Discover the most popular places to visit in Central Coast California
Photo by Adri VDM Photography
Open Photo by Adri VDM Photography
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
8.8/10 (6,089 reviews)
Experience America's classic seaside fun at this historic amusement park, home to two National Historic Landmarks. Ride the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden coaster or enjoy carnival games before stepping onto the sandy beach.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
9.2/10 (5,928 reviews)
The Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases over 35,000 sea creatures in its innovative conservation-focused exhibits. Watch playful sea otters, marvel at the towering Kelp Forest, or spot wild whales from the ocean-view decks.
Carmel Beach
9.6/10 (5,436 reviews)
Carmel Beach captivates with pristine white sands and cypress-framed Pacific views. Arrive for sunset when golden light transforms the shoreline into California's most magical coastal moment.
17-Mile Drive
9.4/10 (1,947 reviews)
This legendary coastal route winds along California's Monterey Peninsula, showcasing dramatic Pacific views and the iconic Lone Cypress. Stop at viewpoints to spot sea lions or enjoy a sunset meal at Pebble Beach Resort.
Cannery Row
9.0/10 (8,046 reviews)
This historic waterfront district transformed from sardine canneries into a vibrant cultural hub. Explore boutique shops in converted industrial buildings while enjoying spectacular views of Monterey Bay's marine life.
Pismo Beach Pier
9.2/10 (5,290 reviews)
This wooden pier stretches into the Pacific, offering panoramic ocean views and prime fishing spots. Stroll along at sunset, then explore the vibrant plaza with its illuminated Pismo Beach sign.
Hearst Castle
9.4/10 (2,346 reviews)
William Randolph Hearst's opulent estate showcases lavish architecture and an extensive art collection. Take a guided tour through the 115-room mansion and enjoy panoramic Pacific Ocean views from the hilltop setting.
"Be sure to ask for the “tower side” of the hotel otherwise you will be staying in the old side of the hotel. My room was dark, old and dingy. Did not like."
"Clean room but the tv and internet did not work we never had tv stations that played it kept going out the whole stay very annoying we never watched the tv."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Why should I book my Central Coast California holiday with Expedia?
Choose Expedia to plan your next big escape easily and all in one place. Our insider tip for landing a terrific deal on a Central Coast California retreat? Bundle your hotel, flights and/or hire car into a package holiday. Then add a few fun tours and activities. Many bookings also have flexible cancellation policies, so there's no need to stress if you have to switch up your travel agenda. Round-the-clock help with making changes to your trip is available via our Customer Service Portal link.
When is the best time of year to holiday in Central Coast California?
If you're eager to experience the vibe of Central Coast California in the high season, plan your adventure for March, June and July. September, October and December are typically the quietest months of the year. To get an idea of the type of weather to expect, the daytime average temperature in January, the coolest month in Central Coast California, is 11ºC. The warmest period here is July, when temperatures average 20ºC.
What are the top hotels for my holiday in Central Coast California?
How do I get a cheap holiday to Central Coast California?
Book everything in one place with our Central Coast California holidays. We have deals on hotels, flights and more that'll keep your pocket happy and adventurous side satisfied. And, with more than 400 partner airlines and 321,000 properties globally to select from, you have countless opportunities to mix and match all you want. Learn more about how you can save money on your holiday when you combine your flight and hotel bookings with Expedia.
What should I do on my Central Coast California holiday?
What are the best cities to stay in when on holiday in Central Coast California?
There are plenty of excellent places to stay in Central Coast California, such as Santa Barbara. This city is home to iconic sights including University of California, Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Another option is to make a beeline for Monterey, where you'll discover Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fishermans Wharf. If you're here for a while, visit both fun-filled cities!
Do I need a visa for my Central Coast California holiday?
Check the latest rules on official government websites. Your nationality and whether you're visiting for study, business or leisure will determine if you'll need a visa for Central Coast California. Familiarise yourself with the application process, including the required documentation, turnaround times and fees. Finalise your application well in advance to allow plenty of time for processing. Some visas can take weeks or even months to go through, depending on the country and time of year.
What should I wear on my Central Coast California holiday?
Do some research into the types of clothing people in Central Coast California wear, and maybe even browse style blogs for some fashion inspiration. Whatever your look, aim to create a versatile wardrobe full of pieces that work for your destination and show off your personal style. The weather will determine your choice of clothing, so monitor the forecasts for the places you want to visit. Central Coast California has its warmest month in July, with average daytime temperatures of 20ºC. January is the coolest time of year here with the mercury averaging 11ºC in the daytime.
What does an Expedia Central Coast California holiday include?
Hotels, car hires and flights, or any combination of the three — it's your pick! Whether you're visiting Central Coast California with the whole family or adventuring solo, there's a package to match every budget and style. Once you've made your booking, why not add on some tours or activities? Expedia has a wide array of properties in Central Coast California, giving you the freedom and flexibility to tailor your holiday. Private holiday homes and condos are some of the most popular stays for our guests here.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Central Coast California holidays?
Yes. Expedia has joined forces with online lender Klarna to help you conveniently pay for your holiday in instalments. Simply pick the payment plan that suits best during checkout and take away the stress of budgeting for your trip. Remember to bundle your flights, accommodation and car hire with Expedia to get the biggest bang for your travel buck. Browse our flexible payment options below:
Pay monthly holidays: Klarna offers convenient monthly payment plans that work for all budgets, so you can have that well-deserved holiday sooner.
No-deposit holidays: Pressing the "book now" button is easier with this payment plan. With no upfront fee for your getaway, you can Book Now, Pay Later and start working on your travel plans.
Can I choose my airline with a Central Coast California Expedia holiday?
Most definitely. Expedia has over 400 partner airlines to pick from around the world. With such a huge range of choices, finding the ideal carrier to take you to Central Coast California will be a breeze.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.