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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.
Featured Central Coast
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- How to Roll Like a Celeb in Santa Barbara
How to Roll Like a Celeb in Santa Barbara
Enjoy the American Riviera just like one of the many A-Listers who call this lovely destination home - Keep the Play Going: How to Spend 30 Hours in San Luis Obispo
Keep the Play Going: How to Spend 30 Hours in San Luis Obispo
How to experience 30 hours of adventure, wine, and coastal views in San Luis Obispo County - Central Coast Wine Country
Central Coast Wine Country
Miles of coastline, sunny hills, relaxing wineries - Craft Breweries of the Central Coast
Craft Breweries of the Central Coast
Where to find the best local beer in San Luis Obispo and other Central Coast locations - How to Spend a Perfect Weekend on the Central Coast
How to Spend a Perfect Weekend on the Central Coast
Nature, history, and culinary delights converge in the beach towns of San Luis Obispo County, also known as SLO CAL - Conejo Valley
Conejo Valley
Soak in sound baths, sip local wine, and unwind between L.A. and Malibu - Exploring San Luis Obispo County
Exploring San Luis Obispo County
Unwind with great wine, historic architecture, and amazing tunes in this laid-back Central Coast destination - Central Coast Wine Tour
Central Coast Wine Tour
- 5 Awesome Surfing Spots Around Pismo Beach
5 Awesome Surfing Spots Around Pismo Beach
Surfing goat ringleader Dana McGregor shares his top five spots for catching waves with his famous pets - Sensorio Paso Robles
Sensorio Paso Robles
Stroll through a "Field of Light" in California's Central Coast wine country at this outdoor art installation - 5 Central Coast Boutique Properties
5 Central Coast Boutique Properties
These former roadside motels and hotels have transformed into trendy stays - Beaches in San Luis Obispo County
Beaches in San Luis Obispo County
Play, hike, and soak up scenery on the beaches of San Luis Obispo County—also known as SLO CAL—in Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Cambria, and Cayucos - Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country
Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country
Tour an iconic wine region with fog, sun, and plenty of Pinot - Beyond Garlic: Exploring Gilroy’s Arts, Festivals, & Family Fun
Beyond Garlic: Exploring Gilroy’s Arts, Festivals, & Family Fun
Explore Gilroy’s blossoming arts and culture scene, fantastic festivals, and the inside scoop on Gilroy Gardens
More Resources
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- Central Coast Tourism Council
Central Coast Tourism Council
- Visit Santa Barbara
Visit Santa Barbara
- Visit Ventura
Visit Ventura
- Visit SLO CAL
Visit SLO CAL
- Ventura County Coast
Ventura County Coast
- Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Visit SLO CAL
Visit SLO CAL
- Travel Paso Robles
Travel Paso Robles
- Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea
Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce
Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce
- Visit San Benito County
Visit San Benito County
- Visit Oxnard
Visit Oxnard
Places to Visit
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- Salinas
Monterey CountySalinas
- Pismo Beach
San Luis Obispo CountyPismo Beach
- Big Sur
Monterey CountyBig Sur
- Santa YnezSanta Barbara County
Santa Ynez
- Santa Maria
Santa Barbara CountySanta Maria
- Santa Margarita
San Luis Obispo CountySanta Margarita
- San Simeon
San Luis Obispo CountySan Simeon
- Pebble Beach
Monterey CountyPebble Beach
- Paso Robles
San Luis Obispo CountyPaso Robles
- Los Alamos
Santa Barbara CountyLos Alamos
- Buellton
Santa Barbara CountyBuellton
- Atascadero
San Luis Obispo CountyAtascadero
- Goleta
Santa Barbara CountyGoleta
- Morro Bay
San Luis Obispo CountyMorro Bay
- Montecito
Santa Barbara CountyMontecito
- San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo CountySan Luis Obispo
- Pacific Grove
Monterey CountyPacific Grove
- Oxnard
Ventura CountyOxnard
- Ojai
Ventura CountyOjai
- Monterey
Monterey CountyMonterey
Things to do
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- 12 Fun Food & Farm Festivals
12 Fun Food & Farm Festivals
California agriculture, fun celebrations
- 15 Great Winter Deals in California
