What inn-to-inn hiking is
Inn-to-inn hiking means walking a multi-day route and sleeping in lodging such as inns, B&Bs or small hotels along the way, instead of carrying a tent and cooking gear. You usually carry only a light day pack with water, a rain jacket, a first aid kit and a few essentials. Evenings often include a restaurant meal and a real bed.
It sits between a day hike and a full backcountry trip. If you like the idea of multi-day walking but not the weight of camping gear, it can be a good fit. If you want the full camping experience instead, see our guide to the best backpacking trails in California.
Popular inn-to-inn regions in California
California does not have a formal, signposted network of village-to-village routes like parts of Europe. Most routes are linked together by walkers or tour companies using existing trails, coastal paths and towns. Regions that are often mentioned include:
- Mendocino Coast: an easy route through forest and along the shoreline, with small towns and inns. It is often described as a short, gentle itinerary.
- Marin Headlands to Point Reyes: a longer, more demanding route that connects ridgelines and coast, with lodging at several points along the way.
- San Francisco to Half Moon Bay: a coastal walk that tour operators offer in guided and self-guided formats.
- Monterey Bay: a coastal route from Santa Cruz to Monterey, offered by operators as a multi-day self-guided trip with luggage transfers. It follows beaches and coastal trails with relatively little elevation change.
Author Tom Courtney’s Walkabout guidebooks, covered in Sunset magazine, describe several California inn-to-inn routes and note that some are easy enough for average day hikers while others involve longer, higher-elevation days. Check for newer editions and current route information.
Guided vs self-guided
- Self-guided with a tour company: the operator books lodging, provides maps or GPS tracks, and often transfers your luggage. You walk at your own pace. This is the easiest way to try inn-to-inn hiking.
- Guided groups: a leader walks with you and handles logistics. It costs more but removes route-finding concerns.
- Do it yourself: you build the route and book each inn. This offers the most flexibility but takes more research, and lodging can be limited or booked in popular seasons.
Planning and booking
- Choose realistic daily mileage. Many people are comfortable with moderate days, and some routes use shorter days to leave time for meals and exploring.
- Book lodging early, especially on weekends and in peak season. In small coastal towns, options are limited.
- Check access between towns. Some sections may be affected by tides, trail closures or road changes, so confirm current conditions.
- Plan transport. Think about how you will get back to your starting point, and whether a luggage transfer is available.
What to pack
Operators who run these trips typically suggest items such as:
- Hiking shoes or boots and a 25 to 35 liter pack (a smaller day pack can also work)
- Layers, including a base layer, a mid layer and a waterproof jacket
- Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hiking poles (optional), snacks, a water bottle or hydration pack
- Casual clothes for evenings
- ID, cash and a phone with offline maps
How to train for inn-to-inn hiking
Training does not need to be elaborate. Build up to walking your planned daily distance on consecutive days. Our guide to hiking 10 miles a day covers how to do that comfortably.
- Do regular walks or hikes, gradually increasing length.
- Include at least a few back-to-back long days before your trip.
- Practice with the pack and shoes you will use.
- Add hills or stairs if your route has climbing.
If you have health concerns, talk to a clinician before starting a new training plan.
Inn-to-inn vs backpacking vs hut-to-hut
| Style | Where you sleep | Pack weight |
|---|---|---|
| Inn-to-inn | Inns, B&Bs, hotels | Light day pack |
| Hut-to-hut | Huts or cabins | Light to moderate |
| Backpacking | Tent or shelter | Heavy |
For more about huts and cabins, see our guide to hut-to-hut hiking in California.
Frequently asked questions
Is there inn-to-inn hiking in the USA?
Yes. It is less common than in Europe, but there are routes and operators in several regions, including coastal California, New England and parts of the West.
What are the best inn-to-inn hikes in the world?
Well-known examples are in Europe, such as routes in the Alps, Italy and the UK. For a walking plan on a classic European route, see the 10 day Camino de Santiago or the Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary. Which is best depends on your goals, season and budget.
What is the famous hiking trail in California?
The John Muir Trail is probably the best known long route, though it is a camping trip rather than an inn-to-inn hike. For shorter options across the state, see our guide to hiking spots in California.
How do I train for inn-to-inn hiking?
Walk regularly, build up to multiple long days in a row, and practice with your pack and shoes.