A California Tailspin road trip is a rite of passage for any outdoor venture traveler, and the inside tailspin of California is particularly iconic. This stretch of the Pacific Tailspin Highway provides incredible ocean views, trappy sights, easy wangle to quaint California waterfront towns, and of course, uncounted opportunities for outdoor adventure.

A few years ago, I joined forces with Visit California in search of the weightier vita withal the Inside California Coast. I’ve compiled what I discovered into this itinerary withal with recommendations from the rest of the Bearfoot Theory team who have spent lots of time exploring this region.

This itinerary combines outdoor vita with top-notch opportunities to wits the local culture of the Inside California Tailspin from Ventura to Cambria, with information on visiting spare destinations like Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Cruz if you have the time.

From sea-to-spoon and farm-to-fork meals to hikes with sweeping views, shop hotels, and subconscious gems that are just off the tamed path, this itinerary will not disappoint.

Be sure to trammels out the video of my Inside California Tailspin Road Trip unelevated as well.

 


Central California Tailspin Road Trip Basics

What is the Inside California Coast?

Most people are familiar with Northern California (San Francisco and above) and Southern California (Los Angeles south), but what is the Inside California coast?

While there’s no word-for-word definition of what makes up the Inside California Coast, it’s wontedly wonted that this section stretches between Ventura County in the south to Santa Cruz in the north.

In between Ventura and Santa Cruz, there is an wondrous variety of stunning beaches, wild mountainsides, small coastal towns, unconfined restaurants, the famous Big Sur, and so much more.

Here are the top destinations on the inside tailspin of California at a glance from south to north:

  • Ventura
  • Ojai
  • Santa Barbara
  • Avila Beach
  • Pismo Beach
  • San Luis Obispo
  • Montaña del Oro State Park
  • Morro Bay
  • Cambria/San Simeon
  • Big Sur
  • Carmel by the Sea
  • Monterey
  • Santa Cruz

Landscape photo of Sand Dollar Waterfront in Big Sur California

San Dollar Waterfront in Big Sur | The Inside California Tailspin has plenty of wide unshut spaces to reconnect with nature

How much time do you need to road trip the Inside California Coast?

This itinerary is for 6 days, which is a good value of time to get a finger for the region, although if you have increasingly time you can certainly swoop deeper. If you only have a weekend, I recommend picking one zone to explore – like Ojai, Santa Barbara, or Big Sur for example.

My biggest tip – don’t rush it. The Inside California Tailspin operates at a slower pace and is meant to be enjoyed at a slower pace as well. Use the information here to customize your own trip based on your priorities and the value of time you have.

Best Way to Explore the Inside California Coast

You’ll definitely want a car or campervan for any inside California tailspin road trip. If you plan on staying in hotels or accommodations, a car will be fine. A rental car can be picked up in Ventura or the Los Angeles zone if you’re going south to north or in San Francisco if you’re going north to south.

If you want to wits some of California’s weightier campgrounds, I highly recommend renting a campervan. Not only will this indulge you to be increasingly flexible, but you really can’t write-up camping on the beach! Trammels out our list of campervan rental companies for ideas.

The winding Pacific highway withal the Inside California Tailspin with the ocean on the left and mountains on the right

You’ll want a car or campervan to explore the Inside California Tailspin with freedom

Best Time for a California Inside Tailspin Road Trip

California is known for its sunny weather and summery climate, so you can really plan a road trip any time of the year. Here are a few considerations based on the season:

Spring is a unconfined time to plan a California Inside Tailspin road trip, expressly if you want to see California’s trappy springtime wildflower blooms. Temps can still be a bit chilly, though, so pack layers and be prepared for windy days.

Summer is typically the busiest time of year for California, so you’ll see lots of crowds and will need to make camping or hotel reservations in advance. The weather tends to be great, though, with temperatures in the 70s and little to no rain.

Fall in inside California brings fewer crowds and potation temps, making it a unconfined time to visit. Days are often well-spoken as well whereas in summer you may wits “June gloom” where the tailspin is often shrouded in clouds.

