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Central Coast
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Central Coast Overview
The central coast is definitely one of the best regions in California. With a surprisingly low population, most of this region remains as pristine as it was 200 years ago. From the bustling college cities of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, to the quaint towns of Cambria and Big Sur, this region is sure to please. Landscape varies from wide sandy beaches to rocky cliffs and soaring pine tree forests. A plethora of outstanding wineries dot the rolling hills all throughout this region.
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Channel Islands are located off the coast of Santa Barbara & Ventura. Ocean activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, bird watching, kayaking, whale watching, and sailing. On the islands, you can camp, hike, picnic, and explore tide pools, isolated beaches, and rugged canyons. MORE DETAILS
Pinnacles resides on the remains of an ancient volcano. Massive monoliths, spires and sheer-walled canyons create a breathtaking landscape of more than 12,000 acres. MORE DETAILS
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Salinas River State Beach offers a wide sandy beach backed by sand dunes, farmlands and estuary. Activities include swimming, hiking, fishing, bird watching and horseback riding. MORE DETAILS
Monterey State Historic Park includes a long sand beach, tidepools, sand dunes and an underwater preserve. Acitivities include swimming, fishing, boating, volleyball, hiking, kayaking, diving and snorkeling. MORE DETAILS
Point Lobos State Reserve offers an underwater preserve that's favored by scuba divers and snorkelers in one half of the park and picnic areas, hiking and jogging trails in the other half. MORE DETAILS
Pfeiffer Big Sur hugs the ocean at the mouth of the Big Sur River. The Big Sur Lodge and campsites along the river accommodate visitors. Activities include camping, hiking, swimming and picnicking. MORE DETAILS
Hearst Castle was the home of William Randolph Hearst who made his fortune in the newspaper business. The mansion contains 115 rooms, guesthouses, roman pools and european antiques all atop a 250,000 acre ranch.
A state beach is also connected to the monument with a pier that provides opportunities for deep-sea fishing from charter boats and equipment rentals for water sports. MORE DETAILS
Montaña de Oro offers views of Morro Bay and the coastline that are spectacular. Secluded sandy coves and hiking trails are the highlights of this park. Activities include primitive camping, hiking, surfing, horseback riding, swimming and picnicking. MORE DETAILS
El Capitan is a very popular beach for camping. Camping is offered among sycamore trees and several creeks flowing to the ocean. A day use area includes picnic tables, barbeques and trash cans on a grassy knoll on the beach. The beach is a long stretch of sand with boulders and tidepools at either end. A bike trail connects El Capitan to Refugio State Beach to the west. Activities include camping, beachcombing, surfing, swimming and picnicking. MORE DETAILS
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Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a classic boardwalk amusement park and possibly the oldest one in continual use in California. MORE DETAILS
Mustang Water Park is a small park with traditional rides & attractions...but its location on Lopez Lake is an attraction itself. MORE DETAILS
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Seymour Marine Discovery Center is a small-scale aquarium that's actually a marine laboratory for U.C. Santa Cruz. Exhibits include aquariums, touch tanks, an Ocean Discovery Shop and more. MORE DETAILS
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a large-scale aquarium featuring local species. Exhibits include sea otters, octopus, tuna, sharks, wolf eels and more. MORE DETAILS
Charles Paddock Zoo is a small-scale zoo with over 100 animals on display. MORE DETAILS
Morro Bay Aquarium is a small-scale aquarium with local fish and a seal feeding tank. MORE DETAILS
Sea Life Aquarium is a small-scale aquarium with local fish and a hands-on science lab. MORE DETAILS
Ty Warner Sea Center is situated on Stearns Wharf and offer aquarium displays of local sea life, interactive exhibits of ocean science, petting pools, a theatre and much more. MORE DETAILS
Santa Barbara Zoo is a moderate-sized city zoo with over 500 animals on display. MORE DETAILS
