Central Coast California

Travel Guide

Central Coast California
Yosemite Valley which includes mist or fog
Central Coast California
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park showing mountains, general coastal views and landscape views
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes wild flowers, a sunset and rocky coastline
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

Downtown Santa Barbara

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Presidio Santa Barbara or Santa Barbara Museum of Art might round out your trip.

Downtown Santa Barbara
Santa Cruz which includes general coastal views and views as well as an individual male

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 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
Pismo Beach

Downtown Pismo Beach

4/5(15 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Pismo Beach, Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo State Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Pismo Beach
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
The price is S$328 per night from 22 May to 23 May
S$328
includes taxes & fees
22 May - 23 May
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,550 reviews)
"Conveniently located to Fisherman's wharf and walking distance to dining and shopping. Beautiful hotel lobby with conveniences of a restaurant, bar and coffee shoppe. Spa, gym and pool on site."

Reviewed on 18 Apr, 2025

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
The price is S$472 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
S$472
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,269 reviews)
"Everything was awesome!"

Reviewed on 21 Apr, 2025

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Sandpiper Lodge
Sandpiper Lodge
2 out of 5
3525 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
The price is S$181 per night from 22 May to 23 May
S$181
includes taxes & fees
22 May - 23 May
Stay at this motel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,469 reviews)
"The only "bad" thing I can think of is parking: the parking spots are very narrow, and you may not be able to fit into some of the parking spots if you have a bigger car. But there were enough spots to choose from. Everything else was very nice!"

Reviewed on 20 Apr, 2025

Sandpiper Lodge
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.
Channel Island Shores
Channel Island Shores
3 out of 5
1311 Mandalay Beach Rd, Oxnard, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Oxnard. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (579 reviews)
"Great location and property. I wish we had more time here, but we had to move on to our next destination."

Reviewed on 15 Apr, 2025

Channel Island Shores
Casa Jardin
Casa Jardin
2.5 out of 5
1018 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (164 reviews)
"Great communication. Easy checkin process. Room is modern and beautifully decorated."

Reviewed on 18 Apr, 2025

Casa Jardin
Tide Pool Villas
Tide Pool Villas
4.5 out of 5
26 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Santa Barbara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Santa Barbara Harbor and Santa ...
6.2/10 (56 reviews)
"Perfect location!!"

Reviewed on 8 Apr, 2025

Tide Pool Villas
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.

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