Central Coast
- Summary
- Gallery
- Events
- Places to Eat & Drink
- Videos
- Podcasts
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.
Featured Central Coast
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- So You Think You Know Santa Barbara?
- How to Explore the Channel Islands
How to Explore the Channel Islands
- Central Coast Wine Tour
Central Coast Wine Tour
- So You Think You Know San Luis Obispo County?
So You Think You Know San Luis Obispo County?
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Plan Your Trip: Pinnacles National Park
Plan Your Trip: Pinnacles National Park
- Craft Breweries of the Central Coast
Craft Breweries of the Central Coast
- Bernardus Lodge & Spa
Bernardus Lodge & Spa
- Santa Monica to San Luis Obispo
Santa Monica to San Luis Obispo
- Kiler Ridge Olive Farm
Kiler Ridge Olive Farm
- Santa Maria Barbecue
Santa Maria Barbecue
- California Welcome Center - Salinas
California Welcome Center - Salinas
- Find Instant Bliss on This Central Coast Road Trip
Find Instant Bliss on This Central Coast Road Trip
Events In:
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- Monterey Jazz Festival
Monterey Jazz Festival
September 25–27, 2026 The grandaddy of jazz events
- California Avocado Festival
California Avocado Festival
October 2–4, 2026 The Carpinteria celebration draws over 80,000 guests for the Avocado fest
Places to Eat & Drink
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- Conejo Valley
Conejo Valley
Convenience meets natural scenery in this laid-back but lively area just north of Los Angeles
- 2026 California Travel Deals You Can Book This Summer
2026 California Travel Deals You Can Book This Summer
Add a little extra sunshine to your vacation with hotel and theme park discounts
- How to Explore San Jose, Monterey, and Morro Bay By Bike
How to Explore San Jose, Monterey, and Morro Bay By Bike
Laura Lawson Visconti shares insights on experiencing California cities on two wheels
- California’s Outstanding Railroad Experiences
California’s Outstanding Railroad Experiences
Play conductor, marvel at artifacts, go for a ride, or just sip wine and enjoy the scenery
- Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley
Embrace the upscale rustic charm and rolling hills of this Monterey County destination
- February 2026 Events in California
February 2026 Events in California
Love is in the air with a statewide passion for wine, dates, and flowering orchards
- What’s New in California in 2026
What’s New in California in 2026
From new hotels to hotly anticipated restaurants to colorful theme park attractions, here’s a look at the top debuts in California
- November 2025 Events in California
November 2025 Events in California
Enjoy one last autumnal hurrah this month, or start your winter fun early
- So You Think You Know San Luis Obispo County?
So You Think You Know San Luis Obispo County?
Visit these under-the-radar spots to experience the slower side of this beautiful region
- 8 Kinds of Travelers Who’ll Love Spring in Pismo Beach
8 Kinds of Travelers Who’ll Love Spring in Pismo Beach
Hike, taste wine, or check out classic cars while enjoying the season in this charming Central Coast town
Videos
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California Dream Eater
The Ultimate Foodie Road Trip: Ventura + Santa Barbara
California 101
California’s Highway One Road Trip
Luxury Minute
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Luxury Minute
Post Ranch Inn: California Luxury Minute Resorts
California 101
Santa Barbara: 5 Amazing Things
California 101
Monterey: 5 Amazing Things
California Dream Eater
Ventura’s 3 Dreamiest Eats in 60 Seconds
California Dream Eater
Santa Barbara’s Simply Delicious Street Tacos
California Dream Eater
Santa Barbara’s Vivid Red Velvet Pancakes
California Dream Eater
Santa Barbara’s Stunning Kaiseki-Style Sushi
Podcasts
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How to Experience California's Wine Month
42min
Blake Anderson’s California Hangouts
38min
Exploring the Inland Empire
54min
California Travel on Any Budget
51min
Ike Barinholtz: Hollywood Stories, Trivia Wins, & California Adventures
36min
Michelin Guide, L.A. to Paso Robles, LGBTQ+ Travel
46min
Balboa Park, Wellness Travel, Wide Open Walls
37min
Spas, National Monuments, Mission San Juan Capistrano
32min
Sunnylands, Oysters, Free Activities
31min
Fascinating Road Trips
37min
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