When you join an Escape Adventures tour in 2024, you will receive a FREE custom sublimated Limited Edition Jersey!
$4,599
Per Person
Our tour is curated to contain all the biggest highlights of this little stretch of the Golden State’s coast. The view from your bike seat is animated by breathless sea cliffs, breaching Gray whales, and furtive sea otters. We’ll encounter rolling wine country and take on the iconic Highway 1, and hike amongst the noble Redwoods.
From the burly rawness of Big Sur to the picturesque Santa Barbara’s coastline, our brushstrokes in the saddle sweep past peaceful farmland and great spans of ocean. A dreamy, essentially California-quality light outlines each successive landscape.
Each epic day winds down to a relaxing evening. The non-biking part of your trip will be full of the small-town charm so unique to the Central Coast. Enjoy fresh clam chowder on the Pismo Beach pier. Sip on Pinot Noir from grapes grown in Monterrey. Drink in the Cali lifestyle at the pace that it is meant to be experienced; nice and slow.
Day 1: Loop through Wine Country
Meet in Santa Barbara. Then a short shuttle to Los Olivos (pop. 1138): one of a handful of small communities dotting the bucolic Santa Ynez Valley. Saddle up for a legwarmer ride, sweeping past the windy vineyard roads mixed with humble farmlands of the Santa Ynez. Halfway through our ride, we stop in Solvang, some 46-miles northwest of Santa Barbara. Solvang (pop. 5245) is a 107-year old Danish colony, replete with windmills and Scandinavian architecture. Besides walking streets and handsome dining spots, the area around Solvang claims many wine and olive oil tastings. After some traditional Danish food, we bike back to Los Olivos. That evening, we catch some zzz’s at a handsome Air BNB in Santa Inez(zz).
Day 2: Los Olivos to Pismo
Waking to the valley’s cool, embracing air, our first order of business is to shoot toward the coast. We follow a cycling touring route that swerves into Pismo Beach, a classic Central Coast community (pop 7931). We stop at the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Walking distance from the ocean, tens of thousands of Monarch butterflies gather here to flit around the aromatic Eucalyptus. Day Two closes out with a phenomenal dinner overlooking the ocean.
Day 3: Pismo to Cambria
Sometimes a good vacation means a chill half day. Day three we shuttle to Morro Bay. Yes, home of the famous Morro Rock! At nearly 600′ tall, it is actually what is called a ‘volcanic plug.’ This is just a fancy way of saying it was a vent in a very old volcano. From our giant rock friend, we bike to Cambria (pop. 6000), a low-fi art colony tucked into the Pines. After that, we enjoy the beach, the small town vibes, and relax.
Day 4: Cambria to Big Sur
Today we ride in close proximity to Hearse Castle. So keep your eyes peeled, you might see a zebra! To start the day, we bike out and back on a beautiful, lightly-trafficked farm road in Cambria. We lunch in Cambria then ride to an elephant seal viewing point. You might have to cover your ears! The elephant seals haven’t quite mastered ‘whispering’… or anything below bellowing. The ride ends at point Sierra Nevada trailhead south. Day four also has an opportunity for a scenic hike when we shuttle to the town of Big Sur. Big Sur is so gorgeous with its seaside cliffs framed by Redwoods, you’re going to want to tag along for this one.
Day 5: Big Sur to Point Lobos
Today is the day for comfy shoes and a camera! We hike 8 miles around Point Lobos: a broad sweep of raw coastal park with a refreshingly anti-industrial tourism/keep-it-real vibe. After a lunch in the park, the afternoon is a ‘choose your own adventure’. The choice is yours, a rail to trail bike path or the Monterrey Bay Aquarium. Not to steer you away from a great ride, but the Aquarium of Monterrey touts 35,000 animals plus 550 plant species.
Day 6: Monterrey and 17-Mile Drive
Our last ride in the bike saddle is the world-famous 17-Mile Drive. Privately managed and minimally traveled, this phenomenal cycling route follows a smooth roadbed that hugs the coastline, from Pebble Beach to Pacific Grove. Sweeping through a wind sculpted grove of Cypress trees, we take in the unique, architectural eye-candy of the local estates. Lunch in Monterrey. When all is said and done, we shuttle back to San Juan airport for a warm goodbye to the Central Coast.
2860 Grand Ave
Los Olivos, CA 93441
The rooms have a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and free toiletries. Guests can choose to unwind at the outdoor pool or the on-site fitness center.
“Breakfast service was excellent. The restaurant was really very lovely and the cuisine very good. Cocktails superb. Good selection wine list. Robert was extremely helpful both nights we dined.Message and facial also excellent. Enjoyed an afternoon sitting by the pool.”
