[ad_1]
A California Coast street journey is a ceremony of passage for any outside journey traveler, and the central coast of California is especially iconic. This stretch of the Pacific Coast Freeway supplies unimaginable ocean views, lovely sights, quick access to quaint California seaside cities, and naturally, limitless alternatives for outside 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 Concept crew who’ve spent plenty of time exploring this area.
This itinerary combines outside adventures with top-notch alternatives to expertise the native tradition of the Central California Coast from Ventura to Cambria, with data on visiting further 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 accommodations, and hidden gems which might be simply off the overwhelmed path, this itinerary won’t disappoint.
Make sure to try the video of my Central California Coast Highway Journey under as nicely.
Central California Coast Highway 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 precise 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 a tremendous array of beautiful 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’ll want to street 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 actually dive deeper. Should 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 nicely. Use the data right here to customise your individual journey based mostly in your priorities and the period of time you may have.
Greatest Solution to Discover the Central California Coast
You’ll positively desire a automotive or campervan for any central California coast street journey. Should you plan on staying in accommodations or lodging, a automotive will probably be fantastic. A rental automotive 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 advocate renting a campervan. Not solely will this permit you to be extra versatile, however you actually can’t beat tenting on the seaside! Take a look at our checklist of campervan rental corporations for concepts.
Greatest Time for a California Central Coast Highway Journey
California is understood for its sunny climate and delicate local weather, so you’ll be able to actually plan a street journey any time of the yr. Listed here are just a few issues based mostly on the season:
Spring is a good time to plan a California Central Coast street 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 usually the busiest time of yr 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 nicely whereas in summer season it’s possible you’ll expertise “June gloom” the place the coast is commonly 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 remember once you plan your journey.
Central California Coast Highway Journey Itinerary
There are infinite methods to discover the central California Coast with so many issues to see and do. Beneath is my 6-day itinerary with just a few 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 under as nicely.
Day 1: Discover Downtown Ventura & Hit the Seaside
We began our California street journey within the energetic seaside city of Ventura. Ventura is understood for its iconic seaside 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 a 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 chew and morning espresso at Palm & Boy Espresso within the middle of downtown Ventura. This cozy indoor and outside 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 the direction of the seaside to the Go to Ventura Guests and Conference Heart. Right here you’ll discover plenty of inspiration and concepts to plan out your day. We propose chatting with one of many super-friendly people who work on the Tourism Heart.
The morning and early afternoon in coastal California generally is a bit overcast relying on the time of yr, which makes it the best time to pop out and in of Ventura’s distinctive and colourful outlets. Take a look at Passport Habits, an eclectic travel-themed store, positioned on East Predominant Road in downtown Ventura, Jockamo Data, Iron & Resin, and the Patagonia Flagship retailer to call just a few.
Afternoon
For lunch, chow down some tacos at Seaside Home Tacos on the historic Ventura Pier. If the climate is sweet, head to the seaside 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.
Should 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/outside 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 first-rate beachfront spot to observe 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 up 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 excellent outside patio. In order for you one thing just a little extra informal, try Fluid State Beer Backyard, which serves pizza and inventive 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 e book prematurely to attain websites 6-13 which have essentially the most house and the perfect views (though there are not any hookups at these particular website 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: In order for you a novel expertise, e book a classic trailer at Waypoint Ventura Classic Trailer Resort & RV Park. These trailers have been impeccably reworked for an expensive classic keep. You too can deliver your individual 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
Should 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 may hire bikes at Bike Depot, which is positioned proper on the outskirts of downtown Ventura.
The pleasant employees at Bike Depot may give you strategies on the place to journey. Ventura is a particularly 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 strategies
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 option to get some train and see a unique facet of Ventura, particularly within the spring when every thing is inexperienced.
After all, you don’t need to pedal the total 34 miles out and again to take pleasure in it! Should you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable cease alongside the way in which, try Ventura Spirits Firm. The tasting room is open for drop-ins Monday via Friday 12 pm – 5pm and by reservation on the weekends.
