Slow Adventure operates trips along the most beautiful coastal areas of Northern California. Our Walk The Bay trip takes you from Santa Cruz to Monterey, along the entire coastline of the Monterey Bay, home to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Our Bay to Bridge takes you along the rugged and historic coastine from Half Moon Bay to San Francisco. Following are some of the places and sights you will see on each trip.
WALK THE BAY – Santa Cruz to Monterey
We start Walk the Bay in Santa Cruz, a world-renowned surfing community with a historic wharf and home to California’s oldest beach amusement park, The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Surf Museum
Day One
On Day One you may wish to walk to the Surf Museum, minutes from your hotel or stroll along West Cliff Drive on a scenic 8 mile roundtrip walk to the Seymour Discovery Center where you can see marine life and interactive exhibits.
The “Palo Alto” Cement Ship
Day Two
On Day Two of the walk you will walk by the Natural History Museum, the Yacht Harbor, and into the picturesque seaside village of Capitola, in time for lunch. You’ll continue the walk and cruise past the “Palo Alto” Cement Ship (1918 supply ship for WWI) at the Seacliff Beach pier. Finally, you’ll walk the beaches at Rio Del Mar and Aptos to your beach front resort hotel.
Pelicans at Pajaro River Mouth
Day Three
On Day Three you will pass through Pajaro Dunes, cross the Pajaro River, and spend the night in the quaint harbor town of Moss Landing. Moss Landing has many fine restaurants, antiques shops, and is a great spot to see marine mammals and birds. It is also the home of MBARI, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Institute.
Great Blue Heron
Day Four
On Day Four, you will have an opportunity to tour the Elkhorn Slough on kayak or pontoon boat. Today you walk along the Salinas River State Beach and the Salinas River National Refuge arriving at Marina, a coastal town and home to California State University at Monterey Bay.
Map from 1798
Day Five
On Day Five, we end our walk in Monterey at your final hotell on Cannery Row. On your final day you’ll see abundant sea- and wild-life in natural habitats on the dazzling waterfront. Monterey is home to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
BAY TO BRIDGE – Half Moon Bay to San Francisco
We start Bay To Bridge in Half Moon Bay, a historic coastal town with a colorful past and a beautiful coastline.
Day One
On Day One, after arrival, you may wish to explore the historic downtown with shops and restaurants or take a walk along the coastal trail south of your hotel.
Bluff Trail in Half Moon Bay
Day Two
On Day Two you’ll start your walk along the bluffs and beaches of the Coastside area from Half Moon Bay to Princeton by the Sea. Along the way you’ll pass historic hotels from the bootlegger days and the thriving Pillar Point Harbor.
Montara Lighthouse
Day Three
On Day Three you’ll walk out to the famous Mavericks surf break and then wind up the bluffs to Moss Beach where you’ll have lunch at a historic restaurant. You’ll then explore the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and the Montara Lighthouse before arriving in Montara at your historic B&B.
Hiking to Pacifica
Day Four
On Day Four, you will hike up and over Montara Mountain on an old stage road with tremendous coastal views. You’ll descend into the town of Pacifica and walk along the shore to picturesque Rockaway Beach.
Hikers heading for San Francisco
Day Five
On Day Five, you will walk along the shoreline enjoying Mori Point, Pacifica Pier, and the rocky outcropping known as Mussel Rock, past Fort Funston and into San Francisco. You’ll spend the night at a historic motel along Ocean Beach, enjoying this quiet neighborhood.
Golden Gate Bridge
Day Six
On Day Six, you will walk along Ocean Beach, past the Cliff House and into the coastal area known as Land’s End. Along these well marked paths you’ll enjoy lunch and endless views. Your day ends at the iconic Gold Gate Bridge with plenty of time for great photos.
