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  • Resort surrounded by palm trees and mountains in Santa Barbara Central California Coast
    Central Coast

    15 Best Central California Coast Resorts To Book In 2026

    December 30, 2025 /

    Planning a vacation along the California Coast? From luxurious 5-star resorts to boutique beachfront getaways, I cover all the best Central California Coast resorts for an unforgettable stay! As a California local, I love a beachy holiday where I can pamper myself at a health spa, sip on a glass of wine overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and dine at top-rated seafood restaurants. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway for two, a family vacation, or a fun trip with close friends, there are so many incredible resorts along the Central California Coast to choose from! To make your trip planning easier, I have compiled a list of all the top…

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    Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

    9 Top Things To Do At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

    August 25, 2023
    Best Places To Stay In Ventura

    15 Best Places To Stay In Ventura Near The Beach

    September 3, 2024
    Places To Go Glamping In Central California

    12 Best Places To Go Glamping In Central California

    April 4, 2025
  • View of McWay Falls waterfall in Big Sur in a scenic beach cove
    Central Coast

    25 Best Beaches On The Central California Coast

    November 12, 2025 /

    California has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, offering endless adventures for beach lovers. As a California local, I have traveled up and down the California coast many times, finding incredible beach destinations along the way. Whether you’re looking for a place to soak up the sunshine in the summer or somewhere to escape during the colder winter months, here are all of the top beaches along the Central California Coast! I cover these top-rated beaches in order, starting in the south by Malibu and heading north to Santa Cruz. Let’s dive in! 25 Best Beaches On The Central California Coast: 1. El Matador State Beach If…

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    Path in a forest with large redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument near San Francisco

    15 Best Muir Woods Tours From San Francisco (2026)

    December 30, 2025
    Best Coffee Shops In Ventura California

    12 Best Coffee Shops In Ventura, California

    May 29, 2023
    VRBO Pismo Beach

    10 Incredible VRBO Vacation Rentals In Pismo Beach

    May 2, 2021
  • Morro Bay State Park Campground
    Central Coast

    Review Of Morro Bay State Park Campground

    May 1, 2025 /

    Morro Bay State Park is the perfect campground choice for those who want to spend a few days relaxing on the California coast. Here, visitors can stay in quiet campsites just steps from the ocean and serene hiking trails. With plenty of activities to keep you entertained, Morro Bay State Park should be on anyone’s radar when looking for a fun camping getaway on the Central California Coast! I especially love to visit Morro Bay in the winter to escape the cold, as the weather in this part of California stays temperate year-round. Read on for my detailed review of staying at Morro Bay State Park Campground in Morro Bay.…

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    Places To Go Glamping In Central California

    12 Best Places To Go Glamping In Central California

    April 4, 2025
    Scenery of Napa Valley on a wine tour from San Francisco

    12 Best Wine Tours From San Francisco (2026)

    December 30, 2025
    Carpinteria Bluffs Tar Pits Park

    How To Hike Carpinteria Bluffs Trail To Tar Pits Park

    May 1, 2024
  • Places to stay in Pismo Beach
    Central Coast

    15 Best Places To Stay In Pismo Beach, California

    April 30, 2025 /

    Pismo Beach is one of the best Central California Coast beach towns for its striking ocean views, sandy shorelines, and beachfront hiking trails. If you’re planning a trip to this area, there are so many incredible things to do in Pismo Beach! Renting ATVs to explore Oceano Dunes and hiking the Spring To Spring Trail at Pismo Preserve are a few of the best experiences that will stay with you long after your visit. In town, you can try out local seafood, stop by the Monarch Butterfly Grove, or watch surfers and sea life from the Pismo Beach Pier. Whatever brings you to this cozy beach town, here are 15…

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    Irish Hills Natural Reserve

    How To Hike Irish Hills Natural Reserve In San Luis Obispo

    January 3, 2023
    Tray of breakfast on a bed at a boutique hotel on Central Coast in California

    15 Best Boutique Hotels On Central Coast In California

    September 30, 2023
    Path in a forest with large redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument near San Francisco

    15 Best Muir Woods Tours From San Francisco (2026)

    December 30, 2025
  • Man and a dog on a hike on the Central Coast In California
    Central Coast

    15 Best Hikes On The California Central Coast

    November 13, 2024 /

    As a Ventura County local, I have spent my fair share of time exploring the California coastline. From beachfront trails to serene redwood forests and scenic boardwalks, there are so many incredible hikes on the California Central Coast! Whether you are an experienced outdoor enthusiast or looking for your first, easy hike, this list covers something for everyone. No matter which trail you choose, you’ll be hiking in one of the most beautiful parts of the world – the California coast. Psst! Be sure to check out my interactive Google map with trail locations at the end of this post! I cover these trails starting in the south and going…

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    Escondido Falls Trail Malibu

