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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.

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Places to Visit

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Things to do

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  • 10 Great Holiday Boat Parades in California

    10 Great Holiday Boat Parades in California

    In December, watch these glittering displays off the coast of California

  • 12 Awesome Surfing Spots

    12 Awesome Surfing Spots

    From Windansea Beach in La Jolla to Half Moon Bay’s Mavericks to a state-of-the-art wave machine in the Central Valley, California is blessed with some truly epic waves

  • 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

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

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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

  • 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

  • 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

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