

Santa Cruz

Finish point

Monterey

Season

From January to December

Technical level

1/5

Fitness level

2/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Journey light and comfortably from Santa Cruz to Monterey, traversing serene beaches and wildlife-rich trails, complemented by cozy seaside stays each night.

Choose your style

Self-guided from 1.380 €/person

Samo

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Journey light and comfortably from Santa Cruz to Monterey, traversing serene beaches and wildlife-rich trails, complemented by cozy seaside stays each night.

Starting point

Santa Cruz

Finish point

Monterey

Season

From January to December

Technical level

1/5

Fitness level

2/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

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

Itinerary of the trip

Santa Cruz is a hub of surf culture, home to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, and offers numerous beaches perfect for catching waves or simply soaking in the sun. Upon your arrival, immerse yourself in the town's eclectic vibe. This historic amusement park offers classic rides and games alongside stunning ocean views. Stroll through downtown for a taste of local cuisine, unique shops, and lively street performances.

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Today's journey from Santa Cruz to Aptos takes you along scenic paths where the coastal charm of Santa Cruz County unfolds. Starting at the lively Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, your route meanders through picturesque harbor scenes and coastal neighborhoods. As you traverse sandy beaches and coastal paths, the diverse landscapes offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Aptos, with its serene beaches like Seacliff State Beach and historic sites, awaits to tell its part of California's story.

Hiking

9.3 miles and 510 feet of elevation gain / 330 feet of elevation loss

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Embark on the longest stretch of your tour, a journey characterized by the serene beauty of less populated sandy beaches. The day's walk offers a tranquil experience by the ocean. Arriving in Moss Landing, a small fishing village, you're greeted by the charm of coastal life. Moss Landing is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with the Elkhorn Slough providing a sanctuary for sea otters, seals, and a plethora of bird species.

Hiking

15.3 miles and 200 feet of elevation gain/loss

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Today's trek, the shortest of your journey, offers a leisurely walk among the stunning dunes of Marina. These natural wonders provide a habitat for unique flora and fauna, making your walk a journey through one of California's distinctive ecosystems. Marina itself is a peaceful community where the air is filled with the refreshing scent of the sea.

Hiking

8.3 miles and 180 feet of elevation gain/loss

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The final stretch to Monterey takes you along the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail or beach paths, where the majesty of the Pacific Ocean accompanies you. This segment offers a chance to witness the rich biodiversity of Monterey Bay, from playful sea otters to the graceful flight of seabirds. The path leads you to Monterey, a city where history and modernity converge.

Hiking

10 miles and 450 feet of elevation gain/loss

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Before your departure, take time to delve into Monterey's offerings. The city's significance as a former capital of Spanish California and a fishing hub is reflected in its historic sites and cultural institutions. Explore the aquarium for a closer look at marine life, stroll along Cannery Row for a taste of history, or embark on a whale-watching adventure to cap off your visit.

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

5 nights in local 3-star boutique hotels or B&Bs with breakfast

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Dinners in restaurants

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

Luggage transfer

Single supplement

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.

Understanding the importance of a hassle-free experience, we've ensured that the walking is easy, with minimal elevation changes. The path following coastal trails and sandy beaches invites hikers of all skill and fitness levels.

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 personalized travel booklet, 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.

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Hut-to-hut hiking allows you to trek from one fully serviced hut to another, traversing wilderness areas without the burden of heavy camping gear. Each hut provides a warm meal and a bed, ensuring comfort amidst the adventure.

Inn-to-inn hiking connects more populated areas, featuring stays in hotels or B&Bs for a less physically demanding journey. It’s ideal for those who prefer scenic walks with the comfort of modern amenities at day’s end.

Our Northern California treks are beginner-friendly, offering comfortable inn-to-inn hikes through scenic landscapes. However, hikes in the White Mountains, Rogue River Canyon, and Yosemite involve more challenging wilderness trails suited for experienced hikers due to their rugged and remote nature.

All our hikes include meals at the start and end of each day, whether you’re staying in huts or hotels/B&Bs. This ensures you start your day energized and end it with a satisfying meal without needing to carry food supplies.

We equip you with a detailed, personalized travel booklet containing all the necessary information for a safe journey, alongside recommendations to enhance your experience. GPS navigation and a user-friendly navigation app are also provided to guide you along your chosen route.

Yes, our self-guided tours are designed for solo adventurers and groups. Enjoy the freedom of hiking at your own pace, supported by our comprehensive guidance and 24/7 assistance.

Luggage transfers are available on our inn-to-inn hikes, where your belongings are transported by vehicle to your next accommodation. However, due to the remote locations of the huts, accessible only by foot, luggage transfer is not feasible for hut-to-hut hikes.

Most huts operate seasonally, typically open during the summer, the ideal time for high mountain hikes. Our Northern California hikes, however, are accessible in spring and fall, offering a wider window for your adventures.