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Open full screen to view more. This map was created by a user. Learn how to create your own. A road trip from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz, which explores some of the wonders of California's...
Central Coast Road Conditions & Highway Information. Road conditions are subject to change with seasons and closures. Please check Cal Trans for current status. Cal Trans Road Conditions Quick Map. Desktop Version.
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Where is California's Central Coast?
What is a California coast road trip?
How long does it take to road trip the central California coast?
What makes up the central California coast?
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Recommended Time: 2 nights. Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The fairytale village of Carmel has always had my heart, with its charming architecture, twisting trees, and quaint streets to explore.
- Big Sur, California. Recommended Time: 1-2 nights. Things to Do in Big Sur. Big Sur might just be the star of your Central Coast road trip. It’s all about nature here, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park—referred to as a “mini Yosemite”—is one of my favorite places to experience it, with ample redwoods and creeks to explore.
- Cambria and Cayucos, California. Recommended Time: Pass through during the drive or consider 1 night in Cambria. Things to Do in Cambria and Cayucos.
- Santa Ynez Valley, California. Recommended Time: 2 nights. Things to Do in Santa Ynez Valley. One of the main attractions of this area is wine, and you can’t leave without popping into a tasting room or visiting a vineyard.
Jan 23, 2024 · This map shows cities, towns, interstate highways, U.S. highways, state highways, state capital, county seats, airports, welcome centers, wildlife viewing areas, California missions, lighhouses, national parks, national forests, state parks and points of interest on the California Central Coast.
- Central California Coast Road Trip Basics
- Central California Coast Road Trip Itinerary
- Extending Your California Central Coast Road Trip
- What to Pack For Your Central California Coast Road Trip
What is the Central California Coast?
Most people are familiar with Northern California (San Francisco and above) and Southern California (Los Angeles south), but what is the Central California coast? While there’s no exact definition of what makes up the Central California Coast, it’s commonly accepted that this section stretches between Ventura County in the south to Santa Cruz in the north. In between Ventura and Santa Cruz, there is an amazing array of stunning beaches, wild mountainsides, small coastal towns, great restauran...
How much time do you need to road trip the Central California Coast?
This itinerary is for 6 days, which is a good amount of time to get a feel for the region, although if you have more time you can certainly dive deeper. If you only have a weekend, I recommend picking one area to explore – like Ojai, Santa Barbara, or Big Sur for example. My biggest tip – don’t rush it. The Central California Coast operates at a slower pace and is meant to be enjoyed at a slower pace as well. Use the information here to customize your own trip based on your priorities and the...
Best Way to Explore the Central California Coast
You’ll definitely want a car or campervan for any central California coast road trip. If you plan on staying in hotels or accommodations, a car will be fine. A rental car can be picked up in Ventura or the Los Angeles area if you’re going south to north or in San Francisco if you’re going north to south. If you want to experience some of California’s best campgrounds, I highly recommend renting a campervan. Not only will this allow you to be more flexible, but you really can’t beat camping on...
There are infinite ways to explore the central California Coast with so many things to see and do. Below is my 6-day itinerary with a few options for extending or customizing your trip. 1. Day 1: Arrive in Ventura 2. Day 2:Ventura 3. Day 3: Ojai 4. Day 4: Santa Barbara 5. Day 5: Avila Beach and Cambria 6. Day 6: Morro Bay If you have more time, con...
If you want to extend your trip, you can easily make your road trip a one-way adventure and drive all the way to San Francisco. This will allow you to check off even more of California’s coastal gems like Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Cruz. Here’s an extended itinerary: 1. Day 7: Head up Highway 1 to Big Sur, stopping to see the famous McWay Falls a...
What you pack will really depend on what kind of trip you’re planning. To start, be sure to check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List. If you want to car camp or stay in a camper van, here are some camping resources: 1. Car Camping Essentials + Packing List 2. Car Camping 101: A Beginners Guide 3. Van Life Essentials If you plan on hiking or ...
May 17, 2024 · Our Ultimate California Central Coast Road Trip Itinerary. By: Sharlene Earnshaw. Last updated: May 17, 2024. The California Central Coast is one of the most scenic destinations in the United States, and a California Central Coast road trip should be on every family’s bucket list.
Aug 4, 2020 · California’s famous central coast stretches from just north of Los Angeles in Ventura County to south of San Francisco in Santa Clara, encompassing the spectacular regions of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Big Sur, and Monterey.