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Laguna Seca is a racetrack located outside Monterey and hosts auto racing events including Le Mans, Grand Am, GT and MotoGP. This historic track has been driven by the top names in auto racing. MORE DETAILS
Pacific Repertory Theatre is located in Carmel and comprises three theatres that host local plays. MORE DETAILS
Sunset Center is located in Carmel and hosts large theatrical productions, ballets, orchestras and concerts. MORE DETAILS
Pewter Plough Playhouse is located in Cambria and hosts small local plays. MORE DETAILS
Arlington Theatre is located in Santa Barbara and hosts top performers, concert events and blockbuster movies in a historic theatre resembling a Spanish courtyard. MORE DETAILS
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Natural Bridges features hugh rock formation arches that rise from the ocean. A very large sandy beach, tidepools and coastal meadows are other natural features. Every year Monarch Butterflies by the thousands nest in the eucalyptus trees at Natural Bridges. MORE DETAILS
Moss Landing offers long stretches of sandy beach and sand dunes. Activities include fishing, surfing, wind surfing and horseback riding. MORE DETAILS
Monterey State Beach is located along the northern side of beautiful Monterey, just past Fisherman's Wharf. The park includes a long sand beach, tidepools, sand dunes and an underwater preserve. MORE DETAILS
Carmel City Beach is located at the end of Ocean Avenue in Carmel. This beach offers stretches of sandy beach and secluded coves among native cypress trees. MORE DETAILS
Carmel River State Beach is located south of Carmel off Highway 1. This huge sandy beach is usually one of the least crowded in the region. White sand stretches for a mile between Carmel and the headlands of Point Lobos State Park. MORE DETAILS
William R. Hearst is situated below Hearst Castle. There is a pier that provides opportunities for deep-sea fishing from charter boats. A large sandy beach offers swimming, fishing, kayaking, sunbathing and picnicking with barbeque grills provided. A concession stand rents equipment like body boards and kayaks. MORE DETAILS
San Simeon offers long sandy beaches below coastal bluffs. Trails along the bluffs offer expansive coastal views and viewing benches are placed at key locations. MORE DETAILS
Moonstone Beach is located in Cambria and is popular for surfing, kayaking, and sightseeing. Boardwalks serpentine the bluffs above the beach and stretch for nearly a mile. At the northern end is a park offering picnic facilities among the shade of Cypress trees. The southern portion ends at a large sand beach dotted with driftwood. MORE DETAILS
Cayucos is known for its great surf and features a large sandy beach with a playground and public facilities. The Cayucos Pier is popular for fishing. MORE DETAILS
Morro Strand is a three mile stretch of wide, sandy beach north of Morro Bay. Outstanding views of Morro Rock and Montaña de Oro State Park. MORE DETAILS
Avila Beach features a large sandy beach covering a small portion of the crescent shaped San Luis Obispo Bay and is split by Avila Pier. This quaint community offers resorts, hotels, shops and restaurants. MORE DETAILS
Pismo Beach offers a quaint town, large sandy beaches and a pier to the north and sand dunes to the south. The Pismo Dunes are popular for off-roading and horseback riding beside the ocean. MORE DETAILS
El Capitan is a very popular beach for camping. Camping is offered among sycamore trees beside a creek flowing to the ocean. The beach is a long stretch of sand with tidepools at either end. MORE DETAILS
Santa Barbara has many beaches dotting its shoreline but none more popular than East and West Beach. Both beaches are located at the end of State Street and separated by the ever-popular Stearns Wharf. These wide sandy beaches are popular with local sunbathers and swimmers. MORE DETAILS
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Gilroy Outlets is a collection of nearly 150 outlets for stores like Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger and more. MORE DETAILS
American Tin Cannery Factory Outlets is a collection of two dozen outlets for stores like Bass, Izod, Pendleton, Rockport, Van Heusen and more. MORE DETAILS
Carmel is a smorgasbord of shops, restaurants and quaint inns. This artist community by the sea has everything from touristy t-shirt shops to fine art galleries, jewelers, shoe shops, wine tasting boutiques and more. MORE DETAILS
Main Street Cambria features several art galleries, local boutiques and restaurants. MORE DETAILS
Morro Bay Embarcadero offers touristy shops, art galleries, local boutiques, restaurants and plenty of entertainment options like kayak rentals, whale watching and submarine tours. MORE DETAILS
