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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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- How to Roll Like a Celeb in Santa Barbara
How to Roll Like a Celeb in Santa Barbara
Enjoy the American Riviera just like one of the many A-Listers who call this lovely destination home - 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 - 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 - 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 - Conejo Valley
Conejo Valley
Soak in sound baths, sip local wine, and unwind between L.A. and Malibu - 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
- 5 Awesome Surfing Spots Around Pismo Beach
5 Awesome Surfing Spots Around Pismo Beach
Surfing goat ringleader Dana McGregor shares his top five spots for catching waves with his famous pets - 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 - Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country
Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country
Tour an iconic wine region with fog, sun, and plenty of Pinot - Beyond Garlic: Exploring Gilroy’s Arts, Festivals, & Family Fun
Beyond Garlic: Exploring Gilroy’s Arts, Festivals, & Family Fun
Explore Gilroy’s blossoming arts and culture scene, fantastic festivals, and the inside scoop on Gilroy Gardens
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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- Santa YnezSanta Barbara County
Santa Ynez
- Santa Maria
Santa Barbara CountySanta Maria
- Santa Margarita
San Luis Obispo CountySanta Margarita
- San Simeon
San Luis Obispo CountySan Simeon
- Salinas
Monterey CountySalinas
- Pebble Beach
Monterey CountyPebble Beach
- Paso Robles
San Luis Obispo CountyPaso Robles
- Los Alamos
Santa Barbara CountyLos Alamos
- Buellton
Santa Barbara CountyBuellton
- Atascadero
San Luis Obispo CountyAtascadero
- Goleta
Santa Barbara CountyGoleta
- Morro Bay
San Luis Obispo CountyMorro Bay
- Montecito
Santa Barbara CountyMontecito
- San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo CountySan Luis Obispo
- Pacific Grove
Monterey CountyPacific Grove
- Oxnard
Ventura CountyOxnard
- Ojai
Ventura CountyOjai
- Monterey
Monterey CountyMonterey
- Big Sur
Monterey CountyBig Sur
- Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara CountySanta Barbara
Things to do
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- Farm Stays
Farm Stays
From alpaca ranches to organic vineyards, wake up to farm life for real
- Where to Go Apple Picking in California
Where to Go Apple Picking in California
Great places to go apple picking (and pick up some apple cider donuts) in California
- 9 Perfect Places to See Fabulous Fall Colors
9 Perfect Places to See Fabulous Fall Colors
Where to go to see leaves as autumn unfurls in California
- 6 California Gas Stations for Foodies
6 California Gas Stations for Foodies
Pick up barbecue, “frankies,” or fine wine at these spots that transcend the typical pit-stop
- 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
- 11 Scenic Byways
11 Scenic Byways
Admire stunning landscapes and explore historic towns on these roads less traveled
- 2026 California Travel Deals You Can Book This Autumn
2026 California Travel Deals You Can Book This Autumn
Score free hotel nights, gift cards, spa treatments, and more
- How to Experience Harry Potter in California
How to Experience Harry Potter in California
The magic of the wizarding world expands beyond the films and books at these Potter-themed destinations and events
- Plan Your Trip: Channel Islands National Park
Plan Your Trip: Channel Islands National Park
- Get Outside and Enjoy National Park Week in California
Get Outside and Enjoy National Park Week in California
Enjoy free entry on April 20, and make the most of ranger-led hikes and talks, children’s programs, outdoor theater, and more
Events in this Region
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- 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
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
- 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
- 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
Videos
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Luxury Minute
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara: California Luxury Minute Resorts
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
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
Ventura’s Crazy Mac and Cheese
California Dream Eater
Ventura’s Jolliest Oysters
California Dream Eater
Ventura’s Blissful Beer Garden
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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