Advertisement
templates.static-page.taxonomyVocabulary.personas.find_your_ultimate_playground
  • Official Resources
  • Places to Visit
  • Things to do
  • Gallery
  • Events

From the epic grandeur of Big Sur to the scenic Santa Barbara coastline nicknamed “the American Riviera,” this region of picturesque hamlets, jagged sea cliffs, and rolling wine country has long mesmerized visitors with dreamlike beauty. A drive along Highway 1 is an absolute must—be sure to leave time for stops at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Hearst Castle, and a San Luis Obispo County beach town or two. Cowboy culture still permeates Paso Robles and environs, and so does the low-key wine scene. Discover hidden gems in the Santa Ynez Valley, Ventura County, and pretty much everywhere else.

More Resources

Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.

Places to Visit

Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
View All Cities

Travel Stories

Things to do

Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.

    Events in this Region

    Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.

    Places to Eat & Drink

    Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
    • Hearst Castle

      Hearst Castle

      Once the home of William Randolph Hearst, this stunning hilltop estate along the Central Coast is a marvel of opulence and engineering

    • Ventura County

      Ventura County

      Absorb the relaxed vibe of this classic California destination on the coast

    • Golfing in Monterey & Carmel

      Golfing in Monterey & Carmel

      Play along the ocean or in sunny wine country

    • Cannery Row

      Cannery Row

      Visit shops and eateries wrapped in Steinbeck history, as well as a world-class aquarium

    • Central Coast Wine Country

      Central Coast Wine Country

      Miles of coastline, sunny hills, relaxing wineries

    • Santa Barbara: Santa Rita Hills Wine Trail

      Santa Barbara: Santa Rita Hills Wine Trail

      Discover boutique wineries snugged between horse ranches and classic cowboy towns

    • Monterey's River Road Wine Trail

      Monterey's River Road Wine Trail

      Follow the Salinas River in Monterey County through farmland dotted with ever-increasing numbers of vineyards

    • Santa Maria Valley Wine Trail

      Santa Maria Valley Wine Trail

      Rolling hills, boutique wines, and small town charm in a picturesque valley

    • Farmers' Markets in San Luis Obispo County

      Farmers' Markets in San Luis Obispo County

      San Luis Obispo's friendly shopping district lights up on Thursday evenings

    • San Luis Obispo County Wine Country

      San Luis Obispo County Wine Country

      Explore cowboy-meet-wine-country towns and sustainable vineyards

    View All Restaurants

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    Get weekly travel inspiration, offers, contests, and more!

    Plus, receive communications from California Grown and their exclusive ebook 'Iconic California Dishes to Celebrate California Wine Month' FREE.