- 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.
- 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 - 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 - 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 - Conejo Valley
Conejo Valley
Convenience meets natural scenery in this laid-back but lively area just north of Los Angeles - 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
- 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
More Resources
Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
- 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
Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
- Big Sur
Monterey CountyBig Sur
- Paso Robles
San Luis Obispo CountyPaso Robles
- San Simeon
San Luis Obispo CountySan Simeon
- Ventura
Ventura CountyVentura
- Monterey
Monterey CountyMonterey
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
Monterey CountyCarmel-by-the-Sea
- Buellton
Santa Barbara CountyBuellton
- Morro Bay
San Luis Obispo CountyMorro Bay
- Pismo Beach
San Luis Obispo CountyPismo Beach
- Santa Margarita
San Luis Obispo CountySanta Margarita
- Cambria
San Luis Obispo CountyCambria
- San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo CountySan Luis Obispo
- Cayucos
San Luis Obispo CountyCayucos
- Avila Beach
San Luis Obispo CountyAvila Beach
- Gilroy
Santa Clara CountyGilroy
- Thousand Oaks
Ventura CountyThousand Oaks
- Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara CountySanta Barbara
- Solvang
Santa Barbara CountySolvang
- Camarillo
Ventura CountyCamarillo
- Montecito
Santa Barbara CountyMontecito
Things to do
Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
- 20 Unique California Events
20 Unique California Events
These regional celebrations show a quirky, diverse side of the Golden State
- How to Enjoy California’s Parks and Public Lands
How to Enjoy California’s Parks and Public Lands
Follow a few sustainable travel tips to help make the most of these Golden State assets
- Highway 1’s Most Scenic Stops
Highway 1’s Most Scenic Stops
Take in the beauty—aka the Pacific Coast Highway—at these essential locations
- Bixby Bridge
Bixby Bridge
Take in stunning coastal views while crossing this iconic span along Highway 1
- Beyond the Match: 5 Itinerary Ideas from Los Angeles
Beyond the Match: 5 Itinerary Ideas from Los Angeles
Extend your soccer trip with these ideas for exploring beaches, theme parks, and more from Los Angeles
- Working California Ranches You Can Visit
Working California Ranches You Can Visit
Step into 250 years of history at working ranches offering tastings, rides, and wide-open landscapes
- Ultimate Sports Events in California
Ultimate Sports Events in California
Plan a trip around these amazing annual competitions in the Golden State
- 16 Amazing Food and Drink Gifts from California
16 Amazing Food and Drink Gifts from California
Discover unexpected edibles and brilliant beverages—from farm-fresh oysters delivered to your door to award-winning bubbly
- A Guide to Pickleball in California
A Guide to Pickleball in California
The Golden State is an ideal place to play this fast-growing paddle sport whether you are a newbie or savvy veteran
- Where to Celebrate and Commemorate Juneteenth 2026 in California
Where to Celebrate and Commemorate Juneteenth 2026 in California
Honor the historic independence from slavery in the United States with joyous celebrations across the Golden State
Events in this Region
Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
- Monterey Jazz Festival
Monterey Jazz Festival
September 25–27, 2026 Where the future of Jazz comes alive.
- California Avocado Festival
California Avocado Festival
October 2–4, 2026 The Carpinteria celebration draws over 80,000 guests for the Avocado fest
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 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
- 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
Videos
Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
California 101
California’s Highway One Road Trip
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
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 101
Big Sur: 5 Amazing Things
Podcasts
Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
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
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.