59 days in California's Central Coast Itinerary

Monterey is a city in the U.S. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Dennis the Menace Park and Spas. Change things up with these side-trips from Monterey: Aptos (Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship, &more), Pinnacles National Park (in Paicines) and Moss Landing (Dolphin & Whale Watching & Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve). And it doesn't end there: admire nature's wide array of creatures at Monterey Bay Aquarium, enjoy the sand and surf at Natural Bridges State Beach, cruise along 17-Mile Drive, and go for a walk through West Cliff Drive.

For photos, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Monterey day trip app.

San Diego to Monterey is an approximately 4-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from San Diego in August; daily highs in Monterey reach °F and lows reach °F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Wed) so you can drive to Morro Bay.

Morro Bay is a waterfront city in San Luis Obispo County, California located along California State Route 1 on California's Central Coast. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Morro Bay State Park and Beer Tastings & Tours. Explore Morro Bay's surroundings by going to Cambria (Santa Rosa Catholic Church, Ephraim Pottery West Gallery, &more), San Simeon (San Simeon Pier, Piedras Blancas, &more) and Paso Robles (Opolo Vineyards, Pasolivo Olive Oil, &more). There's much more to do: take in the dramatic natural features at Morro Rock, take a memorable drive along Moonstone Beach Dr, gain insight at California Polytechnic University, and trek along Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.

For other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Morro Bay trip planning app.

You can drive from Monterey to Morro Bay in 3 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. While traveling from Monterey, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Morro Bay, ranging from highs of °F to lows of °F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) so you can go by car to Santa Barbara.

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is a solid vacation destination with its wide beaches, renowned wineries, and some of California's finest shopping and dining options.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Wine Tours & Tastings and Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Get out of town with these interesting Santa Barbara side-trips: Santa Ynez (Santa Ynez Wine Trail, Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Janeway-Parks Carriage House, &more), Solvang (Flag Is Up Farms, Rusack Vineyards, &more) and Los Olivos (Barbieri Wines, Los Olivos General Store, &more). There's still lots to do: stroll around Shoreline Park, sample some tasty brews at a beer tour and tasting, hike along Cabrillo Bike Path, and make a trip to Old Mission Santa Barbara.

To find traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Santa Barbara trip itinerary builder website.

Traveling by car from Morro Bay to Santa Barbara takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a daytime high around °F in September, and nighttime lows around °F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Wed) so you can drive back home.