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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
Convenience meets natural scenery in this laid-back but lively area just north of Los Angeles - 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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- Big Sur
Monterey CountyBig Sur
- Paso Robles
San Luis Obispo CountyPaso Robles
- San Simeon
San Luis Obispo CountySan Simeon
- Ventura
Ventura CountyVentura
- Monterey
Monterey CountyMonterey
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
Monterey CountyCarmel-by-the-Sea
- Buellton
Santa Barbara CountyBuellton
- Morro Bay
San Luis Obispo CountyMorro Bay
- Pismo Beach
San Luis Obispo CountyPismo Beach
- Santa Margarita
San Luis Obispo CountySanta Margarita
- Cambria
San Luis Obispo CountyCambria
- San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo CountySan Luis Obispo
- Cayucos
San Luis Obispo CountyCayucos
- Avila Beach
San Luis Obispo CountyAvila Beach
- Gilroy
Santa Clara CountyGilroy
- Thousand Oaks
Ventura CountyThousand Oaks
- Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara CountySanta Barbara
- Solvang
Santa Barbara CountySolvang
- Camarillo
Ventura CountyCamarillo
- Montecito
Santa Barbara CountyMontecito
Things to do
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- Three Spectacular Santa Barbara Itineraries for Summer
Three Spectacular Santa Barbara Itineraries for Summer
Pick your style: Eat, paddle, or bliss out in the American Riviera
- 16 Amazing California Lakes
16 Amazing California Lakes
Swim, waterski, wakeboard, paddle, fish, or go houseboating on the Golden State’s lakes
- August 2025 Events in California
August 2025 Events in California
Plan a trip to hear music, sample unique cuisine, or watch dogs surf
- July 2026 Events in California
July 2026 Events in California
Make summer memories while enjoying fairs, comic book culture, and craft beer
- 2026 California Travel Deals You Can Book This Summer
2026 California Travel Deals You Can Book This Summer
Add a little extra sunshine to your vacation with hotel and theme park discounts
- How to Celebrate the Fourth of July in California
How to Celebrate the Fourth of July in California
Honor America’s birthday in 2026 with fireworks, fairs, and epic scenery
- 5-Star Luxury and California's Spectacular Spas
5-Star Luxury and California's Spectacular Spas
Soterios Johnson explores the rareified world of top-rated spas—and why you should make them part of your wellness routine
- Toast Earth Day in California Wine Country
Toast Earth Day in California Wine Country
April is California Wines: Down to Earth Month
- Find Road Trip Inspiration via the California Now Podcast
Find Road Trip Inspiration via the California Now Podcast
Join host Soterios Johnson as he uncovers the best ways to motor around the Golden State
- Two Podcasters Compare Notes on Exploring California
Two Podcasters Compare Notes on Exploring California
Emma Gannon and Soterios Johnson come from totally different worlds but they are aligned on the merits of California travel
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
- AutoCamp
AutoCamp
Retro Airstream glamping and modern comforts amid California’s great outdoors
- San Luis Obispo's Madonna Inn
San Luis Obispo's Madonna Inn
From Caveman to Sugar & Spice, find your dream room here
- 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
Videos
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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
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
California Dream Eater
Santa Barbara’s 3 Dreamiest Eats in 60 Seconds
California Dream Eater
Ventura’s 3 Dreamiest Eats in 60 Seconds
California Dream Eater
Ventura’s Crazy Mac and Cheese
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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