Donna Wares - Explorers Guide Santa Barbara & Californias Central Coast: A Great Destination: Includes the Santa Ynez Valley (Explorers Great Destinations)

T his book will take you on a Central Coast journey from south to north, through Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County, and the Big Sur Coast, as well as surrounding areas and the nearby Channel Islands. The Santa Barbara area is an especially popular getaway, and many lesser-known destinations along US Highway 101the regions primary northsouth freewayalso are choice spots for a weekend escapes or longer vacations.

Summertime is the peak travel season in beach towns along the Central Coast, once school lets out and the steely Pacific Ocean actually warms up. Many resorts and inns charge their highest prices of the year during July and August. Campgrounds fill up fast then. Beaches, parks and popular attractions such as Hearst Castle can be crowded. But it is possible to beat the prices and full houses while still enjoying the best of the Central Coast: Spring and fall are warm and balmy seasons to visit here, too. High season in the nearby wine-growing areas, away from the coast, generally runs from May through harvest time in October.

The Central Coast is a vast region that covers more area than many states. Throughout this book youll find a sampling of choice accommodations, restaurants, wineries, wilderness areas and other attractions. Many establishments change their rates from season to season, and some raise and lower prices more often, especially in an unpredictable economy. So this book offers a general range of what you can expect to pay for lodging and dining, rather than specific prices.

HOTELS

Lodging price codes are based on double occupancy during summer months. Youll find that off-season winter rates, particularly along the beach, are much cheaper, sometimes a third less than high season prices. Generally, rates during spring and autumn fall somewhere between the two extremes.

FOOD

Restaurant price ratings in this book are based on the cost of menu entres, and do not include extras such as appetizers, dessert, wine, cocktails, and tip.

Price Codes

In general, costs for lodging and food along the Central Coast are comparable to or less expensive than Los Angeles and San Francisco. Big Sur is the exception. The area is so remote, and supplies are so limited, that you can expect to pay top dollar on just about everything. Its the land of the $14 burger (fries often are extra) and some of Californias highest-priced gasoline, too.

This book includes a range of budget-minded accommodations and camping options, even in Big Sur, and youll find the best deals if youre willing to travel during winter months. Yes, the Central California coast sees some cooler, rainy days during the off-season, but the weather here still is far more inviting than in most parts of the country. Winter months are an especially good time to savor uncrowded tasting rooms at the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo area wineries.

As you plan your trip, be sure to contact attractions to check costs, opening times, and other information. Every effort was made provide current information at press time, but restaurants and other businesses often change prices and hours with no notice.

KEY TO SYMBOLS

Weddings . The wedding-ring symbol appears next to properties that specialize in weddings.

Pets . The dog-paw symbol appears next to venues that accept pets (usually with prior notice).

Child-friendly . The crayon symbol appears next to lodging, restaurants, activities, and shops of special

Handicapped access . The wheelchair symbol appears next to lodgings, restaurants, and attractions that are partially or completely handicapped accessible.

Wireless Internet . The wireless symbol appears next to lodging, restaurants, and attractions that offer wireless Internet access.

Authors favorites . These are the places we think have the best to offer in each region, whether that means great food, outstanding rooms, beautiful scenery, or overall appeal.

Thank you for taking along Santa Barbara & Californias Central Coast: A Great Destination on your trip. If you find any cant-miss spots not mentioned in this book, Id love to hear from you. Please send your e-mails to papertigersink@gmail.com.

F rom the laid-back beach towns south of Santa Barbara to the rugged beauty of Big Sur, Californias Central Coast offers a spectacular triptych of landscapessurf, forests, and picturesque townsspread out along a legendary, sweeping, winding coastline that has to be experienced to be believed.

This is California unplugged and remarkably unspoiled.

Tucked between San Francisco to the north and Los Angeles to the south, Californias Central Coast straddles more than 200 miles along the western edge of the continent. Its a world of farmers, foodies, cowboys, surfers, college students, and urban refugees. The regions allure is relentless, like the Pacific waves that crash into the windswept cliffs beneath beach-hugging US Highway 1. Enormous stands of oaks, sycamores, and redwoods stand sentry close to shore, just as they did 8,000 years ago when the Chumash Indians first roamed this epic stretch of coastal California. Rocky tide pools dot the shoreline. Pelicans, kestrels, red-tailed hawks, and the endangered California condor soar through wide-open skies. Just after daybreak, as the coasts foggy blanket lifts, fishermen sell live crabs and spiny lobsters right off the boats at Santa Barbaras harbor. The beach towns exude a quiet, contented vibe, a mood occasionally shattered by the barking of elephant seals that congregate on the shore like gaggles of know-it-all teenagers.