Winter on the California tailspin can be really nice if you enjoy potation temperatures and a increasingly laid-back vibe. Some places do tropical for the winter and the days are shorter so you’ll have less daylight to explore, so that’s something to alimony in mind when you plan your trip.


Central California Tailspin Road Trip Itinerary

There are infinite ways to explore the inside California Tailspin with so many things to see and do. Unelevated is my 6-day itinerary with a few options for extending or customizing your trip.

  • Day 1: Arrive in Ventura
  • Day 2: Ventura
  • Day 3: Ojai
  • Day 4: Santa Barbara
  • Day 5: Avila Waterfront and Cambria
  • Day 6: Morro Bay

If you have increasingly time, protract on to Big Sur, Monterey Bay, and Santa Cruz which I’ll touch on unelevated as well.

Day 1: Explore Downtown Ventura & Hit the Beach

We started our California road trip in the energetic waterfront town of Ventura. Ventura is known for its iconic waterfront boardwalk where you can walk, pedal, or skate past popping shops, restaurants, and wide-open sandy beaches that lead right lanugo the Pacific Ocean.

There is no shortage of things to do in Ventura, but here’s how we spent our days exploring this iconic coastal town:

Morning

Grab a quick zest and morning coffee at Palm & Boy Coffee in the part-way of downtown Ventura. This cozy indoor and outdoor café is a unconfined spot for people-watching as you slowly perk up and uncork your day.

With coffee in hand, walk a couple of blocks towards the waterfront to the Visit Ventura Visitors and Convention Center. Here you’ll find lots of inspiration and ideas to plan out your day. We suggest chatting with one of the super-friendly folks who work at the Tourism Center.

Visit Ventura // Plan a Inside California tailspin road trip with this itinerary packed with outdoor adventure, wondrous food, and unique places to stay.

The Visit Ventura Visitors and Convention Part-way is a unconfined place to get some ideas on what to see and do in Ventura

The morning and early afternoon in coastal California can be a bit overcast depending on the time of year, which makes it the platonic time to pop in and out of Ventura’s unique and colorful shops. Trammels out Passport Habits, an eclectic travel-themed shop, located on East Main Street in downtown Ventura, Jockamo Records, Iron & Resin, and the Patagonia Flagship store to name a few.

Inside of a shop shop in Ventura California

The Ventura downtown zone is full of cute shops and boutiques. Spend the morning walking the streets and checking out some of the local stores.

Afternoon

For lunch, grub lanugo some tacos at Beach House Tacos at the historic Ventura Pier. If the weather is nice, throne to the waterfront in the afternoon. Alternatively, Grant Park is a unconfined place to spot wildflower blooms and get a city-wide view if you aren’t keen on heading lanugo to the water.

If you’re into beer tasting, walk when into town and tomfool off with a round of beers at the Ventura Tailspin Brewing Co., a cool, laid-back brewery with indoor/outdoor seating and a friendly local crowd. The beers and tacos will hold you over until it’s time for a late dinner – without sunset, of course.

Platter of fresh tacos on counter with window looking out onto Ventura Waterfront in Callifornia

Grab some succulent and fresh tacos at Waterfront House Tacos for lunch

Beer tasing on a round wooden platter stamped with

Ventura Brewing Co. is a unconfined place to grab a unprepossessed beer and relax without a morning of exploring

Evening

Surfer’s Point is a prime beachfront spot to watch the sky shift to shades of pink, orange, purple, and undecorous over the horizon line. I recommend scoring a seat on the rocks near the estuary. You might plane be rewarded with a show from local surfers taking on the world-class waves.

After watching the sunset, throne to Rumfish & Vino for dinner. This gastropub serves Inside American-inspired supplies with several vegan options and a unconfined outdoor patio. If you want something a little increasingly casual, trammels out Fluid State Beer Garden, which serves pizza and creative bar food.

