- 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.
- 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
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.
- Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara CountySanta Barbara
- Los Alamos
Santa Barbara CountyLos Alamos
- Cambria
San Luis Obispo CountyCambria
- Gilroy
Santa Clara CountyGilroy
- Salinas
Monterey CountySalinas
- Pismo Beach
San Luis Obispo CountyPismo Beach
- Big Sur
Monterey CountyBig Sur
- 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
- Pebble Beach
Monterey CountyPebble Beach
- Paso Robles
San Luis Obispo CountyPaso Robles
- 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
Things to do
Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
- 2026 Holiday Celebrations at California Theme Parks
2026 Holiday Celebrations at California Theme Parks
Feast on seasonal treats, see limited-edition shows, and enjoy a “snowfall” of bubbles
- Where to See Holiday Lights in California in 2026
Where to See Holiday Lights in California in 2026
Stroll through these seasonal displays across the Golden State
- 11 Iconic Movie Bars You Can Actually Visit in California
11 Iconic Movie Bars You Can Actually Visit in California
Have your happy hour in a café, cantina, or lounge that starred in a famous film
- Here’s Where to See California’s Monarch Butterflies
Here’s Where to See California’s Monarch Butterflies
The intrepid orange-and-black flyer is showing up at wintering sites along the coast
- California Towns with Holiday Spirit
California Towns with Holiday Spirit
Visit these merry spots that put on a seasonal show in winter
- Entertain Your Kids with These California-Powered Virtual Experiences
Entertain Your Kids with These California-Powered Virtual Experiences
Even if you can't visit right now, these theme parks, aquariums, and museums are looking for ways to connect
- 8 Family-Favorite Science Centers & Museums
8 Family-Favorite Science Centers & Museums
Go where kids get an inside look at wildlife, space, and more
- 8 Unexpected Valentine’s Day Experiences
8 Unexpected Valentine’s Day Experiences
Celebrate your love with these unique California events, including kayaking through sea caves and riding a mystery train
- 10 Family-Friendly Museums for All Ages
10 Family-Friendly Museums for All Ages
Thanks to their interactive exhibits, these institutions encourage kids and adults to indulge their curiosity for arts, culture, history, and science
- Family Road Trip: Santa Rosa, San Francisco, and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Family Road Trip: Santa Rosa, San Francisco, and Carmel-by-the-Sea
This six-day trip will wow the kids with iconic sights, wildlife, and hidden gems
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
- 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
- Nepenthe
Nepenthe
Dine and relax in Big Sur with a world-class view
- 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
Videos
Use keyboard arrow keys to move through items.
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
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
Santa Barbara’s 3 Dreamiest Eats in 60 Seconds
California Dream Eater
Ventura’s 3 Dreamiest Eats in 60 Seconds
Brand USA: United Stories Ventura Surfrider Foundation
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.