I live in Central California, and I have heard great things about Big Sur. It is supposed to be the ultimate camping destination near the water. Most of the areas from San Luis Obispo to Monterey are woodsy, yet on the beach. It is kind of like the best of both worlds. Monterey and Carmel are incredibly beuatiful. Cambria, which is about 30 minutes north of me on PCH has an unreal look to its beaches. They have a black sand beach there that is very beautiful. San Luis Obispo is pretty damn fun, also. There is also really good wine country in Paso Robles. It is second only to Napa.
