THINGS TO DO IN THE CENTRAL COAST
Few places in the world can rival the quality and diversity of the Central Coast’s activities and attractions. Its beaches range from sun-drenched favorites for surfing to wild and remote stretches ideal for long walks. With all of its state and national parks, the Central Coast lets you escape into natural areas for bicycling, hiking, bird watching, and fishing. The region offers world-class attractions, including Hearst Castle and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, as well as beautiful hidden spots beloved by locals. Shoppers will find both quaint streets in historic downtowns lined by boutiques and galleries and big outlet centers where you’re guaranteed to find bargains.
Things to Do
Listings
Discover nature's treasures as you explore California's most scenic drive.
Scenic beach with coastal trails among the dunes and shoreline.
Atascadero Chamber of Commerce offers the most up-to-date travel information.
All-suite beach front hotel just steps from the sand in Avila Beach.
Marine life education center and touch tanks located in Avila Beach.
Avila Valley Barn is a one-of-a-kind wholesome family fun spot.
Largest ancient coast redwoods forest south of San Francisco.
Unique & Authentic Wine Tours since 1995. Public & Private w/fun wine education.
The Buellton Visitors Bureau is open 7 days a week for your convenience.
Casually unique garden-themed property near beach, wineries, and Hearst Castle.
Experience what Carmel has to offer-the beach, food & wine, culture and more!
A splendid natural setting with small town charm.
A coastal gem located about an hour north of Los Angeles.
Host to a huge variety of plants & animals and more than 100 historic shipwrecks
Southern California's #1 Sportfishing destination. Fishing the Channel Islands.
Located in Atascadero, the zoo has many great animal exhibits - fun for all.
Chumash Casino Resort is your wine country gaming destination!
Paso Robles has an authentic California experience to share with you.
San Luis Obispo - one central location; something for all tastes.
Year 'round whale watching aboard the high speed catamaran - the CONDOR Express.
The only 4-Diamond, oceanfront resort in Pismo Beach with luxury suites.
A perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping.
Trails and waterways that meander through woodlands, tidal creeks and marshes.
Ride the rails of our vintage train through the pristine Heritage Valley.
Three days of incredible food, beverages, arts & crafts, and live entertainment.
GVB promotes the community of Gilroy, known as the "Garlic Capital of the World"
A great spot for fishing, watching commercial fishing and dining.
Historic House Museum and CA State Park unit.
Step back in time in Heritage Valley, along Highway 126 in rural Ventura County.
Visit historic Downtown Hollister and enjoy our rural sensibility.
A secluded, luxury boutique hotel in the heart of historic Santa Barbara.
Cruising the Channel Islands for education, recreation and research since 1968.
Visit this incredibly scenic waterfall, which flows year-round.
An upscale, full Service hotel in wine country with restaurant, conference room
Lompoc - the City of Arts & Flowers
Visit the most extensively restored mission in California.
Located in downtown Ventura, the ninth of California's 21 missions.
Historic site in Carmel, with beautiful scenery.
Explore the wonders of the beautiful mission, over 200 years old.
The fifth mission, includes a public plaza built along San Luis Obispo Creek.
Queen of the Missions, offering self-guided tours daily.
Historical Mission, which commands a superb view of the Santa Ynez River Valley.
Rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal streams, canyons, and hiking.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium was named the #1 Aquarium in the U. S.
Monterey County the greatest meeting of Land and Sea on the Pacific Coast of USA
An interesting and fun aquarium and rehabilitation center for marine mammals.
Working harbor on Monterey Bay with many sightseeing and fishing vessels.
Literary museum dedicated to Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Steinbeck.
Scenic beach with its famous natural bridge and Monarch Grove.
Casual yet classy. Artsy and eclectic. Romantic and rejuvenating.
A nostalgic home to many cultural attractions, museums, galleries and dining.
The Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau assists with visitor & meeting needs.
Pajaro Dunes Resort situated on Monterey Bay offers beachfront vacation rentals.
World Class Vacation Rentals
A historic Inn and Steakhouse located in the heart of Paso Robles wine country.
The site of golf's most prestigious tournaments.
Camping, hiking, rock climbing, and caving among these dramatic rock formations.
Pismo Beach is classic California, a perfect little cozy beachside community.
Long white beaches, spectacular views and loads of activities.
Savings of Up To 65% at your Favorite Brand-Name Outlet Stores.
All-suite oceanfront family hotel set atop the bluffs in Pismo Beach.
Outstanding sightseeing - this area contains headlands, coves and rolling meadow
A working, deep water harbor between Los Angeles and the San Francisco.
Wild horse sanctuary offers tours, retreats, photo safaris, & volunteer programs
See towering redwood trees from two historic railroads.
A must-see attraction! Tour through Air Force One, view replica of Oval Office!
Take an eco-adventure: sail to the Channel Islands with Capt. Dan.
Displays diverse plant life of the Mediterranean climate zones of the world.
Fantastic shopping along State Street with open-air paseos and fountains.
A living museum preserving many rare plants in a beautiful setting.
Explore Santa Barbara history at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Park.
More than 500 animals are exhibited in open habitats.
Experience the quintessential California vacation in Santa Cruz County!
The Santa Maria Valley boasts world-famous barbecue, agriculture and arts.
The Santa Maria Valley is California's Sweet Spot, between LA and San Francisco!
Ocean science lab: touch pools, exhibits, tours, world's largest whale skeleton.
Solvang features an authentic Danish village, windmills and Scandinavian dining.
Top Travel Rated Wine Tours Daily throughout Santa Barbara & Paso Robles
Offers numerous marine exhibits, aquariums and a view of the local sea life.
Ventura Harbor, where visitors can relax in a sun kissed oceanfront playground.
Ventura-A relaxed escape in a spectacular coastal setting.
Your travel guide to the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.
Beach, bike path along scenic cliffs and famous surfing location.
The Wildling Art Museum is dedicated to the art of America's wilderness.
