The California central coast region is generally considered Ventura County, north of Monterey Bay. This area of California is packed with secluded beaches, natural wonders & hidden gems. We have compiled a list of the best things to do and see along the California Central Coast.
Santa Barbara Area – San Luis Obispo – Monterey County – Central Coast Beach Camping
California Central Coast Day Trip Ideas
Hearst Castle at San Simeon
Hearst Castle is the most visited attraction in California’s Central Coast region. Hearst Castle was occupied by William Randolph Hearst from 1919 until 1947 and entertained high-profile guests and Hollywood celebrities. Both day and nighttime tours are available.
Solvang Danish Village
Solvang was established in 1911 by a group of Danish teachers. Solvang means “Sunny Field” in Danish. Today, the village is a major tourist destination and jumping-off point for visitors exploring the Santa Ynez Valley: Danish bakeries, wine tasting, and sightseeing.
Jalama Beach
Jalama Beach County Park features 100 ocean-view campsites and seven comfortable beach cottages. Jalama Beach is unspoiled and looks much like it did hundreds of years ago. There is very little development in this area of Santa Barbara County: nothing but wide open space and miles of rugged coastline.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is about 90 miles north of Los Angeles, within day-trip distance. We recommend spending several days with many things to do in and around the city. Santa Barbara is a popular tourist destination. Hotel prices are usually pricey. Carpinteria, just south of Santa Barbara, is a good option for a more affordable stay.
Santa Ynez Valley
The Santa Ynez Valley is widely recognized for its world-class wineries and tasting rooms dot the rolling hillsides. Visitors can also browse the valley’s distinctive art galleries, boutiques, and antique stores.
Cambria By The Sea
Cambria is a beautiful destination for a romantic getaway. Most of Cambria’s hotels are along Moonstone Beach. Just up the road from Cambria is Hearst Castle. Paso Robles wine country is only a 30-minute drive from town.
Harmony California
Harmony California is a nice side trip on your way to Hearst Castle. Take the time to stop and visit this little town on your next trip along the central coast. Harmony features the Backroads Gallery, gift Harmony Glassworks, and a winery.
Cayucos by the Sea
Cayucos is one of California’s best-kept coastal secrets and is a more affordable alternative to nearby Cambria and Moro Bay. With numerous outdoor activities, shopping, dining, and nightlife, all located just a short distance from downtown. Cayucos is an ideal resort for both summer and winter vacations.
Santa Barbara Area Day Trips
Gaviota State Park
Gaviota State Park is the last stop on Highway 101 before turning inland toward Buellton. Gaviota pier is very popular for fishing, and scuba divers enjoy the surrounding waters. There is a small snack bar with restrooms, and the lifeguard tower is only open during summer.
Refugio State Beach
Refugio State Beach is one of the lovely beaches located north of Santa Barbara along the Gaviota Coast. This palm-tree-lined beach is popular with day users, beach loungers, coastal anglers, surfers, bird watchers, picnickers, and overnight campers.
El Capitan State Beach
Beach, bluff, and bike trails link El Capitan and Refugio state beaches. Depending on the tide, you can usually travel up-coast along El Capitan Beach as far as Coral Canyon Beach. Then, you can join the bluff trails or the bike path, which is also open to hikers, to balance the trip to Refugio Beach.
El Capitan Canyon Resort
El Capitan Canyon Resort accommodations include Safari Tents, Cabins, and Yurts. Imagine going camping; the only chore you have to do is packing your suitcase. All cabins have front porches and are fully equipped with bathroom facilities, king, queen, double beds, linens, towels, and a small kitchen with a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker.
Ostrichland USA
Ostrichland USA is a quirky roadside attraction near Solvang, California. Located in Buellton, Ostrichland is only a few minutes from Highway 246, turnoff on US 101.