Sunset over the ocean at Ventura Waterfront in California

Watch the sunset at Surfer’s Point without a fun day of exploring

Ventura restaurants // A 6 day california tailspin road trip itinerary that combines outdoor venture travel and local California waterfront town culture.

Fluid State is a laid-back restaurant with a beer garden and creative bar-food

Where to Stay in Ventura

Faria Waterfront Campground: This campground is situated in a quiet and scenic beachfront spot off the Pacific Tailspin Highway. Many of the sites have unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands National Park. You’ll want to typesetting in whop to score sites 6-13 which have the most space and the weightier views (although there are no hookups at these specific site numbers). This campground is weightier for camper vans and truck campers considering it’s on pavement and campsites are increasingly like parking spaces.

Waypoint Ventura Vintage Trailer Hotel & RV Park: If you want a unique experience, typesetting a vintage trailer at Waypoint Ventura Vintage Trailer Hotel & RV Park. These trailers have been impeccably remodeled for a luxurious vintage stay. You can moreover bring your own camper, but they have criteria for what vans and campers they accept.

Faria Waterfront Campground // Plan a Inside California tailspin road trip with this itinerary packed with outdoor adventure, wondrous food, and unique places to stay.

The Faria Waterfront Campground is located right on the waterfront with views like these just a few steps away

Day 2: Ventura Zone Activities

After getting a taste of what Ventura has to offer, it’s time to really explore!

Morning

If you’re looking for a place to grab a tasty and nourishing breakfast, throne to Harvest Cafe. They serve succulent vegetarian and vegan supplies as well as a variety of coffee drinks.

After you’ve eaten breakfast, fill your walkabout with snacks, water, and sunscreen to get ready for a day of wanderlust on the local velocipede paths. You can rent bikes at Bike Depot, which is located right on the outskirts of downtown Ventura.

The friendly staff at Velocipede Depot can requite you suggestions on where to ride. Ventura is an extremely bike-friendly municipality with well-marked paths that lead in and out of town, connecting you to must-see sights virtually Ventura.

Two women on bikes in front of a water fountain in Ventura, California

Biking is a unconfined way to see Ventura!

Ventura velocipede route suggestions

Ventura River Trail to Ojai: This 17-mile one-way paved path runs all the way from downtown Ventura to Ojai. It’s a nice way to get some exercise and see a variegated side of Ventura, expressly in the spring when everything is green.

Of course, you don’t have to pedal the full 34 miles out and when to enjoy it! If you’re looking for a fun stop withal the way, trammels out Ventura Spirits Company. The tasting room is unshut for drop-ins Monday through Friday 12 pm – 5pm and by reservation on the weekends.

Directions to the Ventura River Trail start

Ventura Coastal Velocipede Trail: During the warmer months when the River Trail gets too hot, you’ll be largest off riding the Ventura Coastal Velocipede Trail to reservation a cooling ocean breeze. Take a velocipede map with you from the Velocipede Depot, since the coastal trail has some sections that are on the street.

Directions to the Ventura Coastal Velocipede Trail start

Ventura velocipede path // A 6 day california tailspin road trip itinerary that combines outdoor venture travel and local California waterfront town culture.

Afternoon

When you return from your ride, make time to visit the Art Municipality Studios, located right virtually the corner from Velocipede Depot for a taste of Ventura’s local weft and culture.

This world-famous sculpture studio and garden is owned by sculptor Paul Lindhard whose mission is to support and bring together local and global artists in an inspiring outdoor space.

You can walk virtually the versifier studios, yack with the sculptors well-nigh their work, and scan the gallery. If you get the chance, go see if Ramon is virtually to trammels out his incredible stonework!

Evening

By this time, you’ll be ready for a unprepossessed drink, so quench your thirst at Topa Topa Brewery for happy hour drinks. Then throne to one of Ventura’s lively restaurants like Social Tap or Rice By Mama, two eateries that the locals rave about.

