Ready to explore the weightier Central California Tailspin road trip itinerary? As a California native, my love runs deep for an epic road trip that showcases Californias unique landscapes.
My love for creating itineraries is well-documented here on Bon Traveler, and while Ive shared my ultimate Northern California Tailspin road trip itinerary in the past, Ive never shared one for flipside zone of the tailspin that I love: the Central California Coast.
But take it from someone whos had the opportunity to really dig into the Central Coast. Its not a destination you should be sleeping on. There are stunning natural landscapes, design-focused hotels, and noteworthy supplies and wine scene.
Particularly over the last few years, a number of hotel openings have drawn sustentation in the travel world with locales like Paso Robles and the Santa Ynez Valley. The Central Tailspin has grown in popularity as a popping destination. Its been heady to see small businesses pop up and offer new things to do in areas I love so much.
The weightier part? When on a Central California road trip, the journey is as important as the destination. Theres so much to see and so many incredible views withal the Pacific Tailspin Highway. Youll have an wondrous time whether you momentum the whole thing or just do a small slice.
With that, here is my preferred Central California Tailspin itinerary and a guide to the region. As you go through, remember that your own platonic trip doesnt need to include all of these things. Pick and segregate what appeals to you and youll have a unconfined experience.
Short on Time? Heres How I Would Spend 1-2 Weeks Roadtripping the Central California Coast:
Stop 1: Carmel-by-the-Sea 2 nights
- Hotel Carmel, for the weightier village hotel
- Le Petit Pali at 8th Ave, for the weightier new hotel
- Villa Mara, for the weightier shop hotel
- Carmel Mission Inn, for the weightier design-for-dollar hotel
- La Playa Carmel, for the weightier larger hotel
- LAuberge Carmel, for the weightier luxury hotel
- Carmel Valley Ranch, for the weightier luxury resort
Stop 2: Big Sur 1-2 nights
- Alila Ventana, for the weightier vast hotel
- Big Sur Lodge, for the weightier family-friendly hotel
- Big Sur River Inn, for the weightier upkeep stay
- Glen Oaks, for the weightier design-for-dollar-hotel
Stop 3: Cambria and Cayucos Pass Through During Drive
- White Water Cambria, for the weightier overall hotel
Stop 4: San Luis Obispo 2-3 nights
- San Luis Creek Lodge, for the weightier overall hotel
- Granada Hotel & Bistro, for the weightier downtown hotel
- Edna Farmhouse, for the weightier private homestay
Stop 5: Santa Ynez Valley 2-3 nights
- Hotel Ynez, for the weightier overall hotel
- The Inn at Matteis, for the weightier luxury hotel
- Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, for the best-located hotel
Stop 6: Santa Barbara 2-3 nights
- El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, for the weightier luxury hotel
- The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, for the weightier beachfront hotel
- Kimpton Canary, for the weightier downtown hotel
- Hotel Californian, for the weightier family-friendly hotel
What to Know Surpassing Choosing Your Itinerary
Where to Start or Fly Into
Luckily, there are many options for where to uncork your trip. Monterey Regional Airport and San José Mineta International Airport both make unconfined choices for those wanting to momentum north to south. You can plane start farther north such as San Francisco International Airport if youre looking to stave a connection.
You can moreover start your trip from the southern part of the Central Tailspin depending on where youre coming from. Santa Barbara Airport works well, and plane Hollywood Burbank Airport will put you within striking distance.
Amount of Time
In my opinion, one week is really the optimal value of time to get the most out of the Central Tailspin and take in the varied experiences this region has to offer. Everything from stunning nature in Big Sur to municipality culture in Santa Barbara.
That said, you could hands spend increasingly time on the Central Tailspin if you want to see it tip to tip or linger in places that resonate with you. This itinerary taken in full will take you up to 12 days.
Weather and Time of Year
Id stave the winter if possible since its normally a rainier season. May and June tend to bring gloom and fog. Later in the summer, however, can be a unconfined time to go, and its typically not as crowded as other, beachier areas of the tailspin during this time.
Spring and fall are moreover both gorgeous, with spring bringing well-healed wildflowers and fall bringing harvest season to the wineries.
