The Essential Guide to California Central Coast

Many people visit California to enjoy the sights and sounds of the state. glitz and glamor of Los Angeles Experience the Difference hustle and bustle of San Francisco. But between these two metropolises, there’s an idyllic stretch of rolling mountains, quaint winemaking communities, and some of the most breathtaking ocean views in the state—California’s Central Coast.

This area covers approximately 350 miles between Ventura County and Monterey County. The region is most famous for Big Sur, a picture-perfect stretch of Highway 1 that’s bordered on one end by the Pacific Ocean and on the other side by redwood trees. Bixby Bridge is one of the most iconic images you’ve seen.

Central Coast may seem sleepy compared to its busy neighbors in the north and south. It’s not. Rob O’Keefe is the president and CEO at See Monterey County. “It is hard to wrap your mind around this.”

It would be difficult to squeeze all the Central Coast highlights into just one trip. Mike Freed, a Central Coast native who has lived there for more than 40 year, says that the best way to experience the region is at a slower speed. “Just take your time—don’t be in a rush when you visit, because there’s just so much to see,” says Freed. There’s only Highway 1 and the views are special.

You should consider the following before you plan a trip along California’s Central Coast.

Best Hotels & Resorts

The Inn of Mattei’s Tavern

It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Inn at Mattei’s Tavern This article is featured in Travel + Leisure’s It List The gold medal was awarded to the winner of the World’s Best Awards 2025 The best hotel in California. The property, located in Los Olivos community, Santa Ynez Valley, California, is a sprawling complex of cottages. The rooms were renovated to reflect the more than 100 year history of the hotel while embracing the modern comforts.

Villa Mara Carmel

Our Featured Articles 2023 It ListThe adults-only Villa Mara Carmel has just 15 airy rooms in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, where Clint Eastwood served as mayor in the ‘80s. Villa Mara Carmel has warm cream interiors with furnishings that contrast the moody seashore. Jesena’s Bar offers craft cocktails to guests who want to relax by the fire.

Post Ranch Inn

The Big Sur Hotel is perched high above the roaring waves of Big Sur. Post Ranch Inn ” T+L’s World’s Best Awards in 2023. The hotel features wood panels in the rooms, heated infinity outdoor pools and Michelin-recognized restaurants. Sierra Mar Restaurant, the property exudes a quiet luxury. The Post Ranch Inn is also eco-friendly, which is important in Big Sur.

Freed states that the hotel has one of the biggest solar systems in California. Freed says, “We have a farm on property and produce a lot of our own food. We are now working with various groups to do organic agriculture and regenerative agricultural.”

Alila Ventana Big Sur

You may recognize Alila Ventana Big Sur from T+L’s World’s Best Awards or from social media posts—this five-star property’s open-air spa and gorgeous gardens are the stuff of Instagram dreams. You can choose to stay in one the 54 rooms or suites, or in 15 glamping tented tents. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, located nearby, is an ideal place to spend a day or night. recognized dark sky location, too.

San Ysidro Ranch

Montecito is a beautiful, idyllic destination. San Ysidro Ranch puts you in good company—the property counts Winston Churchill, Groucho Marx, and John and Jackie Kennedy among its past guests. San Ysidro Ranch has also been voted as the second best hotel of California by this year’s World Best Awards. You can look forward to stylish features like outdoor showers with rainfall, spa tubs in the room that are recessed, and canopy beds with four-posters during your stay.

What to Do in Best Things to See

Explore Big Sur.

Big Sur The coast is a veritable trove of scenic beauty. This 90-mile stretch along Highway 1 (aka Pacific Coast Highway), you’ll discover no less than five California state parksThe dramatic cliffs that plunge into the bright blue water, as well as the purple sands beaches, are all part of this stunning landscape.

Warning: Highway 1 is closed for six miles due to erosion. Visitors can enter the area from either the north or south, and drive right up to the point that the road has been closed.

O’Keefe said, “The Highway 1 Driving Experience is Amazing.” Even when the highway is closed, you can still enjoy the beauty and wonder of Highway 1. There’s camping, glamping, hotels, restaurants, shops, galleries—all of that’s still available to everybody.”

Freed says that visitors to Big Sur should go early in the morning or late at night to get the most out of their trip. He says the sunrises, and sunsets, are best. Avoid the midday rush on Highway 1 because it’s crowded, especially if the road to the south is closed.

Take a stroll along Monterey Cannery Row.

Cannery Row, the home of John Steinbeck’s famed Cannery Row, is located at the northernmost end of Central Coast. It was once the center of the sardine-canning industry in the area, but now it is a beautiful place to grab a meal, play arcade games and watch sea otters splash around. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offshore.

O’Keefe: “You could make a whole two or three day experience out of Cannery Row.” It’s a separate entertainment and tourism district. 

Cannery Row is a must-see no matter how much time you spend there. Monterey Bay AquariumThis exhibit, with more than 200 displays, gives a view of local marine life. It includes the Monterey Canyon – one of the deepest canyons under the West Coast.

Tour Hearst Castle

San Simeon. Hearst Castle William Randolph Hearst, a media magnate from the 20th century, built this sprawling mansion. Hearst Castle, which was once visited by celebrities such as Joan Crawford and Clark Gable is now available for tours. Visitors can see Hearst’s art collection, huge swimming pools, lush gardens, and more. You might even spot some zebras—yes, zebras—grazing in the hills.

Attend a Wine Tasting

Central Coast American Viticultural Area includes the entire Central Coast, including cute little towns such as San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. The Central Coast may not have quite the same recognition as Napa and Sonoma, but it can certainly compete with them.

