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 showing general coastal views and 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 Presidio Santa Barbara or Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.

Downtown Santa Barbara
Carmel featuring signage, a city and street scenes

Downtown Monterey

The beaches and seaside views 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

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

Downtown Pismo Beach
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! (1,225 reviews)
"Great layover location. Easy parking across the street in the public garage. Birds are noisy but they are all over the city so you won’t escape them."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

The Monterey Hotel
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
4.5 out of 5
1 Old Golf Course Rd, Monterey, CA
The price is P14,614 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
P14,614
P19,162 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,388 reviews)
"Cool and beautiful place to stay in. Staff are very helpful and kind speaking"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Oxford Suites Pismo Beach
Oxford Suites Pismo Beach
2.5 out of 5
651 Five Cities Dr, Pismo Beach, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,561 reviews)
"We loved our stay here. The breakfast in the morning was amazing and the free cocktail at night was such a sweet surprise."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Oxford Suites Pismo Beach
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! (81 reviews)
"We were there for my mom’s 75th birthday, and we all had a great time! Can’t wait to come back again!"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 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! (608 reviews)
Great Stay
"It was a great stay. Bedrooms were upstairs with a full bathroom and down stairs had a half bath room. The whole unit as a whole would benefit from ceiling fans. There were fans in the bedroom closets.Kitchen was fully stocked and liked the washer/dryer combo. The hot tub was nice too. The cons would ..."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Channel Island Shores
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 Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara ...
6.2/10 (69 reviews)
"I loved this hotel. It was clean and modern. Really cute touches like encouraging messages in parking spaces and the bamboo garden. Nice vibe."

Reviewed on Apr 29, 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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