11 days in California's Central Coast Itinerary

Monterey is known for zoos & aquariums, scenic drive, and wildlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: admire all the interesting features of 17-Mile Drive, admire the masterpieces at Casa Serrano, Historic Adobe, get to know the fascinating history of Cannery Row, and explore the activities along Monterey Bay.

For maps, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Monterey trip planning app.

Tampa to Monterey is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time, which is usually a -3 hour difference. Traveling from Tampa in April, you will find days in Monterey are much colder (64°F), and nights are slightly colder (48°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Fri) to allow time to drive to Cambria.

Change things up with a short trip to Hearst Castle in San Simeon (about 50 minutes away).

To find maps, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Cambria trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Monterey to Cambria in 2.5 hours. Another option is to do a combination of bus, train, and taxi. Traveling from Monterey in April, you will find days in Cambria are a bit warmer (78°F), and nights are a bit cooler (43°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Mon) so you can drive to Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is known for sightseeing, adventure, and wineries. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: indulge your taste buds at Food & Drink, make a trip to Old Mission Santa Barbara, contemplate the long history of Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and get to know the resident critters at Santa Barbara Zoo.

For maps, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Santa Barbara online trip planner.

Traveling by car from Cambria to Santa Barbara takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect slightly colder weather when traveling from Cambria in April: highs in Santa Barbara hover around 71°F, while lows dip to 50°F. You will have some time to spend on the 28th (Fri) before leaving for home.