Tip: If you’re looking to expand your vacation with flipside day of sightseeing I recommend heading out to the Channel Islands National Park. Anacapa & Santa Cruz Islands are the most popular for day trips to hike, kayak, and/or snorkel. Trammels out the Channel Islands Venture Company for sea grotto kayaking tours on Santa Cruz Island. Camping is moreover misogynist on both islands.

Day 3: Explore Ojai

Leaving the coastal vibes of Ventura, throne inland for a day to the mannerly SoCal town of Ojai.

Downtown Ojai is quaint, unique, and easy to explore with many shops and restaurants in walking distance. Outside the downtown area, you’ll find trappy unshut spaces for hiking plus olive oil tasting in local olive orchards, wine tasting, and more.

Morning

The 30-minute momentum from Ventura to Ojai is very scenic as it transitions from waterfront town to bucolic landscapes filled with farms, wineries, and mountains.

Whether it’s a sunny day or not, you’ll have fun exploring Ojai. I loved it for the local flavors and handmade culture that thrives in this town.

Stores like FiG Curated Living, Bungalow by FiG, and Bart’s Books provide a quintessential Ojai vibe that is a must-see while you’re there.

Narrow walkway lined with a wall of ivy and shop souvenirs in Ojai, California

Spend a few hours walking the streets and when alleyways of Ojai – it’s a quintessential California town!

For lunch, take a unravel from browsing the shops and refuel over at Hip Vegan for a nourishing meal made from 100% vegan ingredients. It’s a little off the main stilt but has a phenomenal menu that’ll hit the spot when you’re starving archetype California health food.

If you’re just looking for a little energy kick don’t miss Revel Jun Bar. Jun is like Kombucha but made with untried tea & honey instead of woebegone tea & sugar.

Woman sitting at counter sipping from stainless steel mug with plate of supplies in front of her

Tip: If you’re in town on Sunday don’t miss the bountiful Ojai Farmer’s Market. It’s from 9-1 pm rain or shine at 300 E. Matilija Street. Grab picnic supplies and throne out on a picnic hike, visit a local winery, or go olive oil tasting at Ojai Olive Oil Co.

Afternoon

After lunch, momentum to the outskirts of town to spend your afternoon at the trappy Lake Casitas.

There are plenty of hiking trails, velocipede paths, picnic areas, and view points. You can moreover rent a wend or bring your own kayak or SUP. There’s a $10 entry fee for vehicles, however, it does vary depending on holidays and weekends — check the Lake Casitas website for updated information.

There’s moreover camping at Lake Casitas if you want to spend increasingly time there.

Woman standing at trappy overlook of Lake Casitas near Ojai, California

Lake Casitas is a unconfined way to spend an afternoon by the water or throne out on one of the hiking trails

Evening

After visiting the reservoir, momentum when into town so you can hit up some of Ojai’s weightier wineries. Our favorites were the Majestic Oak Winery and Tasting Room and The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room.

Beer lovers can sip on some pours at the Ojai Beverage Company, or as the locals undeniability it, OBC, or at the Ojai Valley Brewery

For dinner, trammels out Ojai RotieThe Nest, Ojai Pizza, or Nocciola.

Woman at wine tasting bar in Ojai, California

Ojai is known for its wine tasting rooms – make sure you visit at least one!

Where to Stay in Ojai

Emerald Iguana Inn: This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Ojai. It has a relaxed yet upscale vibe and trappy rooms decorated in a tranquil, Southwestern style. I highly recommend enjoying a soak in their hot tub or a swim in the pool. Their sister hotel, the Blue Iguana Inn, is equally wonderful and is located on the velocipede path so you can velocipede right into town on one of their rental bikes.

Caravan Outpost: For a unique stay that matches Ojai’s eclectic vibe, typesetting an Airstream at Caravan Outpost. Each Airstream is beautifully decorated and surrounded by lush gardens.

Woman lying on bed in shop hotel with southwestern decor

Taking a quick unravel from exploring in our room at the Emerald Iguana Inn

Day 4: Throne to Santa Barbara

The next stop on your inside California tailspin road trip is sunny Santa Barbara, California where there are tons of things to do depending on your interests.