The Ultimate Central California Tailspin Road Trip Itinerary
Stop 1: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Recommended Time: 2 nights
Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea
The fairytale village of Carmel has unchangingly had my heart, with its mannerly architecture, twisting trees, and quaint streets to explore. You can hands spend half a day or increasingly wandering aimlessly, popping into galleries, shopping the boutiques, and taking it all in. Afterward, make your way to Carmel Waterfront to watch the surfers and take in the scenery.
Away from the town, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a trappy place to explore and view wildlife. Carmel Valley moreover has unconfined wineries, including Folktale Winery, a favorite of mine.
Helpful Carmel-by-the-Sea Guides to Plan Your Trip
- This guide is perfect for first-timers
- These are my top picks for things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea
- These are the 20 weightier restaurants in Carmel
- This guide details the best restaurants in the area
- Heres a guide to the surrounding Carmel Valley
Carmel by-the-Sea Hotel Recommendations
- Hotel Carmel, for the weightier village hotel
- Le Petit Pali at 8th Ave, for the weightier new hotel
- Villa Mara, for the weightier shop hotel
- Carmel Mission Inn, for the weightier design-for-dollar hotel
- La Playa Carmel, for the weightier larger hotel
- LAuberge Carmel, for the weightier luxury hotel
- Carmel Valley Ranch, for the weightier luxury resort
For a modern stay in the heart of the village, you cant write-up the Hotel Carmel. Its just a stones throw from the many shops, galleries, and restaurants Carmel has to offer and less than a mile to the waterfront as well. Rooms are charming, with unconfined diamond virtually every corner, and the exterior spaces are special too, with firepits and a jacuzzi misogynist for guest use. Daily happy hours with wine take place on the terrace, and the room rate comes with breakfast. Book the weightier rates here.
Stop 2: Big Sur, California
Recommended Time: 1-2 nights
Things to Do in Big Sur
Big Sur might just be the star of your Central Tailspin road trip. Its all well-nigh nature here, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Parkreferred to as a mini Yosemiteis one of my favorite places to wits it, with zaftig redwoods and creeks to explore. Andrew Molera State Park and Garrapata State Park are two unconfined options for hiking.
The well-known and rented Big Sur Bakery is an witchery in itself, with people lining up well surpassing opening to sample its baked goods. Ive been here myriad times and love grabbing pastries to go on the way to the beach. Big Sur provides a very nature-focused wits with jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Helpful Big Sur Guides to Plan Your Trip
- Heres the ultimate guide to Big Sur.
- This is my well-constructed guide for where to stay.
- These photos will inspire your road trip.
Big Sur Hotel Recommendations
- Alila Ventana, for the weightier vast hotel
- Big Sur Lodge, for the weightier family-friendly hotel
- Big Sur River Inn, for the weightier upkeep stay
- Glen Oaks, for the weightier design-for-dollar-hotel
Ive stayed at Alila Ventana multiple times and cant say unbearable good things well-nigh the property. Its visually stunning, perched among the trees and featuring an ocean view, and its mountainside Japanese hot baths are a standout feature. Rooms are luxurious but cozy, with some suites featuring outdoor showers or hot tubs, and the hotel has a library of vinyl you can infringe to play in your room. In addition, Alilas vast format makes things easy in terms of dining. Theres lots of optional programming included, too, such as guided nature walks, stargazing, and beekeeping. Book the weightier rates here.
Stop 3: Cambria and Cayucos, California
Recommended Time: Pass through during the momentum or consider 1 night in Cambria
Things to Do in Cambria and Cayucos
Cambria makes a perfect stop to unravel up your momentum between destinations. The Harmony Headlands hike is a must for nature lovers and sports California poppies in the spring. Moonstone Beach is flipside unconfined place to get outside, and you can revere its many moonstones and jade rocks during a morning walk.
San Simeon, home to the famous and eclectic luxury manor Hearst Castle, is moreover just 15 minutes up the road. And consider stopping in the town of Cayucos for lunch at Hidden Kitchen. This coastal spot is known for its succulent undecorous corn waffles.
Helpful Cambria and Cayucos Guides to Plan Your Trip
- Heres a full guide to Cambria, with unbearable for a weekend getaway
- This itinerary is perfect for design lovers
Cambria Hotel Recommendations
- White Water Cambria, for the weightier overall hotel
Stop 3: San Luis Obispo, California
Recommended Time: 2-3 nights
Things to Do in San Luis Obispo
This laid-back town provides several unconfined ways to get outside, from wine tasting in the Edna Valley to hitting Avila Waterfront for a picnic or soaking at Sycamore Hot Springs. And you cant skip Montaña de Oro State Park, which is an wondrous place to hike or spot wildlife, including whales and sea otters.
