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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.
- So You Think You Know Santa Barbara?So You Think You Know Santa Barbara?
- How to Explore the Channel IslandsHow to Explore the Channel Islands
- Central Coast Wine TourCentral Coast Wine Tour
- So You Think You Know San Luis Obispo County?So You Think You Know San Luis Obispo County?
- Monterey Bay AquariumMonterey Bay Aquarium
- Plan Your Trip: Pinnacles National ParkPlan Your Trip: Pinnacles National Park
- Craft Breweries of the Central CoastCraft Breweries of the Central Coast
- Bernardus Lodge & SpaBernardus Lodge & Spa
- Santa Monica to San Luis ObispoSanta Monica to San Luis Obispo
- Kiler Ridge Olive FarmKiler Ridge Olive Farm
- California Welcome Center - Pismo BeachCalifornia Welcome Center - Pismo Beach
- Santa Maria BarbecueSanta Maria Barbecue
- California Welcome Center - SalinasCalifornia Welcome Center - Salinas
- Find Instant Bliss on This Central Coast Road TripFind Instant Bliss on This Central Coast Road Trip
Travel Stories
Events In:
- California Strawberry Festival
California Strawberry Festival
May 17–18, 2025
- 9 Ways to Celebrate California Surfing Day
9 Ways to Celebrate California Surfing Day
September 20 offers a mandate to catch a wave—or just embrace surf culture all along the coast
- 33 Amazing Free Things to Do in California
33 Amazing Free Things to Do in California
The Golden State offers plenty of bucket-list experiences, and you don’t have to spend a lot–or, sometimes, anything–to do many of them
- May 2025 Events in California
May 2025 Events in California
Kick off your summer with wine tasting, classic cars, and quirky festivals
- 12 California Beaches for Kids
12 California Beaches for Kids
Make lifelong memories at these family-favorite beaches in the Golden State
- Experience Central California Like a Local
Experience Central California Like a Local
Explore local hotspots in Santa Barbara, Monterey, Mammoth, and more
- California Vacations for the Star Wars Icons
California Vacations for the Star Wars Icons
Here’s where Yoda, Darth Vader, and their friends would go to relax
- 13 Earth Day Events in California in 2025
13 Earth Day Events in California in 2025
Eco-friendly adventures await—here’s a guide to some of the top ways you can help protect the planet while exploring the Golden State
- 6 California Restaurants That Serve Epic Fried Chicken
6 California Restaurants That Serve Epic Fried Chicken
From San Diego to Oakland and beyond, Golden State chefs know how to honor National Fried Chicken Day
- 21 Unique California Events
21 Unique California Events
These regional celebrations show a quirky, diverse side of the Golden State
- 10 Super-Scenic California Road Trips
10 Super-Scenic California Road Trips
Follow these classic routes for magical scenery and worthy stops
California Dream Eater
The Ultimate Foodie Road Trip: Ventura + Santa Barbara
California 101
California’s Highway One Road Trip
Luxury Minute
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara: California Luxury Minute Resorts
Luxury Minute
Post Ranch Inn: California Luxury Minute Resorts
California Dream Eater
Santa Barbara’s Vivid Red Velvet Pancakes
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
California 101
Big Sur: 5 Amazing Things
Brand USA: United Stories Ventura Surfrider Foundation
Exploring Monterey County
49min
Redwood Coast, Favorite Hotels, Sacramento Dining
38min
Rock Climbing, Best Campgrounds, L.A. Shopping
35min
California Curiosities, Architecture, East Bay
37min
Exploring Ventura County
55min
Fascinating Road Trips
37min
Exploring San Luis Obispo County
57min
Ways to Play in California
52min
Wine Tasting in California
49min
Set-Jetting in California
41min
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