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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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- 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
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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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- Monterey
Monterey CountyMonterey
- Paso Robles
San Luis Obispo CountyPaso Robles
- 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
- San Simeon
San Luis Obispo CountySan Simeon
- 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
- Big Sur
Monterey CountyBig Sur
- Camarillo
Ventura CountyCamarillo
- Ventura
Ventura CountyVentura
- Montecito
Santa Barbara CountyMontecito
Things to do
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- Where to Celebrate Pride Month 2026 in California
Where to Celebrate Pride Month 2026 in California
Celebrate California's LGBTQ+ community at Pride Month events across the state in June
- How to Celebrate the Fourth of July in California
How to Celebrate the Fourth of July in California
Honor America’s birthday in 2026 with fireworks, fairs, and epic scenery
- 16 Amazing California Lakes
16 Amazing California Lakes
Swim, waterski, wakeboard, paddle, fish, or go houseboating on the Golden State’s lakes
- California Restaurants: An A to Z Guide
California Restaurants: An A to Z Guide
Explore this alphabetically arranged guide to California’s essential eateries
- Highway 1’s Most Scenic Stops
Highway 1’s Most Scenic Stops
Pull over along this route—aka the Pacific Coast Highway—at these essential spots
- How to Explore the Great Pacific Ocean and California Coast
How to Explore the Great Pacific Ocean and California Coast
Explore the Golden State's rich connection to its ocean shores in this episode of the California Now Podcast
- The Traveler's Guide to L.A. Hotels, Family Fun and McCloud California
The Traveler's Guide to L.A. Hotels, Family Fun and McCloud California
Spot celebrities in posh L.A. hotels, have fun and learn in the Bay Area, and visit a former Northern California logging town with modern charm
- An Insider's Guide to the Inland Empire
An Insider's Guide to the Inland Empire
Dive into this Southern California region that is full of surprises, from scenic hikes to epic candy and donuts
- 2026 California Travel Deals You Can Book This Summer
2026 California Travel Deals You Can Book This Summer
Add a little extra sunshine to your vacation with hotel and theme park discounts
- Hotel and Travel Deals in California This Spring
Hotel and Travel Deals in California This Spring
Enjoy serious savings at resorts, wineries, and theme parks
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 The grandaddy of jazz events
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
- San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market
San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market
A college town morphs into a pop-up party on Thursday nights
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
California 101
California’s Highway One Road Trip
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
California Dream Eater
Santa Barbara’s Simply Delicious Street Tacos
California Dream Eater
California Dream Eater visits Sidecar in San Luis Obispo
California Dream Eater
3 Must-Try Beach Eats in California
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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