California Central Coast Day Trips

Home - Amusement Parks - Trains - Kids Stuff - Beaches - Zoos - Events - Agritourism - Historic - Inland Empire - Gold Country - Camping

San Francisco - Sacramento - Los Angeles - San Diego - Shasta - North Coast - High Sierra - Central Valley - Central Coast - Deserts

California Central Coast extends from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara with over 300 miles of coastline. This scenic region of the Golden State is home to some of the most wide open and beautiful country on the west coast. California central coast has wineries, unspoiled beaches, towering red wood tree, majestic mountains and streams. Historical places of interest include Hearst Castle, California Missions and small coastal towns. One of the most spectacular stretches of road in California is the drive along Highway 1 from Big Sur to Morro Bay. Attractions include Monterey Bay Aquarium, The Boardwalk at Santa Cruz and Hearst Castle. Spend the day or an entire vacation exploring California Central Coast.

Morro Bay - Morro Bay is located along the coast of California, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The harbor has many restaurants with views of the famous Morro Rock. A short drive from here takes you to Hearst Castle.

Cambria - Located in Northern San Luis Obispo County. Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, Gourmet Restaurants, Wine Tasting and Art Galleries. Lots of shops to explore in the downtown area.

Harmony California - One of the smallest towns in California with a population of only 18 people. Wine tasting and art galleries keep this tiny central coast town alive.

Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara - For years the wharf served the passenger and freight shipping needs of Santa Barbara. Today the wharf is a mix of unique restaurants and quality merchants

Solvang - An authentic Danish settlement, founded in 1911. Browse specialty shops, sip wine at premium wineries or tour the old Spanish Mission Santa Ines. Many authentic Danish bakeries.

Hearst Castle - One of California's most famous landmarks. The estate built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst is open year round. Several tours are available for visitors. You must take a tour to see the castle.

Avila Beach - A popular beach destination for central coast locals. After a massive oil spill clean up in the 1990s the town has undergone a major reconstruction. New hotels and restraints line Front street and cater to tourists and residents.

Central Coast County Wineries - Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are home to hundreds of wineries. Take a road trip and explore California's other wine country along the central coast.

Big Sur - This region stretches form San Simeon to Carmel and is famous for magnificent coastal scenery. One off the most spectacular road trips in California. Plan on spending all day for this one.

Fort Hunter Liggett - If your looking for an off the beaten path road trip Fort Hunter fits the bill. The base is home to historic buildings including the Hearst Hacienda and Mission San Antonio De Padua.

Arroyo Grande - Ocean sports, fresh water fun at Lopez Lake, hiking, wine tasting, fine dining, golfing, lodging and shopping are all part of the unique experience in the Arroyo Grande area.

Ventura - Ventura, the getaway to the Channel Islands National Park, is a classic Southern California beach town offering the services and amenities that make every visit a memorable experience

Monterey Bay Aquarium - About 1.8 million people visit us each year. Located on Historic Cannery Row in Monterey Bay the Aquarium has many fascinating exhibits to keep you busy all day long.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - The Garden's Mission Dam was named a State Historic Landmark. With an emphasis on plants native to California the garden provides a rewarding experience.

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden - Display the diverse plant life of the Mediterranean climate zones of the world.150 acres between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay at El Chorro Regional Park.

Paso Robles and Atascadero - You can see how olive oil is made or learn how to drive a stagecoach. Stroll through a lush vineyard or soak in the mineral baths. Visiting here is like a trip back in time.

New Brighton State Beach - The beach is in the town of Capitola, south of Santa Cruz. During the summer months New Brighton is one of the most popular places to California beach camping destinations.

Pismo Beach - One of the few beaches in California where is is legal to drive your car or truck on the beach. The City of Pismo Beach has many restaurants and hotels to choose from. ATV rentals are available on the sand and Pismo beach.

Lake Cachuma - A Santa Barbara County Park renowned for its natural beauty and variety of fun things to. Camping, fishing, hiking and mountain bike riding and Lake Cachuma tours with a naturalist.