– Barry
601 Cypress Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Overlooking the golden sand of Pismo Beach – just footsteps from the pier and boardwalk – you’re invited to experience Inn at the Pier. Located on Cypress Street, this upscale, craftsman-style oceanfront hotel in Pismo Beach features boutique guest rooms and first-class amenities reminiscent of a luxurious beach house.
Choose one of 104 boutique hotel rooms on Pismo Beach – beautifully appointed with flat-screen TVs, private balconies, and indulgent bath amenities – while most rooms offer sparkling ocean views. Cool off in the rooftop dipping pool seven days a week and escape the everyday at The Rooftop, a restaurant and bar overlooking the coastline with 360 degree views, salty ocean breezes, and refreshing cocktails. Or join us at Blonde, our full-service restaurant where classic meets contemporary California.
“I have stayed here several times and love the staff and the location. Always clean. Valet gentlemen are excellent!”
– Tara
6470 Moonstone Beach Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean on Moonstone Beach, this inn is 10 minutes’ to the Hearst Castle. A fireplace, bathrobes and slippers are provided in all rooms. Moonstone Boardwalk is 100 feet away. Bedside chocolates are provided in the evenings. Select rooms feature a full or partial ocean view at Blue Dolphin Inn. To allow guests to start their day at their leisure, a boxed breakfast is delivered daily to each room at Blue Dolphin Inn. Many guests have their boxed breakfast on the beach. Free afternoon tea and coffee is featured in the afternoon from 1400 – 2000 daily.
“Wonderful!! Beat my expectations. Everything spot on!!”
– Jim
Big Sur, CA 93920
Adjacent to the Big Sur River, this California hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar. Pfeiffer Day Use Beach is a 10 minutes away. A private entrance, free toiletries and a private bathroom are featured in each room at Big Sur River Inn. Rooms provide wood accents, white linens and artwork inspired by nature. After a day of riding, relax in the seasonal outdoor swimming pool. On-site shopping opportunities available at River Inn Big Sur. Hiking trails through the Redwoods are 3 miles from Andrew Molera State Park.
750 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Located in the heart of Monterey’s historic Cannery Row, InterContinental The Clement Monterey features elegant accommodations, on-site dining options and modern amenities. The rooms offer a TV and in-room movies, an electronics charging station, a coffee machine, and a mini bar. The private bathroom includes bathrobes, a soaking tub and a separate shower. There is also a on-site spa services and a state-of-the-art business center. Only steps from the Clements front doors, guests will find a variety of area attractions. Beautiful seascapes and wildlife, charming boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and an exciting nightlife are all within walking distance from the hotel.
“Loved having a fireplace in the room. The staff were all super helpful, I loved being so close to the aquarium, and the restaurant and lounge had spectacular views.”
– Marilyn
While every Escape Adventure trip is designed to appeal to active adventure seekers, and in many cases, particular skill levels, there is always a different idea of what that exactly means. That is why we have designed the chart below to help make sure you join the proper tour. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companions’ may differ as well. We present a range of mileage options on each tour as well as provide support vehicles as much as possible. That way you can take a break and do as little or as much as you would like each day.
| Day | Activity | Easy | Moderate | Seasoned | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miles | Feet Gain | Miles | Feet Gain | Miles | Feet Gain | |||
| Day 1 | Road Biking | Easy: 12.7 Miles | 606 Ft. Gain | |||||
| Day 2 | Road Biking | Easy: 33 Miles | 569 Ft. Gain | Moderate: 43 Miles | 1429 Ft. Gain | Seasoned: 63 Miles | 1615 Ft. Gain | |
| Day 3 | Road Biking | Easy: 27 Miles | 1100 Ft. Gain | Moderate: 50 Miles | 1810 Ft. Gain | |||
| Hiking | 2-5 Miles | |||||||
| Day 4 | Road Biking | Easy: 23 Miles | 1047 Ft. Gain | Moderate: 37 Miles | 4700 Ft. Gain | Seasoned: 74 Miles | 8100 Ft. Gain | |
| Day 5 | Road Biking | Moderate: 22 Miles | 1927 Ft. Gain | |||||
| Day 6 | Road Biking | Moderate: 17 Miles | 1467 Ft. Gain | |||||
Find out more about Choosing a Tour.
Weather predictions in California can be unreliable, so it is best to be prepared for cool evenings and some inclement weather. Please use the following locations when checking the weather online: Santa Barbara, Solvang, Monterey
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of your tour. This means from the time we pick you up at our meeting point, until we drop you back off to head home, all transportation, food preparation, meals (except where noted on itineraries), snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) are included. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations (lodging) are also included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle(s). Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear (if on a camping tour) unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.
When you join an Escape Adventures tour in 2024, you will receive a FREE custom sublimated Limited Edition Jersey!
