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Download our Central Coast Visitor Gude
  • Entire Publication (8.9mb .pdf)

  • By County:
  • Santa Cruz
  • Santa Clara
  • San Benito
  • Monterey
  • San Luis Obispo
  • Santa Barbara
  • Ventura
  •  

     

    The Central Coast of California comprises seven coastal counties of the Golden State, lying between Santa Cruz, two hours south of San Francisco, and Oxnard, about an hour north of Los Angeles. The Central Coast comprises some 300 miles of the state’s inimitable coastline and 14,333 square miles of spectacular—and spectacularly varied—California landscape. The region encompasses half a dozen mountain ranges, and more than half of California’s 21 historic Jesuit missions.

    Search our Member Database for Lodging, Restaurants, Shopping, Tours and more

    Use our listings to make advance reservations at one of the area's fabulous luxury resorts or a charming bed and breakfast inn. Or plan to stay at a hotel or motel where everything you need is within walking distance. For the ultimate in relaxation indulge yourself in one of the many "Spa Packages" available at fine hotels, resorts and spas in the region. Whatever you're looking for in the way of accommodations you're sure to find it on the Central Coast.

    Visitor Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce (listed for each city) will have complete details on recreation in that region. As you make your travel plans, be assured that a delightful array of options await you no matter where you choose to stay.

    Also on the Central Coast are major attractions such as Hearst Castle, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Many of California's historic missions are located on the Central Coast and can be toured during your visit. Local Visitors Bureaus can provide a calendar of events that notes many exciting cultural festivals that take place during the year. We also provide on this web site a link to the State of California Tourism's Event Calendar.

    In addition to recreational pursuits, more and more travelers are looking for ways to experience the natural attractions of their vacation destination. In addition to natural beauty, the Central Coast is home to a variety of wildlife. In Monterey County, Elkhorn Slough Preserve in Moss Landing is an annual spot for thousands of birds. Another fascinating wetlands is Ormand Beach in Ventura County.

    Central Coast Tourism Council
    1601 Anacapa Street
    Santa Barbara, CA 93101-4851
    Email

    In partnership with California Travel & Tourism Commission & the Central Coast Tourism Council

     

    On behalf of the Board of Director and members of California' Central Coast Tourism Council, I wish to welcome you to our beautiful region. Whether this is your first visit or a return trip, the area is a vista of scenic pleasures to suit your perfect California vacation.

    If you are traveling between Los Angeles and San Francisco our cities and beaches welcome your visit with small town hospitality. We have it all: History, with 11 of the historic California Missions, Recreation, from local theater and performing arts, award-winning wineries, fabulous biking and hiking trails, water ports on lakes, and wide open spaces with miles of white sandy beaches.

    We offer delicious dining, shopping from antiques to outlet centers, and all types of lodging from camping to full-service resorts. Enjoy our watchable wildlife and spectacular sunsets and lush agriculture with an abundance of produce.

    We hope this guide will become your companion to plan your trip, as well as when you travel in the future. May your visit be enjoyable and memorable, experiencing the serenity and sights of California's Central Coast.

    Suzen Brasile,
    President
    Central Coast Tourism Council

     
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