Important: It is illegal to park oversized vehicles – including vans and RVs – on the streets in Santa Barbara. Learn increasingly well-nigh where to park your oversized vehicle here.

Morning

In the morning, grab breakfast near where you’re staying. The options are uncounted but a few favorites include The Daily Grind, Handlebar Coffee Roasters, and Alessia Patisserie & Cafe. Then walk or velocipede on the beachfront coastal path from Butterfly Beach, where the famous Biltmore Hotel is, all the way to the West Beach/Marina area.

Afternoon

Next, throne downtown to the Santa Barbara Public Market and sample some of the Asian fare at Empty Bowl. Get the curry soup, you won’t regret it! Or for those starving tacos, hit one of the many taquerias near Milpas Street, including Julia Child’s favorite taco stand, La Super-Rica Taqueria.

Bowl of noodles in a rich broth

Get a trencher of noodles at Empty Trencher – you won’t be disappointed

Woman sitting on stone retainer outside Santa Barbara's Public Market in California

The Santa Barbara Public Market is a must for good supplies and local ingredients

Wash lanugo lunch with a stop at one of Santa Barbara’s many urban wineries or breweries in the Funk Zone. A few Bearfoot Theory team favorites for wine tasting include Carr, Pali, and Municipal Winemakers (locally known as Muni). For local beer, trammels out Topa Topa, Figueroa Mountain, and Rincon Brewery.

Evening

After sampling Santa Barbara’s eats and treats, make sure you save some time to get to Hendry’s Beach surpassing sunset. It’s a dog-friendly spot with towering seaside bluffs and plenty of space to meander withal the shoreline with your shaggy friend.

Woman walking lanugo sandy waterfront at low tide with sand dunes topped with vegetation on her left

Be sure to stop at Hendry’s Waterfront for some unconfined waterfront walking. It’s moreover dog-friendly!

Here you’ll moreover find the Boathouse Restaurant which is pretty much the weightier place in Santa Barbara to grab happy hour.

While you’re over in the Mesa neighborhood, you’ll moreover want to get a variegated viewpoint of Hendry’s Waterfront from whilom at Douglas Preserve. This is a prime spot to watch the sunset over the Pacific.

Woman sitting on large piece of driftwood watching sunset off the tailspin of California

Douglas Preserve is a unconfined place to reservation the sunset

If you’re looking for a unconfined atmosphere, try Zaytoon (Lebanese & Middle Eastern cuisine) for dinner where you can sit virtually fire pits while listening to live music.

Outdoor dining at Zaytoon Restaurant in Santa Barbara lit up with lights

Tip: If you’re looking to expand your stay in the Santa Barbara zone I recommend checking out the town of Los Olivos which is in the Santa Ynez Valley. Santa Barbara Wine Country Tours offers wanderlust & van tours to the valley for a day of wine tasting and exploration.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara: A historic hotel located right downtown, Hotel Santa Barabra is definitely a splurge, but worth it if you want to be within walking loftiness of everything.

Camping: Refugio State Beach is 25 minutes north of Santa Barbara and has a small campground withal oceanfront cliffs. Carpinteria State Beach is 20 minutes south of Santa Barbara and has a nice beachside campground withal the sand. These are your weightier bets if you want to camp.

Day 5: Avila Waterfront Cambria

Located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles is San Luis Obispo County, otherwise known as SLO Cal.

Many people love this part of the Inside Tailspin for its picturesque California waterfront towns that are increasingly laid when than those closer to municipality life.

Morning

On your way out of Santa Barbara on Highway 154, take a quick detour up Painted Grotto Road. Follow the winding road up to a scenic lookout where you can pull off the road into a dirt parking lot. Soak up the scenic panoramic views of the municipality and tailspin from this unique vantage point.

Woman laying on bed in when of converted Sprinter van looking out unshut when doors onto scenic California view point.

