Overview
Transportation by driver guide using full size sedan car on day 1 from San Jose area and by train on day 2. This is unique way of visiting one of the most scenic areas in the U.S. The driver guide will stop at places you wish to enjoy in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, River Inn, Pfeiffer state park of Coastal Redwoods, Nepenthe and many other places, spending a night in Monterey (Cost of the hotel room is not included. We can pick up and drop off at any hotels in Monterey, Carmel, Salinas where you have booked on your own) and then to Los Angeles by train in two days.
Comfortable seating also can enjoy dinning on the train. Option to start from San Francisco, Emeryville, Oakland to Salinas by train is available.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 6 days before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Hotel pick up in San Jose area
Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, McWay Falls by private sedan car
Coach class Coast Starlight train ticket from Monterey to Los Angeles
In-vehicle air conditioning
Hotel drop off in Los Angeles
Food and drinks
Gratuity
Cost of the hotel room in Monterey or Carmel or Salinas
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
65 Cahill Street, San Jose
Good to know
Please let us know your email address for train ticket.
What to expect
Day 1 Day 1: San Jose to Santa Cruz to Monterey. 154 miles
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San Jose
2 hours
Driver guide will pick you up at San Jose Diridon Station at about 9:30 a.m. Driving through Silicon Valley and The Redwoods you reach the coast at Santa Cruz. Along Highway 1 you go through Aptos, Capitola, and agricultural area to Elkhorn Slough and Moss Beach. Soon you are in Castroville driving through miles of artichoke and strawberry fields. Along the coast you see sand dunes on the west and Salinas Valley with the coastal mountain range to the east. Salinas River empties into Monterey Bay. Past California State University of Monterey in what used to be Fort Ord through Marina and Seaside you reach Monterey and Carmel by 11:30. Continue on Highway One through Point Lobos to Bixby Bridge.
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Bixby Bridge
15 min
Continue on Highway One through Point Lobos to Bixby Bridge. Picture taking on north side of this iconic bridge, the ocean, the islands nearby and the far horizon.
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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
1 hour Admission ticket not included
Hiking in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Far from the crowds you can enjoy a late morning hike under the Coastal Redwoods going to Pfeiffer Falls. These are easy to moderate hikes. You need walking shoes, appropriate clothing, hat and head scarf for shade from the sun.
Suggested hikes. Distances are round trip from trailhead.
A)1.4 miles. About an hour. Easy scenic hike along the Creek through finest redwood groves to a 60-foot high waterfall.
B) 2 miles – About an hour and a half. Add ½ a mile from Pfeiffer Falls. See beautiful views of Point Sur and Big Sur Valley.
C) 3 miles – About two hours. Moderate hike with more redwood groves, open oak woodlands and dry chaparral.
Depending on your choice the time spent at other stops on the trip will have to adjusted. -
Big Sur
30 min
Stop at Nepenthe Restaurant for breathtaking view of the canyons descending into the Pacific. Light lunch or coffee stop.
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Carmel Plaza
30 min
Carmel Plaza, Carmel, California
Drive by the beach and stop at Carmel Plaza to walk around etc in this small town.
Day 2 Salinas to Los Angeles on Coast Train
-
Pacific Coast Highway
9 hours
After a relaxing morning, at 11:00 our sedan car driver transfers you to Salinas Train Station. This takes about 30 minutes. Coast Starlight that started in Seattle the day before now takes us through the Salinas Valley, center of Monterey Country's agricultural region. The route takes us by Salinas River through small towns, fields of lettuce, broccoli and acres of green houses. Suddenly by King City we see miles and miles of newly planted vineyards where just a few years ago there was only cattle pasture. The oil fields appear and then the military installations at Camp Roberts. Soon we reach historic Paso Robles. Leaving the level areas we now climb Cuesta Grade through six tunnels and drop down to sea level at San Luis Obispo.
The ocean briefly appears at Pismo Beach. Heading south the rails go by Vandenberg Space station and near Goleta you see some of the most scenic ocean views all the way through Santa Barbara to Oxnard then to Los Angeles arrive at about 9:00 p.m.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 6 full days before the start time: 100% refund.
Cancel between 2 and 6 days before the start time: 50% refund.
Cancel within 2 days of the start time: 0% refund.
Times are local to the experience (America/Los Angeles).
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about California Coast Big Sur Monterey to Los Angeles - 2 Day
How long does California Coast Big Sur Monterey to Los Angeles take?
It takes about 2 days.
Where does it start, and is pickup offered?
65 Cahill Street, San Jose Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
What's included?
- Hotel pick up in San Jose area
- Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, McWay Falls by private sedan car
- Coach class Coast Starlight train ticket from Monterey to Los Angeles
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What's not included?
- Hotel drop off in Los Angeles
- Food and drinks
- Gratuity
- Cost of the hotel room in Monterey or Carmel or Salinas
Which places does it visit?
It visits Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Big Sur, Carmel Plaza, Pacific Coast Highway.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by California Pacific Excursions