Beautiful Lake Cachuma
Beautiful Lake Cachuma is in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County. Lake Cachuma Park naturalists offer two-hour Eagle & Wildlife Cruises aboard a 30-passenger boat. The tour is the most comfortable way to view the wildlife and witness the thriving habitat for various wildlife, birds, fish, trees, and plants.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Explore more than a thousand indigenous plant species thriving in various themed sections, including mountains, deserts, meadows, redwoods, and California Channel Islands. Paths on paved and unpaved trails and occasional seating areas invite guests to explore or sit back and connect with nature.
Mission Santa Barbara
Also known as the “Queen of the Missions for its Graceful Beauty,” the Mission is one of the 21 Franciscan missions in California. Today, the Mission still serves as a worship place but is groomed to display the past’s relics. It is also open to the public and offers tours daily.
Santa Barbara Zoo
Activities at the Santa Barbara Zoo include The Barnyard, home to domestic sheep, which you can feed with specially formulated food; the Santa Barbara Zoo Carousel features hand-carved exotic animals, Giraffe Feeding with the tallest residents of the Zoo, and the Kallman Family Play Area where your kids can run wild.
Reagan Ranch Center
The center features original Reagan Ranch artifacts in interactive exhibits highlighting Ronald Reagan’s quarter-century history at Rancho del Cielo and select pieces from his presidency. Multimedia exhibits provide speeches, interviews, radio addresses, and original video presentations.
Carpinteria Day Trip
With over 4,000 feet of ocean frontage, surrounded by wooded groves and rolling hills, this sleepy suburb on the Santa Barbara Channel of the Pacific will put visitors in touch with destinations that make California’s coast a traveler’s delight.
Goleta Day Trip
Goleta beaches are typically less crowded than Santa Barbara’s, and Goleta Beach Park is the ideal destination for a quiet family day trip or a romantic weekend getaway. Goleta Pier boat launch is available for public use on weekends and holidays, and the park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset and is easily accessible from Highway 217.
South Coast Railroad Museum
South Coast Railroad Museum is located in Goleta, California, a few miles north of Santa Barbara. The 1901 Southern Pacific Railroad Depot was located about two miles west of its present location. The South Coast Railroad Museum’s most popular visitor attractions are miniature train and handcar rides. The Goleta Short Line small train ride operates year-round on weekends.
Lotusland in Santa Barbara
Lotusland is among the best places to discover nature’s beauty and serenity. The garden also serves education, research, and conservation, making a beautiful family day trip or romantic afternoon outing. Lotuses are in bloom during July and August. However, there is always something that is in color year-round.
Los Alamos
Los Alamos Depot Antique Mall is one of California’s most extensive and is home to over 60 antique dealers. If you enjoy antiques, consider visiting this establishment in Los Alamos. There are more than antiques to enjoy in Los Alamos. If art, wine tasting, or fine dining are more your cup of tea, Los Alamos has something for you, too.
Los Olivos
An excellent place to start your trip to the Santa Barbara Wine Country is in the charming historic town of Los Olivos, an artist colony whose early 20th-century downtown is filled with art galleries, boutiques, wine stores, and landmark stagecoach stop housing.
Neverland Ranch
Michael Jackson is long gone, but fans worldwide still flock to his famous ranch near Los Olivos. There is not too much to see except for the entrance gate. But if you are a fan of Michael Jackson, the trip is well worth the effort.
La Purisima Mission
You can spend hours exploring the buildings and surrounding gardens. All roads are hidden from view, and it’s easy to imagine what life was like at La Purisima when it was a hub of activities for the Lompoc area of California.
Lompoc California
Situated between Santa Barbara and Santa Maria and among the rolling green hills of California’s central coast, Lompoc is known for its beautiful flower fields, historical landmarks, beautiful murals, secret beaches, vineyards, and fertile agricultural areas.
San Luis Obispo Area Day Trips
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is situated in a gorgeous section of Central California. The rolling hills, vast farmlands, fertile soil, temperate climate, and cool ocean breezes make SLO the perfect destination for a day, weekend, or vacation. The drive is spectacular, especially after some good rains when the hills turn a deep green and everything looks alive.
