13 days in United States Itinerary

Monterey is a city in the U.S. Step out of Monterey with an excursion to Bixby Bridge in Big Sur--about 30 minutes away. The adventure continues: observe the fascinating underwater world at Monterey Bay Aquarium, cruise along 17-Mile Drive, get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour, and enjoy the sand and surf at Point Lobos.

For reviews, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, read Monterey road trip site.

Durham to Monterey is an approximately 10-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 3 hours traveling from Durham to Monterey. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Durham in August; daily highs in Monterey reach 70°F and lows reach 57°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Sun) early enough to go by car 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.

On the 20th (Sun), take in the waterfront at Santa Cruz Wharf and then find something for the whole family at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. On the 21st (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire the majestic nature at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, kick back and relax at Natural Bridges State Beach, and then admire all the interesting features of West Cliff Drive.

Plan trip to Santa Cruz with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

Getting from Monterey to Santa Cruz by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a bus. In August, plan for daily highs up to 74°F, and evening lows to 57°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Tue) early enough to go by car to San Jose.

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

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Tue): contemplate the long history of Winchester Mystery House, enjoy the scholastic atmosphere at Stanford University, and then admire the natural beauty at Municipal Rose Garden.

To find more things to do, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our San Jose trip planner.

Traveling by car from Santa Cruz to San Jose takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. When traveling from Santa Cruz in August, plan for a bit warmer days and about the same nights in San Jose: temperatures range from 80°F by day to 60°F at night. On the 23rd (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Redwood National Park.

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 24th (Thu): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Redwood National Park.

To find ratings, photos, reviews, and tourist information, use the Redwood National Park trip planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from San Jose to Redwood National Park. Traveling from San Jose in August, expect Redwood National Park to be a bit cooler, temps between 64°F and 52°F. On the 26th (Sat), you'll travel back home.