    How To Hike Escondido Falls Trail In Malibu

    October 5, 2023
    Ontario Ridge to Shell Beach Bluff Trail

    How To Hike Ontario Ridge To Shell Beach Bluff Trail

    March 4, 2024
    Woman and a dog walking on a beach in Big Sur

    15 Dog Friendly Things To Do In Big Sur, California

    November 6, 2023
  • Spring to Spring Trail Pismo Preserve
    Central Coast

    Hiking Spring To Spring Trail At Pismo Preserve

    October 3, 2024 /

    If you’re planning a trip to Pismo Beach and are looking for an easy yet stunning hike, put Spring to Spring Trail on top of your list! The Spring to Spring Trail is located within Pismo Preserve and offers incredible views of the coastline, especially from up top. From hiking to mountain biking and wildlife viewing, there is so much beauty to enjoy along this trail! Here is everything you need to know for visiting and hiking the Spring to Spring Trail in Pismo Beach. Quick Trail Highlights Here are a few quick Spring to Spring Trail highlights before I go into more details: Location & Parking Spring to Spring…

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    Man and a dog on a hike on the Central Coast In California

    15 Best Hikes On The California Central Coast

    November 13, 2024
    Top FREE Things To Do In California

    15 Top FREE Things To Do In California

    July 7, 2026
    Things to do in Ventura

    26 Best Things To Do In Ventura, California (By a Local)

    October 22, 2024
  • Lounge chairs on the beach at Flying Flags Avila Beach
    Central Coast

    Review Of Flying Flags Avila Beach RV Resort

    April 24, 2024 /

    Flying Flags Avila Beach is the perfect weekend getaway on the Central Coast for couples and families. Avila is a quiet town but there are plenty of adventures to have in the area! Situated within the small town of Avila Beach, this beachfront resort offers a variety of accommodations including luxurious bungalows, glamping tents, RV sites, and tent campsites. We recently stayed at the Flying Flags cottage and are excited to share more about this charming lodging option in Avila Beach! Some of the links used in this blog may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you book through these…

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    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

    How To Hike Fiscalini Ranch Preserve In Cambria

    March 27, 2024
    Carpinteria Bluffs Tar Pits Park

    How To Hike Carpinteria Bluffs Trail To Tar Pits Park

    May 1, 2024
    Things to do in Felton California

    12 Wonderful Things To Do In Felton, California

    August 27, 2025
  • Places to stay in San Luis Obispo
    Central Coast

    10 Unforgettable Places To Stay In San Luis Obispo

    April 8, 2024 /

    San Luis Obispo, often referred to as SLO, is an incredible travel destination along California’s Central Coast. It’s a mid-sized city that sees an average of 315 days of sunshine every year, perfect for enjoying the scenic beauty of the nearby shore! We often stop over in SLO while driving California’s world-famous Pacific Coast Highway on a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco. My top pick for a hotel in SLO: San Luis Creek Lodge which offers beautifully decorated rooms with a mid-century modern vibe! Although SLO is tucked into the sprawling foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains, ocean attractions like Pismo Beach and Avila Beach are only…

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    Lime Kiln Trail Felton

    How To Hike The Lime Kiln Trail In Fall Creek Unit, Felton

    December 5, 2021
    Hotels In Felton California

    10 Top Rated Vacation Rentals & Hotels In Felton, California

    August 25, 2023
    Irish Hills Natural Reserve

    How To Hike Irish Hills Natural Reserve In San Luis Obispo

    January 3, 2023
  • Best Places To Stay In Cambria CA
    Central Coast

    17 Best Places To Stay In Cambria On The Coast

    March 27, 2024 /

    Whether you’re seeking the best places to stay in Cambria for a family vacation or somewhere to crash for the night on a road trip to Big Sur, there are plenty of accommodation options in this cozy beach town. I love to visit Cambria on quick weekend trips to unwind and relax near the beach. From exploring the sprawling hilltop Hearst Castle and observing elephant seals on the coast to strolling along Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, there’s an endless array of things to do in Cambria. My pick for the best place to stay in Cambria: White Water Lodge which is located next to Moonstone Beach and has excellent reviews! (rated…

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    Best Breweries In Santa Barbara

    9 Best Breweries In Santa Barbara

    August 28, 2023
    Monarch Butterflies clustered on a tree in California

    10 Top Places To See Monarch Butterflies In California

    March 14, 2024
    Elfin Forest Trail Los Osos California

    Visiting Elfin Forest Natural Area In Los Osos, California

    October 12, 2023
  • Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
    Central Coast

    How To Hike Fiscalini Ranch Preserve In Cambria

    March 27, 2024 /

    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is one of my favorite hiking places along the Central California Coast. It’s easily accessible for those staying in San Simeon or Cambria. Within minutes of entering Fiscalini Ranch, you can experience a variety of terrain from serene forest paths to jaw-dropping coastal trails. Picturesque scenery, charming boardwalks, rugged ocean views, and diverse ecosystems make the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve a great place to enjoy nature and observe wildlife. Visitors can often spot whales, seals, otters, and a variety of birds from one of the trails that travel next to the ocean bluffs. With 17 hiking trails to choose from, there is plenty to explore at the beautiful…

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    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Review Of Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort In Felton

    May 4, 2025
    Scenery of Napa Valley on a wine tour from San Francisco

    12 Best Wine Tours From San Francisco (2026)

    December 30, 2025
    Ocean and Canyon View Trail

    How To Hike The Ocean And Canyon View Trail In Malibu

    August 7, 2024
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- ABOUT ME -

Welcome to California Wanderland! I’m Laura Sausina, a California local always in search of new adventures around me. California Wanderland is here to help you discover the best hikes, outdoor activities, things to do, and the best places to stay in Central California. Read more about me here!

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