15 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: explore and take pictures at 17-Mile Drive, learn the secrets of beer at Monterey Bay Food Tours, pause for some serene contemplation at San Carlos Cathedral, and explore the landscape on two wheels at Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail.

To find traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Monterey trip planner.

Toronto, Canada to Monterey is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, car, and bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Toronto to Monterey is minus 3 hours. In September, daily temperatures in Monterey can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Cambria.

Step out of Cambria to go to San Simeon and see Hearst Castle, which is approximately 50 minutes away.

To find where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Cambria trip itinerary planning site.

Traveling by car from Monterey to Cambria takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus, train, and taxi. Traveling from Monterey in September, you will find days in Cambria are a bit warmer (38°C), and nights are about the same (13°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Santa Maria.

Get out of town with these interesting Santa Maria side-trips: Montana de Oro State Park (in Los Osos), Chamisal Vineyards (in San Luis Obispo) and Speed Boats Tours (in Avila Beach).

To find ratings, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Santa Maria trip planner.

Getting from Cambria to Santa Maria by car takes about 1.5 hours. When traveling from Cambria in September, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Santa Maria: temperatures range from 30°C by day to 15°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is known for sightseeing, adventure, and wineries. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: indulge your senses at some of the top wineries in the area, make a trip to Chaucer's Bookstore, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Santa Barbara Zoo, and admire the striking features of Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

To find where to stay, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Santa Barbara trip planner.

Traveling by car from Santa Maria to Santa Barbara takes 1.5 hours. In September, daily temperatures in Santa Barbara can reach 30°C, while at night they dip to 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Fri) so you can fly back home.