California Central Coast Getaways

Here's some handy links to help you plan a California Coastal escape!

Our Perfect Pismo/Avila Beach Itinerary
Our Perfect Cambria Itinerary
In the Water
On the Shore
In the Air
Points of Interest
Places to Stay
Restaurants & Clubs
Shopping
Transportation

In the Surf Top

Adventures in the Water

Monterey Bay Kayaks
Monterey Bay Kayaks is a full service training classes, bay wildlife tours and equipment rental and sales facility. Beginning and advanced paddlers can take advantage of training classes on both open and closed deck models or enjoy guided tours of Monterey Bay's or Elk Slough's natural history.  Youth and corporate or group outings available.
693 Del Monte Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940
or 2390 Highway One, Moss Landing, CA 95039
800-649-5357 Web: www.montereybaykayaks.com

Lighthall Yacht Charters
Lighthall Charters offers private or regularly scheduled excursions for up to six people.  Participate in America's Cup style racing or just a leisurely sail to enjoy the sunset or even end your sail with a beach barbeque.  Also available are: Bare Boat Rentals, Sailing Lessons, Tropical Cruises, Corporate Team Building, Boat & Breakfast, Whale Watching
934 Bay Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-429-1970  Web: www.lighthallcharters.com

Monterey Bay Whale Watch
Monterey Bay's most popular outfit, offering seasonal excursions to view Humpback, Blue, Grey and Killer whales; dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea otters, sea birds and sea turtles.  Each excursion is lead by a professional marine biologists and naturalists.  Each trip is leisurely in pace so we can guarantee you'll see whales!
Fisherman’s Wharf (at Sam’s Fishing Fleet)
Monterey, CA 93940
Toll Free: 866-GO-WHALES (866-469-4253)
831-375-4658  Fax: 831-372-3128
e-mail: trips@montereybaywhalewatch.com
Web: www.gowhales.com

Sanctuary Cruises
Experience the grandeur of Whales (Year-Round), Dolphins, Otters, Sea Lions and more aboard on of two modern vessels, lead by naturalists and marine biologists.  The Princess of Whales catamaran offers underwater viewing ports and hydrophones!  You can also explore the nearby Elkhorn Slough natural habitat.
Moss Landing
Phone: 831-643-0128
Web: www.sanctuarycruises.com

Stagnaro Fishing Trips & Bay Cruises
Stagnaro's offers something for everyone!  Salmon, Albacore and deep sea fishing; whale & dolphin watching trips, scenic bay cruises or even private party chartering.  On shore you can even eat at our "Gilda's" family restaurant at the wharf.
P. O. Box 1340
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
Phone: 831-427-2334  Fax: 831-427-0764
e-mail: info@stagnaros.com  Web: www.stagnaros.com

Whitewater Adventures

Get ready for the no-fuss, all fun, time-of-your-life raft trip. Serving the Upper Cache river (a class 3 whitewater run through a volcanic canyon, accessible only by water); Whitewater Adventures offers 2 day river rafting trips, including wildlife orientations riverside lunches and a campsite overnight where a gourmet dinner is served under the stars by tiki-torch.  Hiking, nature walks, sports activities and campfire relaxation are all available when you're off of the river.  One day trips and group specials offered.
P. O. Box 2472
Napa, CA 94558
800-977-4837
707-257-4444 Web: www.whitewater-adv.com

Whitewater Voyages

California’s premiere rafting company, offering river trips on 20 of our states best rafting waters.  Whitewater Voyages is known for their gourmet cuisine, professional guides and private camp sites. Your choice relaxing to challenging river trips, half-day to seven-day trips or even family oriented trips for younger children; all affordably priced!
5225 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante, CA 94803
Phone: 800-488-RAFT
510-222-5994  Fax: 510-758-7238

On the Shore Top

Adventures on the Shore

Central California Wineries
The following wineries have tasting rooms to experience and enjoy the wines that you may purchase.

