Places to Visit
Things To Do
Trip Inspiration
Road Trips
Find Your Ultimate Playground
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

Things to do

Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.

Events in this Region

Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
  • Monterey Jazz Festival

    Monterey Jazz Festival

    September 25–27, 2026 Catch world-class jazz in Monterey’s iconic coastal setting

  • California Avocado Festival

    California Avocado Festival

    October 2–4, 2026 The Carpinteria celebration draws over 80,000 guests for the Avocado fest

View All Events

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

  • Golfing in Monterey and Carmel

    Golfing in Monterey and 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

  • Central Coast Wine Country

    Central Coast Wine Country

    Miles of coastline, sunny hills, relaxing wineries

  • Farm Tours & Drives

    Farm Tours & Drives

    Go behind the scenes to see agriculture in action and taste California’s bounty at the source

  • Traveling by Plane

    Traveling by Plane

    Flying is easy in the Golden State, with international and domestic airports statewide

  • Great U-Pick Farms in California

    Great U-Pick Farms in California

    Enjoy the best of California’s berries, apples, mandarin oranges, and more at these local farms

  • Don't-Miss City Farmers' Markets

    Don't-Miss City Farmers' Markets

    Local produce, amazing finds

  • 5 Surprising Settings for Farm-to-Table Dining

    5 Surprising Settings for Farm-to-Table Dining

    Delicious meals, beautiful locations

View All Restaurants

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get weekly travel inspiration, sent directly to your inbox!

Interested in upcoming events? Looking for hidden gems? Or tips on planning the ultimate family getaway? We've got that covered, and more.