The Essential Guide to California’s Central Coast

Some people come to California to take in the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles or experience the 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 region covers about 350 miles between Ventura and Monterey Counties, and is probably best known for Big Sur, a postcard-perfect section of Highway 1 bordered by towering redwood trees on one side and blue Pacific waters on the other. You’ve more than likely seen a few pictures of the iconic Bixby Bridge during sunset.

Compared to its busier northern and southern neighbors, the Central Coast might come across as a bit on the sleepy side. Of course, it’s anything but. “We have a diversity of experiences here that range from the wonder of Big Sur to the iconic golf at Pebble Beach, to the shops, restaurants, and galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea, to the various wine experiences,” says Rob O’Keefe, president and CEO of See Monterey County. “It’s hard for people to fully wrap their minds around it.”

Indeed, you’d be hard-pressed to cram all of the Central Coast’s many highlights into one trip. But as noted by Mike Freed, cofounder of the Post Ranch Inn and a Central Coast resident of more than 40 years, the region is best experienced at a slower pace. “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 one Highway 1, and the views are so special.”

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to California’s Central Coast.

Best Hotels & Resorts

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern was featured in Travel + Leisure’s It List and took home the gold in the World’s Best Awards 2025 as the best hotel in California. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley community of Los Olivos, California, this expansive property comprises a series of cottages, suites, and studios. All of the rooms have been renovated to honor the hotel’s more than 100-year-old history while fully embracing modern creature comforts.

Villa Mara Carmel

Featured in our 2023 It List, the 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’s warm, cream-colored interiors and furnishings contrast with the sometimes moody seashore outside. Guests can also cozy up at the outdoor fire pit with a craft cocktail from Jesena’s Bar.

Post Ranch Inn

Perched above Big Sur’s thundering waves, the Post Ranch Inn appeared in T+L’s World’s Best Awards in 2023. From wood paneling in the rooms to heated outdoor infinity pools and the Michelin-recognized Sierra Mar restaurant, the property exudes quiet luxury. But the Post Ranch Inn also has an ecofriendly ethos, a factor of utmost importance in Big Sur’s unique environment.

“We have one of the largest solar systems in the state of California for a hotel,” Freed says. “We have our own farm, so we produce much of our own produce on the property, and we’re now working with a number of groups to do organic and regenerative agriculture.”

Alila Ventana Big Sur

You might 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. In terms of stays, you can lounge around in one of the 54 guest rooms and suites or spread out in one of 15 glamping tents for a night beneath the stars. Nearby Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a recognized dark sky location, too.

San Ysidro Ranch

A stay at Montecito’s idyllic San Ysidro Ranch puts you in good company—the property counts Winston Churchill, Groucho Marx, and John and Jackie Kennedy among its past guests. Plus, San Ysidro Ranch was voted the second best hotel in California in this year’s World’s Best Awards. Expect stylish details like outdoor rainfall showers, sunken in-room spa tubs, and four-poster canopy beds during your all-inclusive stay.

Best Things to Do

Explore Big Sur.

Big Sur is a veritable treasure trove of coastal scenery. Along this 90-mile stretch of Highway 1 (aka the Pacific Coast Highway) you’ll find no less than five California state parks, dramatic cliffs plunging into bright blue waters, and purple sand beaches.

A word of warning: Highway 1 closes periodically due to erosion, and a six-mile stretch of the road is currently closed. However, visitors can still enter from the north and south and drive up to the point of the closure.

“The Highway 1 driving experience is amazing,” says O’Keefe. “You can still get all the wonder and beauty of Highway 1, even when the road isn’t completely open. There’s camping, glamping, hotels, restaurants, shops, galleries—all of that’s still available to everybody.”

According to Freed, visitors should set out early or late in the day to make the most of their time in Big Sur. “The sunrises and sunsets are the best,” he says. “Try to avoid midday when the crowds are driving Highway 1, because it can get busy, especially when the road from the south is closed.”

Stroll through Monterey’s Cannery Row.

The northern end of the Central Coast is capped off by Monterey Bay, home to Cannery Row (of John Steinbeck fame). Once the hub of the local sardine canning industry, it’s now a picturesque spot to grab a bite to eat, play arcade games, and watch sea otters frolic in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offshore.

“You could come and make an entire two or three-day experience out of Cannery Row,” says O’Keefe. “It’s its own entertainment and tourism district.” 

No matter how long you spend here, you can’t visit Cannery Row without seeing the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which provides a glimpse into local marine life, including the Monterey Canyon, one of the deepest underwater canyons on the West Coast, via more than 200 exhibits.

Tour Hearst Castle.

Located in San Simeon, Hearst Castle is a sprawling mansion built by 20th-century media tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Once frequented by celebs like Clark Gable and Joan Crawford, Hearst Castle is now open to the public for tours, which showcase Hearst’s impressive art collection, massive swimming pools, and lush gardens. You might even spot some zebras—yes, zebras—grazing in the hills.

Attend a Wine Tasting

The Central Coast American Viticultural Area spans the entirety of the Central Coast and includes cute small towns known for their wine scenes, such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Atascadero. While the Central Coast doesn’t quite have the same name recognition as Napa or Sonoma yet, it could certainly give them a run for their money.