O’Keefe says, “Our wine country is like Napa in the 1970s.” It’s easy to get there, and it feels very authentic.

Central Coast wineries are popular, but there are many others. Biddle Ranch Vineyard San Luis Obispo Folktale Winery & Vineyard Carmel is a city in the state of California. Eberle Winery Paso Robles.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – Hike the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

You might also want to explore the Central Coast on foot. Where else on earth can you enjoy so many open spaces and hiking trails? Freed questions. There’s no better hike in California, or even the world.

If you want to experience the quintessential Central Coast hike (outside Big Sur, ofcourse), head over to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The 1,300 acres of space have many of the features that are found in Andrew Molera You can also find out more about the following: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Parks with stunning Monterey Cypress trees, and spectacular sea views. But, there are fewer people.

Best Shopping

Downtown Solvang

The Danish-style town of Solvang is packed with tasteful art galleries and stores selling Scandinavian-inspired wares. Take some photos of the Danish architecture after shopping. Ostrichland USA On your way out, feed the emus or ostrich.

Downtown San Luis Obispo

The expansive downtown San Luis Obispo retail scene offers something for everyone. Fascinating second-hand bookstores such as Phoenix BooksUnique gift shops like Idlewild FloralThe memorabilia stuffed with music Boo Boo Records All of these make for an exciting and varied shopping day.

Harmony

Harmony’s population is just 18. It’s not a big town. The town is a great place to stop on Highway 1 for hand-blown pieces of glass, pottery made by wheel, or a scoop freshly churned. Cambria is a nearby town that offers more handcrafted items.

Carmel Plaza

Carmel Plaza, an outdoor shopping mall in Carmel-by-the-Sea’s center, is home to luxury boutiques and high-end retailers. Browse the collection at stores like Bottega Veneta. Beachwood HomeStay to watch people and eat on the patio.

State Street in Santa Barbara

State Street in Santa Barbara, California is lined with clothing retailers like Asher MarketPaseo Nuevo Mall has brand-name department shops and cafes such as Dune Coffee Roasters, perfect for a quick pick-me-up. And you might just need a cup of the good stuff—with dozens of different retailers to choose from, you can easily spend hours here.

Best Restaurants

Nate on Marsh

A culinary treasure in downtown San Luis Obispo Nate’s on Marsh It offers a variety of Italian classics, including ragu and bolognese. The restaurant has been recognized by the Michelin Guide in 2022Nate’s is rapidly becoming a landmark in the area. Nate’s on Marsh is known for its veal osso-buco specials, but whatever you choose, you will be satisfied.

Six Test Kitchen

Paso Robles Six Test Kitchen The Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its innovative flavor profiles and seasonal produce. The 12-course menu changes regularly, but in the past there have been dishes like aged pork loin served with barley-koji icecream and whipped miso. Don’t forget to bring an adventurous palate. 

Nepenthe

Avoid peanut butter sandwiches and other jams on your trip to Big Sur, and instead order lunch at Nepenthe instead. The colorful decor of this cliff-top restaurant is California cool, and the menu includes favorites like fresh beets salads and juicy hamburgers. The wine menu features local vintners.

Bettina

Santa Barbara’s Pizza is a must-visit for all pizza lovers Bettina. This Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant serves a wide variety of pies topped by everything from maitake mushrooms to local sausage. The interior design channels all the cheer of a European bistro—if you look away from your pizzas long enough to notice, that is.

The Sardine factory

The extensive seafood menu or Michelin recognition Then, you can get in touch with us. Sardine Factory If the conservatory dining room doesn’t do it for you, perhaps the indoor garden will. Monterey’s classic restaurant will have you eating lobster linguine with freshly shucked oysters and Spanish-styled octopus in no time. Pro tip: with its fancy interior, this is the perfect place to play like you’re living in the Golden Age à la William Randolph Hearst.

The Best Time to Visit

California is known for its balmy weather all year round, so you can travel to the Central Coast during any season. One of the region’s few seasonal variations is the summertime “June gloom”—overcast, cool days marked by a low-hanging marine layer. The clouds usually clear by midday. If you want to visit at a specific time, consider visiting the Central Coast for a particular event, such as the Cayucos Sea Glass Festival The month of March is marked by the Carmel Bach Festival Carpinteria’s July festivities California Avocado Festival In October or the Cambria Christmas Market Late November and early December.

How to Get There

The Central Coast’s ocean view roads are among the best in the nation.

Central Coast visitors often visit Big Sur, which is about 350 miles from L.A. (approximately a six-hour drive). San Francisco is a little under 150 miles away or 3.5 hours. Big Sur, which is popular with Central Coast visitors, can be reached by driving approximately 350 miles (about a 6-hour drive). San Francisco, however, is only 150 miles or roughly a 3-hour drive away.

Santa Barbara Airport, SLO County Airport, and Santa Maria Airport are all nearby airports. Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Los Angeles International Airport If you’re looking for a more flexible flight or one that is direct, then (LAX) will be the best option. Renting a car is necessary because there are no public transport options connecting the Central Coast. If you’re not sure where you want to travel on the Central Coast, you can also take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which runs between San Diego and San Luis Obispo—it has famously stunning views, too.

How to Get Around

A car is almost always required to explore the Central Coast in its entirety. Nevertheless, you may still be able to reach some cities and towns by public transportation or bicycle. Monterey has a trolley that is free during the summer. San Luis Obispo offers plenty of bike paths, and Santa Barbara’s bus system can be easily used.