Tour of California's Central Coast: The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

From Los Angeles, head up the 101 North to either Santa Barbara or Ojai. Both are great options–Ojai is a small, nature-focused village with a spiritual and artsy flair and Santa Barbara is a more bustling (but still quaint) Spanish-style, sun-splashed town, also known as “the American Riviera.” The best part is, they are close enough together that wherever you stay, you’ll be able to experience both!

In Ojai, stroll around downtown and visit local artist shops, stop in the infamous Bart’s Books, and sip some wine in the local tasting rooms like the Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room. Pottery is big here, so taking a pottery class is a great option. Be sure to grab drinks or dinner on a patio to capture the famous and beautiful “Pink Moment” at sunset.

In Santa Barbara, stroll Main Street and grab a cup of coffee and a quick bite to eat at CAJE Coffee Roasters. From there, head to the courthouse, where you might see a couple or two getting married, then head inside and climb the stairs to the observation deck to catch the beautiful view of the city and the terracotta roofs that make up Santa Barbara. By then, it will be time to head to the “Funk Zone,” a street full of tasting rooms, galleries, murals, and boutique shops. Grab dinner around the Funk Zone or head down to the pier or Hendry’s Beach to eat at the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach.

If you are waking up in Ojai, take a hike through Los Padres Mountains. On the way back to town, grab coffee at Highly Likely and, if it’s Sunday, peruse the farmers market. Head to brunch at The Oak before hitting the road.

If you are waking up in Santa Barbara, hike to Inspiration Point or walk Chase Palm Park. Grab coffee and breakfast or head to Julia Child’s favorite taco place, La Super-Rica Taqueria, before heading to see the mission as a final stop in Santa Barbara.

On your way north, stop in Los Olivos for a wine tasting at Stolpman Vineyards/the Fresh Garage. In Los Olivos, stroll through the local boutiques, grab a bite, or sample some more wine! Then, head to either Cambria or Paso Robles for the night. Grab some food and drink before hitting the hay!

If you are waking up in Cambria, grab coffee at Lily’s Coffee House or Cambria Coffee Company and then head to Moonstone Beach for a morning stroll on the boardwalk; bonus points if you get there early enough for the sunrise! After a nice morning walk, head to Cayucos to have the best brunch at Hidden Kitchen. There is also one in Cambria, but the views at the other location are the best! With a belly full of blue corn, head to Morro Bay to watch the sea otters play and listen to the sea lions bark. You can even drive out to the Morro Bay Rock.

Feel free to grab a snack while strolling around town and before heading to the Parr Collective-Stolo Vineyard to taste an eclectic variety of wines. Head back to Cambria for dinner—Sea Chest Oyster Bar is a fan favorite—and don’t forget a slice of pie from Linn’s! You also have the option to head into Paso Robles (just a quick 30-minute drive) to go wine tasting and have a fabulous dinner, or you can make this part of the trip longer and devote a whole day to Paso Robles!

If you are waking up in Paso Robles, head to AMSTRDM coffee to start your day and grab a delicious pastry or breakfast burrito before going horseback riding through the rolling hills. After the horseback ride, head to a winery or Tin City to grab lunch and sample some wine. As you make your way back to Paso Robles, stop for an olive tasting at Olivas de Oro Olive Company or one of the many other wineries offering this tasting. Have a hearty dinner (see my ultimate wine weekend guide for recs!) and make your way to the 15-acre art installation Sensorio before getting some much deserved shut-eye!

If you are waking up in Cambria, stroll through the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve or opt for a hike in Montana de Oro State Park. Grab some coffee and a bite to eat and take one last jaunt in Cambria before getting on the road to Carmel-by-the-Sea/Big Sur. If you are waking up in Paso Robles, grab a sit-down brunch and take one last walk around town before making the trip up north.

Once you’re on the road, take a pit stop at the Elephant Seal Beach to listen and watch the seals mingle—it’s a truly unique sight to see. The Hearst Castle is another worthwhile stop if you have time for a tour of the grounds. Depending on how relaxing you want the back half of the trip to be, stay in either Big Sur for secluded, romantic, relaxing vibes, or stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea for a charming, picturesque, food- and wine-centered experience. Just be sure to catch the sunset at either location and grab dinner before enjoying your beautiful hotel.

If you are waking up in Carmel-by-the-Sea, grab coffee at Carmel Valley Roasters before heading to the 17-Mile Drive to soak in all the coastal beauty, complete with cypress trees. Stop at as many sights as you can—my favorites being the Cypress Grove and the Lone Cypress. Continue down Route 1/the Pacific Coast Highway, and, if you are lucky, you will see Calla Lily Valley, which is incredible. After soaking in all the views, head back to Carmel-by-the-Sea to grab lunch and stroll around looking at art galleries, tasting rooms, and delicious bakeries! Finish the night with dinner at From Scratch or La Bicyclette.

If you are waking up in Big Sur, hike one of the many trails and then drive Route 1 to soak in all of Big Sur’s beauty. Stop at the gorgeous cliffside spot Nepenthe for lunch and a glass of wine before heading back to explore! Wind down at the hotel and consider a relaxing massage, and then head to Pebble Beach to grab dinner with a cozy bonfire and enjoy the sunset.

No matter where you wake up, you are heading back to Los Angeles today. Squeeze in a sunrise walk or hike and a delicious cup of coffee before checking out of the hotel and heading back.