Depending on the tide, you can usually travel up-coast along El Capitan Beach as far as Coral Canyon Beach. This palm-tree-lined beach is popular with day users, beach loungers, coastal anglers, surfers, bird watchers, picnickers, and overnight campers.īeach, bluff, and bike trails link El Capitan and Refugio state beaches. Refugio State Beach is one of the lovely beaches located north of Santa Barbara along the Gaviota Coast. There is a small snack bar with restrooms, and the lifeguard tower is only open during summer. Gaviota pier is very popular for fishing, and scuba divers enjoy the surrounding waters. Gaviota State Park is the last stop on Highway 101 before turning inland toward Buellton. Cayucos is an ideal resort for both summer and winter vacations. With numerous outdoor activities, shopping, dining, and nightlife, all located just a short distance from downtown. Harmony features the backroads Gallery, gift Harmony Glassworks, and a winery.Ĭayucos is one of California’s best-kept coastal secrets and is a more affordable alternative to nearby Cambria and Moro Bay. Take the time to stop and visit this little town on your next trip along the central coast.

Harmony California is a nice side trip on your way to Hearst Castle. Paso Robles wine country is only a 30-minute drive from town. Just up the road from Cambria is Hearst Castle. Most of Cambria’s hotels are along Moonstone Beach. Visitors can also browse the valley’s distinctive art galleries, boutiques, and antique stores.Ĭambria is a beautiful destination for a romantic getaway. The Santa Ynez Valley is widely recognized for its world-class wineries, and tasting rooms dot the rolling hillsides. Carpinteria, just south of Santa Barbara, is a good option for a more affordable stay. Santa Barbara is a popular tourist destination. We recommend spending several days with many things to do in and around the city. Santa Barbara is about 90 miles north of Los Angeles, within day-trip distance.

Nothing but wide open space and miles of rugged coastline. There is very little development in this area of Santa Barbara County. Jalama Beach is unspoiled and looks much like it did hundreds of years ago. Jalama Beach County Park features 100 ocean view campsites and seven comfortable beach cottages. Danish bakeries, wine tasting, and sightseeing. Today the village is a major tourist destination and jumping-off point for visitors exploring the Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang was established in 1911 by a group of Danish teachers.

Romantic getaway package central coast