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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
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
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 Monterey State Beach or Golden State Theatre might round out your trip.

Downtown Monterey
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 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
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 S$345 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
S$345
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
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! (2,540 reviews)
"Room was clean, beds were comfortable and optimal location to explore Monterrey."

Reviewed on 29 Mar,2025

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Carmel Mission Inn
Carmel Mission Inn
3.5 out of 5
3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$281 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
S$281
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Carmel. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,466 reviews)
"Very clean and spacious! Swimming pool and tub was clean and nice! Service was great! Only issue was extra daily charge $30 and tax for parking and $10 amenities plus tax Honestly $35 a night just to park in an open space parking space is ridiculously high This is not ritz carlton Only thing I was ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar,2025

Carmel Mission Inn
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
The price is S$486 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
S$486
includes taxes & fees
17 Apr - 18 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! (1,261 reviews)
Beautiful Hotel
"Absolutely stunning hotel with so many unique details. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the dining options were wonderful. I also loved the location- close enough to walk to the aquarium but also away from a lot of the touristy activity. We can’t wait to return!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar,2025

Monterey Plaza 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.
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 (54 reviews)
"Great location nice room with kitchenette"

Reviewed on 31 Mar,2025

Tide Pool Villas
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! (154 reviews)
Your own VIP place in Santa Barbara
"Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood, you feel like it’s your own place amongst the locals. Completely renovated with a classy, minimalist vibe. They offer those extra touches of a larger resort. The entire place is spotless. And private. Parking is free and located behind the building. Loved ..."

Reviewed on 29 Mar,2025

Casa Jardin
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! (573 reviews)
"Perfect place for us. Great location very reasonable."

Reviewed on 21 Mar,2025

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

Things to do