Cerro Caliente Cellars in San Luis Obispo
Alapay Cellars in Avila Beach
Claiborne & Churchill  San Luis Obispo
Seven Peaks San Luis Obispo
Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards San Luis Obispo

Napa Valley Wineries:

Do the loop: Take Hwy. 29 (St. Helena Hwy) up to Calistoga.
Turn Right on Lincoln St. - through Calistoga to the Silverado Trail. Turn right and come back down Silverado

Grgich Hills Rutherford
Domaine Chandon:  Beautiful grounds. No tasting room, but they do have a patio setting. Champagne served by the glass or bottle.
Vichon:  Nice views. Good wines
Niebaum-Coppala:  Good wine
Sattui V.:  Great tasting room. Good wine, that can only be purchased at the winery.
Beringer:  Wine is okay - worth the visit just for the architecture.
Clos Pegase:  Unique winery with modern art. Good wine
Sterling Vineyards:  Tram ride up to the winery. Views of the valley.
Meadowood:  Nice Napa wedding location
Rutherford Hill:  Winery tour worth while. Good wine.
Auberge de Solell:  Hotel and restaurant. Great place for lunch or snack.
Groth Vineyards:  Great wine.
Silverado Vineyards:  If you have time not a bad place to stop.
The Diner:  Great for breakfast or lunch.

Paramount’s Great America
Northern California’s most thrilling theme park!  Fun for all ages.  Little kids will enjoy KiZville with more than 20 rides and attractions and frolic through Nickelodeon's Splat City.  More mature guests can twist, turn and experience white-knuckled thrills aboard one of the park's ten world-class roller coaster, a 3-D adventure ride, Imax theater and concert venue.
Great America Parkway
P.O. Box 1776
Santa Clara, CA 95052
408-988-1776

Raging Waters "XXL" Water Park
The only way to describe Raging Waters is XXL because nothing else measures up!  The home of the wildest, wettest rides; with over 21 rides, slides and attractions, Raging Waters offers limitless entertainment for all ages!  Lifeguards on duty and heated pools too!
2333 South White Road, San Jose, CA 95148
Phone: 408-238-9900  Web: www.rwsplash.com

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Warm sand, cool surf, hot rides!  More than 30 rides, plus dozens of games and attractions including the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.  Four arcades with classic and state of the art video, pinball and interactive games and black light laser-tag arena.  You can also munch on burgers, corn dogs, candy apples and salt water taffy; or shop for quality beachwear and T-shirts. 
400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 831-426-7433 Web: www.beachboardwalk.com

Kiva Retreat House
702 Water Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 408-429-2242

Sonoma Traintown Railroad
The most well-developed scale R.R. in the Americas.  You will lose your sense of direction as our steam trains guide you back in time, through 10 acres of landscaped park; filled with thousands of trees, animals, bridges, tunnels, waterfalls and historic replica structures. Other rides and attractions include; carousel, Ferris wheel, coasters, petting zoo and much more!
20264 Broadway - Highway 12
Sonoma, CA 95476
Phone: 707-938-3912
Web: www.traintown.com

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
Set amidst acres of wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynex and San Rafael Mountains, lies glimmering Cachuma Lake. Here you will find practically everything you need for a relaxing getaway in the great outdoors: year-round tent, yurt and RV camping, boating, fishing, nature cruises on the lake, bird-watching, photography, picnics, and romantic sunset strolls.
HC 58, Highway 154
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805-686-5054  Fax: 805-686-5055
Web: www.cachuma.com

Jalama Beach County Park
You'll be awed by the miles of sandy beaches, lush rolling hills and breath-taking cliffs.  Jalama Beach is prized for its great surfing and wind-surfing, whale-watching, bird watching, rock fishing and its awesome photographic vistas.  Over 110 campsites with 28 offering RV hookups with hot showers and flush toilets nearby.  A general store and grill are located in the park too! Star Route, Jalama Road
Lompoc, CA 93436
Recorded info: 805-736-6316
Office: 805-736-3504  Fax: 805-735-8020
Web: http://www.sbparks.com/Scripts/ParksDetail.asp?ParkID=7