15 Great Winter Deals in California
Make the most of specials for skiing, California Restaurant Month, and spa time
- 12 Best California Bites
12 Best California Bites
Check out some of the very best culinary treats on offer in the Golden State, from taco truck specialties to farm-to-fork spreads to Michelin-starred restaurants
- Top Food, Beer, and Wine Festivals
Top Food, Beer, and Wine Festivals
Every month offers delicious events for local crops, talented chefs, and great beer and wine
- April 2026 Events in California
April 2026 Events in California
Party in the desert, take a scenic bike ride, and enjoy a unique spring fruit
- Haunted Spots in California
Haunted Spots in California
From spirit-filled ships to ghostly caverns, here are 14 of the most haunted places across the state
- 14 Outdoor Adventures Under the California Sun
14 Outdoor Adventures Under the California Sun
From Encinitas to Catalina to Monterey, there are plenty of sun-kissed experiences awaiting you in the Golden State
- Celebrate the Fourth of July in California
Celebrate the Fourth of July in California
You’ll have no trouble finding colorful festivities in the cities, on the coast, and in the mountains
- California’s Most Unique Marketplaces
California’s Most Unique Marketplaces
Shop, taste craft beer, and hear live music in these mixed-used spaces
- Where to Travel in California Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Where to Travel in California Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Can’t decide where to go in the Golden State? Let the stars guide you…
Events in this Region
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- California Avocado Festival
California Avocado Festival
October 2–4, 2026 The Carpinteria celebration draws over 80,000 guests for the Avocado fest
- Monterey Jazz Festival
Monterey Jazz Festival
September 25–27, 2026 Catch world-class jazz in Monterey’s iconic coastal setting
Places to Eat & Drink
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- 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
- Santa Barbara's State Street
Santa Barbara's State Street
Follow winding walkways to shops, food, cocktails, and history
- The Funk Zone
The Funk Zone
Get edgy in this oh-so-hot spot for tasting rooms and food
- Santa Barbara's Luxury Resorts
Santa Barbara's Luxury Resorts
Treat yourself to a luxury stay in the Santa Barbara area, where the plush options include San Ysidro Ranch and The Ritz-Carlton Bacara.
- Farmers' Markets in Santa Barbara
Farmers' Markets in Santa Barbara
It’s all about local at these amazing weekly gatherings
- Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country
Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country
Tour an iconic wine region with fog, sun, and plenty of Pinot
- Santa Barbara Public Market
Santa Barbara Public Market
Go local, gourmet, and delicious downtown
- 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
Videos
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California Dream Eater
The Ultimate Foodie Road Trip: Ventura + Santa Barbara
Luxury Minute
Post Ranch Inn: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Luxury Minute
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara: California Luxury Minute Resorts
California 101
California’s Highway One Road Trip
Troy Hartman Jetpack: A Flying Dream
California Dream Eater
California Dream Eater visits Splash Café in Pismo Beach
California Dream Eater
California Dream Eater visits Backyard Bowls in Santa Barbara
Hidden Gems
Circus Trees of Gilroy Gardens
California 101
The Channel Islands National Park
California Dream Eater
Santa Barbara’s Simply Delicious Street Tacos
Podcasts
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Big Sur, Waterfalls, Oakland
23min
San Francisco Dining, Channel Islands, Luxury Hotels
35min
Stargazing, Best Bike Routes, Mid-Century Modernism
33min
Curtis Stone’s Culinary Tour, Lake Tahoe, Death Valley
34min
Culinary Gems, Hidden Beaches, Napa Valley Wine
37min
Anderson Valley, L.A. Music Venues, Family Travel
35min
Rock Climbing, Best Campgrounds, L.A. Shopping
35min
Redwood Coast, Favorite Hotels, Sacramento Dining
38min
Solo Travel, L.A. Street Food, Olive Oil Tasting
35min
California Curiosities, Architecture, East Bay
37min
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