Credit: Visit Ventura
Dive into the Singular Essence of the Central Coast
9 days of itinerary inspiration for California road trippers in search of discovery, hidden gems and authentic character
This itinerary is for anyone who enjoys unique tours, surf culture, the western lifestyle and getting off the beaten path. From connecting to nature and savoring hyper-regional cuisine to browsing independent shops and experiencing storied Central Coast attractions, every day offers the opportunity to expand your horizons, take in stunning scenery and connect with welcoming locals. You’ll start in Ventura with a Channel Islands adventure and make your way up the coast to Santa Cruz with road stops in charming wine country towns, seaside villages and walkable urban communities.
Credit: Visit Ventura
Day 1: Ventura and Channel Islands National Park
Arrive in Ventura the night before to position yourself for an early morning ferry departure from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park. Book a guided sea cave kayaking tour with Channel Islands Adventure Company. They’ll outfit you with all the gear, and guides will inform you about the marine life and island ecosystem as you navigate sea caves together. Before heading back to the mainland, wander towards the campground to spot adorable Channel Islands foxes and take a short hike to get an elevated view.
After refreshing at your hotel, head out for an evening in downtown Ventura. Wander Main Street and browse the shops, including locally rooted lifestyle brands Iron & Resin and Patagonia. Have dinner at a local favorite such as Jaguar Moon, Rumfish y Vino or Model Citizen.
Driving Time: 10 minutes
Overnight: Ventura
Credit: Shannon Brooks
Day 2: Ventura to Ojai
Watch the sunrise over downtown Ventura and the Pacific Ocean at the Ventura Botanical Gardens. Head to the vibrant Midtown neighborhood for a morning walkabout. Grab coffee at Singing Sun Coffee, a health tonic at Edenic Smoothies or go for a heartier full breakfast at Pete’s Breakfast House. Check out the murals and independent shops selling books, plants and vintage clothing before hitting the road for Ojai.
Continue your browsing in the artsy enclave of Ojai. Don’t miss the world’s largest outdoor bookstore, Bart’s Books, and handcrafted jewelry at the Jes Maharry Ojai Flagship Store. Pop into The Ojai Vineyard tasting room for a glass of wine by the respected regional label.
Before sunset, find a spot to look for Ojai’s famous “Pink Moment” phenomenon, when the Topatopa Mountains glow. Do dinner at The Dutchess, Rory’s Place or Pinyon right in town, or head to Ojai’s oldest watering hole, Deer Lodge, for live music, billiards and elevated roadhouse eats.
Driving Time: 30 minutes
Overnight: Ojai
Credit: Blake Bronstad, Courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara
Day 3: Ojai to Santa Barbara
Start the morning with a peaceful walk at Meditation Mount or a yoga class at Light and Space. Nourish yourself with organic breakfast fare at Farmer and the Cook before departing for Santa Barbara.
Plan ahead and book a guided tour of Ganna Walska Lotusland, considered one of the world’s most magnificent botanic gardens. If architecture is more your speed, tour Casa del Herrero, another Montecito estate with a fascinating history. Keep the architecture and history lessons going in downtown Santa Barbara, taking in the 360-degree views from the top of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse clocktower and admiring Mission Santa Barbara, known as the “Queen of the Missions.”
Spend the evening in the historic ARTS District, a hub of performing arts venues, bars and restaurants. Savor regional bounty at top-rated restaurants such as bouchon, Olio e Limone and Sama Sama Kitchen, or graze through the Santa Barbara Public Market.
Driving Time: 45 minutes
Overnight: Santa Barbara
Credit: @alisalranch
Day 4: Santa Barbara to Santa Ynez Valley
Head to the Santa Barbara Waterfront for a sunrise walk along Cabrillo Boulevard or watch the surfers from Shoreline Park. If you feel like splashing around, book a guided Harbor & Wildlife kayak excursion with Santa Barbara Adventure Company.
Check out and drive to the Santa Ynez Valley via Highway 154, stopping at Cold Spring Tavern for lunch at the former stagecoach stop that dates back to 1886. Mosey around the township of Santa Ynez to shop for refined western goods and stylish wares.
