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 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.
- Monterey CountyCarmel-By-The-SeaLorem 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 engineeringState Street
Follow winding walkways to shops, fountains, and foodFunk Zone
Get edgy in this oh-so-hot spot for tasting rooms and foodSanta 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
It’s all about local at these amazing weekly gatheringsSanta Ynez Valley Wine Country
Tour an iconic wine region with fog, sun, and plenty of PinotSanta Barbara Public Market
Go local, gourmet, and delicious downtownSan Luis Obispo Farmers' Market
A college town morphs into a pop-up party on Thursday nightsArroyo Burro Beach
Live like a local at this popular and friendly waterfront gemAutoCamp
Bunk up in retro style in a classic Airstream
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
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