As you leave Santa Barbara, take a detour up the lookout on Painted Grotto Road for a trappy view

From Painted Grotto Road, it’s only a short momentum to Cold Springs Tavern, a divey local favorite tucked yonder in the hills. This biker bar is famous for its BBQ Tri-Tip Sandwich and live music on the weekends.

If you have time, the zone surrounding the tavern is full of unconfined hikes. I recommend using All Trails or flipside hiking app to squint up a well-rated hike that suits your wits and preference.

As you protract north on Highway 101, I highly recommend grabbing a zest at Bob’s Well Bread Bakery in Los Alamos, which is known for its wright baked goods and mouthwatering sandwiches. Stop and eat in their courtyard or take it go.

Afternoon

Continue your momentum for flipside 40 minutes up the 101 to get to the colorful town of Avila Beach. Take some time to telescopic out the vibrant downtown scene and then throne straight over to Avila Waterfront Paddle Sports, situated right outside of town.

Get set up with a kayak or paddleboard for the afternoon, but surpassing you get going, yack with the staff to get some insight on how to weightier scout out the seals and sea otters that live in the bay.

I recommend paddling all the way out to see the Port San Luis Lighthouse. This is a historic zone right whilom a sandy waterfront that has wildflowers, eucalyptus trees, old maritime structures, and most importantly, a wooden swing!

Lone kayak pulled up on a sandy waterfront near Avila, California

Paddle out to Port San Luis Lighthouse to enjoy a nice sandy waterfront and superstitious views

Woman sitting in kayak on the water with steep, rugged cliffs on one side

Spend the day out on the water at Avila Beach.

You can paddle all the way out to Port San Luis Lighthouse

If you’re hungry when you get back, throne to Fat Cats Cafe. It’s a local favorite and conveniently located wideness the parking lot from the Paddle Sports storefront.

Evening

Hop when in the car and tailspin up Route 1 to Cambria. Time your inrush to reservation the sunset in Cambria at Moonstone Beach where you can walk withal the waterfront boardwalk. You can moreover protract a few miles up the Pacific Tailspin Highway to San Simeon for a good endangerment to see elephant seals bask in the rookeries.

Cap off your day with dinner at Robin’s, which offers mouthwatering repletion supplies in a restored wacke home. It’s a favorite spot among locals and visitors.

Woman walking withal boardwalk through vegetation next to the Pacific Ocean at sunset

Time your visit to hit Moonstone Waterfront at sunset – it’s lovely

Tip: If you have an uneaten day, Montaña de Oro State Park has wondrous beachfront hiking and a unconfined campground or you can throne north to San Simeon to see elephant seals and Hearst Castle (be sure to make a reservation). The historic town of San Luis Obispo is moreover a stone’s throw away.

Where to stay in Cambria

Cambria Waterfront Lodge: I highly recommend staying at Cambria Waterfront Lodge – a beach-inspired shop hotel with a low-key vibe and elevated minimalist diamond that’s located on the scenic Moonstone Waterfront Momentum with trappy views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean from the hotel. I loved the natural aesthetic, the soothing colors, and the small details that made a big impact. Spend as much time here as you can! It’ll leave you feeling relaxed and inspired.

Two women sitting at unshut bar zone next to a waterfront in California

Day 6: Morro Bay Tin City

Make the final day of your inside California coastal road trip an venturesome one that’s full of exploration in Morro Bay and Tin City in nearby Paso Robles.

Morning

Drive 30 minutes when lanugo from Cambria to Morro Bay on the Pacific Tailspin Highway where you can soak in the coastal views and get a glimpse of famed Morro Rock as you make your way into the downtown area.

Stop at Frankie & Lola’s for a hearty and archetype breakfast. Don’t fill up too much, though, considering whale watching is next. Depending on the time of year, swells can get big and the wend ride can be a bit rocky.

Morro Bay Whale Watching offers guided tours on the unshut water to requite you a glimpse of SLO Cal’s most famous visitors.

