This is the best place to go in Santa Cruz for fresh seafood if you like your fish caught and cooked the same day! For instance, the Pfeiffer falls trail at Big Sur takes about an hour or less and was a good option but I only discovered that at the park after asking around. Also, check website for museum information and upcoming stadium events, including 49ers home games, international soccer, college football, concerts, and more. Good view with good people to my right and in front of us . The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a famous tourist attraction in this oceanfront city. Going through agricultural area of Monterey County you go via Paso Robles to San Luis Obispo. But many are closed for renovations. Scenic coastal area features a variety of sea animals & wildlife, hiking, diving & a whaling museum. The beach is beautiful & a nice spot to have lunch. Thank you again. Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list. http://www.mbdcscuba.com/ www.adventuresbythesea.com Or just walk around the historic area and Fishermans Wharf and see museums, etc. Henry was also amazing. I hear it is a great whale watching launching point. Spot lovely birds at mesmerizing Carmel River State Beach. Great for sea otter and sea lion watching. Parking is good here. I could feel myself getting upset, so all I said was, "Your tone isn't necessary." Open from the end of March to December, Californias Great America has been around since 1976 and mixes thrill rides with the slides and pools of a waterpark at Boomerang Bay. Big bonus being able to visit a property and home that was donated by a family and look in there home of what life was like. Shop, dine, and walk through the historic streets of Cannery Row. Planning travel has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app. ), is the Old Fishermans Wharf. Highway 1 Road Condition update! The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a seaside amusement park that is completely free to visit. drive for about 16 minutes. Does this tour pick up from San Francisco? We have a single person seeking for a travel companion for the October 12th excursion from Monterey. The hike down is easy, as there are stairs, and the beach isn't far from parking. Everyone here, including Carlos, is so happy to hear that you enjoyed the trip and appreciate your review. Best regards, No visit to Santa Cruz, California would be complete without checking out Santa Cruzs most iconic landmark!. Time permitting you can take an alternate drive through 17 Mile Drive and see Pebble Beach. One of the best places to visit close to San Jose, especially if you enjoy the peaceful vibe of idyllic towns, is Pescadero. Source: Indulge in fresh seafood on Restaurant Row. Apart from being one of the best places to vacation, the Old Fishermans Wharf is one of Montereys most interesting historic places to visit. Founded by the Sikh community of San Jose this is the largest Gurdwara in the northern part of the country. The casual, spacious rooms within the hotel have patios or balconies, private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. He was professional, knowledgeable and very funny! The communication could have been better. Cons: Too short. Point Lobos opens year-round at 8:00 am. The park has appeared in 1994 films Beverly Hills Cop III and Getting Even with Dad and features over 40 rides and attractions. 10 Best Korean Spas Near San Jose, California, 8 Best Nightclubs In San Jose, California, 12 Best Mexican Restaurants In San Jose, California - Updated 2023, 10 Best Day Trips From Zermatt, Switzerland, 13 Best Day Trips From Destin, Florida - Updated 2023, Downtown San Jose, San Jose, CA, USA, US (2), 10 Business Hotels In Casablanca, Morocco - Updated 2023, 10 Best Vacation Rentals In Sarasota, Florida - Updated 2023, Top 10 Stayz Accommodations In Bribie Island, Australia, Top 10 Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Praia da Rocha, Portugal - Updated 2023, 10 Outstanding Vacation Rentals In Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA - Updated 2023. Lots of fun, and a good place to spend some time for both nearby locals and tourists alike!! Soak up the cultural scene as you pop in and out of art galleries and boutiques. 2023 Team San Jose. 9 minutes off the main route, 11% of way to Monterey. Your kids will thank you. You could check out Concannon Vineyard and Del Valle Regional Park, or the always popular Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area! Before you hop back in the car, take a stroll down Cannery Row to experience the heart of Monterey. The town may be small but the community sure is warm and welcoming. Would it be possible to modify the itinerary to focus on the Big Sur and the nearby areas? Vast nature preserve featuring trails, campgrounds & a sizable lake with beaches & boat launches. The whole ride takes about an hour. Nowadays there are less people and some of the big seafood restaurants are now closed. CPE stuff were very professional and helped us with special requests. They were seriously amazing! He took us to so many places in a short time. The marina and boat rentals are operated by a concessionaire. Nearby, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalks vintage rides include the 1911 Looff Carousel and the Giant Dipper roller coaster. My wife and I have been checking out East Bay Regional parks with our one and three year old. This long drive lined by classic homes follows the coast & offers beautiful views of the ocean. A couple of years later, my daughter, now 4, is really into animals, and she got some gift money for her birthday and Christmas, so I figured we'd try it! It is 11 miles out and back, 1,717 feet of elevation gain. Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. Learn about Montereys canning industry as you walk past historic structures, enjoy an old-fashioned ice cream cone from Ghirardellis while window shopping quirky stores. We are happy that this was possible. Along Highway 1 you go through Aptos, Capitola, and agricultural area to Elkhorn Slough and Moss Beach. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. Nice place to visit. They plan to add giraffes in the near future. Soon you are in Castroville driving through miles of artichoke and strawberry fields. 7981 Moss Landing Rd E, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA. It opened its doors in 1984 as a public aquarium and now boasts over 600 different flora and fauna species, mostly native to California. Walking Tours. Thats insane but wouldnt it be cool to have a regional park as an extension to your backyard. So, this trail is technically in the Carmel Highlands, but its an awesome place to stop on your way into Big Sur if youre approaching from the north. One of the scenic destinations around San Jose is Bodega Bay which is a 2-hour drive away, with a distance of 111 miles (178 km). We appreciate the chance to show you the Big Sur and the California Coast's most stunning region. This car is used for most of our Big Sur tours, and so far, all of the customers have been very happy. Go Whale watching on Monterey Bay. This is the crme de la crme of planning apps! See time and distance between places, and optimize your route to get the most of your day. The langar hall is behind the prayer hall, and the food is pretty good as well. Great tour with Chase and Jackson. Just walking along the wharf and taking in the beautiful scenery and lively atmosphere is an exciting venture in itself. Enjoy lunch at the legendary Phils Fish Market to feast on incredible fresh seafood its so good, it was featured on the Food Network. We both had a great time. Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose - Viator Contact or stop by Monterey Manor to schedule a tour today! Santa Cruzs Wharf opened in 1914 and has become the central tourist attraction however, we must give a nod to it for its amazing views, restaurants, and electric nightlife. We are glad to read that you are happy with the trip and Carlos. There is a general store there with souvenirs and candy/drinks. They no longer accept cash which was pretty annoying. 2500 Stanley Blvd, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA. Also, the University of California is located in Berkeley. It was pretty cold on Monday evening, and I was worried at first, but the heater and the heated mattress pads kept us warm. People love visiting Santa Cruz, Carmel, and Santa Clara, among others. Nature lovers are sure to admire mesmerizing parks and green spaces, such as Golden Gate Park, Lincoln Park, and other green areas. Love coming here. May featured vendor is Ben Lomond Farms. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is known as the crown jewel of the California state park system. For our family, on a teacher's salary, this is a lot of money. Ben phoned me a few hours after booking and this made all the difference because I could tailor make my day. He was a friendly and gracious host. This family-friendly outing is full of places to shop, dine, and offers sailboat or whale watching tours. *Pebble Beach. Cost depends on availability and the prevailing rate at the hotel of your choice. www.montereywhalewatching.com Go Scuba diving or paddle renting a kayak. Visit noteworthy USS Hornet Museum and learn about the ships crucial role in the Apollo moon missions. They carry required insurance and comply with USDOT and CHP safety requirements. The lights for Christmas at night were beautiful. Private Round Trip Transportation by experienced driver-guided tour of Santa Cruz (if starts in San Jose), Monterey, Big Sur, Highway #1, Bixby Bridge, Coastal Redwoods, Nepenthe, McWay Falls parking fee, Fuel charge, Tax. Past California State University of Monterey in what used to be Fort Ord through Marina and Seaside you reach Monterey and Carmel by 11:30. Then the Fishermans Wharf is your stop for an evening filled with the best clam chowder and fried favorites followed by a sunset sailboat tour. Stay the night and cross the extraordinary Bixby Bridge in the morning, but before you do, park for the best selfie location. A road trip of about 1 hour and 46 minutes from San Jose covering 99 miles (159.32 kilometers) takes you to Napa. Monterey Manor has rental units ranging from 650-1100 sq ft starting at $1925. Hello again. She proceeded to argue with me about that, too! Ive visited a lot of Gurudwaras back home(in Delhi), and every time I visit one, I feel a sense of undefinable peace. Marvel at the jaw-dropping rock formation which resembles a bridge at Natural Bridges State Beach. 