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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
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
- 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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- Morro Bay
San Luis Obispo CountyMorro Bay
- Pacific Grove
Monterey CountyPacific Grove
- Oxnard
Ventura CountyOxnard
- Ojai
Ventura CountyOjai
- Monterey
Monterey CountyMonterey
- Montecito
Santa Barbara CountyMontecito
- Big Sur
Monterey CountyBig Sur
- Guide to Goleta
Santa Barbara CountyGuide to Goleta
- Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara CountySanta Barbara
- Solvang
Santa Barbara CountySolvang
- Thousand Oaks
Ventura CountyThousand Oaks
- Ventura
Ventura CountyVentura
- Pismo Beach
San Luis Obispo CountyPismo Beach
- Los Olivos
Santa Barbara CountyLos Olivos
- Cayucos
San Luis Obispo CountyCayucos
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
Monterey CountyCarmel-by-the-Sea
- Cambria
San Luis Obispo CountyCambria
- Camarillo
Ventura CountyCamarillo
- Avila Beach
San Luis Obispo CountyAvila Beach
- Gilroy
Santa Clara CountyGilroy
Things to do
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- Conejo Valley
Conejo Valley
Soak in sound baths, sip local wine, and unwind between L.A. and Malibu
- 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
- 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
- How to Spend a Perfect Day in Paso Robles
How to Spend a Perfect Day in Paso Robles
Go for the world-class wine experiences but don’t miss the walkable downtown, the great shopping, and an unforgettable art installation
- 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
- So You Think You Know Monterey County?
So You Think You Know Monterey County?
Check out these 15 lesser-known spots, including a Shakespeare showcase and a bar that serves 10-cent cocktails
- August 2026 Events in California
August 2026 Events in California
Plan a trip to hear music, sample unique cuisine, or watch dogs surf
- Unexpected Wellness Escapes in California
Unexpected Wellness Escapes in California
From sound baths to silent retreats, try these unique restorative getaways
- 8 Tips for Cycling in California
8 Tips for Cycling in California
Want to see the Golden State by bike? Use these tips to make the most of your ride
- Surf, Skate, Climb: Cool Kid-Friendly Sports
Surf, Skate, Climb: Cool Kid-Friendly Sports
On your next California vacation, take home a new skill as a souvenir
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
- 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
- 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
Videos
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California 101
California’s Highway One Road Trip
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
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
Hidden Gems
Circus Trees of Gilroy Gardens
California 101
The Channel Islands National Park
California 101
Big Sur: 5 Amazing Things
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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