Central Coast California

Travel Guide

Central Coast California
Yosemite Valley featuring mist or fog
Central Coast California which includes surfing, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park showing general coastal views, landscape views and a sandy beach
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes landscape views, flowers and a sunset

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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Montecito

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
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Santa Barbara Beach

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

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

Westside Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.

Westside Santa Cruz
Santa Barbara showing 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 Lobero Theater or Santa Barbara County Courthouse might round out your trip.

Downtown Santa Barbara
Carmel featuring signage, a city and nightlife

Downtown Monterey

The beaches and seaside views 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
Pismo Beach

Downtown Pismo Beach

While visiting Downtown Pismo Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo State Beach.

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 P15,169 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P15,169
P17,942 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,689 reviews)
"Rooms are a little dated but the staff has all been excellent. It’s central and convenient. Clean"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
The Monterey Hotel

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,268 reviews)
"Enjoyed the location in downtown Monterey. It is a historic hotel. Comfortable, no housekeeping service, but able to request towels as needed. Staff was nice!"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

The Monterey Hotel
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
The price is P19,022 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P19,022
P21,938 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,344 reviews)
"Wonderful experience here, bedding was so comfortable and staff was so friendly. Would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 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.
Flying Flags Avila Beach

Flying Flags Avila Beach

3 out of 5
6450 Babe Ln, Avila Beach, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in Avila Beach. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and a gift shop. Popular attractions Avila Beach and Avila Hot Springs ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (85 reviews)
"We had a nice time staying in a jute tent with a beautiful view!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Flying Flags Avila Beach
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! (616 reviews)
Nice property near beach
"The property is roomy and comfortable. Staffs are friendly. Good place to stay for visiting Channel Island. Beach nearby us a great place to watch sunset. The Washer and dryer work well."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Channel Island Shores
Caravan Outpost

Caravan Outpost

2 out of 5
317 Bryant St., Ojai, CA
Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Soule Park Golf Course and Ojai Art Center are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (274 reviews)
"The camper size was just right. It would definitely fit 2 people comfortably. The staff was so accommodating. The patio setting was super cute with just the right amount of privacy. The community areas were also really great, clean, and easily accessible. There was a walking trail within just a few ..."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Caravan Outpost
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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