Advertisement
Places to Visit
Things To Do
Trip Inspiration
Road Trips
Find Your Ultimate Playground
Searching for:
    Visit California, Return Home
    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.

    Featured Central Coast

    Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.

    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

      • Central Coast Wine Country

        Central Coast Wine Country

        Miles of coastline, sunny hills, relaxing wineries

      • 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

      • 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

      • San Luis Obispo Arts & Culture

        San Luis Obispo Arts & Culture

        If it's a First Friday in SLO, art awaits

      • Cal Poly

        Cal Poly

        See top-level athletes, catch a show, and visit a student-run farm

      • Events in San Luis Obispo

        Events in San Luis Obispo

        Enjoy lively fairs and festivals year-round

      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.