Ventura Coastal Bike Path: Through the hotter months when the River Path will get too scorching, you’ll be higher off driving the Ventura Coastal Bike Path to catch a cooling ocean breeze. Take a motorcycle map with you from the Bike Depot, for the reason that coastal path has some sections which might be on the road.
Afternoon
If you return out of your journey, 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 assist and produce collectively native and world artists in an inspiring outside house.
You may stroll across the artist studios, chat with the sculptors about their work, and browse the gallery. Should you get the prospect, go see if Ramon is round to take a look at his unimaginable stonework!
Night
By this time, you’ll be prepared for a chilly drink, so quench your thirst at Topa Topa Brewery for pleased hour drinks. Then head to one among Ventura’s vigorous eating places like Social Faucet or Rice By Mama, two eateries that the locals rave about.
Tip: Should you’re seeking to develop 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. Take a look at the Channel Islands Journey Firm for sea cave kayaking excursions on Santa Cruz Island. Tenting can 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. Exterior the downtown space, you’ll discover lovely open areas for mountaineering 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 seaside city to bucolic landscapes crammed with farms, wineries, and mountains.
Whether or not it’s a sunny day or not, you’ll have enjoyable exploring Ojai. I liked 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 looking the outlets and refuel over at Hip Vegan for a nourishing meal created from 100% vegan substances. It’s just a little off the primary drag however has an exceptional menu that’ll hit the spot once you’re craving basic California well being meals.
Should you’re simply on the lookout for just a little vitality 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: Should 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 Road. 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 mountaineering trails, bike paths, picnic areas, and view factors. You too can hire a ship or deliver your individual kayak or SUP. There’s a $10 entry charge for automobiles, nevertheless, it does fluctuate relying on holidays and weekends — test 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, try 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 delightful rooms embellished in a tranquil, Southwestern model. I extremely advocate having fun with a soak of their scorching tub or a swim within the pool. Their sister resort, the Blue Iguana Inn, is equally fantastic and is positioned on the bike path so you’ll be able to bike proper into city on one among their rental bikes.
Caravan Outpost: For a novel keep that matches Ojai’s eclectic vibe, e book an Airstream at Caravan Outpost. Every Airstream is fantastically embellished and surrounded by lush gardens.
Day 4: Head to Santa Barbara
The subsequent cease in your central California coast street journey is sunny Santa Barbara, California the place there are tons of issues to do relying in your pursuits.
Vital: It’s unlawful to park outsized automobiles – 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 limitless however just a few favorites embody 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 few of the Asian fare at Empty Bowl. Get the curry soup, you gained’t remorse it! Or for these craving tacos, hit one of many many taquerias close to Milpas Road, together with Julia Youngster’s favourite taco stand, La Tremendous-Rica Taqueria.
Wash down lunch with a cease at one among Santa Barbara’s many city wineries or breweries within the Funk Zone. A couple of Bearfoot Concept crew favorites for wine tasting embody Carr, Pali, and Municipal Winemakers (domestically often called Muni). For native beer, try 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 house to meander alongside the shoreline together with your furry buddy.
Right here you’ll additionally discover the Boathouse Restaurant which is just about the perfect place in Santa Barbara to seize pleased 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 observe the sundown over the Pacific.
Should you’re on the lookout for an excellent ambiance, strive Zaytoon (Lebanese & Center Japanese delicacies) for dinner the place you’ll be able to sit round fireplace pits whereas listening to stay music.
Tip: Should you’re seeking to develop 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 certainly 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
Positioned halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles is San Luis Obispo County, in any other case often called SLO Cal.
Many individuals love this a part of the Central Coast for its picturesque California seaside cities which might be extra laid again than these nearer to metropolis life.
Morning
In your method out of Santa Barbara on Freeway 154, take a fast detour up Painted Cave Highway. Comply with the winding street as much as a scenic lookout the place you’ll be able to pull off the street into a dust parking zone. Absorb the breathtaking panoramic views of the town and coast from this distinctive vantage level.
From Painted Cave Highway, it’s solely a brief drive to Chilly Springs Tavern, a divey native favourite tucked away within the hills. This biker bar is known for its BBQ Tri-Tip Sandwich and stay music on the weekends.
