The region known as the Central Coast was home to the Chumash people and other Native American tribes. Today, the Central Coast is a thriving area in California, sprawling over 350 miles of coastline from Point Mugu to Monterey Bay. The area comprises six counties: Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. The six counties have a total population of over 2 million people. In addition, the area is divided into four major regions: the Monterey Bay Region, the San Luis Obispo (SLO) Region, the Santa Barbara Region, and the Ventura Region.
The Monterey Bay Region is home to Carmel Beach, a famed area known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. You will want to visit San Simeon to explore the famous Hearst Castle, known for its lush gardens, scenic pools, high terraces, and magnificent art collections. When in the San Luis Obispo Region, drive around Paso Robles to marvel at its grandiose vineyards. You can also stop by the Estrella Warbird Museum to see military aircraft, weapons, and memorabilia.
The Santa Barbara Region will impress you with high-end boutiques, colorful restaurants, and lively entertainment areas. Go to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art to explore its wide range of Asian and American art. The Santa Barbara Zoo is a relaxing place to interact with hundreds of wild animals. Emma Wood State Beach is a popular fishing and surfing spot. Visiting the Museum of Ventura Country will help you learn more about the region’s history through art collections.
California State Fair – Drive to Sacramento in July to have fun at this upcoming event. You will enjoy the annual occasion’s good food, tasty drinks, live music, agricultural shows, and carnival rides.
Kilokilo Brewing’s Kolofest – Attend this annual event in September at Kilokilo Brewing Company. The yearly occasion often features plenty of beer, delicious food, and live entertainment.
Monterey County Fairgrounds – Have fun at this six-day event in September. Expect carnival rides, live music, good food, and other treats.
At 45 miles, Pinnacles National Park is the closest national park to Central Coast. This park has over 30 miles of trails worth hiking and biking, ranging from easy to challenging paths. If you want to challenge yourself, try rock climbing the towering pinnacles. Birders would like to walk around the wilderness as this park is a natural habitat for many avian creatures, including towhees, turkey vultures, magpies, and raptors.
Channel Islands National Park is about 65 miles from Central Coast. The park’s five distinct islands have abundant animals, with pelicans, western gulls, seals, and sea lions. They also offer impressive diving, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking opportunities. You will want to walk along the numerous trails snaking through the islands to get spectacular views of the area.
Sequoia National Park is 145 miles from Central Coast. Ask for directions to the Giants Forest to see the gigantic General Sherman Tree, estimated to be over 2,200 years old. Drive along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and the Generals Highway to explore mountain landscapes and enjoy panoramic views. Explore the area on foot by hiking and backpacking or go picnicking and camping.
Pismo State Beach is a must-visit park for RVers who like water-based activities. The waters offer exciting swimming, surfing, fishing, and snorkeling opportunities. Hike the available trails or spend time by the beach relaxing and building sandcastles. You might see sea otters, harbor seals, whales, and marine birds within the park.
Morro Bay State Park has many things to offer. Its location near a water body makes it a haven for boating, canoeing, fishing, and sailing. You will love seeing the many birds calling this place home, including herons, pipits, and sparrows. Besides hiking, you can golf on the park’s golf course or explore exhibits in its on-site museum.
Hearst San Simeon State Park has lots of outdoor recreation prospects. The park offers hiking opportunities on the numerous paths heading to the beach. It is also a great place for swimming and surfing. Anglers can catch surfperch, sand dabs, and sea perch throughout the year. If you feel like relaxing, you can picnic while marveling at breathtaking vistas within the park.
Walk some sections of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historical Trail to relive the Anza Expedition of 1775 to 1776. You will love exploring the trail’s historic site and scenic views.
Tour the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument to learn about the story of Cesar E. Chavez, an American labor leader and civil rights activist. The monument has well-preserved cactus gardens, a visitor’s center, and hiking trails.
Plan a trip to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which comprises distinct parks and preserves. The area has many trails passing through beautiful cities like Malibu and Ventura.
El Chorro Regional Park is a calm destination with well-maintained bathrooms and showers. It has 61 RV sites with full hookups, and its daily pricing is between $23 and $40. Love Port San Luis RV Campground is directly on the beach with showers and laundry facilities. It features 32 sites, and its pricing ranges between $42 and $67 per day.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Central Coast, CA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Central Coast?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Central Coast from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Central Coast?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.