Central Coast California Holidays

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Our guide on where to stay in Central Coast California

Find the best Central Coast California areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Central Coast California
A coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, a beach, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and West Beach.

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A hilly landscape with a fenced path, a person walking, and a distant view of a body of water and hills.

Montecito

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

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A coastal cityscape with a beach, pier, and amusement park.

Westside Santa Cruz

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

Travellers to Westside Santa Cruz praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.

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A historic building with arched windows and a bell tower, surrounded by palm trees and greenery.

Downtown Santa Barbara

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Arlington Theater might round out your trip.

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A coastal landscape with a view of the ocean, rocky coastline, and dense greenery.

Downtown Monterey

The pristine beaches and popular aquarium are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Monterey. A stop by Golden State Theatre or Munras Avenue might round out your trip.

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Central Coast California Holiday

Our pick of the best Central Coast California Hotel Deals

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Two Portola Plaza Monterey CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
NZ$526
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,660 reviews)
"Excellent location and amenities"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2026

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Carmel Mission Inn

Carmel Mission Inn

3665 Rio Rd Carmel CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
NZ$398
30 Sept - 1 Oct
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,856 reviews)
"Great little modern designed motel right at the edge of Carmel. It's like 5 min from the city center."

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2026

Carmel Mission Inn
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria North

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria North

4200 Via Real Carpinteria CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
NZ$158
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
7.8/10 Good! (1,462 reviews)
"The internet does not work"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2026

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria North
See all 8,499 properties in Central Coast California
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Central Coast California attractions

A pier with colorful cable cars, a beach, and a sign that reads "WORLD FAMOUS."
Photo by Adri VDM Photography

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

8.8/10 (6,089 reviews)
Experience America's classic seaside fun at this historic amusement park, home to two National Historic Landmarks. Ride the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden coaster or enjoy carnival games before stepping onto the sandy beach.
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A satellite view of a large body of water with a floating object.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

9.2/10 (5,928 reviews)
The Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases over 35,000 sea creatures in its innovative conservation-focused exhibits. Watch playful sea otters, marvel at the towering Kelp Forest, or spot wild whales from the ocean-view decks.
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A historic building with two towers, palm trees, and a well-maintained garden.

Hearst Castle

9.4/10 (2,346 reviews)
William Randolph Hearst's opulent estate showcases lavish architecture and an extensive art collection. Take a guided tour through the 115-room mansion and enjoy panoramic Pacific Ocean views from the hilltop setting.
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A rocky coastline with a prominent tree on a cliff overlooking the sea.

17-Mile Drive

9.4/10 (1,947 reviews)
This legendary coastal route winds along California's Monterey Peninsula, showcasing dramatic Pacific views and the iconic Lone Cypress. Stop at viewpoints to spot sea lions or enjoy a sunset meal at Pebble Beach Resort.
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An aerial view of a racetrack surrounded by hilly terrain and a small body of water.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

8.6/10 (540 reviews)
Experience the legendary Corkscrew turn at this world-famous motorsport venue with its dramatic elevation changes. Catch prestigious INDYCAR and IMSA races, or explore viewing spots along the challenging course.
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A sandy beach with waves crashing onto the shore, a rocky outcrop, and a person walking.

Carmel Beach

9.6/10 (5,436 reviews)
Carmel Beach captivates with pristine white sands and cypress-framed Pacific views. Arrive for sunset when golden light transforms the shoreline into California's most magical coastal moment.
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A coastal pier with restaurants and a palm tree.

Cannery Row

9.0/10 (8,046 reviews)
This historic waterfront district transformed from sardine canneries into a vibrant cultural hub. Explore boutique shops in converted industrial buildings while enjoying spectacular views of Monterey Bay's marine life.
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What to do in Central Coast California

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1

NZ$33
per traveller
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Big Sur PCH Highway 1
Paso Robles Self-Guided Wine Tour: GPS Audio Driving Guide

Paso Robles Wine Tour: Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Guide

NZ$67
per traveller
Paso Robles Wine Tour: Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Guide
The Fremont Theatre is one of the last Streamline Moderne building in existence.

Essential Downtown SLO: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

NZ$17
per adult
Essential Downtown SLO: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Central Coast California holiday package cost?
Starting from an incredible , you can build your own Central Coast California holiday package. Simply bundle hotels, flights and rental cars and be rewarded with discounts.
How do I get a cheap travel package to Central Coast California?
You'll save piles of cash if you combine your hotels, car rentals and flights into a Central Coast California travel package. Sometimes cheap packages mean fewer options. But not with Expedia. We offer more than 550 airlines and 1 000 000 hotels all over the world, which means you'll always have plenty of options to choose from. Want to save even more? Add some popular activities to your package deal and unlock even bigger bargains! After all, travel is about more than just getting to your destination.
Where should I stay in Central Coast California?
There's no shortage of great places to visit in Central Coast California, including Monterey. This city has many favoured landmarks such as Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fishermans Wharf. You could also head to San Luis Obispo, where you'll discover Morro Rock and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. If time is no issue, look around both happening cities!
What are the top hotels in Central Coast California?
When it comes to hotels in Santa Barbara, Hotel Corque and Radisson Hotel Santa Maria are two fantastic options. If you're heading to Carmel, Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa and Carmel Mission Inn are waiting to welcome you.
How far in advance should I book my Central Coast California holiday?
It's difficult to pick the ideal time for airfares, but we generally suggest the earlier, the better. Most international journeys on Expedia become available to compare up to 12 months in advance. If you're booking at the last minute, don't fret. Low prices occasionally appear just weeks before departure dates.
What does an Expedia Central Coast California travel package include?
Car rentals, flights and hotels — we connect you to the very best deals. All you'll have to do is pick and choose your preferred combination. After you've made your booking, you can add on the exciting stuff like activities and tours. Our travel packages make it simple to craft an awesome Central Coast California escape.
What should I know before booking a Central Coast California travel package?
Booking all the parts of your escape together is one of the easiest ways to save. Bundle your car rentals, flights and hotels into a handy little package. But it's not just hotels. Expedia offers all types of properties, including holiday homes like oceanfront condos and spacious residences. The list goes on!
Can I choose my airline with a Central Coast California Expedia holiday package?
Yes — and it's simple too. Expedia has access to more than 550 partner airlines around the world. Our packages give you the freedom to pick from available flight, hotel or activity options that fit your needs.
If I'm not able to travel, can I cancel my Central Coast California holiday package?
Plans can change suddenly, so yes. You may be able to cancel or change your Central Coast California holiday package at no cost within 24 hours of booking. For older bookings, you can still cancel or make changes, but your car rental company, airline or hotel may charge additional fees. Looking for more information? Check out our Customer Service Portal. We'll help make sure your getaway goes off without a hitch.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.