Central Coast California, CA
Travel Guide
Visit Central Coast California
Where to stay in Central Coast California
Montecito
Celebrity-favored Montecito offers backcountry hiking trails and attractions like Lotusland and El Fureidis. Easily accessible via State Route 192 and the U.S. 101 Freeway, it's well-connected to Santa Barbara County.
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.
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 Santa Barbara Museum of Art might round out your trip.
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.
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.
Golden Rectangle
If you're spending some time in Golden Rectangle, Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach are top sights worth seeing.
Reviewed on 31 March 2025
Reviewed on 31 March 2025
Reviewed on 29 March 2025
Reviewed on 31 March 2025
Reviewed on 23 February 2025
Reviewed on 21 March 2025
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Popular places to visit
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Take the family to visit the sea life at Monterey Bay Aquarium and find out why this is a popular attraction in Monterey. Stroll along the area's pebble beaches, or simply savor its seafood restaurants.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Carmel Beach
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Carmel Beach during your travels in Carmel? Take in the entertainment venues and sunsets in the area.
17-Mile Drive
After visiting 17-Mile Drive, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Skyline Forest. Wander the beaches and seaside while you're in the area.
Hearst Castle
You can learn about the history of San Simeon when you stop by Hearst Castle. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Fisherman's Wharf
Explore the waterfront of Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, and enjoy activities such as golfing. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in the area.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Monterey Bay
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Carmel Beach
- Hearst Castle
- 17-Mile Drive
- California Polytechnic State University
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Cannery Row
- Capitola Beach
- Vandenberg Air Force Base
- Pismo Beach Pier
- Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
- Mystery Spot
- Santa Barbara Zoo
- Ventura Harbor
- Lovers Point
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- University of California
- Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
- University of California
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Chumash Casino
- Moonstone Beach Park
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Santa Barbara Bowl
- Santa Barbara Harbor
- Moonstone Beach
- Avila Hot Springs
- Sensorio
- Pfeiffer Beach