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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 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
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- The Best Camping in and Near Los Angeles
The Best Camping in and Near Los Angeles
You’ll find plenty of spots for your tent or RV near the Southern California hub
- Amah Mutsun Tribal Band
Amah Mutsun Tribal Band
Environmental stewardship is key to the identity of this tribe, whose territory includes Monterey Bay, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and parts of Silicon Valley
- Acorns and Native American Culture
Acorns and Native American Culture
Tribes throughout the Golden State have relied on acorns as an essential food source for thousands of years
- 8 Golden State Game Parlors for All Ages
8 Golden State Game Parlors for All Ages
With options ranging from tabletop favorites to pinball and retro video games, California’s family-friendly hangout spots provide plenty of old-fashioned fun
- 7 Sacred Sites in California
7 Sacred Sites in California
These landmarks are not just breathtakingly beautiful—they also carry spiritual significance for Native Americans
- 8 Kinds of Travelers Who’ll Love Spring in Pismo Beach
8 Kinds of Travelers Who’ll Love Spring in Pismo Beach
Hike, taste wine, or check out classic cars while enjoying the season in this charming Central Coast town
- 15 Amazing and Affordable Towns in California You May Not Know
15 Amazing and Affordable Towns in California You May Not Know
Across the state, these towns offer wallet-friendly lodgings and activities
- 58 Reasons Why California Is the Ultimate Playground
58 Reasons Why California Is the Ultimate Playground
Cultivating a sense of play is serious business in the Golden State. Here’s an opinionated guide to help you find all the fun you can handle.
- 6 Reasons to Plan an Autumn Getaway to Pismo Beach
6 Reasons to Plan an Autumn Getaway to Pismo Beach
Fall in this Central Coast town offers sunny beach days, harvest-season wine tasting, and a delicious annual festival
- 50-Plus Fun Things to Do in California During the 2025 Holidays
50-Plus Fun Things to Do in California During the 2025 Holidays
Put these festive events, experiences, and performances on your bucket list this season
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
- 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
Videos
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California 101
California’s Highway One Road Trip
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
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
California Dream Eater visits Sidecar in San Luis Obispo
California Dream Eater
3 Must-Try Beach Eats in California
California Dream Eater
3 Scrumptious Bowls of Soul 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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