Del Monte Golf Course
Set amid stands of Monterey Pines and live oak, the ageless beauty of Del Monte Golf Course, at 100 years is the oldest course west of the Mississippi!  Offering exceptional challenge to golfers of every skill level, its small, well protected greens and narrow, tree lined fairways ensure no golfer leaves unsatisfied. Del Monte hosts the California Amateur and the Pebble Beach Invitational.
1300 Sylvan Road (adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Monterey)
Phone: 831-373-2700
Web: www.pebblebeach.com

California’s Underground Family Adventures
Cavern Tours operates cave exploration tours in 5 different locations, ranging from leisurely Family Tours to the more challenging Adventure & Deep Mine Tours.  Fun and educational activities showing how stalactites grow and how gold ore is mines and panned.  Call or visit web site for details on various locations!
Phone: 866-762-2837 (Toll Free)

The Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center (At The Geysers)
The Geysers is the world’s largest geothermal energy source, using clean, renewable steam to make electricity.  At The Geyser, you will see the largest complex of geothermal power plants in the world capturing steam from a subterranean cauldron at it drifts up from the very hillsides.  Free tours of an operating geothermal plant are offered.
15500 Central Park Road, Middletown, CA 95461
Phone: 800-LAKESIDE
707-263-9544  Web: www.geysers.com

Monterey Bay Aquarium
A world of wonder awaits you at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Discover the marvels of our ocean planet as you explore the aquarium’s world-acclaimed galleries. Including an indoor ocean of 1 million gallons viewed through the worlds largest window!  Hands-on exhibits and special Kid's Splash Zone too!
886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940-1085
Phone: 831-648-4888  Web: www.montereybayaquarium.org

Seymour Marine Discovery Center (At Long Marine Lab)
Delve into the sites and sounds of a working marine laboratory. Uncover mysteries of the sea with in-depth demonstrations and hands-on explorations, view an 87 foot blue whale skeleton, hold a sea star in your hands, explore marine life of Monterey Bay; all from knowledgeable docents.
Institute of Marine Sciences
University of California Santa Cruz
100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 831-459-3800
Web: www2.ucsc.edu/seymourcenter 

Back Roads Tasting Tour
Enjoy the day exploring the back roads and boutique wineries. Scenery, wine tastings and a delicious lunch with door-to-door service is what this group provides.  Call for rates.
Phone: 805-489-6261
email: backroadstasting@aol.com

Classic Limousine's Coastal & Wine Tour
Experience a scenic wine tour in the comfort of a chauffeured limousine!  Since 1990. Open 7 days a week. Call for rates. Pismo Beach
Phone: 805-773-2211

Monterey Wine Country
The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association invites you to enjoy the charm of the Monterey Wine Country.  Contact the Association for their detailed Wine Country map; offering information on wineries, tastings, wine tour operators, lodgings, special events calendar and eateries.
P. O. Box 1793
Monterey, CA 93942-1793
Phone: 831-375-9400
Web: www.montereywines.org

Napa Valley Wine Train
Enjoy relaxed elegance, artfully prepared cuisine & world class wines; aboard luxury dining cars as you cruise past world famous vineyards and scenic countryside.  Celebrate your special parties aboard the wine train. Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversaries, Holidays, Champagne Brunch – Lunch, Gourmet Dinner, Individuals or group charters
1275 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: 800-427-4124
707-253-2111  Web: www.winetrain.com

In the Air! Top

Adventures in the Air

Bay Area Glider Rides
Enjoy the Monterey Bay, Mile High Mountain, Silver Hawk or Acrobatics excursions in the safe hands of an FAA certified pilot.  Fly alongside the eagles and hawks in on of our silent gliders and don't forget your camera!
At Hollister Airport
888-467-6276 (Toll-Free) Web: www.1888gosoarn.com/index2.htm