Downtown is moreover vibrant, with plenty of places to dine or grab craft coffee or cocktails. Ambiance, Wilde House Paper, and Blackwater are some favorite local shops in the area.
Helpful San Luis Obispo Guides to Plan Your Trip
- Heres how to spend 48 hours in the city
- This guide outlines the citys best hotels
San Luis Obispo Hotel Recommendations
- San Luis Creek Lodge, for the weightier overall hotel
- Granada Hotel & Bistro, for the weightier downtown hotel
- Edna Farmhouse, for the weightier private vacation rental
San Luis Creek Lodge is a beautifully restored motor lodge with impeccable diamond and thoughtful touches throughout. The interior décor style combines California tony and laidback farmhouse, making for cozy, inviting settings. Each room is outfitted with Aesop suffuse products and plush Fili dOro bed linens. But the weightier part well-nigh this property may just be the breakfast delivery: Each morning, fresh pastries and coffee are placed in a reticulum bag hung on your door for when you wake up. Book the weightier rates here.
Stop 4: Santa Ynez Valley, California
Recommended Time: 2 nights
Things to Do in Santa Ynez Valley
One of the main attractions of this zone is wine, and you cant leave without popping into a tasting room or visiting a vineyard. Sunstone Winery and Brave and Maiden are two stunning sots where the wine and views are equally incredible, and Bodega Los Alamos is a popular and aesthetically pleasing tasting spot in Los Alamos.
There are moreover several towns within the valley, including Santa Ynez, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Solvang, and each offers something variegated and special. Solvang is known for its Danish tracery and culture, while Santa Ynez and Los Olivos each offer spanking-new shop shopping (dont miss Santa Ynez General, Forage Florals, or the Los Olivos General Store).
Helpful Santa Ynez Valley Guides to Plan Your Trip
- Check out the ultimate guide to the Santa Ynez Valley
- Heres my full list of the weightier hotels in the Santa Ynez Valley
Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Recommendations
- Hotel Ynez, for the weightier overall hotel
- The Inn at Matteis, for the weightier luxury hotel
- Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, for the best-located hotel
Dont let the unstudied and raffish finger of Hotel Ynez fool you: Its still quite elegant and cozy. This trappy shop hotel sits on two lush acres of land and is perfect for a trip any time of year. In the warmer months, the pool is a user-friendly way to tomfool off, and fire pits offer a place to warm up and enjoy a glass of local wine on dank evenings. Its Solvang location off the main strip of restaurants and tasting rooms provides for a increasingly quiet and private experience, so its a unconfined place to stay for a increasingly relaxing getaway. Book the weightier rates here.
Stop 5: Santa Barbara, California
Recommended Time: 2-3 nights
Things to Do in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, moreover known as the American Riviera, really has it all in terms of things to do. Theres tons of natural eyeful withal the tailspin and in the mountains, withal with tons of history and culture. Shopping, dining, and drinking opportunities are all abundant, and the Funk Zone is the perfect neighborhood to do all three.
For me, the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens is a cant-miss; you can stroll through several variegated garden types and plane see some redwoods. The Red Tile Walking Tour downtown is moreover a major draw, and it will take you virtually all the citys most important historic sites. Santa Barbara, thanks to its location, is moreover the weightier place on this road trip itinerary to hit the beach, and my recommendation is Butterfly Beach.
Helpful Santa Barbara Guides to Plan Your Trip
- Heres a roundup of the best things to do in the city
- This guide to the 20 weightier restaurants will help you plan your dining experiences
- Heres a guide to Santa Barbara that includes side trips to Ventura and Ojai
Santa Barbara Hotel Recommendations
- El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, for the weightier luxury hotel
- The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, for the weightier beachfront hotel
- Kimpton Canary, for th weightier downtown hotel
- Hotel Californian, for the weightier family-friendly hotel
On a recent trip to Santa Barbara, the Kimpton Canary provided a unconfined home wiring for exploring the city. Youre just steps off of the citys main street, making the location nonflexible to beat. Rooms have the trappy Spanish-inspired tracery that Santa Barbara is known for, and the rooftopwhich has a pool, hot tub, and baris the perfect place to reservation the sunset. Book the weightier rates here.
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