Trip Overview
California is gorgeous. It is also physically and ecologically diverse, with endless opportunities for outdoor fun and adventure. To show you what makes “The Golden State” so special, we’ve crafted the perfect 13-day teen summer adventure trip. You’ll sea kayak through stunning, Mediterranean-like waters in Point Reyes National Seashore’s Tomales Bay, explore the breathtaking scenery in the Point Reyes backcountry, hike the iconic Big Sur State Park and through coastal Redwood groves, and enjoy a morning of surfing on California’s famous coast. Capped off with a day in San Francisco, this action-packed backpacking adventure is a perfect balance of activities to show you and your new friends the very best of California.
Sea Kayaking & Backpacking in Point Reyes National Seashore
Our group will meet at the San Francisco International Airport and transfer through coastal forests north of the Golden Gate Bridge. After stretching our legs with a coastal hike on our first day together, we’ll set off early the next morning to meet our sea kayaking guides at Point Reyes National Seashore. There, we’ll venture out along one of the most pristine, protected coastlines in North America. After two days on the water, an evening bioluminescence paddle, and one amazing night camping under the stars, we’ll swap our paddles for trekking poles.
After experiencing Point Reyes by sea, our next adventure is exploring the renowned National Seashore by foot. We’ll spend the four days and three nights trekking through the Douglas Fir forests, and along the coastal bluffs before enjoying sunsets on the beach. Following along the beach, we’ll visit Alamere Falls, the 40 foot waterfall that is one of only four falls in the United States that flows directly into the ocean (and one of only 34 in the world!).
Big Sur, Coastal Redwoods & Famous Route 1
After emerging from the backcountry, we’ll make our way south towards Santa Cruz. Camping in the heart of a 40-acre old-growth Redwood forest nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, we’ll we’ll set off along the stunning Route 1 to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. We’ll spend a full day exploring the trails and taking in the panoramic coastal views, and possibly making a pitstop at Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, or any of the other charming coastal towns.
Surfing, Community Service & Exploring San Francisco
For our final few days together, we’ll throw on wetsuits and, with the help of our professional instructors, ride the waves at one of California’s gorgeous, beginner-friendly surfing beaches. We’ll find our community service project at Half Moon Bay State Beach, where we’ll spend a gratifying morning working with the Park Rangers. After countless adventures in the outdoors, our hiking trip will conclude with a final day exploring and celebrating in San Francisco together. A perfect ending to our Golden State summer adventure!
