Advertisement
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.

    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

    • San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market

      San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market

      A college town morphs into a pop-up party on Thursday nights

    • Arroyo Burro Beach

      Arroyo Burro Beach

      Live like a local at this popular and friendly waterfront gem

    • Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

      Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

      European craft meets California innovation in the Central Coast

    • Zaca Mesa Winery

      Zaca Mesa Winery

      Let the kids yell “checkmate” north of Santa Barbara

    • Farm Tours & Drives

      Farm Tours & Drives

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

    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.