Skydive Monterey Bay
Experience the thrill of Skydiving by the beautiful Monterey Bay; California's most beautiful drop zone!  The rush of flying through the sky at 120 mph is something you'll never forget!
3261 Imjin Road, Marina, CA 93933
888-BAY-Jump (Toll-Free)
Phone: 408-384-3483  Web: www.skydivemontereybay.com

Western Hang Gliders
You can fly today on Monterey Bay.  Feel the wind carry you as you sail down the beach in the glider (with your instructor beside you from launch to landing.)  Daily classes with certified instructors for beginning, intermediate and advanced flyers.
Phone: 831-384-2622 Web: www.westernhanggliders.org

Points of Interest Top

Unique and Worthwhile Places to Visit

17-Mile Drive
Enjoy a leisurely drive through the breath-taking Del Monte Forest and rugged coastline of the Monterey Peninsula.  Stop along the way at any one of over 20 scenic locations along the circular route and enjoy the sea-lions and other wild life and natural beauty.  Bring a camera!!!  Pebble Beach, CA
Web: www.pebblebeach.com

Hearst Castle (at San Simeon State Park)
Enjoy one of 4 diverse tours of the famed Hearst Castle, built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst between 1919 and 1947 in collaboration with famed San Francisco architect Julia Morgan.  The "Enchanted Hill", today a California State park is over 165 acres of manicured gardens, spectacular pools and fountains and boasts over 165 rooms in the Casa Grande main house and several guest homes. The Imax movie is worth watching.  Wear comfortable shoes!
750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452
800-444-4445 To Reserve Tours & Tickets
805-927-2020  Web: www.hearstcastle.org

The Mystery Spot
It’s Crazy. It’s Perplexing. It’s Nature’s Magic! At the Mystery Spot you will experience ineffable, natural phenomena.  The Mystery Spot is an area of about 150 feet in diameter in the redwood forests outside of Santa Cruz; within it the laws of physics just don't apply!  Gravity has gone haywire, topsy-turvy!  Come and experience the inexplicable for yourself!
465 Mystery Spot Road
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone: 831-423-8897  Web: www.mysteryspot.com

Roaring Camp Railroads
It's a journey back to another time!  Roaring Camp features living history reenactments, gold panning, candle making, traditional music.  You can visit a 1880's logging camp or trains deep into the woods following old logging paths or scenic beach train down through the woods to Santa Cruz's Boardwalk.  Special events are scheduled all year long!
P. O. Box G-1
Felton, CA 95018
Phone: 831-335-4484  Fax: 831-335-3509
e-mail: depot@roaringcamp.com  Web: www.roaringcamp.com

Winchester Mystery House
One of the most unusual houses in the world!  The 160 room house is a jumble of twists and turns, dead ends and doors to nowhere. It is the result of thirty-eight years of nonstop construction with no more of a blueprint than the whim of the house's owner.  Oh... it's haunted too!  Take the 1 hour tour and see for yourself!
525 South Winchester Boulevard
San Jose, CA 95128  www.winchestermysteryhouse.com
Phone: 408-247-2101 recorded Information

Places to Stay Top

Places to Stay

Fog Catcher Inn
Garden-view and Ocean-view rooms.  Continental Breakfast included.  Fireplace and refrigerator in rooms that are completely charming and homey. 
6400 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, CA 93428
Phone: 805-927-1400
Phone: 800-425-4121  Web: www.moonstonehotels.com

McIntyre's Clan Na Gael Bed & Breakfast Homestay
Amenities include your choice of a real Scottish breakfast or High Tea in the afternoon.  Stay in either the Ocean View studio with loads of amenities or the downtown studios and Garden. Very cozy.
6000 Coventry Lane in the Pines
or 4230 Bridge Street, downtown East Village
Cambria, CA 93428
Phone: 805-927-7312 Days
Phone: 805-927-6800 Nights

