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Ordinary Traveler / Blog / California / 10 Best Things to See and Do on California’s Central Coast

10 Best Things to See and Do on California’s Central Coast

By Christy Woodrow, Last Modified: September 9, 2019

10 Best Things to See and Do on California's Central Coast

Looking for the best things to do in Central California? We’ve gathered the top things to see and do on the Central Coast — with tips from locals!

Looking back at our road trip last month, there were so many highlights that it’s tough to put them all into one blog post. Last week, we shared our travel guide to San Luis Obispo, but it didn’t include all of the activities we experienced or the charming bed and breakfast we stayed at in Cambria.

Rather than putting together another travel guide for this area, we’ve decided to compose a list of the best things to see and do in the SLO County portion of California’s Central Coast.

10 Best Things to See and Do California's Central Coast

 

Table of Contents

  • 10 Best Things To Do On California’s Central Coast
    • J. Patrick House Bed & Breakfast in Cambria
    • Kayaking in San Simeon
    • Helicopter Tour
    • Shell Beach
    • Watch a Sunset at Pismo Beach
    • Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
    • Big Sur Coast Highway
    • World Famous Jalama Burger
    • Biplane Flight
    • Hearst Castle
      • Plan Your Trip to Central California!

10 Best Things To Do On California’s Central Coast

 

J. Patrick House Bed & Breakfast in Cambria

First off, you will need a place to stay in the area. With so many quaint towns and multiple lodging options in each of them, it can be difficult to decide where to stay.

Our stay at J. Patrick House Bed & Breakfast in Cambria was a bit different than our usual accommodation because it’s the first time we’ve stayed at a bed and breakfast in California. Not only was it quiet and relaxing, but it really did have that “home away from home” feel to it.

Linda, the owner, provides a daily happy hour in the main house with h’orderves and unlimited local wine. She prepares fresh-baked cookies every evening and a huge breakfast each morning. We loved getting to know the other guests and learning about a new (to us) way to travel along the California Coast.

Read more: 15 Best Weekend Getaways in California (And Where to Stay!)

Where to Stay in Cambria J. Patrick House Bed and Breakfast

 

Kayaking in San Simeon

Sea kayaking is a great way to explore the ocean from above the water. We booked a tour of San Simeon Cove with Sea for Yourself Kayak Outfitters. San Simeon Cove is located in Monterey Bay’s National Marine Sanctuary — the nation’s largest protected marine area — so it’s full of wildlife and natural beauty.

We saw a sleeping otter, a baby elephant seal, several harbor seals, bird nests, caves, and a mini blowhole. This is a popular spot for whales to cruise through with their babies, so it’s not uncommon to see them on this kayaking tour.

Read more: Travel Guide to California’s Channel Islands: Everything You Need to Know

 

Helicopter Tour

If you are looking for a helicopter tour on the Central Coast, you won’t find too many options. Luckily, we found Channel Islands Helicopter Tours who offer flights over Ventura’s coast, whale watching flights, and tours of the Channel Islands. Rates start at $189 for two people, so it won’t break the bank.

Helicopter Tour Central California Coast

Helicopter Tour Ventura Central California Surfers Aerial Photo

 

Shell Beach

Shell Beach is within the city bounds of Pismo, but it feels like its own tiny beach town. It’s one of the prettiest stretches of coastline in this area, in my opinion, because of the amazing rock formations — known as Dinosaur Caves. It’s also an ideal spot to launch sea kayaks and stand up paddleboards. You can rent kayaks nearby or take a guided kayak tour of the sea caves.

Read more: A Guide to Traveling California in a JUCY Campervan

Shell Beach Central California Coast

 

Watch a Sunset at Pismo Beach

This 60-acre stretch of beach never feels too crowded (although, I have yet to visit in the busiest summer months) because there is so much room to spread out. One of our favorite spots to watch the sunset is from either above or below the pier. The surfers often put on an entertaining show and you may even see one shoot the pier.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to California’s Pacific Coast Hwy

Best Things to Do on Central California Coast

 

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

I am not a huge fan of seals in general (I prefer not to see them in the line up) but elephant seals are so entertaining to watch — from a distance. The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is just 7 miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1. You can visit the rookery year round, but you won’t see as many seals during the months of March, August, September and October.

Elephant Seal Rookery Central California

 

Big Sur Coast Highway

Driving Hwy 1 through Big Sur has become extremely popular over the last few years. For us, it’s one of those road trips that never get old. GPS will tell you it’s only about a 2-hour drive, but with all of the lookout stops and potential hikes, I recommend giving yourself at least a full day to explore this area.

