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Central California Coast

The Central Coast comprises the wild coastline and beautiful beaches for which California is renown. At its northern gateway is the charming city of Santa Cruz, known as California's favourite beach town and the birthplace of mainland surfing. Enjoy superb beaches, the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, ancient redwood forests, boutique wineries and abundant wildlife, including monarch butterflies and migrating grey whales. 

 

Travelling south along the coast brings you to Monterey, home to historic Cannery Row and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Witness sea otters playing in the bay, stroll along the scenic waterfront or take a whale watching cruise to experience the region's incredible marine life. Head to the exclusive village of Carmel by the Sea, known for its charming streets, beautiful white sand beach and championship golf at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Browse its art galleries, independent boutiques and welcoming cafés, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

 

Further south, the rugged cliffs and crashing waves of Big Sur create one of California's most breathtaking landscapes. Spectacular viewpoints, towering redwood forests and winding coastal roads make this one of the most scenic stretches of Highway 1. 

 

Continuing south, Morro Bay is a picturesque harbour town best known for the towering Morro Rock that rises dramatically from the ocean. Its working waterfront, sandy beaches and abundant wildlife make it an ideal place to experience the natural beauty of the Central Coast. 

 

Further along the coast lies Pismo Beach, a classic California seaside town with a long sandy shoreline and traditional pier. It is the perfect place to enjoy spectacular sunsets, fresh seafood and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Just inland, San Luis Obispo combines historic charm with a thriving food and wine scene. Explore its welcoming town centre, visit the historic Spanish mission and discover the surrounding vineyards that have helped establish the region as one of California's leading wine destinations.

Holiday Ideas

Gems of the Central California Coast - 14n

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Pacific Coast Highway - 14n

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Our Favourite Stays - Monterey

Intercontinental The Clement
First Class
From £213 per room per night
Overlooking Monterey Bay, this waterfront hotel has 208 rooms and is located just a short work from the shops and restaurants of Cannery Row. Onsite, there is an outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa and restaurant and bar.

The rooms are elegantly furnished and have flat screen televisions, coffee makers, marble bathrooms and wireless internet. Some also feature fireplaces and balconies with ocean views. 
Martine Inn
Inn
From £184 per room per night
Located four blocks from Monterey Bay and Cannery Row, this former mansion, built in 1890, is now a beautiful inn.

Each of the 23 bedrooms has a private bathroom, furnished with antiques and some have spectacular sea views. There is a library, enclosed courtyard and parlour sitting rooms. A full breakfast is served daily and complimentary evening wine and cheeses are included. 
Spindrift Inn
Unique Stay
From £171 per room per night
This 45 room historic property is in a great location on a stretch of beach along Monterey Bay, in the heart of Cannery Row and just a half-mile from downtown shops and restaurants. 

There is a variety of room types, all with hardwood floors, flat screen TVs, fireplaces, bathrobes, coffee makers and wireless internet access. Complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon Monterey wine and cheese are included. There is also a rooftop garden for all to enjoy. 
Hotel Abrego
First Class
From £133 per room per night
This modern Spanish style boutique hotel is just a short walk the waterfront with its shops, restaurants and beaches.

The 93 rooms are beautifully furnished and have flat screen televisions, mini refrigerators, iron and ironing board, coffee maker, hairdryer and Wi-Fi. Some also feature balconies and fireplaces. Onsite, there is a fitness centre, outdoor pool, restaurant and free parking is available.

Our Favourite Stays - Carmel & Santa Cruz

The Colonial Terrace, Carmel
Inn
From £146 per room per night
The Colonial Terrrace is located one block from the beach and within walking distance of shops and restaurants of Carmel by the Sea.

This quaint, charming inn consists of 26 rooms spread throughout 7 buildings, which are set in attractive gardens. The rooms are all individually furnished and have a TV and video, an iron and ironing board, bathrobes, coffee maker and complimentary wireless internet access. The rates include continental breakfast.
Tickle Pink Inn, Carmel
Inn
From £282 per room per night
Set on top of rugged cliffs overlooking the Pacific, just south of Carmel, the Tickle Pink Inn has a stunning location. The hotel offers an outdoor hot tub and outdoor lounging area. 

There are 35 rooms and amenities include coffee maker, bath robe, HD TV and many with private balconies. Continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese reception are included in the rate.
Carmel Mission Inn
First Class
From £121 per room per night
Steps away from shops and restaurants and two miles from the beach, this boutique hotel has a charmingly stylish setting. This hotel provides that great central location to explore Carmel and all that the Monterey Peninsula has to offer. 

