Central Coast
A 1950s motor lodge at the east edge of town with simple wooden-floored rooms spruced up by colorful wall art and above-average beds. The outdoor firepit…
Must-see hotels in Central Coast
Santa Cruz
Ideal for families, these roomy apartments near a kid-friendly beach come with everything you’ll need for a lazy vacation, including kitchenettes. Weekly…
Santa Cruz
No-frills retro hideaway east of downtown Santa Cruz is a staunch surfers' fave. The long-time Santa Cruzian owner rents well-worn rooms and more recently…
Limekiln State Park Campground
Big Sur
In southern Big Sur, this quiet state park has two-dozen campsites huddled under a bridge next to the ocean. Drinking water, fire pits and coin-op hot…
Carmel-by-the-Sea
With cheerful flowers decorating its exterior, this well-located motel across from Devendorf Park has cheapish rooms, some with gas fireplaces, and…
Central Coast
Dated two-story waterfront lodge with a kidney-shaped pool has an enviable waterfront setting inside the state park. Bicycle rentals available for guests.
Central Coast
Surrounded by peaceful gardens, this friendly East Village motel offers basic, tidy rooms, some with fireplaces and private creekside patios or balconies.
Fremont Peak State Park Campground
Central Coast
A pretty but primitive 25-site campground with vault toilets (no water) is shaded by oak trees on a hilltop with distant views of Monterey Bay.
Central Coast
Stylish renovations have brought this two-story motel into the modern age. Every room has a gas fireplace, and it's a quick walk to the beach.
Central Coast
At this small, family-owned, 1950s motor court downtown, ultra-basic rooms mean prices that are almost as small as the outdoor pool.
Big Sur
At Big Sur's southern edge, split-level motel rooms are nothing special, except for those with ocean horizon views. Pet fee $50.
Central Coast
First-come, first-served roadside parking spaces by the harbor have ocean views, but are for RVs only (no tents allowed).
Morro Strand State Beach Campground
Central Coast
At the north end of town off Hwy 1, Morro Strand State Beach has 75 simpler oceanfront campsites.
Big Sur
Vertiginous clifftop views from an ocean-view deck, and cozy 1930s-era cabin rooms.
Central Coast
Now showing its age, this retro motor lodge has hokey theme rooms, like ‘Nautical Nellie’ with a net of seashells suspended behind the bed, plus a shared…