406 2nd St, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045, USA. The pier has vendors and restaurants and there is no cost to enter. Beautiful landscape, view rocky Pacific Ocean coast, at Point Lobos State Reserve in Carmel, California. Enjoy a beach excursion by going for a day trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea when in San Jose. We can take you as far as McWay Falls on this trip. On-site are a variety of thrilling rides for all ages, including Loggers Revenge and a wooden roller coaster built in 1924. The second line indicates cost per person. Salinas River empties into Monterey Bay. Additional costs payable direct are drivers gratuity and other personal expenses. Best regards,Ben. Several food stands were closed. This ranching and farming community is a little over an hour of drive, with a distance of 59 miles (94 km) from San Jose. Overall a good experience. The only caveat was that the key to the door didn't lock from the outside, so we ended up bringing our valuables to the car for Crunch Time, which was amazing. The hike up to the hill to view the lake is steep. The interactive exhibits and shows are a hit with kids, and grownups alike. 90-120 minutes. Ben. Be on the lookout to spot the worlds largest octopus! This was an absolutely beautiful hike: spectacular views, awesome creek, and not too difficult. We had a wonderful tour with capable boat captain and a knowledgeable naturalist. The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. All of the seating is along the side of the cars so everyone can get a good view. With all the things to do in this city, your road trip from San Jose is going to be worth it! Spanning 100 acres (40.4 hectares), Californias Great America offers top-rated family fun with thrill rides, water attractions and live entertainment. Updated on November 20th, 2022. One of the romantic things to do in San Jose is going to the amusement park California's Great America. It is a great place to build awareness of the wonders of the marine world and our need to conserve them. It was a great ride and we had an amazing time. Hi, We are planning to stay in one of the hotel, are you offer pick up at the hotel. Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for San Jose. It was such a pleasure arranging this trip for you with some specific places in mind. I could just ask him when to stop and saw the dolphins clearly in Monterey, whales breaching along the Pacific coast, deer grazing on the fairways of seventeen mile drive and felt the silky sand at Carmel. This was a fun, educational, and easy activity to do with the family. I would love to see this place more cleaner. This is one of the most scenic coast ride in the U.S. Thank you for giving us the chance show you the Big Sur and the California Coast's most stunning region. Definitely a place to visit when around. Ben, Thank you for the positive feedback. They have huge parking space spread across the premises so just look for around if you even don't find instantly. The second line indicates cost per person. This time was special as I was spending a daddy daughter day special visit on my birthday. By about 3:30 you return to Monterey. Currently under the control of Cedar Fair, the park sits on 100-acres and is considered the premier amusement park for Northern California. Known for exciting exhibits featuring local wildlife, this place offers an unparalleled look at whats going on underneath the surface of Monterey Bay. The person setting up everything was also so kind and made everything smooth. Pacific Grove is located between Point Pinos and Monterey. Best regards. California's Great America amusement park is known for its thrill rides. There is a small parking lot with availability of more than 20. Currently some of the scenery can be seen onBig Little Lies on HBO. Lakes. *Plus hotel room from $100 to $400+ in Monterey or Carmel or Salinas. It has over 40 rides and two National Historic Landmarks: the 1942 Giant Dipper and 1911 Looff Carousel. www.seemonterey.com/resources/visitors-center Spend the day in Carmel by the Sea. Their new photo system for the rides is all digital now too. California Tours: Trips to Monterey, Yosemite, and Napa - Collette Instead, we walked up to the separate Clear pass line, showed our pass, and then our tickets, and we were in. This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! Plan at least a quick stop here to explore. 65 Cahill St, San Jose, CA 95110, USA Can the driver pick up at or near Pebble Beach or Carmel area? Pacific Grove has numerous Victorian-era houses, some of which have been turned into bed-and-breakfast inns. * Giant Coastal Redwoods. The colourful property is close to the beach and has an outdoor pool, free parking, free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast service. Bring water and watch out for poison oak. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Thanks so much for your nice comments. Your recommendation of spending a night or two will be very helpful. I'm so glad we had our vaccine info on the Clear Pass because we were able to skip the long line that stretched up the sidewalk. We try our best to make these custom made trips enjoyable. We will definitely be coming back the next time we visit the area! Plus you can see all the sites and not have to worry about keeping ets on the road. It was absolutely stunning and quite peaceful. Beautiful Beach. We got to see so many whales up close and personal including lunge feeding humpbacks, a playful humpback calf, orcas, a sunfish, dolphins, and lots of sea lions. Thank you to Ben, Christina and Carlos. Many tech companies are headquartered here. They stayed out longer since we kept encountering more animals on our way back. 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA. It is so named the Old Fishermans Wharf now as a means of separating it from another wharf around it, which functions as a commercial wharf for Monterey. See California Coast 2 days Big Sur Monterey Scene Tour | California Coast Big Sur Monterey 2 days from Los Angeles, Available Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun in 2023 Discount may be available. Thank you California Pacific Excursions! Check them out here: Yes! Which attractions will I visit with Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose? Along the California Pacific Coast Highway One south of Monterey is the iconic Bixby Bridge, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, The Coastal Redwoods at Pfeiffer State Park and the fabled Nepenthe. I went in the afternoon so there were many parking spots right in front of the boardwalk. Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. I cannot recommend them highly enough. You can hike its rugged hills with the ocean as your backdrop, you can go kayaking with loved ones on the beach, or you can simply take a moment and lounge by the shore under the sun. Enjoy vintage rides at Beach Boardwalk here. There are many weird things here that defy logic. The site is an amusement park and a magical place for all ages, offering ticketed rides or unlimited rides wristband ideal for whole day entertainment. This self-guided, self-paced audio walking tour will explore the rugged Carmel coastline where you will have stunning views. Apart from giving an astounding view of the Pacific waters, the wharf is also home to a number of restaurants, wine tasting rooms, gift shops, small markets and candy shops. from. I hope the next Toy Show will be in this convention here, it's way better. Back towards the center of town is another of Santa Cruzs top tourist attractions the lively yet laidback Santa Cruz Wharf. The Mystery Spot opened in 1940 and is a California Historic Landmark. Once a working sardine wharf and fish market, Old Fishermans Wharf is now a thriving tourist destination. One of the best part was we could see the Harbor seals relaxing on their own private beach. I do know there are vacation packages and feeding opportunities for older children and adults but I have a 16 month old so haven't explored those options yet! By that time, Roaring Camp had closed to regular guests and the wedding attendees had the entire town privately. The holiday feast seems nice but we didn't go with that because we didn't want to have time constraints. The crew was amazing, friendly and knowledgeable of the marine animals. When you visit the famous Wharf, keep an eye out for sea lions when admiring the coastal views! We visited for a concert and the sound was great. Boardwalk has a lot of food options too. Tucked away on the rugged central shore of beautiful California, Monterey is another enchanting destination to explore. Hop on death-defying coasters, get soaked at the South Bay Shores water park, or meet Snoopy himself in the furry flesh. We will get back to you within 24 hours on weekdays 48 hours on weekends. They feature great scenery that is perfect for painting, photography, picnic, and studying out. All Rights Reserved. Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest pier on the west coast, and you will find it between Main Beach and Cowell Beach. A winding route of about 74.9 miles (120.53 kilometers) will take you to Carmel-by-the Sea from San Jose. 62 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA, Save all the best places to visit with Wanderlog, Download the travel planning app everyone's been raving about, https://www.ebparks.org/parks/shadow-cliffs, MJ Stearns - Your Local Real Estate Expert, https://parks.sccgov.org/santa-clara-county-parks/uvas-canyon-county-park, https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/gilroy, Global Grasshopper travel inspiration for the road less travelled, http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/parks-recreation/facilities/santa-cruz-wharf, San Jose to Bryce Canyon National Park drive, San Jose to Grand Teton National Park drive, San Jose to Rocky Mountain National Park drive. A word of advice: if you're in a similar boat, definitely get the season pass. There are plenty! Blue Ocean Whale Watching is the only whale tour I'll ever use. A mask is currently required. Sather Tower in the city offers you spectacular views of the campus and enchanting bay. What a great piece of history with lots of sites and stores to explore. The wedding guests arrived and strolled through Roaring Camp until the wedding train was ready for boarding. The first designated stop on the Big Sur road trip is the Point Lobos State Park which is located just outside Carmel by the Sea. One of the major water rides was closed. This is an easy 15-minute drive from Monterey itself and the park still provide you with magnificent Big Sur scenery. It is one of the top places to take kids in Monterey, welcoming at least two million guests annually. Add a Commute About The Monterey Welcome to The Monterey Apartments, a Mediterranean-style retreat that takes modern living to new heights. Big Sur was amazing. Yes, it's a small zoo, but you definitely get what you pay for. Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. We had two amazing days at this beach with our toddlers. And Carlos was absolutely fantastic! They do have one covered car but the rest are open with just a sun shade on top. There is no need to provide credit card information at this time. Explore the panoramic wine region in an antique train which is famous as the Napa Valley Wine Train. Show all photos. For a special end to your day, drive over to the Spanish Inn to listen to the live bagpipe player, and sip a glass of wine as you watch the sunset. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. There are a couple of places where one is allowed to reach in to touch and feel the animals. This 112-acre amusement park has over 40 rides, including nine roller coasters. Across the park most rides were closed - unless they were the major roller coasters that the kids were too short for. There are hiking trails leading out to scenic views, and it is a scuba diving mecca for people wanting to explore the underwater sea kelp forests. Great place to go with friends or family. There are lots of picnic tables with equally great views for lunch/snacking. Gaze at the sweeping views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge as you unwind here. Personally, would like some more shade to hangout longer, but it is a wharf. Learn More 5/5. Tour guide makes a TON of difference, since there are no self tour, the people that run this had to think of a creative way to make this from a meh experience to a wonderful and interesting one. I guess I'm too old school, but yeah my wife and I had a great time nonetheless! Josh Copitch. Regarded as one of California Historic Landmarks, Mystery Spot was opened in the year 1940. 3 days Yosemite was absolutely fantastic! Besides, its a perfect place for walking a dog here, and also for kids at all ages. We're glad you had a good time on your trip. Best regards, Jutting out into Monterey Bay, it lies in between Main Beach and Cowell Beach, right next to the bustling boardwalk. It was just the break that I need to feel rejuvenated after a difficult season in my life. The cost of the hotel in Monterey area is not included in the rate. The Kelp forest and otters are the two main attractions. 7000 Del Valle Rd, Livermore, CA 94550, USA, I definitely liked this place is huge, has more tables, it's not narrow has a lot of space when walking and it's packed on first day. Take a walk along the iconic white-sand beaches of Carmel or hop back in your car and explore the famous 17-mile drive - be sure to take a rest at the Lone Cypress and breathe it all in, but the views will most likely take your breath away. Also possible to reach by tram. Old Fisherman's Wharf is another popular seaside, tourist-oriented area, not far from Cannery Row, with shops and restaurants. Learn the ways of simple living by taking a trip to Jenner, a tiny coastal town in Sonoma County. My advice is to check the weather in advance and choose a good day. A beautiful aquarium with majestic views of Monterey Bay. Rent a bike or walk and enjoy many paths in the historic town, The Cannery Row area and Pacific Grove. 38. Our your guide was fun and informative. Best regards, Ben, For this trip, a detailed itinerary and a photo of the Town Car were sent at the time of booking. Transportation is provided by companies under contract to us. The walk around is great with some forestry and waterfalls a lake that really makes you feel like you're hiking and not in an amusement park. Also has QR codes for additional information! Looking for family-friendly fun? Time permitting you can take an alternate drive through 17 Mile Drive and see Pebble Beach. If time permits, visit the charming Carmel-by-the-Sea and browse luxurious designer shops, wine taste or pop in to Hogs Breath Inn, formerly owned by Clint Eastwood. By sharing the cost will be $278 per person based on two people. A must visit, also the scenic beauty is breath taking. It doesnt take long once crossing over the Carmel River on Highway 1 to begin to realize the beauty that you are about to encounter. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea on Highway 1 and is a fantastic spot to enjoy sightseeing, beaches, tidepools, and more. You can easily combine a visit to Cannery Row with stops at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf. Soon you are in Castroville driving through miles of artichoke and strawberry fields. 4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA. Hope to come back. It features over 600 species of animals and plants, and has large tanks and pools to display Californias marine life. This will give you the comfort and luxury experience.