Central Coast Whales, Rails & Dunes

Day 1 – Coastal Train Ride, Morro Bay (Wednesday, March 17)

From our departure points this morning we’ll travel aboard a deluxe motorcoach to downtown Los Angeles’ Union Station. All aboard Amtrak’s renowned Coast Starlight train for a spectacular, five-hour rail journey along California’s dramatic coastline and through its fertile valleys. We’ll travel along Point Conception and through Vandenberg Space Force Base, offering views of launch complexes and pristine, undeveloped coastline only visible by train. Enjoy an included boxed lunch onboard, with additional snacks and drinks available for purchase in the snack bar. Relax in your reclining seat or check out the view from the Observation Car (all group seats and observation car seats are located on the upper level of the train with stairs required), featuring floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows providing unparalleled views. Upon arrival in San Luis Obispo, we’ll reboard our motorcoach for the short drive to Morro Bay. Settle in for a two-night stay at the Inn at Morro bay, an upscale, full-service, Morro Bay front inn, set amid 4,000 acres of rugged woodland with views of the bay and the iconic 576-foot Morro Rock—the “Gibraltar of the Pacific.” While your inn room will not have an ocean view, bay view rooms are available as an optional upgrade for an additional $100 per person/double occupancy or $150 per person/single occupancy, subject to availability. Enjoy dinner on your own at the inn’s restaurant or take advantage of complimentary transportation to the Morro Bay Embarcadero where there are a variety of restaurants (reservations recommended). (Lunch)

Day 2 – Morro Bay, Whale Watching Cruise (Thursday, March 18)

Following an included breakfast at the inn, we’ll travel the short distance to Morro Bay’s Embarcadero to board a private, chartered vessel for a two-hour narrated whale watching cruise. While gray whales migrate along the coast this time of year, we’ll also keep an eye out for dolphins, harbor seals, and sea otters—increasing our chances of seeing wildlife today. Enjoy time at leisure for browsing and lunch on your own along Morro Bay’s charming waterfront in the shadow of Morro Rock. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the inn or exploring Morro Bay State Park’s scenic trails, quiet lagoons, and rich saltwater estuary, within walking distance of the inn. Or, for a truly unforgettable experience, join an optional Humvee Dunes Excursion aboard an authentic USMC Hummer. We’ll travel to Oceano aboard our motorcoach and then board the 6-passenger vehicle driven by an experienced and skilled driver-guide. This thrilling 1-hour ride takes you along the shoreline into the towering Oceano Dunes. Hold on tight as your Humvee effortlessly climbs wind-sculpted slopes, navigates steep dune bowls, and demonstrates military-grade capability on an adrenaline-packed off-road run. This optional experience is available for a limited number of guests for an additional $95 per person (inclusive of taxes, fees and customary gratuity), subject to availability. This evening, enjoy dinner on your own at the inn, or take advantage of complimentary motorcoach transportation to the famous Downtown San Luis Obispo’s Farmers’ Market and street faire (weather permitting). This iconic, one-night-a-week event has been a Central Coast treasure since 1983, bringing locals and visitors together across five lively, historic blocks. You’ll have time at leisure to explore stalls packed with famous barbecued specialties, fresh-picked produce, baked goods, and local street performers. (Breakfast)

Day 3 – Guadalupe Dunes, Solvang, Journey Home (Friday, March 19)

After an included breakfast at the inn, we’ll head south to Guadalupe to visit the Dunes Center, dedicated to the preservation of the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. Browse engaging exhibits highlighting local wildlife specimens, regional artwork, and artifacts unearthed from Cecil B. DeMille’s legendary “Lost City.” Next, step onto the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes—a designated National Natural Landmark and one of the most pristine segments of this 18-mile coastal complex. Take a scenic shoreline stroll to take in sweeping views of the Pacific and rolling sands, where it is easy to picture this windswept landscape doubling as the Sahara Desert in DeMille’s 1923 silent epic, The Ten Commandments. We’ll continue south to the Santa Ynez Valley and the historic Danish town of Solvang. Known as America’s famous “Little Denmark,” Solvang will captivate you with its traditional old-world architecture, spinning windmills, and flower-lined streets that make it an incredibly walkable village. Enjoy time at leisure for lunch on your own and exploration of 100 one-of-a-kind boutiques, European import shops, and artisan galleries. We’ll continue south to our drop-off points, returning this evening with many fond memories of our adventures along the Central Coast. (Breakfast)

While a rare occurrence, should Amtrak cancel the Coast Starlight train, an Amtrak Surfliner train will be substituted, or a sit-down lunch will be added in lieu of the train and boxed lunch. All sightseeing/visits may be replaced in inclement weather.

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.