California's Big Sur Coast Biking New!
- Bike along iconic Route 1 on California's central coast
- Rugged cliffs plunging into the deep blue Pacific: talk about stunning scenery!
- Taste award-winning wines in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley
- Seaside Santa Barbara, adored for its Spanish-Colonial Revival architecture and lively waterfront
- California cuisine at its best - as varied and exceptional as the rides themselves
From Monterey to Santa Barbara
It's the dream road. Suspended above the Pacific. Hugging the edge of the continent. It winds down the California coast, flirting with majestic redwoods, rugged cliffs and crashing waves. Yes, those ocean vistas are incredible. But did you imagine anything else? Like sea lions, lighthouses and historic missions? Charming Carmel-by-the-Sea and Spanish-Colonial-flavored Santa Barbara? Luxurious inns and sun-kissed Santa Ynez Valley vineyards? More than coastal scenery will take your breath away on this trip.
Day 1 Bike famous 17 Mile Drive along "the greatest meeting of land and water in the world" 
Enchanting Carmel beckons with its boutiques, art galleries, cafés and 18th-century Spanish-Colonial mission Test your legs on the rolling ascents of the cliff-clinging Cabrillo Highway past wind-torn cypress Look - and listen - for barking sea lions at Point Lobos.
Day 2 The rugged Big Sur Coast, known for redwoods and staggering views Pedal by Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, whose cove is a hangout for elephant seals Plans to renovate? Find inspiration at Hearst Castle, where optional tours reveal an astounding 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms and monumental grounds.
Days 3-4 Discover the vineyard-laden Santa Ynez Valley, stopping at Fess Parker Winery for a tour and pour A pastoral inland route leads to Los Olivos, with Victorian buildings, eclectic artwork and alluring tasting rooms Get to know Solvang, a delightful dash of Denmark in California Is the coast calling? Follow Route 1 past forested hills to pristine Jalama Beach.
Days 5-6 Seaside Santa Barbara, adored for its Spanish-Colonial Revival architecture, downtown beaches and thriving arts community Ride through weather-worn mountains - with a steep climb and technical descent for the brave Whitewashed walls and brilliant bougainvillea line your spin through scenic neighborhoods.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
Talk about an incredible ride. The Big Sur coastline has been rated a Top Ten Touring Area by Adventure Cyclist Magazine - and it's easy to see why. In just six days, you can experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in California: crashing waves, plunging cliffs, lush coastal meadows, groves of giant redwoods and quintessential oceanside towns like Carmel and Santa Barbara. I hope you'll join us!- Regional Manager, California
Premiere Inns*
Ventana Inn & Spa
Big Sur (1 night) This luxurious getaway tucked in wooded hills overlooking the Pacific earns rave reviews from Condé Nast Traveler and the Hideaway Report. (pool, spa)
Blue Dolphin Inn
Cambria (1 night) A sophisticated inn nestled in a grove of mature cypress trees on Moonstone Beach.
* Casual Inn
Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa
Los Olivos (2 nights) Tastings for two and a bottle of Fess Parker wine are included in your stay at this luxurious inn, whose elegant rooms each feature a fireplace. (pool, spa)
Canary Hotel
Santa Barbara (1 night) Set in the cultural heart of Santa Barbara, a stylish Leading Hotels of the World member with an Alhambra-meets-Pacific look, according to Travel + Leisure. (pool)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 3-5
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 17, 27, 42 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 38, 45, 67 miles
- 2000 - 3500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 38, 48, 56 miles
- 2000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Option Available
- 28, 38, 65, 84 miles
- 1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 30, 45 miles
- 1000 - 4500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 18, 24 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet evelevation gain
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the California tour experts. See our award-winning USA biking tours, USA walking and hiking tours and USA multisport tours.
