Embark on a trip along the rugged California coastline!  Kick-back on sandy beaches, get your adrenaline pumping on a roller coaster at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and take an optional tour of the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Camp in Big Sur and trek along the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  Arrive in Los Angeles feeling refreshed and with a bunch of new friends!

It’s not the quickest way to get from one place to another, but it’s definitely the most fun!

Day 1

Welcome to the Green Tortoise!

Meet at the bus loading zone at the intersection of Columbus and Montgomery Street in downtown San Francisco with your e-ticket. 

The bus departs at 7:40 AM.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure time.

Enjoy the scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway.  We’ll hit the beach in Santa Cruz.  You can get an adrenaline rush on the Giant Dipper, one of the oldest roller coasters in the US, or check out the Surfing Museum.  In Monterey, stroll along John Steinbeck’s beloved Cannery Row, wander around Fisherman’s Wharf, or visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Afterwards, we’ll head for our campsite among the Coastal Redwoods of Big Sur.  

Camp Night

Meals Included: Dinner

Optional Swim

Day 2

Hop into the Pacific Ocean at San Simeon State Park.  You may choose to tour the antiquated Hearst Castle.  Admire the local elephant seal colony residing on the coast.  Watch the endless horizon go by as the road winds along the ocean cliffside to Santa Monica.  Take a walk around the Santa Monica Pier and sink your toes into the manicured sands of the beachfront. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Optional Swim

Not ready for the fun to end?  Check out the Western Trail adventure!

• 70% of Meals
• Travel by Custom Coach
• National Park Entrance Fees
• Semi-Guided Exploration of Cities and Parks
• Sleeping Pad
• Camping Fees

• • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Roller Coasters
  • Hearst Castle Tour

You’ll be traveling in a custom sleeper coach! 

A sleeping bag is required for this adventure. If you don’t have one, rent one from us upon booking!  Just $15 for the entire trip.

A tent is not required.  You are welcome to sleep on the bus or use one of our pads to sleep beneath the stars.  You may rent a tent from us for $50 (if you really want one).

Our coaches are equipped with a camp kitchen.  No need to bring your own cookware or utensils.  Bring a reusable lunch container to store your packed lunch and a reusable water bottle.

Departure: 7:40 AM – Green Tortoise Hostel, 494 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133

Arrival:  6:00 PM – Hostel International Santa Monica – 1436 Second St., Santa Monica, CA  90401