Mimi Ditchie/Getty ImagesMimi Ditchie/Getty Images- Summary
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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.
- 5 Central Coast Boutique PropertiesThese former roadside motels and hotels have transformed into trendy stays
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- Exploring San Luis Obispo CountyUnwind with great wine, historic architecture, and amazing tunes in this laid-back Central Coast destination
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- Sensorio Paso RoblesStroll through a "Field of Light" in California's Central Coast wine country at this outdoor art installation
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- Central Coast Wine CountryMiles of coastline, sunny hills, relaxing wineries
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- Beaches in San Luis Obispo CountyPlay, hike, and soak up scenery on the beaches of San Luis Obispo County, in Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Cambria, and Cayucos
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- Central Coast Wine Tour
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- Craft Breweries of the Central CoastWhere to find the best local beer in San Luis Obispo and other Central Coast locations
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- Monterey CountyCarmel-by-the-SeaLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Monterey CountyBig SurLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Ventura CountyVenturaLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Monterey CountyMontereyLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- San Luis Obispo CountyAtascaderoLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- San Luis Obispo CountyPismo BeachLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Monterey CountySalinasLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Santa Barbara CountyLos AlamosLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Santa Barbara CountySanta BarbaraLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- San Luis Obispo CountyMorro BayLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Santa Barbara CountyBuelltonLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- San Luis Obispo CountyAvila BeachLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- San Luis Obispo CountySan Luis ObispoLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Ventura CountyOxnardLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Santa Barbara CountyGoletaLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Ventura CountyOjaiLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Ventura CountyCamarilloLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Santa Barbara CountyLos OlivosLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- Santa Barbara CountySanta MariaLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
- San Luis Obispo CountyPaso RoblesLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut ipsum elit, tempor sed luctus sed, dapibus a nunc.
Travel Stories
Things to do
Events in this Region
Hearst Castle
Once the home of William Randolph Hearst, this stunning hilltop estate along the Central Coast is a marvel of opulence and engineeringVentura County
Absorb the relaxed vibe of this classic California destination on the coastCentral Coast Wine Country
Miles of coastline, sunny hills, relaxing wineriesFarmers' Markets in San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo's friendly shopping district lights up on Thursday eveningsSan Luis Obispo County Wine Country
Explore cowboy-meet-wine-country towns and sustainable vineyardsSan Luis Obispo Arts & Culture
If it's a First Friday in SLO, art awaitsCal Poly
See top-level athletes, catch a show, and visit a student-run farmEvents in San Luis Obispo
Enjoy lively fairs and festivals year-roundNepenthe
Dine and relax in Big Sur with a world-class viewSanta Barbara: Santa Rita Hills Wine Trail
Discover boutique wineries snugged between horse ranches and classic cowboy towns
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 Dreamers
Big Sur Dreamer Jayson Fann Blends Art and Architecture to Create Human Sized Nests
California Dreamers
Bandaloop Troupe Redefines Dance Through Daring Performances
California Dream Eater
California Dream Eater visits Sidecar in San Luis Obispo
California Dream Eater
California Dream Eater visits Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar in Santa Barbara
California Dream Eater
California Dream Eater visits the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo
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
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Rock Climbing, Best Campgrounds, L.A. Shopping
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Redwood Coast, Favorite Hotels, Sacramento Dining
38min
Solo Travel, L.A. Street Food, Olive Oil Tasting
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California Curiosities, Architecture, East Bay
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