Central Coast California Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Yosemite Valley which includes mist or fog
The stretch of scenery between San Francisco and Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful sections of California’s famously spectacular coastline.

Drive down Highway 1, widely regarded to be one of the most beautiful roads in the world, and succumb to the intoxicating beauty of Central Coast California. This exhilarating corner of the Golden State might be sandwiched between the two world-famous cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles, but don’t pass it by on your way between the two. Stop in laid-back towns, watch wildlife in the ocean and revel in the spectacular coastal scenery.

Visit a variety of welcoming towns that overlook the Pacific Ocean. Savor the seafood in Monterey, where you can also visit the vast Monterey Bay Aquarium and stroll around the Old Town Historic District. San Luis Obispo features botanical gardens and a mission from the 18th century, when Spanish colonists established settlements throughout the region.

Spend days on the sandy beaches of Santa Barbara, a town known affectionately as the “American Riviera.” Soak up a Mediterranean-style atmosphere, sipping on delicious local wines after a day by the ocean. Bring your board here, as the breaks at Rincon Point, Sandspit and beyond provide great surfing opportunities.

Outside of the towns, the central coast promises stunning, wild scenery. Big Sur is one of the most spectacular regions of the coast. Stand beneath the cascades of McWay Falls and seek out the peaceful seclusion of Pfeiffer Beach. In the south of the region, ride a boat to Channel Islands National Park, five islands of dramatic, untouched beauty.

Central Coast California is a popular destination for watching marine wildlife. Take a boat trip from Monterey to watch humpback whales splashing around during their migration or meet sea otters at Moss Landing. Año Nuevo State Park is the home of a huge colony of elephant seals, as well as pelicans, coyotes and snakes.

Fly into San Francisco or Los Angeles, then join Highway 1 to experience Central Coast California. Visit the mild and dry region between April and October for the best weather, although it rarely gets too cold here, even in winter.

Where to stay in Central Coast California

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Santa Barbara Beach

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.

Santa Barbara Beach
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Montecito

5/5(4 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

Montecito
Santa Barbara featuring a coastal town

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Granada Theatre might round out your trip.

Historic Downtown Santa Barbara
Carmel which includes street scenes, signage and a city

Downtown Monterey

4/5(31 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and popular aquarium are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Monterey. A stop by Golden State Theatre or Munras Avenue might round out your trip.

Downtown Monterey
Santa Cruz which includes water sports

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(31 area reviews)

Travellers to Westside Santa Cruz praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.

Westside Santa Cruz
Carmel which includes a house, autumn colours and a sunset

Golden Rectangle

5/5(11 area reviews)

While visiting Golden Rectangle, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach.

Golden Rectangle
Carmel Mission Inn
Carmel Mission Inn
3.5 out of 5
3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA
The price is ₹14,938 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
₹14,938
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Carmel. Enjoy breakfast, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,298 reviews)
Spring break w grandkids
"We stayed here for spring break last year and had such a great experience, we came back this year. We just love the cleanliness of the facility, the blackout window coverings and the pool area. We also love walking to the Barnyard restaurants for breakfast and dinner. It’s centrally located to Carmel ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Carmel Mission Inn
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹21,696 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
₹21,696
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,906 reviews)
"very nice place, near with our destination at Monterey Bay Aquarium. will recommend to friends."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
3.5 out of 5
700 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
The price is ₹18,266 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
₹18,266
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,346 reviews)
"Very nice and accessible. I received a welcome text the morning before check in. The staff was available and answered all of our questions. The hotel is very well located. About an 8 minute walk from the wharf and an old downtown area. Lots of food, bars, desserts, and breakfast. The grounds are ..."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Fern River Resort
Fern River Resort
3 out of 5
5250 Highway 9, Felton, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Felton. Enjoy free parking, a private beach and WiFi. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mystery Spot are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (336 reviews)
"Very clean and quiet resort with excellent and easy checkin/out process. We’d definitely go again."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2024

Fern River Resort
Casa Jardin
Casa Jardin
2.5 out of 5
1018 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a Smart TV. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
"Compact but very well designed and stocked."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Casa Jardin
Channel Island Shores
Channel Island Shores
3 out of 5
1311 Mandalay Beach Rd, Oxnard, CA
Stay at this beach condo in Oxnard. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a library. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions Ventura ...
9/10 Wonderful! (504 reviews)
"Enjoy this property for tge beach biking bbq and jaccuzzi"

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Channel Island Shores
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central Coast California