15 days in California's Central Coast Itinerary

Monterey is a city in the U.S. Do your shopping at AiX and Steven Whyte's Sculpture Studio and Gallery. Take a break from the city and head to 17-Mile Drive and Dolphin & Whale Watching. There's still lots to do: admire nature's wide array of creatures at Monterey Bay Aquarium, view the masterpieces at Gallery by the Sea Carmel, admire the majestic nature at Point Lobos, and shop like a local with Carmel Art Association.

For photos, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Monterey day trip planning website.

New York City to Monterey is an approximately 11-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 New York City in September, things will get slightly colder in Monterey: highs are around 72°F and lows about 56°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can go by car to Carmel Valley.

Carmel Valley Village is a census-designated place in Monterey County, California, United States. On the 1st (Tue), immerse yourself in nature at Limekiln State Park and then steep yourself in history at Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Pinnacles National Park.

For maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Carmel Valley tour itinerary builder.

Carmel Valley is just a stone's throw from Monterey. In September, daily temperatures in Carmel Valley can reach 72°F, while at night they dip to 56°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Carmel Valley.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Thu): kick back and relax at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Pfeiffer State Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: enjoy the sea views from Point Sur State Historic Park.

For more things to do, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Carmel Valley trip itinerary planning tool.

Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Fri) so you can travel to Paso Robles.

A town of hot springs and wine, Paso Robles (or "Pass of the Oaks") feels like a desert paradise to those who travel here.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Hearst Castle and Fiona Bleu Gallery. For shopping fun, head to San Luis Obispo County Farmers' Market Association or Pasolivo Olive Oil. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Paso Robles: Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop (in San Simeon), Moonstone Beach (in Cambria) and Morro Rock (in Morro Bay). It doesn't end there: immerse yourself in nature at Montana de Oro State Park and do a tasting at Tobin James Cellars.

To find where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Paso Robles tour planner.

You can drive from Carmel Valley to Paso Robles in 2 hours. When traveling from Carmel Valley in October, plan for a bit warmer days and slightly colder nights in Paso Robles: temperatures range from 83°F by day to 46°F at night. You will leave for Santa Barbara on the 8th (Tue).

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is a solid vacation destination with its wide beaches, renowned wineries, and some of California's finest shopping and dining options.

On the 9th (Wed), admire the landmark architecture of Santa Barbara County Courthouse, take a stroll through State Street Underpass, then identify plant and animal life at Douglas Family Preserve, and finally take a leisurely stroll along Stearns Wharf. On the 10th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: don't miss a visit to Old Mission Santa Barbara.

To find maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Santa Barbara trip planner.

You can drive from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara in 2.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. When traveling from Paso Robles in October, plan for little chillier days in Santa Barbara, with highs around 77°F, while nights are a bit warmer with lows around 53°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 10th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.