Pismo Beach Outlets features over 40 outlet stores offering apparel, luggage, housewares food and more at discount prices. MORE DETAILS
State Street in downtown Santa Barbara features several city blocks of shopping, dining and entertainment with Spanish courtyard settings. MORE DETAILS
Camarillo Outlets features over 120 outlet stores offering apparel, luggage, housewares food and more at discount prices. MORE DETAILS
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Miscellaneous Recommendations
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The Mystery Spot has a wooden home in the redwoods that is an anomaly of gravity, perspective and all that is right in the world. Witness rooms that appear to be longer than they actually are, doorways that lean toward the Earth's poles and many more unexplainable experiences. MORE DETAILS
Santa Cruz Wharf features many restaurants, specialty shops, and entertainment options. Boat & kayak rentals and fishing & whale watching charters are available at the wharf. MORE DETAILS
Wineries are abundant all along Highway 101 and almost all offer tasting without prior reservations. World-renound, central & south coast wines are produced in towns like Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Los Olivos and Santa Barbara. MORE DETAILS
Elkhorn Slough is one of California's largest and wildlife rich wetland. View sea otters, harbor seals, waterfowl and more from the deck of a tour boat with a wildlife naturalist ready to answer any questions. MORE DETAILS
Monterey was an old sardine cannery village. Cannery Row has great fish restaurants and touristy shops. Victorian Bed & Breakfasts line the rocky shore. Tidepool exploration is abundant. Sandy beaches surround Old Fisherman's Wharf and invite visitors to kayak, snorkel, dive and swim. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the highlight of this city. MORE DETAILS
Zeppelin Airship Tours are available out of the Monterey Peninsula Airport and soar abouve Monterey Bay, Cannery Row, Carmel and Big Sur in quiet comfort. MORE DETAILS
Old Fisherman's Wharf features many restaurants, specialty shops, and entertainment options. There are several whale watching charters to choose from as well as deep sea fishing and sailboat rentals. MORE DETAILS
Carmel is a quaint seascape village with European style. Stroll through the town and window shop or take the scenic 17-mile drive through the forest and along the coast. Many romantic hotels and restaurants can be found in Carmel-by-the-Sea. MORE DETAILS
Monterey Movie Tours along the Monterey & Carmel coast. Visit sets from On the Waterfront, Play Misty for Me and more. MORE DETAILS
Carmel Walks along the Monterey & Carmel coast. Visit sets from On the Waterfront, Play Misty for Me and more. MORE DETAILS
Kayaking is possible all along the Central Coast. Use your own gear or rent from one of many locations. MORE DETAILS
Submarine tours are available in Morro Bay in semi-submersible vessels. View seals, sea lions and otters from the top deck as you traverse to the other end of the harbor and a large kelp forest. Go below deck to view local fish species thriving in the kelp. MORE DETAILS
Jeep Tours Climb aboard a Jeep for an adventure through the back-country trails of Santa Barbara. Traverse through the hills for wine tasting, an unforgettable sunset, a trailhead to ancient Chumash Indian petroglyphs and much more. MORE DETAILS
Elephant Seals Colony has increased in numbers in recent years. View hundreds of sea lions beached right off Highway 1. Docents are often available for questions and sea lion facts. MORE DETAILS
Cambria is a romantic seaside village conveniently located between San Simeon, wine country and Morro Bay. Most hotels and inns along Moonstone Beach feature fireplaces in every room and all have oceanview rooms. All accommodations are within easy walking distance to restaurants. MORE DETAILS
Paso Robles is the heart of Central Coast wine country. There are more than 200 wineries in the region - most offer wine tasting. Stay at the historic Paso Robles Inn and soak in their natural hotspring mineral water. MORE DETAILS
Morro Bay is a central California playground. Visitors enjoy golfing, kayaking, sailing, hiking, rock climbing, birdwatching, deep-sea fishing, surfing, biking, horseback riding, walking and much more. Morro Bay is recognizable for its huge stone megalith on the outer edge of the harbor. MORE DETAILS
