15 days in California's Central Coast Itinerary

Monterey is a city in the U.S. Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Natural Bridges State Beach and Breakwater. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Mission San Juan Bautista and Cannery Row. There's still lots to do: see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, contemplate the waterfront views at Monterey Bay, stop by Monterey's Tasty Olive Bar, and get engrossed in the history at Casa Serrano, Historic Adobe.

For where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, read Monterey itinerary app.

Newark to Monterey is an approximately 8.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Pacific Standard Time (PST) is minus 3 hours. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Newark in September; daily highs in Monterey reach 72°F and lows reach 56°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Piedras Blancas and Tobin James Cellars. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and Mission San Miguel Arcangel will appeal to history buffs. Get out of town with these interesting Paso Robles side-trips: San Simeon (Piedras Blancas Light Station & Hearst Castle), Old Mission Gift Shop and Museum (in San Luis Obispo) and Speed Boats Tours (in Avila Beach). There's more to do: do a tasting at Eberle Winery and admire the masterpieces at Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Garden.

For other places to visit, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Paso Robles online travel route builder.

Traveling by car from Monterey to Paso Robles takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. When traveling from Monterey in September, plan for a bit warmer days in Paso Robles, with highs around 90°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 53°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) so you can travel to Lompoc.

Lompoc is a city in Santa Barbara County, California, on the west coast of the United States. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like La Purisima State Historical Park and Old Mission Santa Ines. Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Jalama Beach and Surf Beach. Explore Lompoc's surroundings by going to Sunstone Winery (in Santa Ynez), Los Olivos (Fess Parker, Labyrinth at St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, &more) and Solvang (Rideau Vineyard, Bethania Lutheran Church, &more). There's still lots to do: learn about winemaking at Montemar Wines.

For reviews, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Lompoc vacation planning site.

Drive from Paso Robles to Lompoc in 2 hours. Traveling from Paso Robles in September, you will find days in Lompoc are slightly colder (76°F), and nights are about the same (54°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) early enough to drive to Santa Barbara.

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.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Wine Tours & Tastings and Meditation Mount. Old Mission Santa Barbara and State Street Underpass will appeal to history buffs. And it doesn't end there: stroll around Arroyo Burro County Beach Park, admire the majestic nature at Carpinteria State Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at Butterfly Beach, and join in the after-dark buzz at Grassini Family Vineyards.

To find where to stay, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Santa Barbara online holiday planner.

You can drive from Lompoc to Santa Barbara in an hour. In September, daytime highs in Santa Barbara are 79°F, while nighttime lows are 58°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.