Central Coast

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

So You Think You Know Santa Barbara?

Explore unique restaurants, quirky boutiques, rugged hikes, and private wineries

How to Explore the Channel Islands

Spend a day—or a week—in this idyllic national park off the Central Coast

California Welcome Centers in the Central Coast

Find the perfect balance between urban and rural on California’s Central Coast.

Central Coast Wine Tour

So You Think You Know San Luis Obispo County?

Visit these under-the-radar spots to experience the slower side of this beautiful region

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Come nose to nose with otters and more

Know Before You Go: Pinnacles National Park

Craft Breweries of the Central Coast

Where to find the best local beer in San Luis Obispo other Central Coast locations

Bernardus Lodge & Spa

This Carmel Valley escape revels in its surroundings with wine, wellness, and lots of fire pits

Santa Monica to San Luis Obispo

Kiler Ridge Olive Farm

A cycling tour of Tuscany inspired owners to start this ranch near downtown Paso Robles

California Welcome Center - Pismo Beach

Miles of beaches, wine, and a castle

Santa Maria Barbecue

Head to California’s Central Coast to try this distinctive regional cuisine at its source

Food & Drink

California Welcome Center - Salinas

Steinbeck, agriculture and the gateway to Monterey Bay

Find Instant Bliss on This Central Coast Road Trip

The husband-and-wife team behind Roamaroo took this food-for-the-soul journey through waterfront towns

More Resources

Places to Visit

Central CoastSan Luis Obispo County

The fertile stretch of San Luis Obispo County on the California coast, roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, has undeniable appeal, with buzzy farm-to-table restaurants, celebrated wine country, historic sites, and welcoming, low-key communities, each with distinctive charms—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous scenery. Here, coastal mountains roll into a frothy sea, with whales spouting offshore. Get ready for a spectacular selection of exploratory outdoor experiences. Enjoy views of soaring peaks and cavernous tidepools during an invigorating hike at Montaña de Oro State Park, a coastal preserve 30 miles/48 kilometers west of the city of San Luis Obispo (a.k.a. SLO). Want to try beach camping? Reserve a spot at North Beach State Campground, about 14 miles/23 kilometers south of SLO in Pismo Beach; romp on more than 20 miles/32 kilometers of unspoiled sandy beaches, and find your perfect spot for digging legendary Pismo clams (permit required). Morro Bay, about 13 miles/21 kilometers northwest of SLO, has even more diversions for outdoor lovers. Local concessionaires offer fishing trips, as well as kayaking and sailing excursions (look for resident otters!). [[ crowdriff-gallery-id: 061edde1-3319-48e2-bd18-10449f64c446 ]] Bicycling has been widely embraced here, and local bike shops and the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club can recommend a ride to match your ability and interests. Pedal through nook-and-cranny valleys that cradle farms and ranches; stop to sample local wines at one of the many relaxed tasting rooms. Other don’t-miss activities in the region: Shopping for treasures in art galleries in funky-fun Cambria, touring legendary Hearst Castle, and soaking in mineral springs in Avila Beach.

Monterey CountyCarmel-By-The-Sea

Ventura CountyVentura

San Luis Obispo CountySan Simeon

Santa Barbara CountySanta Barbara

Bougainvillea twining across red-tiled rooftops, birdsong mingling with the ocean breeze, islands and whale spouts on the horizon—Santa Barbara’s charms tempt at every turn. Perfect getaways don’t get much more perfect. Take it from the movie stars who sneak away to Santa Barbara all the time—or just straight up move here. Oprah, Brad, Ellen, and other first-name’s-enough A-listers have estates here, many tucked away in the coastal enclave of Montecito. Why not? There’s that legendary Old World beauty that befits the city’s nickname, “The American Riviera.” Bougainvillea twining across red-tiled rooftops, birdsong mingling with the ocean breeze, islands and whale spouts on the horizon—Santa Barbara’s charms tempt at every turn. Perfect getaways don’t get much more perfect. Take it from the movie stars who sneak away to Santa Barbara all the time—or just straight up move here. Oprah, Brad, Ellen, and other first-name’s-enough A-listers have estates here, many tucked away in the coastal enclave of Montecito. Why not? There’s that legendary Old World beauty that befits the city’s nickname, “The American Riviera.” The charmingly small city, 90 miles north of Los Angeles, hugs both the beaches and Highway 101 (and also offers easy access by train): Don’t miss sandy stretches within easy reach—Gaviota State Park, about a half-hour’s drive up the coast, offers camping, and Rincon Beach Park, about 20 miles south of the city, boasts world-class surfing at Rincon Point. In between, from west to east, are such spots as Refugio State Beach; Campus Point Beach, a favorite of college students thanks to being part of the famously gorgeous campus of UC Santa Barbara; and the dog-friendly Hendry’s Beach (where the Boathouse Restaurant has great seaside dining). In Santa Barbara itself is East Beach, which is the perfect place to spend a lazy family afternoon, and just east of the city is Montecito’s Butterfly Beach, which sits across from the Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Lookout Park, another three miles down the road, has picnic areas and hiking trails, as well as cliff-top views of Channel Islands National Park. If you’re looking for beach activity rentals (kayaks, bikes, stand-up paddleboards), surfing lessons, or a cycling tour in Santa Barbara/Goleta/Montecito, local outfitters Cal Coastal Adventures are the go-to. Step across the 101 and the city is comprised of Spanish-style architecture (prime example: the Old Mission Santa Barbara) and rolling hills that stretch east into the Santa Ynez Mountains and wine country, while to the west you’ll find the under-the-radar, quiet appeal of Goleta. But Santa Barbara has a new energy, too—the Funk Zone neighborhood boasts hip restaurants and bars, and the MOXI (Museum of Exploration + Innovation) dazzles with its reimagination what a museum can be—kids especially love the interactivity. Main thoroughfare State Street and leafy streets alike are lined with designer boutiques, a buzz-worthy restaurants and wine tasting rooms. For seafood, a visit to Santa Barbara’s most visited landmark, Stearns Wharf, is in order; if you’re looking for the makings of the perfect Central Coast picnic, the city’s farmers markets and the Santa Barbara Public Market offer endless ingredients and locally-produced treats. Add to it all a waterfront teeming with sailboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle-boarders. Step across the 101 and the city is comprised of Spanish-style architecture (prime example: the Old Mission Santa Barbara) and rolling hills that stretch east into the Santa Ynez Mountains and wine country, while to the west you’ll find the under-the-radar, quiet appeal of Goleta. But Santa Barbara has a new energy, too—the Funk Zone neighborhood boasts hip restaurants and bars, and the MOXI (Museum of Exploration + Innovation) dazzles with its reimagination what a museum can be—kids especially love the interactivity. Main thoroughfare State Street and leafy streets alike are lined with designer boutiques, a buzz-worthy restaurants and wine tasting rooms. For seafood, a visit to Santa Barbara’s most visited landmark, Stearns Wharf, is in order; if you’re looking for the makings of the perfect Central Coast picnic, the city’s farmers markets and the Santa Barbara Public Market offer endless ingredients and locally-produced treats. Add to it all a waterfront teeming with sailboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle-boarders.