Dates & Prices

Wednesday, June 18 – Sunday, June 22, 2025

Fare: $509 + Food/Parks: $140
Total: $649

$250 Initial Payment Due To Reserve Your Spot Today

Total Payment Due 60 Days Prior To Adventure 

Add a weekend in Yosemite National Park to this adventure by booking the California Sun.

Hop on the adventure bus for a journey along California's iconic coastline! Santa Cruz and Monterey will delight the child in you at the boardwalk and aquarium, while a campout in Big Sur will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.  Top it all off with a visit to two lesser known destinations, Channel Islands and Pinnacles National Parks! 

5 days 4 nights

Coastal Explorer

Starts: San Francisco, California

Ends: San Francisco, California

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. 

Day 1

Get to know your travel companions as we head south along California’s stunning coast on the Pacific Coast Highway.  Wander the quaint downtown of Half Moon Bay.  Then, 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. 

Camp Night 

Optional Swim / Showers Available

Day 2

In Monterey, stroll along beloved Cannery Row, wander around Fisherman’s Wharf, or visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.  This city made famous by John Steinbeck, an American author, has charm and a rich history to explore.  Afterwards, a scenic drive along the Big Sur coastline delights every traveler! It brings us to our campsite among the enchanting Coastal Redwoods.  

Camp Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner 

Optional Swim / Showers Available

Day 3

Today, you’ll have the chance to wade into the Pacific Ocean at San Simeon State Park. You may choose to tour the antiquated Hearst Castle.  Watch the endless horizon go by as the road winds along the ocean cliffside to Ventura.  Along the way, admire the local elephant seal colony residing on the coast.  

Tonight, fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping on the shore near our beachside campsite. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Optional Swim

Day 4

Take an unforgettable ferry ride to the Channel Islands.  Poise your camera for the chance to snap photos of dolphins, whales and other marine life.  The day is spent exploring the unique biology of the remarkable islands.  Hike over rolling hills and meander through farm houses restored from the Spanish colonization in the early 19th century.  Alternatively, you may choose to stay shoreside and spend a day relaxing on the beach in Ventura, California.  This evening, we’ll meander the palm-lined streets of historic downtown Santa Barbara.  

Custom Sleeper Coach Drive Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 5

We wake up in yet another off the beaten path national park! Turn your gaze towards the skies, as Pinnacles National Park is home to a treasured and recovering species, the California Condor. This morning, take a hike towards the park’s rock monuments and adventure into cool talus caves.

The journey ends right back where we began in San Francisco.  Say farewell to our new adventure pals.  Until next time!

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Showers Available

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

What’s Not Included

    • Sleeping Bag
      • Rent one from us!
    • Tent
      • Rent one from us!
    • Channel Islands Ferry – $74.49
      • Option to add to your adventure when you book
    • Monterey Bay Aquarium
    • Roller Coasters
    • Hearst Castle Tour
    • Channel Islands Excursion*

*Subject to availability

You’ll be traveling in a custom sleeper coach! 

 

A sleeping bag and sleeping pad are required for this adventure.

 

A tent is required.  You are welcome to sleep on the bus many nights, however it is not guaranteed. 

 

If you don’t have camping gear, rent it from us upon booking! 

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.

Once you’re booked, you will receive a detailed packing list in your e-ticket.

Departure:  12:30 PM – San Francisco, CA, Columbus and Montgomery Street Bus Loading Zone 

Arrival:  3:00 PM – San Francisco, CA, Columbus and Montgomery St. Bus Loading Zone

Bixby Bridge on a group camping road trip with Green Tortoise in Big Sur, California

Day By Day 

1. San Francisco / Santa Cruz – Camp Night

2. Monterey / Big Sur – Camp Night

3. San Simeon State Park – Camp Night

4. Channel Islands National Park / Ventura – Drive Night

5. Pinnacles National Park / San Francisco – Arrival