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Awesome Central California Sightseeing Tour

Ask this member a question. Sunrise2Sunset Love it like I do
Nov 17, 2007
4.0 of 5 stars based on 5 votes
Tips from a local
1. Carpinteria
Carpinteria, California
Rent a car or a motorcycle. From San Diego or LA Take the 405 north to the 10 west and go north on the 1. Stop in Carpinteria, catch your breath, the big cities are behind you. Out of Santa Barbara, take the 158 past Lake Cachuma. Turn left at the sign for Solvang.
2. Solvang
Solvang, California
Stop when you see the windmills and smell the butter cookies. Take the 101 to Pismo Beach.
3. Pismo Pier
Pismo Pier, Pismo Beach, California
Have a captains plate at the Pierside. Take the road through Los Osos over to Morrow Bay.
4. Morro Bay
Morro Bay, California
Down on the Embarcadero, have crabcake benedict watching the seals and otters play at the Outrigger. Enjoy the views of "the rock."
5. San Simeon
San Simeon, California
Make reservations to see Hearst Castle ahead of time. Fill up the tank, it gets real pretty from here.
6. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California
Just north of the entrance to the park, there is a waterfall and a lagoon on the left. Watch for a pull out on the left.
7. Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, Monterey Peninsula
So many fish, so little time.
8. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, California
Walk the Boardwalk, eat on the pier. Enjoy the beach of my misguided youth.
9. Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California
Check out "the City." AAA has a nice walking, cablecar, bus trip. Visit Alcatraz. Eat at Scoma's. It's our favorite restaurant, period.
10. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, California
Take the paddle wheel boat trip. Man is this place beautiful.
11. Yosemite National Park
http://www.yosemitepark.com/Reservations.aspx
Just when you thought it couldn't get any better...Don't miss Glacier Point.
Enter from the east, this will give a feel for how big and beautiful this place is. Stay at the Lodge, make reservations a year in advance.
12. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, California
Big trees leave a lasting impression. Now go home but please don't anyone about your trip. It'll be our little secret.
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Carpinteria, Solvang, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, San Simeon, Big Sur, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park