Paso Robles
Paso Robles is a significant player in the states’ winemaking. First frequented by travelers wanting to dip in the area’s natural hot springs, today’s visitors find a charming, lively downtown district surrounded by a wine region.
Sycamore Springs Resort
Guests to Sycamore Springs can rent a hillside hot tub by the hour, stay overnight at the resort, and enjoy your private balcony with a mineral water hot tub. Bike along the scenic shoreline or enjoy a romantic sunset on the pier. Discover the charms of Sycamore Springs and the environs for yourself.
Avila Apple Trail See Canyon
The apple season runs between September and December when the fruit is sweet, crisp, and perfect fruit packages. Delicious and nutritious, the apples can also be made into cider, pies, and preserves.
Port San Luis Harbor
RV Camping Port San Luis Harbor. Camping at Port San Luis is unique because it offers RV campers a place to camp only steps from the Pacific Ocean. Currently, only RVs can camp in five areas around the harbor.
Avila Beach
Avila Beach is a quaint little town on the Central Coast of California. The city is a popular destination for locals to spend a relaxing day on the beach. Ocean water temperatures are warmer due to its location on San Luis Bay.
Atascadero
The small rural town of Atascadero is San Luis Obispo County’s hidden gem, home to some of California’s best wineries. With its rolling hillsides studded with oaks and expansive vistas, Atascadero is the perfect blend of tranquil retreat and lively attractions.
Oceano Dunes
Oceano Dunes is a great place to camp on the beach and ride or drive around on the dunes. Many people make the trip to Oceano for one reason: the dunes. This is the only place in California where driving your vehicle on the beach is legal. (the dunes may not be open for vehicles after May 2024.)
Morro Bay
Morro Rock is one of the Nine Sisters of San Luis Obispo County. The sisters are a series of ancient volcanic plugs that line the Los Osos Valley. Morro Bay is a fishing village with commercial and public fishing boats operating out of the harbor.
Montana de Oro State Park
Montana de Oro State Park is one of the hidden wonders of the Central Coast. Nestled past substantial eucalyptus trees and the town of Los Osos is, this spectacular place perfect for a day of adventure.
Morro Bay State Park
Morro Bay State Park offers a serene retreat from the summertime heat, looking out over the water to wind-sculpted dunes. The park’s lagoon and natural bay habitat provide many opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching and make a great day or weekend journey for the entire family.
Los Osos California
Los Osos, California, is a quaint town near Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. This tiny central coast town has much to see, making it an exciting day trip destination.
Pismo Beach
Located along California’s Central Coast, Pismo Beach is a treasure trove for travelers –from wineries to shopping to complete, expansive beaches perfect for surfing, horseback riding, or strolling. Of course, the beach is the main reason visitors come to this part of California, and Pismo Beach does not disappoint.
Arroyo Grande
Old Town Arroyo Grande is quite a contrast from the rest of the town. The east side of the highway offers a quaint little area of shops in historic buildings. You can find antique shops, cafes, and pubs that look right out of Ireland.
Luffa Farm Nipomo
The Luffa Farm in Nipomo is a fun side trip traveling Highway 101 through California’s Central Coast. Luffas are part of the gourd family and are often used as bath or kitchen sponges. Luffa is also used in many Asian countries as soups and stir-fried dishes.
Santa Maria
Some of the best food in the valley can be found in Santa Maria’s famous barbecue style. The tender and juicy meat of tri-tip beef and a hefty helping of sides is a trademark found on Broadway most days.
Monterey County Area Day Trips
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, with its headlands, coves, and rolling meadows, is 4 miles south of Carmel along historic Cabrillo Highway 1. The reserve boasts miles of scenic trails offering sea lions, sea otters, and gray, humpback, and blue whales.
Arroyo Seco Campground
Situated deep in a beautiful gorge with a river running through it, the Arroyo Seco campground is located in Monterey County. Still, it is more accessible from the Salinas Valley than the coast highway. For those looking to stay closer to enjoy nature for a few hours, a day-use area on the river provides a rocky beach area and picnic sites.
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