You probably have time, the world surrounding the tavern is filled with nice hikes. I like to recommend utilizing All Trails or one other mountaineering app to lookup a well-rated hike that fits your expertise and desire.
As you proceed north on Freeway 101, I extremely advocate grabbing a chew 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 exterior 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 methods 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 seaside that has wildflowers, eucalyptus timber, outdated maritime constructions, and most significantly, a wood swing!
Should you’re hungry once you get again, head to Fats Cats Cafe. It’s an area favourite and conveniently positioned throughout the parking zone from the Paddle Sports activities storefront.
Night
Hop again within the automotive 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 seaside boardwalk. You too can proceed just a few 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 mountaineering and an excellent campground or you’ll be able to head north to San Simeon to see elephant seals and Hearst Fort (you’ll want to make a reservation). The historic city of San Luis Obispo can be a stone’s throw away.
Cambria Seaside Lodge: I extremely advocate 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 liked the pure aesthetic, the soothing colours, and the small particulars that made a huge impact. Spend as a lot time right here as you’ll be able to! It’ll depart you feeling relaxed and impressed.
Day 6: Morro Bay + Tin Metropolis
Make the ultimate day of your central California coastal street journey an adventurous one which’s stuffed 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 method into the downtown space.
Cease at Frankie & Lola’s for a hearty and basic breakfast. Don’t refill an excessive amount of, although, as a result of whale watching is subsequent. Relying on the time of yr, swells can get huge and the boat journey generally is a bit rocky.
Morro Bay Whale Watching gives guided excursions on the open water to present you a glimpse of SLO Cal’s most well-known guests.
Should you time it proper, you’ll be able to catch:
- Humpbacks on their northbound migration from late March via April into Could
- Blue Whales from April via the summer season
- Grey whales from March to Could
Or catch all of them going southbound from December via February.
Afternoon
When you’ve made your method 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 lower brief if you wish to drive as much as the parking zone close to the hilltop as an alternative.
It’s an fulfilling and reasonable hike with simply over 500 toes of elevation acquire that in the end has you topping off with 360-degree views of the coast, metropolis, and hills behind you.
Eat your lunch right here and snap just a few pics. Ensure you deliver sunscreen, bug spray, solar safety, and loads of water as there’s little or no shade.
To wrap up your street journey, cruise out to Tin Metropolis in Paso Robles. Positioned 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.
Take a look at 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 chew from one of many meals vans at Tin Metropolis, or go to the historic downtown of Paso Robles to scope out the totally different eating places this vibrant metropolis has to supply.
You may dine al fresco and benefit from the night time, as most of the eating places have outside seating and a view of the sq..
Replenish on one thing tasty and take your time as you benefit from the final night time of your central California coast street journey earlier than your return dwelling.
Extending Your California Central Coast Highway Journey
If you wish to lengthen your journey, you’ll be able to simply make your street journey a one-way journey and drive all the way in which to San Francisco. This may permit you to test 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 mountaineering (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. Make sure to cease for pictures!
- Day 9: Discover the various mountaineering and biking trails and sights round Monterey, together with the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. If you wish to get out on the water, e book a whale-watching tour or go kayaking with sea otters.
- Day 10: Drive north via 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 possibly can spend one other week exploring San Fran, but when it’s your first time, you’ll positively 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 Highway Journey
What you pack will actually rely on what sort of journey you’re planning. To start out, you’ll want to try our Highway Journey Necessities Packing Record.
If you wish to automotive camp or keep in a camper van, listed here are some tenting assets:
Automobile Tenting Necessities Packing Record
Beneath are just a few of my favourite items of automotive tenting gear and suggestions for the street:
Should you plan on mountaineering or doing a whole lot of outside actions, try these gear guides for our favourite gear suggestions:
Save this submit to Pinterest
Take advantage of your go to to California. Use these associated posts to assist plan your epic street journey:
Obtained any questions on doing a California Central Coast street journey? Do you may have any suggestions or favourite stops so as to add? Tell us within the feedback under.
Associated Posts
[ad_2]
