A California Coast highway journey is a ceremony of passage for any out of doors journey traveler, and the central coast of California is especially iconic. This stretch of the Pacific Coast Freeway gives unbelievable ocean views, lovely sights, quick access to quaint California seashore cities, and naturally, infinite alternatives for out of doors journey.
A couple of years in the past, I joined forces with Go to California seeking the perfect adventures alongside the Central California Coast. I’ve compiled what I found into this itinerary together with suggestions from the remainder of the Bearfoot Idea staff who’ve spent plenty of time exploring this area.
This itinerary combines out of doors adventures with top-notch alternatives to expertise the native tradition of the Central California Coast from Ventura to Cambria, with data on visiting extra locations like Large Sur, Monterey, and Santa Cruz you probably have the time.
From sea-to-spoon and farm-to-fork meals to hikes with sweeping views, boutique inns, and hidden gems which are simply off the overwhelmed path, this itinerary is not going to disappoint.
You’ll want to take a look at the video of my Central California Coast Street Journey beneath as properly.
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Central California Coast Street Journey Fundamentals
What’s the Central California Coast?
Most individuals are aware of Northern California (San Francisco and above) and Southern California (Los Angeles south), however what’s the Central California coast?
Whereas there’s no actual definition of what makes up the Central California Coast, it’s generally accepted that this part stretches between Ventura County within the south to Santa Cruz within the north.
In between Ventura and Santa Cruz, there’s an incredible array of gorgeous seashores, wild mountainsides, small coastal cities, nice eating places, the well-known Large Sur, and a lot extra.
Listed here are the highest locations on the central coast of California at a look from south to north:
- Ventura
- Ojai
- Santa Barbara
- Avila Seaside
- Pismo Seaside
- San Luis Obispo
- Montaña del Oro State Park
- Morro Bay
- Cambria/San Simeon
- Large Sur
- Carmel by the Sea
- Monterey
- Santa Cruz
How a lot time do you want to highway journey the Central California Coast?
This itinerary is for six days, which is an effective period of time to get a really feel for the area, though you probably have extra time you’ll be able to definitely dive deeper. In the event you solely have a weekend, I like to recommend selecting one space to discover – like Ojai, Santa Barbara, or Large Sur for instance.
My largest tip – don’t rush it. The Central California Coast operates at a slower tempo and is supposed to be loved at a slower tempo as properly. Use the data right here to customise your personal journey based mostly in your priorities and the period of time you’ve got.
Finest Technique to Discover the Central California Coast
You’ll undoubtedly desire a automobile or campervan for any central California coast highway journey. In the event you plan on staying in inns or lodging, a automobile will probably be high quality. A rental automobile could be picked up in Ventura or the Los Angeles space in case you’re going south to north or in San Francisco in case you’re going north to south.
If you wish to expertise a few of California’s finest campgrounds, I extremely suggest renting a campervan. Not solely will this help you be extra versatile, however you actually can’t beat tenting on the seashore! Try our checklist of campervan rental corporations for concepts.
Finest Time for a California Central Coast Street Journey
California is understood for its sunny climate and gentle local weather, so you’ll be able to actually plan a highway journey any time of the 12 months. Listed here are a number of concerns based mostly on the season:
Spring is a good time to plan a California Central Coast highway journey, particularly if you wish to see California’s lovely springtime wildflower blooms. Temps can nonetheless be a bit chilly, although, so pack layers and be ready for windy days.
Summer time is often the busiest time of 12 months for California, so that you’ll see plenty of crowds and might want to make tenting or resort reservations prematurely. The climate tends to be nice, although, with temperatures within the 70s and little to no rain.
Fall in central California brings fewer crowds and cooler temps, making it a good time to go to. Days are sometimes clear as properly whereas in summer season you might expertise “June gloom” the place the coast is usually shrouded in clouds.
Winter on the California coast could be very nice in case you take pleasure in cooler temperatures and a extra laid-back vibe. Some locations do shut for the winter and the times are shorter so that you’ll have much less daylight to discover, in order that’s one thing to bear in mind if you plan your journey.