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. On every road bike tour, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our bikes meet our high standards. All of our bikes are equipped with carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have e-bikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.
Specialized has perfected the road bike. Ride confidently and comfortably for longer distances on any of our trips around the world. All of our bikes are equipped with the latest components and our 2019 models include disc brakes.
Specialized hybrid bikes are the most comfortable bikes available. Our most popular bike for multi-sport and moderate road bike tours is the proven Sirrus. This bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. This bike sits upright, is equipped with a very comfortable seat, and the gearing has a wide range of speeds.
For those of you who have always wanted to join a bike tour but feared your fitness would hold you or the group back, fear no more. Our incredible e-bike option allows you to do more, go twice as fast and far. The all new Specialized Turbo has one goal and one goal only—to inspire you to get out, get moving, and to have some fun along the way. E-bike available on most casual and luxury inn trips for an additional price.
Take a deep breath, turn on the power and enjoy a beautiful adventure on the all new Escape Adventure’s Electric Road Bike. The new road e-bike from Escape Adventures now allows you to travel further distances and explore new areas. The pedal assisted technology also allows beginner and novice riders to join in on more challenging routes and terrain.
For over 25 years, the hallmark of an Escape Adventures tour is personalized, hands-on service. Before, during, and after each trip. We are a company of honesty and integrity and we stand behind our product 100%. From the moment you learn of our trips, to the time you return home and start planning your next trip, we are here to bring you the best possible experience. From our Guaranteed Trip Departure Confirmation Policy, making sure your trip is never cancelled*, to our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Policy, backing the unrivaled consistent quality of all our tours, our commitment to you is never compromised. * Scheduled Domestic trips only.
Our environmental commitment is second to none. We run our tours the same way we run our company, with an eye on the triple bottom line: People, Profit & Planet. At Escape Adventures, we elected to pursue a more comprehensive approach to actually reduce our carbon footprint, rather than just offset it. We overhauled our entire operation — from our vehicles, to our buildings, to our procedures — to become an outdoor industry leader in the charge to help our people and our planet.
Leading tours naturally followed from our passion of exploring our favorite places with our friends. Our support staff includes our reservation team who is there to answer your questions about the tours, our service team who prepares your bike and gear for the tour, and our guide team – the ones who take you into the great outdoors. The highest level of responsibility, good nature, integrity, and dedication are standard traits of all those who work at Escape Adventures. We our proud of it and we think you should know it.
Having custom-made vehicles allows us to take you to places few other outfitters can, or will go. Every Escape Adventures tour is accompanied by at least one support vehicle, trailer, and in some cases a second and third transfer van. After purchase, we custom engineer our trucks, vans, and trailers by our on-staff mechanic to meet the unique needs of different tours. For example, certain vehicles are specifically designed for the Canyonlands region of Utah, while others are designed for The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Each of our Trip Leaders is required to be trained in safe vehicle operation, 4X4 driving, and basic maintenance. Our experienced Trip Leaders make it look easy, transporting you and up to 12 guests, along with their bikes, fresh food, gear and plenty of drinking water to any location.
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle-free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our high standards. All of our bikes are equipped carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have ebikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.
Our food isn’t just good, it’s good for you.
Food represents a big part of the Escape Adventures experience. On our inn tours most dinners and breakfasts unfold at local favorite restaurants. We also have energy snacks aboard our support vehicles. Don’t be surprised if your guides purchase fresh fruits and healthy snacks throughout the day while you’re enjoying a ride. They may just show up on the trail with a local treat! An increasing number of our guests are vegans or vegetarians, whom we not only accommodate but also pleasantly surprise. Should you possess special diet requirements and/or limitations, just let us know at sign-up. We’ll work with you to meet those critical needs.
The idea of taking your friends or family somewhere cool and amazing is actually pretty easy. Tell us what you’re thinking. We’ll make it happen.
Any trip in this catalog, any specific time frame, any group size, we can custom-fit if not comfortably accommodate. A Custom and Private Escape Adventures trip affords the ultimate bonding, or team-building experience for:
To shape a Custom or Private Trip, we begin a dialogue: first, to develop a group specific itinerary, tailored to respective abilities and preferred tempo. Next we schedule, bookmarking and working in your optimum or ideal getaway dates. Size-wise, we can build a multi-day trip for as few as two people, scaled up to as many as 30 plus. Contact us today to start the custom trip building process.
All Private Escape Adventures Trips are priced in the structured method below. Some Custom tours are priced differently if they vary from the Classic Escape Adventures itinerary and price. In this situation we will provide your group with a custom itinerary and price.
* Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. All private tours on The White Rim must meet a 13 person paid minimum. All private tours on The Maze must meet a 7 person paid minimum.