Jet Ski Tours are available from Wave Jammers in Avila Beach. Guided tours lead to caves, secluded coves, the Port San Luis Lighthouse and much more. Wave Jammers also rents bicycles, jet skis and boats. MORE DETAILS
Monarch Butterfly Preserves are located at several locations along the Central Coast. Monarch Butterflies congregrate by the thousands in eucalyptus trees each year between October and February. It's an amazing site worth experiencing first hand. MORE DETAILS
Solvang is a replica of an old Danish village. When you see the windmills, you know you've reached Solvang. This is where you can purchase unique Danish goods such as wooden shoes. Wine tasting rooms of the local central coast wineries are abundant. MORE DETAILS
Botanical Gardens feature local plant species from the entire coastal region. Species displayed include everything from coastal redwoods and sycamore trees to California poppies, nasturtium, lupin, vinca and fennel. MORE DETAILS
Glider Plane rides are available from the Santa Inez Airport. Soar silently through the sky for up to 30 minutes while taking in views of Lake Cachuma, multiple wineries and the Pacific Ocean. MORE DETAILS
Camping is available all along the coastline and at inland lakes. Fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and the smell of eucalyptus trees. Cook your catch over an open fire after a day of boating and fishing on one of many lakes. MORE DETAILS
Glamping which is short for 'Glamour Camping' is offered at the El Capitan Canyon resort. They offer tent cabins and cabins with king-size beds, hardwood floors, private bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and room service. They are tucked away in a canyon above El Capitan State Beach and offer convenient access to some of the central coast's most beautiful coastline. MORE DETAILS
Horseback Riding is available through multiple stables and ranches along the Central Coast. Ride horseback on the beach, through sand dunes, over coastal bluffs and to panoramic hilltop vistas. MORE DETAILS
Santa Barbara offers excellent dining and entertainment options. Try 'Glamour Camping' El Capitan Resort. Visit the historic Mission and gardens just a little further up the road. Grab a seafood meal or tour the Ty Warner Sea Center on Stearns Wharf. Or, just relax on a white sand beach and listen to the waves crash. MORE DETAILS
Spanish Missions were built by the Spanish all along the California coast between 1769 and 1823. Their purpose was to convert the indigenous peoples to Christianity and as strongholds for their newly claimed territories. Many of these missions can be found along the central coast region. MORE DETAILS
Whale Watching Cruises depart from several harbors along the Central Coast from Santa Cruz to Ventura. Whales that are found off California's coast include the Gray Whale, Humpback Whale, Blue Whale, Minke Whale, Fin Whale, Sperm Whale and Killer Whale (Orca). MORE DETAILS
Train Rides are offered by the Fillmore & Western Railway Company aboard vintage cars. Follow the Santa Clara River while riding the rails for lunch our dinner. MORE DETAILS
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Central Coast Hotels With so many great hotels, inns, resorts and bed & breakfasts we can't see making this page any longer than it already is. Visit our Hotels page for accommodations we personally recommend or that receive overwhelmingly high ratings from former guests. These recommendations were determined according to price, cleanliness, location, service and proximity to local attractions. MORE DETAILS
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Central Coast Restaurants With so many great restaurants, we can't see making this page any longer than it already is. Visit our Restaurants page for restaurants we personally recommend or that receive overwhelmingly high ratings from former patrons. Dine at the places that locals frequent for a reason. These recommendations were determined according to price, ambiance, portions, outstanding views and/or one-of-a-kind flavors. MORE DETAILS
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None in this region.
Options to consider would be
San Jose International airport for access to the northern, central coast region, or Los Angeles International airport for access to the southern region.
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Traffic & Transportation
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Traffic is not a problem in this region. Heavier traffic can be found around the college towns of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara but is nothing in comparison to major city traffic. Solvang can become very congested with tourists in the summer months.