Central California Coast Street Journey Itinerary
There are infinite methods to discover the central California Coast with so many issues to see and do. Under is my 6-day itinerary with a number of choices for extending or customizing your journey.
- Day 1: Arrive in Ventura
- Day 2: Ventura
- Day 3: Ojai
- Day 4: Santa Barbara
- Day 5: Avila Seaside and Cambria
- Day 6: Morro Bay
You probably have extra time, proceed on to Large Sur, Monterey Bay, and Santa Cruz which I’ll contact on beneath as properly.
Day 1: Discover Downtown Ventura & Hit the Seaside
We began our California highway journey within the energetic seashore city of Ventura. Ventura is understood for its iconic seashore boardwalk the place you’ll be able to stroll, pedal, or skate previous bustling outlets, eating places, and wide-open sandy seashores that lead proper down the Pacific Ocean.
There isn’t any scarcity of issues to do in Ventura, however right here’s how we spent our days exploring this iconic coastal city:
Morning
Seize a fast chunk and morning espresso at Palm & Boy Espresso within the heart of downtown Ventura. This cozy indoor and out of doors café is a good spot for people-watching as you slowly perk up and start your day.
With espresso in hand, stroll a few blocks in direction of the seashore to the Go to Ventura Guests and Conference Middle. Right here you’ll discover plenty of inspiration and concepts to plan out your day. We propose chatting with one of many super-friendly of us who work on the Tourism Middle.
The morning and early afternoon in coastal California is usually a bit overcast relying on the time of 12 months, which makes it the perfect time to pop out and in of Ventura’s distinctive and colourful outlets. Try Passport Habits, an eclectic travel-themed store, positioned on East Foremost Avenue in downtown Ventura, Jockamo Data, Iron & Resin, and the Patagonia Flagship retailer to call a number of.
Afternoon
For lunch, chow down some tacos at Seaside Home Tacos on the historic Ventura Pier. If the climate is good, head to the seashore within the afternoon. Alternatively, Grant Park is a good place to identify wildflower blooms and get a city-wide view in case you aren’t eager on heading all the way down to the water.
In the event you’re into beer tasting, stroll again into city and funky off with a spherical of beers on the Ventura Coast Brewing Co., a cool, laid-back brewery with indoor/out of doors seating and a pleasant native crowd. The beers and tacos will maintain you over till it’s time for a late dinner – after sundown, after all.
Night
Surfer’s Level is a main beachfront spot to look at the sky shift to shades of pink, orange, purple, and blue over the horizon line. I like to recommend scoring a seat on the rocks close to the estuary. You may even be rewarded with a present from native surfers taking over the world-class waves.
After watching the sundown, head to Rumfish & Vino for dinner. This gastropub serves Central American-inspired meals with a number of vegan choices and an ideal out of doors patio. If you’d like one thing a bit of extra informal, take a look at Fluid State Beer Backyard, which serves pizza and artistic bar meals.
Faria Seaside Campground: This campground is located in a quiet and scenic beachfront spot off the Pacific Coast Freeway. Most of the websites have unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands Nationwide Park. You’ll need to guide prematurely to attain websites 6-13 which have essentially the most area and the perfect views (though there are not any hookups at these particular web site numbers). This campground is finest for camper vans and truck campers as a result of it’s on pavement and campsites are extra like parking areas.
Waypoint Ventura Classic Trailer Resort & RV Park: If you’d like a novel expertise, guide a classic trailer at Waypoint Ventura Classic Trailer Resort & RV Park. These trailers have been impeccably reworked for an opulent classic keep. You may also deliver your personal camper, however they’ve standards for what vans and campers they settle for.
Day 2: Ventura Space Actions
After getting a style of what Ventura has to supply, it’s time to essentially discover!
Morning
In the event you’re on the lookout for a spot to seize a tasty and nourishing breakfast, head to Harvest Cafe. They serve scrumptious vegetarian and vegan meals in addition to a wide range of espresso drinks.
