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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.
- Know Before You Go: Travel to Big SurDiscover the most up-to-date guidance for navigating Highway 1 amid the ongoing closures
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- 5 Central Coast Boutique PropertiesThese former roadside motels and hotels have transformed into trendy stays
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- Exploring San Luis Obispo CountyUnwind with great wine, historic architecture, and amazing tunes in this laid-back Central Coast destination
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- Sensorio Paso RoblesStroll through a "Field of Light" in California's Central Coast wine country at this outdoor art installation
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- Central Coast Wine CountryMiles of coastline, sunny hills, relaxing wineries
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- Beaches in San Luis Obispo CountyPlay, hike, and soak up scenery on the beaches of San Luis Obispo County, in Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Cambria, and Cayucos
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- Central Coast Wine Tour
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- Craft Breweries of the Central CoastWhere to find the best local beer in San Luis Obispo and other Central Coast locations
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- Monterey CountyBig Sur
- Santa Barbara CountySanta Barbara
- Ventura CountyVentura
- Monterey CountyCarmel-by-the-Sea
- Monterey CountyMonterey
- San Luis Obispo CountyAtascadero
- San Luis Obispo CountyPismo Beach
- Monterey CountySalinas
- Santa Barbara CountyLos Alamos
- San Luis Obispo CountyMorro Bay
- Santa Barbara CountyBuellton
- San Luis Obispo CountyAvila Beach
- San Luis Obispo CountySan Luis Obispo
- Ventura CountyOxnard
- Santa Barbara CountyGoleta
- Ventura CountyOjai
- Ventura CountyCamarillo
- Santa Barbara CountyLos Olivos
- Santa Barbara CountySanta Maria
- San Luis Obispo CountyPaso Robles
Travel Stories
Things to do
Events in this Region
Hearst Castle
Once the home of William Randolph Hearst, this stunning hilltop estate along the Central Coast is a marvel of opulence and engineering
Golfing in Monterey & Carmel
Play along the ocean or in sunny wine country
Cannery Row
Visit shops and eateries wrapped in Steinbeck history, as well as a world-class aquarium
Central Coast Wine Country
Miles of coastline, sunny hills, relaxing wineries
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
Explore cowboy-meet-wine-country towns and sustainable vineyards
San Luis Obispo Arts & Culture
If it's a First Friday in SLO, art awaits
Cal Poly
See top-level athletes, catch a show, and visit a student-run farm
Events in San Luis Obispo
Enjoy lively fairs and festivals year-round
Ventura County
Absorb the relaxed vibe of this classic California destination on the coast
California Dream Eater
The Ultimate Foodie Road Trip: Ventura + Santa Barbara
California 101
California’s Highway One Road Trip
Luxury Minute
Post Ranch Inn: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Luxury Minute
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Troy Hartman Jetpack: A Flying Dream
California Dreamers
Vera Mulyani, Marschitect. As in, Mars architect.
California Dreamers
Esalen is an analog oasis in a digital world.
California Dream Eater
Ventura’s Crazy Mac and Cheese
California Dream Eater
Ventura’s Jolliest Oysters
California Dream Eater
Ventura’s Blissful Beer Garden
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