Benbow Inn
This National Historical Landmark and world-class, Tudor-style inn is known for exquisite fine dining, Old-World ambiance, and romance. The beautiful Benbow Valley is within easy driving distance to the Wine Country, Mendocino County and San Francisco Bay Area.
445 Lake Benbow Drive, Garberville, CA 95440
Phone: 707-923-2124

Avila Valley Hot Springs
Hot mineral pool, Massage therapy, year-round heated pool, kitchen, arcade and RV & tent camping.  Camping at it's best.
250 Avila Beach Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone: 805-595-2359  Web: www.avilahotsprings.com

The Cliffs Resort
The most comfy European-styled beds you may ever sleep in.  Oh and an oceanfront view of Shell Beach with all the fixin's...good food, nice heated pool and Jacuzzi.  These folks know what matters to the hotel guest.  Expect a memorable stay at the Cliff's.
2757 Shell Beach Rd., Shell Beach, CA 93449
Phone: 805-773-5000
Phone: 800-826-7827  Web: www.cliffsresort.com

Moonstone Hotel Properties & Cambria Pines Lodge
2905 Burton Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Phone: 805-927-4200
Phone: 800-445-6868  Web: www.moonstonehotels.com
Fax:  805-927-4016

Heritage Inn Bed & Breakfast
Adorable rooms, creek to enjoy the evenings cheese and wine near and a delightful breakfast set this charming B&B apart from others.  Nicely private and pets are welcome.
978 Olive St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone: 805-544-7440  www.slo-online.com/heritageinn

Timber Cove Inn
The Timber Cove Inn is on the wild Sonoma Coast, offering rooms with ocean, forest and Japanese pond views. Come and enjoy the Timber Cove Inn's lodgings & restaurant in an atmosphere that will let you forget your worries and release everyday tensions; a place to meditate or just be in love.
21780 North Coast Highway One, Jenner, CA 95450
Phone: 800-987-8319 Web: www.timbercoveinn.com
Phone: 707-847-3231 Fax: 707-847-3704

Ocean Pacific Lodge
120 Washington Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 831-457-1234

Sea & Sand Inn
201 West Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 831-427-3400

Santa Cruz Days Inn
325 Pacific Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 831-423-8564

Restaurants & Clubs Top

Restaurants & Clubs

The Britannia Arms (Ye Olde English Pub & Restaurant)
Located just south of Santa Cruz; the Britannia Arms offers traditional British Pub food and American family fare in a comfortable setting; or enjoy darts, pool or world soccer and rugby games on the satellite TV.
8017 Soquel Drive, Aptos Village, CA
Phone: 408-688-1233

Club Octane
Club Octane is Monterey’s Nightlife. This largest 21 and over nightclub on the Monterey Bay boasts; 3 bars, 2 separate dance floors, pool tables and an outdoor balcony.
321 Alvarado, Downtown Monterey (on the corner of Del Monte and Alvarado)  Phone: 831-646-9244

Seabright Brewery: Pub & Restaurant
Just blocks from the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor; the Seabright Brewery staff invites you to sample one of their many nationally acclaimed beers, English bitters, pale ales, lagers, wheat's, bocks or barely wines.  You can also enjoy a large variety of pub and continental foods and delightful surroundings.  On Fridays the place rocks to live surf music, rock'n'roll or reggae.
519 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Phone: 408-426-2739

Shopping Top

Shop till you drop!