“Our wine country experience is almost like people would think Napa was like back in the ’70s,” says O’Keefe. “It’s very authentic, very easy to approach.”

There are hundreds of options up and down the Central Coast, but popular wineries include Biddle Ranch Vineyard in San Luis Obispo, Folktale Winery & Vineyard in Carmel, and Eberle Winery in Paso Robles.

Hike in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Though many visitors come to drive the Central Coast, you might want to spend some time exploring the area on foot as well. “Where else can you go in the world where you have so much open space and great hiking trails?” Freed asks. “There’s no better hiking anywhere in California, if not in the world.”

To get the quintessential Central Coast hiking experience (outside of Big Sur, of course), head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This 1,300-acre space has many of the same features as Andrew Molera and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Parks, including striking Monterey cypress trees and stellar sea views, but with fewer crowds.

Best Shopping

Downtown Solvang

The Danish-style town of Solvang is packed with tasteful art galleries and stores selling Scandinavian-inspired wares. After shopping, snap some pics of the charming Danish architecture and stop by Ostrichland USA to feed emus and ostrich on your way out of town.

Downtown San Luis Obispo

Downtown San Luis Obispo’s expansive retail scene has a little something for everyone. Fascinating used bookstores like Phoenix Books, one-of-a-kind gift stores like Idlewild Floral, and the music memorabilia-stuffed Boo Boo Records all make for a lively and varied day of shopping.

Harmony

With a population of just 18, the former dairy community of Harmony isn’t a town by any stretch of the imagination. It is, however, an excellent pit stop along Highway 1 to buy hand-blown glass pieces, wheel-thrown pottery, and a scoop of freshly churned ice cream. For a wider selection of handcrafted goodies, the town of Cambria (population 6,000) is just up the road.

Carmel Plaza

In the center of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the outdoor shopping center Carmel Plaza hosts luxury retailers and quaint boutiques alike. Come by to browse the selection at shops like Bottega Veneta and Beachwood Home, and stay to people-watch and snack on the outdoor patio.

State Street in Santa Barbara

State Street in Santa Barbara is lined with clothiers like Asher Market, brand-name department stores at Paseo Nuevo mall, and cafes like 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’s on Marsh

One of downtown San Luis Obispo’s culinary gems, Nate’s on Marsh serves up fresh takes on Italian classics like ragu, bolognese, and lasagne. Recognized by the Michelin Guide in 2022, Nate’s on Marsh is fast becoming a local landmark. Specials like veal osso buco tend to grab most of the attention, but no matter what you order, you’re sure to leave full and satisfied.

Six Test Kitchen

Paso Robles’ Six Test Kitchen earned its Michelin star thanks to its focus on seasonal produce and inventive flavor profiles. The 12-course tasting menu shifts, but past dishes have included aged pork loin and barley koji ice cream served with whipped miso. Bring an adventurous set of taste buds, and you won’t be disappointed. 

Nepenthe

Skip the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on your trip to Big Sur and get lunch at Nepenthe instead. This clifftop restaurant boasts colorful, California-cool decor and menu staples like a fresh beet salad and juicy hamburgers. Be sure to check out the wine menu, which is all about local vintners.

Bettina

Pizza fans, look no further than Santa Barbara’s Bettina. This Michelin Bib Gourmand-designated spot fires up a variety of pies topped with everything from maitake trumpet mushrooms to locally produced 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

If the expansive seafood menu or the Michelin recognition at the Sardine Factory doesn’t impress you, then the conservatory-style dining room just might. This Monterey restaurant is a classic, and you’ll be tucking into lobster linguine, freshly shucked oysters, and Spanish-style octopus before you know it. 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.

Best Time to Visit

Since California is famous for its year-round balmy weather, you can enjoy a trip to the Central Coast in just about 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. However, the clouds typically give way to blue skies by midday. Other than that, you could time your visit to one of the Central Coast’s many events, like the Cayucos Sea Glass Festival in March, the Carmel Bach Festival in July, Carpinteria’s California Avocado Festival in October, or the Cambria Christmas Market in late November and December.

How to Get There

One of the best things about the Central Coast is simply getting there by car, and the ocean-view roads here are some of the most gorgeous in the country.

The Central Coast is roughly halfway between L.A. and San Francisco, and your drive times will depend on the places you’d like to visit. Big Sur, a point of interest for many Central Coast visitors, is about 350 miles from L.A. (approximately a six-hour drive) and a little under 150 miles from San Francisco or about a three-hour drive.

If you’re flying in from another part of the country, there are several airports sprinkled throughout the area, including Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), SLO County Airport (SLO), and Santa Maria Airport (SMX). You could also choose to fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) if you want more flexible or direct flight options. Since there’s no public transportation connecting the Central Coast, you’ll need to rent a car. Depending on where on the Central Coast you want to go, however, you could also ride the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which runs between San Diego and San Luis Obispo—it has famously stunning views, too.

How to Get Around

You’ll almost certainly need a car to fully explore the breadth of the Central Coast. With that said, some towns and cities may be accessible by bike or public transport. For example, Monterey offers a free trolley during the summer, San Luis Obispo has plenty of bike lanes, and Santa Barbara’s bus system is easy to use.