Vacation rentals in Central Coast

If you’ll be arriving by plane, the best option is to fly into one of the major airports in San Francisco or Los Angeles and drive north or south along Highway 1 to reach the Central Coast. This is the best option because there are no major airports on the Central Coast, only regional airports. If you wish to fly directly to the central coast, you can fly into the small regional San Luis Obispo airport. Car rental companies are available at all major airports and cities.

It is highly recommended to have a car during your time on the Central Coast. The vast majority of points of interest and attractions are far apart from each other and require driving along Highway 1. Aside from hiking trails, there are not many walkable points in this region. However, many of the small towns and cities along the coast have small downtown areas which are walkable.

Central Coast is the perfect destination for nature lovers seeking a vacation away from crowded and commercialized cities. Head to the scenic and beautiful Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where you can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, hike, and kayak around the area. The park is also home to a diverse wildlife population which includes seals, sea lions, elephant seals, and sea otters. Outdoor enthusiasts should also pay a visit to Oro State Park which is known for its endless coastal walking trails along the shorelines, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches.

The Central Coast is an excellent destination for families of all ages with a wide variety of activities and attractions. Head to Monarch Butterfly Grove where over 10,000 monarch butterflies migrate annually. Walk through the eucalyptus groves covered in thousands of fluttering butterflies. The best time to visit is between October and February, when the butterflies have migrated south for the winter months. Monterey Bay Aquarium is situated in the historic Cannary Row of the city of Monterey. Here you can observe a variety of sea life including penguins, sea otters, sharks, sea turtles and more. The spectacular live exhibits offer hours of fun and entertainment for families of all ages!

Of all the many beaches on the Central Coast, Cayucos Beach is considered one of the most beautiful. With its 6-mile stretch of coastline, powdery white sands, swimmable waters, and surfable waves, this idyllic beach is not to be missed. The famed and picturesque Morro Rock, a nearly 600-foot tall volcanic magma formation, is also found here. The charming small town of Cayucos is perfect for exploring with its many unique boutiques, shops, cozy cafés, and fantastic restaurants.

This region of California is famed for its abundance of vineyards and wineries. You can either book a wine tour with a tour company or you can do your own wine tour if you have a rental car. Ancient Peaks Winery and Bianchi Winery are some of the top-rated wineries in this region which aren’t to be missed.

Set in the city of Pismo, Shell Beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. It is home to incredible rock formations, sandy shores, and calm waters. It’s also a popular place to launch a kayak or to paddleboard, which is the best way to explore the many sea caves.

No vacation to the Central Coast is complete without experiencing the beauty of the famed Highway 1. Start at Big Sur and give yourself plenty of time to stop at the many vista points along the way. There are also several small walking paths that lead to the beach along this stunning coastal road.

The channel islands consist of eight archipelago islands off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara. There are regular ferries and planes leaving from the mainland to the islands. Each of the islands offers hiking trails, wildlife, spanning landscapes, and a peaceful atmosphere close to nature and away from the crowded cities and towns on the mainland.