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« Previous Edition | This California Travel Edition Posted on 01/11/13

Visiting Central California Coast

Make your spring and early summer travel plans for the central coast of California. Miles of beaches line the coast, from as far south as Santa Barbara, to as far north as Watsonville, and Hollister. You’ll be able to walk the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when you visit Santa Cruz, or take in some history at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. When you’re in the mood for a live performance, head to the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium on February 2nd for the Jackson Browne Acoustic Tour. If you’re visiting later, don’t miss the Santa Cruz County Symphony Family Concert on March 3rd.

Golfers will no doubt enjoy a visit to the DeLaveaga Golf Course, where on February 3rd you’ll want to take part in the Lance Bei Super Bowl XLVII Shamble, a fun, four person per team golf tournament – make the drive in from nearby Capitola if you’re not already staying in downtown Santa Cruz.

Enjoy even more spectacular golfing when you visit Gilroy. Set east of Santa Cruz, Gilroy is home to the Gavilan Golf Course, the Eagle Ridge Golf Club, and the Gilroy Municipal Golf Course – try to play all three! After you’ve played 18 holes, head to the Gilroy Museum for a look at local history, or spend your day searching for adventure at the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park.

Head south along the coast and explore Monterey. A friendly seaside city, Monterey is home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Cannery Row – Monterey Bay’s historic waterfront district. Visit March 1st – 3rd and check out the Jazz Bash by the Bay event at the Monterey Conference Center. If you like dance performances, head to the Sunset Cultural Center on March 15th and check out Rhythm of Dance at the Sunset Center, a live performance. You can stay right in the heart of Monterey or visit from nearby Carmel, a beautiful destination not far from the beach itself.

Much further south along the coast is San Simeon, a quaint and affable community, home to the famous Hearst Castle. Make a visit to San Simeon, or drive in from Cambria, set just to the south – be sure to tour the Hearst Castle.

Your trip into the central coast of California isn’t complete without visiting Santa Barbara. Whether you drive in from nearby Goleta, or fly into the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, you’re all set to make life-long memories. Check out the Chumash Painted Cave Historic Park, or head to the Granada Theatre on March 10th for Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.