The Carmel Mission Inn offers an array of amenities including a heated pool, spacious hot tub, fitness room, bar, restaurant, spa services and free parking. It also has well appointed rooms with fridge, mini-bar and cable TV. Children under 13 years stay free in the room when sharing existing bedding.
Beach Street Inn, Santa Cruz
Moderate
From £123 per room per night
Set on the waterfront, this relaxed hotel is within walking distance of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Municipal Wharf and Downtown featuring a wide variety of restaurants, shops, art galleries and museums.

The rooms have been newly renovated with amenities including shared balconies, flat screen televisions and free Wi-Fi. There is also a heated outdoor pool onsite. 

Our Favourite Stays- Ragged Point, San Simeon & Cambria

Ragged Point Inn & Resort
Moderate
From £163 per room per night
The Ragged Point Inn is located just off Highway 1 on the Big Sur Coast, about 15 miles north of San Simeon and Hurst Castle. This property offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains. 

This 39 room inn offers a restaurant, gift shops, snack bar and private cove, 400 feet below the inn. The rooms all have large windows, coffee maker, hairdryer, and most are located on the cliff’s edge. Throughout the summer, free concerts are held on weekends and holidays.
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, San Simeon
Moderate
From £143 per room per night
This oceanfront hotel is located just three miles south of the world famous Hearst Castle. Onsite there are two outdoor heated pools, a hot tub, three fire pits, a fitness centre and spa. 

The rooms are comfortably furnished and have flat screen televisions, coffee makers, hairdryer, refrigerators and wireless internet. Some also feature balconies or patios with ocean views. 
Fogcatcher Inn, Cambria
Moderate
From £186 per room per night
This oceanfront hotel has recently been renovated and is located just across the street of Moonstone Beach and just seven miles from the world famous Hearst Castle.

The 50 rooms are stylishly furnished and have flat screen televisions, fireplaces, Keurig coffee makers, mini-fridge and wireless internet with a complimentary breakfast included in the price. There is also a heated outdoor pool onsite.

Our Favourite Stays- Pismo Beach, Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo

Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach
First Class
From £300 per room per night

Located on Pismo Beach’s oceanfront boardwalk, this beachfront resort offers direct beach access and is within walking distance of the pier, restaurants, shops, and downtown attractions.


There is an outdoor heated pool, whirlpool spa, restaurant and bar with ocean views, and a beachfront patio with fire pits. The rooms feature tea/coffee-making facilities, mini refrigerator, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Some rooms offer ocean views and balconies. Breakfast is available at the resort’s restaurant.

Tides Oceanview Inn & Cottages
Moderate
From £130 per room per night

Located on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this inn offers ocean views and is within walking distance of the beach, downtown Pismo Beach, Pismo Pier, shops, restaurants and hiking trails at the Pismo Preserve.


There is a communal fire pit with ocean views, gas barbecues, complimentary beach cruiser bicycles and dog-friendly accommodation. The guest rooms and cottages feature modern amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, a mini fridge, microwave, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and flat-screen television. Some rooms offer private patios or balconies with ocean views. San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay and Paso Robles wine country are all within a short drive.

Inn at Morro Bay
Moderate
From £120 per room per night

Located on the waterfront overlooking Morro Bay, this hotel offers scenic bay views and is close to Morro Bay State Park, Morro Bay Golf Course and the town centre.


There is a heated outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool spa, restaurant and lounge with bay views, and easy access to the adjacent 18-hole golf course. The rooms feature tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen television. Breakfast and dinner are available at the hotel's restaurant, which also offers a daily happy hour. Morro Bay's shops, restaurants and coastal attractions are all within easy reach.

Hotel San Luis Obispo
Moderate
From £390 per room per night

Located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, this contemporary resort is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, galleries and local attractions, and a short drive from the region’s beaches and wine country.


There is a 50-foot outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, full-service spa, fitness centre, complimentary bicycles, and two restaurants and bars, including a rooftop terrace. The bright and spacious rooms feature tea and coffee-making facilities, bathrobes and slippers, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television, hairdryer, and iron and ironing board. The hotel combines modern comforts with a relaxed Californian style, making it an ideal base for exploring San Luis Obispo and the surrounding Central Coast.