California Central Coast Day Trips Things to Do Places to See

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California's Central Coast stretches from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz California. The central coast is not as populated as Southern California but has just as many attractions as its neighbor to the south. Central coast offers some of the most spectacular scenery in California. Highway 1 is the most scenic route through central coast and hugs the shore in many sections. Highway 101 cuts inland in some places and is the fastest route to destinations in the northern section of the central coast. Santa Barbara and Pismo Beach are within a one day drive from Southern California. Driving any further will require several days or more. Hotels are not as expensive as Southern California unless you must have an ocean front view. In many ways the central coast looks like Southern California did in the sixties and seventy's. Towns are smaller, beaches are less crowded and the pace of life is slower. California's central coast offers many unique and interesting places to visit. Listed here are just a few of the central coasts many attractions.

	Santa Barbara - Your first stop on a trip up the Southern California coast. Called the American Riviera® Santa Barbara is about a hours drive north of Santa Monica. Home to the rich and famous and visited by all.
	Pismo Beach - Classic California beach town perfect for a long weekend or local vacation. Drive your car on the beach, explore wine country, take a walk on the pier or kick back on the wide sandy beach.
	Morro Bay - Historic fishing village in San Luis Obispo County with a huge rock at the entrance to its harbor. Fishing trips, dinning, kayaks and harbor tours. Morro Bay is about 35 miles south of Hearst Castle.
San Luis Obispo. - Located half way between Los Angeles this mid size town is a perfect base for a central coast vacation. Be sure to check out the huge Thursday night farmers market there is nothing else like it.	Santa Maria - Best known for Santa Maria Style BBQ and 66 days of the Michael Jackson trial. The Santa Maria Valley is one of three wine growing regions in Santa Barbara county and well worth a visit.
Avila Beach - Almost the entire town was rebuilt after a massive oil spill. Avila is back and one of the best places beaches around.	Harmony - With a population of just 18 people Harmony is one of the smallest towns in California. Wine tasting and art galleries.
Hearst Castle - Extravagant summer home built by the Hearst family. A must see for any trip to the central coast. Operated by the California parks system. Several guided tours to choose from. Open year round.	La Purisima Mission - The mission is a State Historic Park and was the eleventh mission of the twenty-one Spanish Missions established in California. La Purisima is the most complete California mission.
Solvang - The Danish capital of America. Voted one of Sunset Magazine's 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns. Two hours from Los Angeles. Have lunch, stock up on Danish pastries, and enjoy the drive.	Montano de Oro State Park - Located south of Morro Bay Montano de Oro offers miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers. Tow campgrounds for overnight use or spend the day and enjoy the beauty of the park.
Los Osos - A suprising little central coast town that offers several nature preserves pefect for hiking and enjoying outdoors. Los Osos is 20 minutes from San Luis Obispo	Cambria - Located 8 miles south of Hearst Castle this picturesque English style village is a perfect place to stay on your trip to San Simeon. Hotels, shops and restaurants.
Oceano Dunes - This is the only place in California where you can legally drive your vehicle on the beach. People come from all over to drive off road on miles of sand dunes. Camping is very popular here.	Piedras Blancas Light Station - Located just north of Hearst Castle. Named after a white rock out cropping at the end of the point. Tours Tuesday, Thursday and Sat. San Simeon, California.
Neverland Ranch- The former home of pop star Michael Jackson. Not too much to see except the gate to the ranch. The drive is nice and its good for a photograph of you in front of the gate to Neverland.	Central Coast Beach Camping - Campsites located on or near the beach from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz. Next time you take a trip to the central coast stay at the beach. Cheapest place to stay on the beach
Monterey Bay Aquarium - Another must see central coast attraction. Located overlooking Monterey bay the Aquarium is California's premium aquarium with world class exhibits.	Monterey - Visitors from around the world come to Monterey to experience its natural beauty, cultural resources and rich historic past. Monterey's rich history includes Spanish exploration dating back to 1542.
Roaring Camp Railroad - See California's towering redwood forests from two historic railroads on your next visit to the San Francisco or Monterey Bay Areas. Travel by steam train up a narrow-gauge track.	Santa Cruz Boardwalk - Ride the world-famous Giant Dipper roller coaster and enjoy our spectacular beachfront setting on beautiful Monterey Bay. Admission to the amusement park is free.