After you’ve eaten breakfast, fill your backpack with snacks, water, and sunscreen to prepare for a day of biking on the native bike paths. You possibly can hire bikes at Bike Depot, which is positioned proper on the outskirts of downtown Ventura.
The pleasant employees at Bike Depot can provide you options on the place to experience. Ventura is an especially bike-friendly metropolis with well-marked paths that lead out and in of city, connecting you to must-see sights round Ventura.
Ventura bike route options
Ventura River Path to Ojai: This 17-mile one-way paved path runs all the way in which from downtown Ventura to Ojai. It’s a pleasant strategy to get some train and see a unique aspect of Ventura, particularly within the spring when every thing is inexperienced.
After all, you don’t should pedal the complete 34 miles out and again to take pleasure in it! In the event you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable cease alongside the way in which, take a look at Ventura Spirits Firm. The tasting room is open for drop-ins Monday by way of Friday 12 pm – 5pm and by reservation on the weekends.
Ventura Coastal Bike Path: In the course of the hotter months when the River Path will get too sizzling, you’ll be higher off driving the Ventura Coastal Bike Path to catch a cooling ocean breeze. Take a motorbike map with you from the Bike Depot, because the coastal path has some sections which are on the road.
Afternoon
If you return out of your experience, make time to go to the Artwork Metropolis Studios, positioned proper across the nook from Bike Depot for a style of Ventura’s native character and tradition.
This world-famous sculpture studio and backyard is owned by sculptor Paul Lindhard whose mission is to help and convey collectively native and world artists in an inspiring out of doors area.
You possibly can stroll across the artist studios, chat with the sculptors about their work, and browse the gallery. In the event you get the prospect, go see if Ramon is round to take a look at his unbelievable stonework!
Night
By this time, you’ll be prepared for a chilly drink, so quench your thirst at Topa Topa Brewery for completely satisfied hour drinks. Then head to certainly one of Ventura’s energetic eating places like Social Faucet or Rice By Mama, two eateries that the locals rave about.
Tip: In the event you’re trying to increase your trip with one other day of sightseeing I like to recommend heading out to the Channel Islands Nationwide Park. Anacapa & Santa Cruz Islands are the most well-liked for day journeys to hike, kayak, and/or snorkel. Try the Channel Islands Journey Firm for sea cave kayaking excursions on Santa Cruz Island. Tenting can also be accessible on each islands.
Day 3: Discover Ojai
Leaving the coastal vibes of Ventura, head inland for a day to the charming SoCal city of Ojai.
Downtown Ojai is quaint, distinctive, and simple to discover with many outlets and eating places in strolling distance. Outdoors the downtown space, you’ll discover lovely open areas for climbing plus olive oil tasting in native olive orchards, wine tasting, and extra.
Morning
The 30-minute drive from Ventura to Ojai may be very scenic because it transitions from seashore city to bucolic landscapes full of farms, wineries, and mountains.
Whether or not it’s a sunny day or not, you’ll have enjoyable exploring Ojai. I cherished it for the native flavors and handmade tradition that thrives on this city.
Shops like FiG Curated Residing, Bungalow by FiG, and Bart’s Books present a quintessential Ojai vibe that may be a must-see whilst you’re there.
For lunch, take a break from searching the outlets and refuel over at Hip Vegan for a nourishing meal created from 100% vegan substances. It’s a bit of off the primary drag however has an exceptional menu that’ll hit the spot if you’re craving traditional California well being meals.
In the event you’re simply on the lookout for a bit of power kick don’t miss Revel Jun Bar. Jun is like Kombucha however made with inexperienced tea & honey as an alternative of black tea & sugar.
Tip: In the event you’re on the town on Sunday don’t miss the bountiful Ojai Farmer’s Market. It’s from 9-1 pm rain or shine at 300 E. Matilija Avenue. Seize picnic provides and head out on a picnic hike, go to an area vineyard, or go olive oil tasting at Ojai Olive Oil Co.
Afternoon
After lunch, drive to the outskirts of city to spend your afternoon on the lovely Lake Casitas.
