Santa Cruz, Monterey and the Central California Coast are more than great surf, sandy beaches, redwood-covered mountains, and laid-back towns. Join us to discover the horticultural delights of this temperate Mediterranean climate with alluvial soils where you will taste the wealth of organic farms and subsequent farm-to-table culture. Enjoy behind-the-scenes experiences at an impressive array of public and private gardens and nurseries showcasing water-conserving climate-adapted plants.
We have arranged a comprehensive five-day exploration into the Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay public gardens, native plant nurseries, and private garden spaces for you to enjoy and explore with Pacific Horticulture.
Expect a moderate amount of walking and occasional use of transit that is not a full-sized coach such as taxi, train or public bus. To enjoy this tour, you should be prepared to walk up to an hour at a time, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing. Because we are staying at the same hotel throughout the tour, you might decide to have an independent adventure during part of the tour which is completely fine as long as you let our guide know you are remaining behind and not coming with the group.
Arrive at Casa Munras Hotel & Spa, 700 Munras Avenue, Monterey CA 93940
Pre-Tour Activities / Independent Time
In the afternoon, we will assemble at the hotel and depart for Asilomar State Beach which stretches one mile and is made up of rocky coves and sandy areas. It is part of the Asilomar Marine Reserve due to its rich ecosystem and biodiversity.
We will enjoy a ranger-guided tour on the boardwalk of the Beach Dune and Grass Restoration Project, followed by a Welcome Dinner at Asilomar Hotel and Conference Center, where you will enjoy wonderful California fresh menus served in the casual, inviting atmosphere of Asilomar’s historic Crocker Dining Hall.