Big Sur Coast Bike Tour
“Big Sur is the California that men dreamed of years ago.” -Henry Miller
Ride the entire Big Sur coastline from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Luis Obispo on this intermediate level tour. We’ve been waiting years for Highway One to reopen so we could ride here again! From Pebble Beach to Hearst Castle view crashing surf, elephant seals and the southern-most redwood forests. South of Cambria, pedal through famous coastal communities like Morro Bay and Pismo Beach. Inland, ride through some of “golden” California’s finest terrain: wide valleys of vineyards flanked by rolling hillsides covered in scattered groves of live (evergreen) oak. Explore Edna Valley, producer of premium wines, and host to a diverse array of charming wineries.
Pedal Happy: While it is indeed a spectacular route, much of the cycling on this tour is along Highway One. Riders should be comfortable cycling on a highway with some traffic.
Itinerary
Day 01
Meet in San Jose. Cruise 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach on your way to Carmel-by-the-sea.
Meals
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Pine Inn or Tradewinds
Distance
30 miles (or more)
Elevation
+1,453 ft / -1,196 ft
Meet us in San Jose, CA. Head out to bicycle one of the most famous roads in the region: iconic 17-Mile Drive. Stunning coastal vistas unspool as we ride past Pebble Beach’s fabled mansions and golf course, through pine forest and along the oceanfront, passing the reefs and tide pools of Bird Rock, the white sands of breathtaking Fanshell Beach and the famed Lone Cypress tree. Watch for deer, black cormorants, brown pelicans and California sea lions. Spend tonight at the Pine Inn or Tradewinds in Carmel-by-the-Sea, where Clint Eastwood once held office as mayor.
Day 02
Ride the coast south from Carmel across the Bixby Bridge to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - home to the southern-most redwood forests.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Fernwood Resort, Big Sur
Distance
31 miles
Elevation
+2,234 ft / -2,320 ft
Pedal the weathered coastline from Carmel-by-the-Sea to the community of Big Sur. Follow the dramatic knolls and tumbled rock headlands of the Cabrillo Highway (aka Highway One): enormous live oaks, green-and-gold hillsides, pale sand dunes and the blue Pacific Ocean. Ride across Bixby Bridge, a historic open-spandrel arch bridge that brought automobile travel to the central coast. Finish cycling early in the afternoon. Relax at the hotel or take advantage of the beach or one the amazing hikes at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Stay at the Fernwood Resort.
Day 03
Pedal the most dramatic and remote section of the central-California coastline.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Ragged Point Inn
Distance
50 miles (or less)
Elevation
+5,315 ft / -5,117 ft (or less)
Ride south today from Big Sur to Ragged Point on the most spectacular, rugged, and remote section of the central California coastline. The road is carved into the seaside cliffs and a new stunning seascape opens up around every corner. It’s a long day so you may want a boost over the first (or last) climb. This is not a problem at all – whatever transportation you choose the vistas are unforgettable! Contemplate the end of a great day with cliff-top cuisine and a great view at Ragged Point Inn.
Day 04
Rolling coastal hills, Hearst Castle, an elephant seal beach, and delightful Cambria.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
Lodging
Rigdon House
Distance
24 miles (or more)
Elevation
+972 ft / -1,257 ft (or more)
Take one last look from on-high before we descend from Ragged Point. South of here, a swath of rolling hills guards the coastline from the steep mountains and the road runs closer to the water. The rock outcroppings dotting the waters just offshore may be a hazard to ships, but they also provide prime marine life habitat. Pause to visit one of only two beaches in California where elephant seals come ashore in late fall to mate and teach their young to swim. After lunch by the beach, enjoy a guided tour of journalism baron William Randolph Hearst’s opulent home in San Simeon – Hearst Castle. Lodging is at Cambria’s Rigdon House, a historic boutique hotel. Dinner is on your own in town, with plenty to choose from within easy walking distance.
Day 05
Cycle though Morro Bay on your way to Pismo Beach and dig your toes into the sand!
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
SeaVenture Beach Hotel
Distance
48 miles
Elevation
+1,737 ft / -1,773 ft
Today’s ride is a veritable variety show. Sweeping curves of coastline are punctuated by surfers and beachgoers. Rolling fields and pastures are dotted with live oaks, racehorses, and honest-to-goodness cowboys. While the mileage is longer today, the hills are not as challenging as they were along Big Sur. Refuel your legs with a seaside picnic lunch in Morro Bay beneath landmark Morro Rock. Continue bicycling south to the white sands of Pismo Beach, halfway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Go for a swim in the ocean to cool off, or just soak up some rays by the surf. Relax and enjoy beachfront lodging and dining at SeaVenture Beach Hotel – the only hotel and restaurant (literally) on Pismo Beach!
Day 06
"WINE" down with a ride through Edna Valley's vineyards before returning to San Jose.
Meals
– Breakfast
– (Lunch is on your own)
Distance
19 miles (or more)
Elevation
+1,333 ft / -1,145 ft (or more)
Wind (“wine?”) down with a peaceful inland ride on country roads past the vineyards of Edna Valley outside San Luis Obispo. Known predominantly for its Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs – stop for a taste of the region’s finest and make a toast to a wonderful week. Have lunch on your own while we load bikes for the drive back to San Jose (about 3.5 hours, traffic depending).
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Evergreen Escapes
See our Mt. Rainier tours, Columbia Gorge tours, Olympic National Park tours, Seattle Mountain Bike Tour, wine tours and more!