Check into Alisal Guest Ranch for a luxury dude ranch experience with a Californian twist. Take advantage of the bucolic grounds and robust line-up of activities including pickleball, wellness classes and horseback riding. Dress up for a traditional dinner in the grand dining room and do some stargazing before cozying up by the fire in your guest room.
Driving Time: 1 hour
Overnight: Santa Ynez Valley
Credit: Visit San Luis Obispo
Day 5: Santa Ynez Valley to San Luis Obispo
Join a breakfast ride at the Alisal Guest Ranch for the ultimate horseback riding experience, exploring some of the 10,000-acre working cattle ranch and refueling with the robust breakfast spread.
Check out and head north, stopping in the western town of Los Alamos en route to San Luis Obispo. Pick up a loaf at Bob’s Well Bread Bakery, sample small production wines at Clementine Carter Wines, take a photo in front of the landmark 1880 Union Hotel, browse the antique shops and stock up on more gourmet picnic goods at the Elder Flat farm store.
Continue north to San Luis Obispo and check into your downtown hotel. Browse the shops, pop into the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, get acquainted with local history at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and check out Bubblegum Alley. Catch the sunset from the rooftop High Bar at Hotel SLO, and then enjoy dinner at a local hot spot such as Nate’s on Marsh, Ox & Anchor or Mistura.
Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Overnight: San Luis Obispo
Credit: Visit SLO CAL
Day 6: San Luis Obispo to Cambria
Pack up and hit the road northwest to Cambria for the 9:00 a.m. horseback ride at Covell’s Clydesdale Ranch. Following your tour, wander around the artsy hamlet of Cambria and have a bite at Brydge Restaurant.
Get onto Highway 1, continuing north towards San Simeon. Book a guided Hearst Castle tour in advance to explore the opulent estate envisioned by William Randolph Hearst and his trailblazing architect Julia Morgan.
Return to Cambria for a sunset walk along the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk and a waterfront dinner at Sea Chest Oyster Bar or Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill.
Driving Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Overnight: Cambria
Credit: Visit Carmel
Day 7: Cambria to Carmel-by-the-Sea
Check out and head to Paso Robles for a breakfast stroll at the Paso Robles Market Walk, home to several local artisans and food and beverage vendors. Explore the traditional town square nearby before getting back on the road towards Monterey.
Stop in Salinas to visit the National Steinbeck Center, where you can learn about the celebrated American author John Steinbeck, who set many of his works in the Salinas Valley. Dig into the region’s famed Mexican cuisine at beloved eateries such as El Charrito and Villa Azteca in Old Town Salinas.
Continue towards the coast to Carmel-by-the-Sea. After getting settled in your hotel, take a walk along expansive Carmel Beach. In the evening, stroll around the village and have dinner at a Michelin starred standout such as Chez Noir or Aubergine. La Bicyclette is another local favorite.
Driving Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Overnight: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Credit: Leslie Chavez, Courtesy of See Monterey
Day 8: Carmel-by-the-Sea to Santa Cruz
Get in one more beach walk in Carmel before heading to Monterey for breakfast at Alta Bakery in the historic Cooper-Molera Adobe. The building also showcases residential life in early Monterey, when the small port city was the social, economic and political hub of California prior to the Gold Rush.
Spend a few hours exploring Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Get back on Pacific Coast Highway north towards your final destination, Santa Cruz, known for its deeply rooted surf and skate culture.
After settling into your accommodations, head down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to ride the iconic 100-year-old Giant Dipper roller coaster and brand new Ferris wheel. Dine at longtime staple, Crow’s Nest, overlooking the Santa Cruz Harbor and dating back to 1969.
Driving Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Overnight: Santa Cruz
Credit: Ben Ingram, Courtesy of Visit Santa Cruz County
Day 9: Felton and Santa Cruz
Spend the morning meandering around Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park admiring the giant redwoods and looking for Santa Cruz’s famous banana slugs. Browse around the charming mountain town of Felton, grab a bite and sip low-intervention wines at Hallcrest Vineyards.
Head back to the coast to check out the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum and big wave surf spot, Steamer Lane. Catch the sunset at the beach and then toast to the conclusion of your epic Central Coast adventure over dinner at Michelin-endorsed Alderwood, a perfect showcase of the region’s farm-to-table, grape-to-glass bounty.
Driving Time: 40 minutes
Overnight: Santa Cruz