Highway 1 is the north and south highway that parallels the coastline from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara. Highway 1 is very windy but equally picturesque from Carmel to San Simeon. This two-lane section has several 35-mph zones that dip and climb through hairpin turns. Plan on it taking at least an hour longer than expected when traveling through this region of Big Sur coastline.
Highway 101 is the north south highway from Salinas to Santa Barbara. This four-lane road makes for quick access to coastal regions. There's only one especially steep climb between Buellton and Gaviota.
Public transportation is good along the central coast. Most cities and towns have their own public transportation and regional bus lines link to the other outlying towns. Here is a list of public transportation links for each central coast region:
See our resources page for links to rental car angencies, Amtrak train and Greyhound bus links.
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Winter brings average lows in the 50's and highs in the 70's. Mostly rain and rare hail storms occur. Grey sky days can be misty throughout and fog is not uncommon.
Spring brings average lows in the 60's and highs in the upper 70's. Rain showers are still common but decreasing. A marine layer often burns off in the afternoon. Fog is common.
Summer brings average lows in the 70's and highs in the upper 80's. Marine layer or fog is VERY likely.
Fall brings average lows in the 60's and highs in the 70's. Thunderstorms can occur. Grey, misty days and fog are likely.
Ocean water temperature ranges from the mid 40's in winter to the 60's in summer.
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May 17-20, 2012 - Carmel Art Festival takes place in Devendorf Park and features live music and art exibits including Plein Air, Sculpture-in-the-Park, Carmel Youth Art, Quick Draw and Kids Art Day. WEBSITE
May 18-20, 2012 - Paso Robles Wine Festival takes place this year at Chumeia Vineyards. Sample some of the best California wines while listening to live music. Wine country cuisine is available from multiple area restaurants. Grab a free shuttle or bring a designated driver who gets a discounted admission. WEBSITE
Jul 9, 2011 - Central Coast Lavender Festival is held at the City Park in Paso Robles. Enjoy lavender products such as oils, dipping sauces, ice cream and more while listening to live music, perusing the works of local artists and sampling cuisine from participating restaurants. WEBSITE
Jul 14-28, 2012 - Carmel Bach Festival takes place at locations all over the Monterey Peninsula over a span of 16 days. Enjoy J.S. Bach's Baroque music as performed by talented musicians of national and international acclaim. WEBSITE
Jul 27-29, 2012 - Gilroy Garlic Festival offers over two tons of fresh garlic in everything from pasta to ice cream. Enjoy live concerts, shopping for arts & crafts and cooking demonstrations. Be there for the great garlic cook-off, while soaking up the sun with other garlic-lovers. WEBSITE
Sep 9-11, 2011 - Creston Classic Rodeo features rodeo events, live music, a rodeo dance, great food and more. WEBSITE
Sep 16-18, 2011 - Monterey Jazz Festival is held at the Monterey Fairgrounds and hosts over 500 artists on 8 stages. For 3 nights and 2 days some of the world's best jazz fills the festival's 20 acres. WEBSITE
Sep 17-18 & 24-25, 2011 - Pirate Faire is taking place at Lake Casitas. This is the largest Pirate event on the west coast and attracts top name pirates like Blackbeard, Captain Morgan as well as motley crues, buccaneers, scalawags and theives. Dress up in your own costume or just come to view the scurvy induced madness. Treasure hunts, games and a plethora of other entertainment is at hand. Food and grog a plenty too. WEBSITE
Sep 24-25, 2011 - Salinas Air Show features three days of military air power in action at the Salinas Municipal Airport. See modern-day war birds such as B-1 bombers, Stealth Fighters, A-10 Warthogs, Apache helicopters and more on display on the ground and air. Show finales include the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron. Come here to see the best of the best in action. WEBSITE
Oct 15-16, 2011 - Pismo Beach Clam Festival celebrates the mullusk that made Pismo Beach famous. Enjoy a multitude of events including a parade, kissing contest, clam dig, clam chowder cook-off, sandcastle contest, hula-hoop contest, surf contest and many more. Most of the festival takes place around the Pismo Beach Pier. WEBSITE
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