There are many climbing trails, bike paths, picnic areas, and view factors. You may also hire a ship or deliver your personal kayak or SUP. There’s a $10 entry payment for autos, nevertheless, it does fluctuate relying on holidays and weekends — verify the Lake Casitas web site for up to date data.
There’s additionally tenting at Lake Casitas if you wish to spend extra time there.
Night
After visiting the reservoir, drive again into city so you’ll be able to hit up a few of Ojai’s finest wineries. Our favorites had been the Majestic Oak Vineyard and Tasting Room and The Ojai Winery Tasting Room.
Beer lovers can sip on some pours on the Ojai Beverage Firm, or because the locals name it, OBC, or on the Ojai Valley Brewery.
For dinner, take a look at Ojai Rotie, The Nest, Ojai Pizza, or Nocciola.
Emerald Iguana Inn: This boutique resort is positioned within the coronary heart of Ojai. It has a relaxed but upscale vibe and exquisite rooms adorned in a tranquil, Southwestern type. I extremely suggest having fun with a soak of their sizzling tub or a swim within the pool. Their sister resort, the Blue Iguana Inn, is equally great and is positioned on the bike path so you’ll be able to bike proper into city on certainly one of their rental bikes.
Caravan Outpost: For a novel keep that matches Ojai’s eclectic vibe, guide an Airstream at Caravan Outpost. Every Airstream is fantastically adorned and surrounded by lush gardens.
Day 4: Head to Santa Barbara
The subsequent cease in your central California coast highway journey is sunny Santa Barbara, California the place there are tons of issues to do relying in your pursuits.
Essential: It’s unlawful to park outsized autos – together with vans and RVs – on the streets in Santa Barbara. Be taught extra about the place to park your outsized automobile right here.
Morning
Within the morning, seize breakfast close to the place you’re staying. The choices are infinite however a number of favorites embrace The Day by day Grind, Handlebar Espresso Roasters, and Alessia Patisserie & Cafe. Then stroll or bike on the beachfront coastal path from Butterfly Seaside, the place the well-known Biltmore Resort is, all the way in which to the West Seaside/Marina space.
Afternoon
Subsequent, head downtown to the Santa Barbara Public Market and pattern a number of the Asian fare at Empty Bowl. Get the curry soup, you received’t remorse it! Or for these craving tacos, hit one of many many taquerias close to Milpas Avenue, together with Julia Youngster’s favourite taco stand, La Tremendous-Rica Taqueria.
Wash down lunch with a cease at certainly one of Santa Barbara’s many city wineries or breweries within the Funk Zone. A couple of Bearfoot Idea staff favorites for wine tasting embrace Carr, Pali, and Municipal Winemakers (regionally referred to as Muni). For native beer, take a look at Topa Topa, Figueroa Mountain, and Rincon Brewery.
Night
After sampling Santa Barbara’s eats and treats, ensure you save a while to get to Hendry’s Seaside earlier than sundown. It’s a dog-friendly spot with towering seaside bluffs and loads of area to meander alongside the shoreline along with your furry good friend.
Right here you’ll additionally discover the Boathouse Restaurant which is just about the perfect place in Santa Barbara to seize completely satisfied hour.
Whilst you’re over within the Mesa neighborhood, you’ll additionally need to get a unique viewpoint of Hendry’s Seaside from above at Douglas Protect. It is a prime spot to look at the sundown over the Pacific.
In the event you’re on the lookout for an ideal ambiance, strive Zaytoon (Lebanese & Center Jap delicacies) for dinner the place you’ll be able to sit round fireplace pits whereas listening to stay music.
Tip: In the event you’re trying to increase your keep within the Santa Barbara space I like to recommend testing the city of Los Olivos which is within the Santa Ynez Valley. Santa Barbara Wine Nation Excursions gives biking & van excursions to the valley for a day of wine tasting and exploration.
The place to Keep in Santa Barbara
Resort Santa Barbara: A historic resort positioned proper downtown, Resort Santa Barabra is unquestionably a splurge, however price it if you wish to be inside strolling distance of every thing.
