13 days in United States Itinerary

Monterey is a city in the U.S. When in Monterey, make a side trip to see Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, approximately 30 minutes away. There's still lots to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Point Lobos State Reserve, admire the majestic nature at Asilomar State Beach, explore the activities along Monterey Bay, and cruise along Seventeen Mile Drive.

To find maps and tourist information, you can read our Monterey itinerary builder.

Durham to Monterey is an approximately 9-hour combination of bus and flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. You'll gain 3 hours traveling from Durham to Monterey due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Durham in August, you will find days in Monterey are cooler (69°F), and nights are little chillier (56°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz remains synonymous with surfing, but this counterculture bastion offers plenty even if you don't plan to catch any waves.

Start off your visit on the 20th (Sun): take in the waterfront at Santa Cruz Wharf and then get in on the family fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 21st (Mon): admire the majestic nature at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Natural Bridges State Beach, and then admire all the interesting features of West Cliff Drive.

For maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Santa Cruz custom trip planner.

Drive from Monterey to Santa Cruz in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In August in Santa Cruz, expect temperatures between 73°F during the day and 54°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to San Jose.

The metropolitan center of Silicon Valley, San Jose considers itself a global city.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Tue): delve into the mystery of Winchester Mystery House, take in the architecture and design of Stanford University, and then admire the natural beauty at Municipal Rose Garden.

To see maps, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the San Jose custom trip planner.

Getting from Santa Cruz to San Jose by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a bus. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Santa Cruz in August: highs in San Jose hover around 80°F, while lows dip to 58°F. On the 23rd (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.

Redwood National Park is home to a tremendous collection of the world's tallest type of tree.

Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Redwood National Park.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, read our Redwood National Park trip builder.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from San Jose to Redwood National Park. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from San Jose in August; daily highs in Redwood National Park reach 64°F and lows reach 52°F. You will leave for home on the 26th (Sat).