Rodrigue Studio - Carmel
P.O. Box S-3214
(6th Ave between Lincoln and Dolores)
Carmel, California 93923
Phone: (831) 626- 4444
Fax: (831) 626- 4488
www.georgerodrigue.com

The Antique Dealers of Santa Cruz County
If the Antiques' Road Show has inspired you then you have to visit the web site for the Antique Dealer of Santa Cruz County for a detailed map and brochure highlighting over 45 area dealers, plus eateries and points of interest!  Web: www.antiquesofcalifornia.com

Capitola Mall
The only enclosed shopping mall in Santa Cruz County; featuring Gottschalks, Mervyns, Sears, Macy's and over 100 more stores and boutiques!
41st Avenue (near Hwy 1)
Santa Cruz County
Phone: 831-476-9749
Web: www.shopcapitolamall.com

Chelsea Premium Outlet Centers
Upscale, fashion conscious shoppers who prefer designer labels have found that all outlet centers are not all the same.  Chelsea Premium Outlets offer shoppers the largest collection of designer brands, unique outdoor settings, and savings of 25 to 65 percent every day.  Visit our web site for detailed store listings, center hours and special events.
Web: www.premiumoutlets.com

American Tin Cannery Premium Outlets
125 Ocean View Boulevard
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Phone: 831-372-1442

Desert Hills Premium Outlets
48400 Seminole Drive
Cabazon, CA 92230
Phone: 909-849-6641

Factory Stores at Vacaville
321 Nut Tree Road, Suite 2
Vacaville, CA 95687
Phone: 707-447-2255

Folsom Premium Outlets
13000 Folsom Boulevard
Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: 916-985-0312

Gilroy Premium Outlets
681 Leavesley Road
Gilroy, CA 95020
Phone: 408-842-3729

Mammoth Premium Outlets
3310 Main Street
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Phone: 760-924-1084

Napa Premium Outlets
629 Factory Stores Drive
Napa, CA 94558
Phone: 707-226-9876

Petaluma Village Premium Outlets
2200 Petaluma Blvd. N.
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: 707-778-9300

St. Helena Premium Outlets
3111 N. St. Helena Hwy
St. Helena, CA 94574
Phone: 707-963-7282

Great Mall of the Bay Area
Great Mall, Northern California’s largest value and entertainment mall, provides residents and visitors with a value-oriented shopping experience filled with fun for the entire family.  Once the Ford Mustang assembly plant, Great Mall now offers over 1.5 million square feet (over 200 stores) featuring: outlet, off-price and specialty stores; a 20 screen stadium seating style movie complex; and the Van's Skate park for inline and skateboarders.
447 Great Mall Drive (at Main Street)
Milpitas, CA 95035-8028
800-MALL-BAY
Phone: 408-956-2033
e-mail: GreatMall@greatmallbayarea.com
Web: www.greatmallbayarea.com

L. H. Selman Ltd. Glass Gallery & Paperweight Museum
This renowned gallery attracts glass enthusiasts from around the world, who come to marvel at the exclusive collection of paperweights, scent bottles, vases, vessels and small-scale glass art. Make the gallery your first stop when you visit Santa Cruz. There’s lot to see.
123 Locust Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 800-538-0766
831-427-1177  Web: www.TheGlassGallery.com

The San Jose Flea Market
Come and explore our more than 8 miles (120 acres) of colorful alleys and treasure-laden corridors. Shop from over 2000 sellers. You'll find an enormous variety of collectibles,... arts, crafts, comic books, belt buckles, jewelry, and more. You'll see a huge selection of fashion clothing, walking shoes, fine furniture, and tools-from bonsai pruning shears to power miters.  You can also enjoy over 25 restaurants and dozens of food carts as well as California's Largest Farmer's Market!
1590 Berryessa Road
San Jose, CA 95133
800-BIG-FLEA
Phone: 408-453-111  Web: www.sjfm.com

Transportation Top

Rentals

V-Cam Rentals, Inc. (Custom Harley Rentals)
When you ride a motorcycle vs. driving, you can see, smell, and feel all of what California has to offer.  San Jose is central to many of California’s vacation destinations. All are within an hour drive: Carmel, Monterey Bay, Big Sur, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay and Pacific Coast Highway, San Francisco & Napa Valley.  Enjoy them all on a modern reliable Harley. Two rider models with windscreen, saddlebags and 24 hour roadside assistance available.
1425 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, CA 95126
Phone: 408-920-2500  Fax: 408-920-0901