Tenting: Refugio State Seaside is 25 minutes north of Santa Barbara and has a small campground alongside oceanfront cliffs. Carpinteria State Seaside is 20 minutes south of Santa Barbara and has a pleasant beachside campground alongside the sand. These are your finest bets if you wish to camp.
Day 5: Avila Seaside + Cambria
Situated halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles is San Luis Obispo County, in any other case referred to as SLO Cal.
Many individuals love this a part of the Central Coast for its picturesque California seashore cities which are extra laid again than these nearer to metropolis life.
Morning
In your means out of Santa Barbara on Freeway 154, take a fast detour up Painted Cave Street. Observe the winding highway as much as a scenic lookout the place you’ll be able to pull off the highway into a dust car parking zone. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the town and coast from this distinctive vantage level.
From Painted Cave Street, it’s solely a brief drive to Chilly Springs Tavern, a divey native favourite tucked away within the hills. This biker bar is legendary for its BBQ Tri-Tip Sandwich and stay music on the weekends.
You probably have time, the realm surrounding the tavern is filled with nice hikes. I like to recommend utilizing All Trails or one other climbing app to lookup a well-rated hike that fits your expertise and desire.
As you proceed north on Freeway 101, I extremely suggest grabbing a chunk at Bob’s Nicely Bread Bakery in Los Alamos, which is understood for its artisan baked items and mouthwatering sandwiches. Cease and eat of their courtyard or take it go.
Afternoon
Proceed your drive for an additional 40 minutes up the 101 to get to the colourful city of Avila Seaside. Take a while to scope out the colourful downtown scene after which head straight over to Avila Seaside Paddle Sports activities, located proper outdoors of city.
Get arrange with a kayak or paddleboard for the afternoon, however earlier than you get going, chat with the employees to get some perception on tips on how to finest scout out the seals and sea otters that stay within the bay.
I like to recommend paddling all the way in which out to see the Port San Luis Lighthouse. It is a historic space proper above a sandy seashore that has wildflowers, eucalyptus bushes, outdated maritime buildings, and most significantly, a wood swing!
In the event you’re hungry if you get again, head to Fats Cats Cafe. It’s an area favourite and conveniently positioned throughout the car parking zone from the Paddle Sports activities storefront.
Night
Hop again within the automobile and coast up Route 1 to Cambria. Time your arrival to catch the sundown in Cambria at Moonstone Seaside the place you’ll be able to stroll alongside the seashore boardwalk. You may also proceed a number of miles up the Pacific Coast Freeway to San Simeon for a very good likelihood to see elephant seals bask within the rookeries.
Cap off your day with dinner at Robin’s, which gives mouthwatering consolation meals in a restored adobe dwelling. It’s a favourite spot amongst locals and guests.
Tip: You probably have an additional day, Montaña de Oro State Park has superb beachfront climbing and an ideal campground or you’ll be able to head north to San Simeon to see elephant seals and Hearst Citadel (make sure to make a reservation). The historic city of San Luis Obispo can also be a stone’s throw away.
Cambria Seaside Lodge: I extremely suggest staying at Cambria Seaside Lodge – a beach-inspired boutique resort with a low-key vibe and elevated minimalist design that’s positioned on the scenic Moonstone Seaside Drive with lovely views of the glowing Pacific Ocean from the resort. I cherished the pure aesthetic, the soothing colours, and the small particulars that made a big effect. Spend as a lot time right here as you’ll be able to! It’ll go away you feeling relaxed and impressed.
Day 6: Morro Bay + Tin Metropolis
Make the ultimate day of your central California coastal highway journey an adventurous one which’s filled with exploration in Morro Bay and Tin Metropolis in close by Paso Robles.
Morning
Drive half-hour again down from Cambria to Morro Bay on the Pacific Coast Freeway the place you’ll be able to soak within the coastal views and get a glimpse of famed Morro Rock as you make your means into the downtown space.
