8 days in California's Central Coast & Malibu 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: observe the fascinating underwater world at Monterey Bay Aquarium, get to know the fascinating history of Cannery Row, look for gifts at Monterey's Tasty Olive Bar, and pause for some serene contemplation at San Carlos Cathedral.

For maps, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Monterey online trip itinerary planner.

Boston 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. In June, Monterey is slightly colder than Boston - with highs of 68°F and lows of 53°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Wed) to allow time to drive to San Simeon.

When you arrive in tiny San Simeon, which lies halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, you can see why William Randolph Hearst chose this coastal locale for his famous hilltop castle.

On the 10th (Thu), steep yourself in history at Hearst Castle, get great views at Ragged Point Overlook, then look for all kinds of wild species at Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop, and finally kick back and relax at Piedras Blancas.

To see reviews, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the San Simeon route planner.

You can drive from Monterey to San Simeon in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus, train, and taxi; or do a combination of bus and car. Traveling from Monterey in June, you will find days in San Simeon are warmer (93°F), and nights are about the same (53°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Thu) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Fri): make a trip to Chaucer's Bookstore and then sample some tasty brews at 246 Wine & Brew Tours. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 12th (Sat): don't miss a visit to Old Mission Santa Barbara, take a stroll through State Street Underpass, then get to know the resident critters at Santa Barbara Zoo, and finally take in the waterfront at Stearns Wharf.

To see photos, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Santa Barbara tour itinerary maker.

Traveling by car from San Simeon to Santa Barbara takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect colder weather when traveling from San Simeon in June: highs in Santa Barbara hover around 72°F, while lows dip to 56°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sat) so you can drive to Malibu.

Malibu is a beach city in Los Angeles County, California, situated 30mi west of Downtown Los Angeles. Kick off your visit on the 13th (Sun): examine the collection at The Getty Villa, stroll through Carbon Beach, then kick back and relax at Zuma Beach, and finally immerse yourself in nature at Point Dume State Beach and Preserve.

Plan a trip to Malibu easily and quickly by telling Inspirock to suggest an itinerary.

Traveling by car from Santa Barbara to Malibu takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi. June in Malibu sees daily highs of 73°F and lows of 61°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.