7 days in California's Central Coast Itinerary

Monterey is a city in the U.S. Monterey is known for zoos & aquariums, scenic drive, and wildlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: admire nature's wide array of creatures at Monterey Bay Aquarium, explore the world behind art at Casa Serrano, Historic Adobe, stroll through Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail, and take a tour by water with Elkhorn Slough Safari.

For ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Monterey trip builder app.

Durham to Monterey is an approximately 10-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. You'll gain 3 hours traveling from Durham to Monterey due to the time zone difference. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Monterey when traveling from Durham in December, with lows around 43°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sun) so you can go by car to Cambria.

Cambria is a seaside village in San Luis Obispo County, California, United States midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along California State Route 1 (Highway 1). Start off your visit on the 14th (Mon): identify plant and animal life at Piedras Blancas, identify plant and animal life at Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop, then step into the grandiose world of Hearst Castle, and finally view the masterpieces at Amphora Gallery.

For ratings, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Cambria holiday planning tool.

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 December, expect slightly colder with lows of 33°F in Cambria. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Mon) 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.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Tue): steep yourself in history at Old Mission Santa Barbara and then indulge your senses at some of the top wineries in the area. Here are some ideas for day two: make a trip to Santa Barbara County Courthouse, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Santa Barbara Zoo, then learn more about the world around you at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, and finally take in the waterfront at Stearns Wharf.

To find ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Santa Barbara trip website.

Drive from Cambria to Santa Barbara in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Cambria in December, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 41°F in Santa Barbara. You'll set off for home on the 17th (Thu).