Cease at Frankie & Lola’s for a hearty and traditional breakfast. Don’t replenish an excessive amount of, although, as a result of whale watching is subsequent. Relying on the time of 12 months, swells can get massive and the boat experience is usually a bit rocky.
Morro Bay Whale Watching gives guided excursions on the open water to offer you a glimpse of SLO Cal’s most well-known guests.
In the event you time it proper, you’ll be able to catch:
- Humpbacks on their northbound migration from late March by way of April into Might
- Blue Whales from April by way of the summer season
- Grey whales from March to Might
Or catch all of them going southbound from December by way of February.
Afternoon
When you’ve made your means again to land, seize a nourishing California-style vegetarian lunch to go at Shine Café and head out for a brief however scenic hike at Black Hill Path in Morro Bay State Park.
It is a reasonable 2.5-mile hike that may be minimize brief if you wish to drive as much as the car parking zone close to the hilltop as an alternative.
It’s an gratifying and reasonable hike with simply over 500 ft of elevation acquire that finally has you topping off with 360-degree views of the coast, metropolis, and hills behind you.
Eat your lunch right here and snap a number of pics. Ensure you deliver sunscreen, bug spray, solar safety, and loads of water as there’s little or no shade.
To wrap up your highway journey, cruise out to Tin Metropolis in Paso Robles. Situated in Central California Wine Nation, Tin Metropolis is a cool and eclectic place to stroll round and pattern the native brews, wine, and meals that the area is understood for.
Try Barrelhouse Brewing Co. (the place additionally they have stay music in the summertime!), Tin Metropolis Cidery, and a wide range of meals vans.
Night
If you’re able to eat dinner, seize a chunk from one of many meals vans at Tin Metropolis, or go to the historic downtown of Paso Robles to scope out the completely different eating places this vibrant metropolis has to supply.
You possibly can dine al fresco and benefit from the evening, as most of the eating places have out of doors seating and a view of the sq..
Refill on one thing tasty and take your time as you benefit from the final evening of your central California coast highway journey earlier than your return dwelling.
Extending Your California Central Coast Street Journey
If you wish to prolong your journey, you’ll be able to simply make your highway journey a one-way journey and drive all the way in which to San Francisco. It will help you verify off much more of California’s coastal gems like Large Sur, Monterey, and Santa Cruz.
Right here’s an prolonged itinerary:
- Day 7: Head up Freeway 1 to Large Sur, stopping to see the well-known McWay Falls and do some climbing (see our full Large Sur information for extra).
- Day 8: Begin the morning with a hike at Large Sur River Gorge earlier than driving up the coast to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey. You’ll want to cease for photographs!
- Day 9: Discover the various climbing and biking trails and sights round Monterey, together with the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. If you wish to get out on the water, guide a whale-watching tour or go kayaking with sea otters.
- Day 10: Drive north by way of Santa Cruz, stopping for a stroll and lunch alongside the Santa Cruz Seaside Boardwalk. Proceed on to the comfy city of Half Moon Bay the place you’ll be able to stretch your legs on one of many many seashores.
- Day 11: End in San Francisco! You would spend one other week exploring San Fran, but when it’s your first time, you’ll undoubtedly need to take an image on the Golden Gate Bridge and stroll round Golden Gate Park. Discover extra of our favourite outdoorsy issues to do in San Francisco right here.
What to Pack for Your Central California Coast Street Journey
What you pack will actually depend upon what sort of journey you’re planning. To start out, make sure to take a look at our Street Journey Necessities Packing Record.
If you wish to automobile camp or keep in a camper van, listed here are some tenting sources:
Automotive Tenting Necessities Packing Record
Under are a number of of my favourite items of automobile tenting gear and suggestions for the highway:
In the event you plan on climbing or doing a number of out of doors actions, take a look at these gear guides for our favourite gear suggestions:
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Profit from your go to to California. Use these associated posts to assist plan your epic highway journey:
Obtained any questions on doing a California Central Coast highway journey? Do you’ve got any suggestions or favourite stops so as to add? Tell us within the feedback beneath.
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