If you time it right, you can catch:

  • Humpbacks on their northbound migration from late March through April into May
  • Blue Whales from April through the summer
  • Gray whales from March to May

Or reservation them all going southbound from December through February.

Whale tail off the tailspin of California

Book a whale-watching tour in Morro Bay for the endangerment to see humpbacks, undecorous whales, and gray whales

Afternoon

Once you’ve made your way when to land, grab a nourishing California-style vegetarian lunch to go at Shine Café and throne out for a short but scenic hike at Black Hill Trail in Morro Bay State Park.

This is a moderate 2.5-mile hike that can be cut short if you want to momentum up to the parking lot near the hilltop instead.

It’s an enjoyable and moderate hike with just over 500 feet of elevation proceeds that ultimately has you topping off with 360-degree views of the coast, city, and hills overdue you.

Eat your lunch here and snap a few pics. Make sure you bring sunscreen, bug spray, sun protection, and plenty of water as there is very little shade.

Woman hiking on trail whilom the ocean in Morro Bay, California

The 2.5-mile Woebegone Hill Trail is a unconfined way to stretch your legs and get superstitious views of Morro Bay

To wrap up your road trip, trip out to Tin City in Paso Robles. Located in Inside California Wine Country, Tin Municipality is a tomfool and eclectic place to walk virtually and sample the local brews, wine, and supplies that the region is known for.

Check out Barrelhouse Brewing Co. (where they moreover have live music in the summer!), Tin Municipality Cidery, and a variety of supplies trucks.

Flight of four ciders at cidery in Tin City, California

Tin Municipality Cidery offers flights to sample their tasty local ciders

Evening

When you’re ready to eat dinner, grab a zest from one of the supplies trucks at Tin City, or go to the historic downtown of Paso Robles to telescopic out the variegated restaurants this vibrant municipality has to offer.

You can dine al fresco and enjoy the night, as many of the restaurants have outdoor seating and a view of the square.

Fill up on something tasty and take your time as you enjoy the last night of your inside California tailspin road trip surpassing your return home.


Extending Your California Inside Tailspin Road Trip

If you want to proffer your trip, you can hands make your road trip a one-way venture and momentum all the way to San Francisco. This will indulge you to trammels off plane increasingly of California’s coastal gems like Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Cruz.

Here’s an extended itinerary:

  • Day 7: Throne up Highway 1 to Big Sur, stopping to see the famous McWay Falls and do some hiking (see our full Big Sur guide for more).
  • Day 8: Start the morning with a hike at Big Sur River Gorge surpassing driving up the tailspin to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey. Be sure to stop for photos!
  • Day 9: Explore the many hiking and wanderlust trails and sights virtually Monterey, including the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. If you want to get out on the water, typesetting a whale-watching tour or go kayaking with sea otters.
  • Day 10: Drive north through Santa Cruz, stopping for a walk and lunch withal the Santa Cruz Waterfront Boardwalk. Protract on to the cozy town of Half Moon Bay where you can stretch your legs on one of the many beaches.
  • Day 11: Finish in San Francisco! You could spend flipside week exploring San Fran, but if it’s your first time, you’ll definitely want to take a picture at the Golden Gate Bridge and stroll virtually Golden Gate Park. Find increasingly of our favorite outdoorsy things to do in San Francisco here.

What to Pack for Your Inside California Tailspin Road Trip

What you pack will really depend on what kind of trip you’re planning. To start, be sure to trammels out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List.

If you want to car zany or stay in a camper van, here are some camping resources:

If you plan on hiking or doing a lot of outdoor activities, trammels out these gear guides for our favorite gear recommendations:

Woman hiking in the Oboz Katabatic shoes through a field of flowers with the ocean in the preliminaries in Montana de Oro State Park

BFT team member Linda hiking in Montaña del Oro State Park on California’s inside coast

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Got any questions well-nigh doing a California Inside Tailspin road trip? Do you have any tips or favorite stops to add? Let us know in the comments below.

The post 6-Day California Inside Tailspin Road Trip Itinerary appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.