The Central Coast region is one of California’s best kept secrets. While people flock to Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, they often forget about the amazing scenery and attractions of Central California. Cities such as Santa Cruz, Monterey and Pacific Grove are bursting with exciting vacation options and some of the best bed and breakfasts in the state.

For an eclectic mix of fun, Santa Cruz County is the place to be. The historic boardwalk includes a circa-1924 wooden rollercoaster and a carousel that has been in continuous operation since 1911. You’ll also find bowling, miniature golf, shopping and restaurants. The Mystery Spot, a gravitational anomaly where the laws of gravity and physics seem not to apply, is one of the area’s quirkiest attractions. Hiking trails leading through giant redwood forests and more than 80 miles of beaches are other places to enjoy.

The historic West Cliff Inn is a perfect home base for visitors to the Santa Cruz area. This Central California bed and breakfast overlooks Cowell’s Beach, as well as the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. The charming Victorian architecture includes a wraparound porch. Each of the nine guest rooms includes a fireplace and king bed, and some have jetted tubs and ocean views. The rates include a full breakfast buffet, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres, as well as chocolate turn-down service. Freshly baked cookies and beverages also are available throughout the day.

South of Santa Cruz, you’ll find all the fun of the Monterey Coast. This region of Central California includes the picturesque towns of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey and Pacific Grove. In Carmel, you’ll find plenty of boutiques and galleries, as well as some unique local architecture. Monterey is famous for Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, as well as for its beautiful coastline. The famous 17-Mile-Drive between Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove is a must-see experience. Pacific Grove, home to dozens of historic Victorians, is also home to several excellent Central California bed and breakfasts.

If you want romance, history and spectacular scenery, look no further than the Green Gables Inn. This Pacific Grove bed and breakfast is located in a charming, 1888 Queen Anne Victorian that is directly across the street from Monterey Bay. The guest rooms have been decorated individually and each is unique. Some have window seats, others have a fireplace, and some offer an ocean view. The rooms in the Carriage House each include a fireplace, king bed and jetted spa tub. All the rooms feature luxury linens, fluffy robes and baths stocked with fine European soaps, bath salts and shampoos. A full breakfast is served each morning, wine and hors d’oeuvres are presented in the afternoons and the evening brings a delightful turndown service featuring La Belge chocolates.

The Gosby House is another one of Pacific Grove’s restored Victorians. This Monterey Peninsula bed and breakfast has more than 20 guest rooms, each with private baths stocked with soft robes, luxurious soaps and shampoos. Each of the rooms is decorated with period touches, some have a fireplace or perhaps a private deck. All guests enjoy full breakfasts, afternoon refreshments, freshly baked cookies and treats, as well as chocolate turndown service. There are plenty of add-on packages, such as a bottle of champagne or wine, or gift certificates at local bistros.

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