Read more: The Best Places to Camp in Big Sur

Big Sur Coast Highway 1 Central California

 

World Famous Jalama Burger

Not too many people know about Jalama Beach. It’s way off the beaten path in Lompoc and that’s one of the reasons we love it. If you do make it here, you have to try a world famous Jalama burger and if it’s not too windy, you can enjoy your burger with an ocean view.

 

Biplane Flight

If you have never taken a biplane sightseeing flight, then you are missing out! Banner Airways offers scenic flights from Oceano dunes to Avila Beach departing from Oceano Airport. There’s room for two people plus the pilot, so it’s a great activity for couples. This is one of the few companies who still offer barrel rolls (for an extra charge).

Biplane Flight Oceano Central California Coast

 

Hearst Castle

I figured this list wouldn’t be complete without including this historical monument. Whenever we drive through here, I’m always on the lookout for the zebras on the property, but I’ve never actually taken a tour of the castle! I’ve been told the tour is well worth the $25 and you might even see a reindeer.

 

Plan Your Trip to Central California!

After traveling consistently for over 10 years, we’ve come to trust and rely on a few websites to help us find the best deals on flights and accommodation.

Flights: Momondo is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. It searches hundreds of sites for the best fare and includes both standard and budget airlines. The price calendar feature shows the cheapest days to fly in your preferred month of travel.

Accommodation: Booking.com offers savings on hotels, apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.

Travel Insurance: We never travel without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! We use and trust World Nomads, which we’ve used for the past 8 years.

 

About Christy Woodrow

Christy Woodrow is a travel photographer and professional blogger based in San Diego. She has been traveling around the world with her partner, Scott, since 2006. Join them in their quest to find off-the-beaten-path destinations by signing up for weekly emails. You can read more about her on our about page.

Filed Under: California

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stephanie Raley says

    I’ve never been to America but California looks like a place that I’d like to go! Beautiful Ocean!

    Reply
  2. Valeria V. says

    Everything you suggested sounds interesting and fun. Unfortunately I only spent 5 days in California, and hit the more “touristy” places like San Diego and LA.
    Valeria

    Reply
  3. Mary says

    We are headed to the West Coast in October so this is a great resource for us. I love seals and had no idea they have elephant seals there. I cannot wait to check them out. Thanks for the heads up!

    Reply
    • Ordinary Traveler says

      I had passed them by so many times without stopping! So glad we finally did.

      Reply
  4. Jenna Francisco says

    I love this coast of California (who doesn’t?!), but I haven’t been to the San Luis Obispo area. That helicopter ride looks perfect!

    Reply
    • Ordinary Traveler says

      Yeah, it’s not too far from you either! I just wish the Northern Coast of California wasn’t such a far drive for us. I’m craving another road trip up there.

      Reply
  5. Kate-Frankie Brennan says

    Big Sur is a road trip I have on my travel wish list. I really want to do that in California. The coast is a place I love and it looks like a great destination from your photos. Great post, thanks for sharing

    Reply
  6. Jo Karnaghan says

    What a great looking destination. The sea kayaking in particular looks amazing. We went canoeing in Phang Nga Bay and it was a great family “soft” adventure activity

    Reply
    • Ordinary Traveler says

      I love doing pretty much anything out on the water! I haven’t been canoeing in years though.

      Reply
  7. Love and Road says

    Looks like you guys had great fun!

    I loved the pictures and all the activities, it is just amazing be surrounded by nature and in front of such a beautiful sea!

    All the best,

    Nat

    Reply
  8. Giulia Blocal says

    Hi Christy, thanks for sharing! Visit California is one of my biggest dreams, I would love to have a road-trip along the coast and surely all this information you shared will come handy! also, thank you for showing some off-the-beaten path destinations, the web is full of articles about LA and San Francisco but not so many about California’s natural beauty.

    Reply
    • Ordinary Traveler says

      This area is a little tougher to get to (meaning it’s not right off of the 5 freeway, so I think that keeps some travelers away.

      Reply
  9. April Beresford says

    Great article. I explored the Big Sur last year and it took my breath away. Such beauty, California has to offer.

    Reply
  10. Claudia Luxembourg says

    I would go straight to the Coast Highway!

    Reply
  11. João Leitão says

    Hello Christy! what an amazing destination you bring us here. I would love to go to California, although I’ve been many time to the US – I restricted myself to the East Coast. For sure I would love to explore this region, and without a doubt go on an Helicopter Tours and to the fabulous beach to spot those amazing elephant seals. Probably the best for me would be to rent a car and drive the Driving Hwy 1 through Big Sur. Have a nice weekend, greetings all the way from south Morocco!

    Reply
    • Ordinary Traveler says

      Thanks, Joao. I’m glad you enjoyed the post!

      Reply

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