Central Coast
- Summary
- Gallery
- Events
- Places to Eat & Drink
- Videos
- Podcasts
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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- So You Think You Know Santa Barbara?
- How to Explore the Channel Islands
How to Explore the Channel Islands
- Central Coast Wine Tour
Central Coast Wine Tour
- So You Think You Know San Luis Obispo County?
So You Think You Know San Luis Obispo County?
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Plan Your Trip: Pinnacles National Park
Plan Your Trip: Pinnacles National Park
- Craft Breweries of the Central Coast
Craft Breweries of the Central Coast
- Bernardus Lodge & Spa
Bernardus Lodge & Spa
- Santa Monica to San Luis Obispo
Santa Monica to San Luis Obispo
- Kiler Ridge Olive Farm
Kiler Ridge Olive Farm
- Santa Maria Barbecue
Santa Maria Barbecue
- California Welcome Center - Salinas
California Welcome Center - Salinas
- Find Instant Bliss on This Central Coast Road Trip
Find Instant Bliss on This Central Coast Road Trip
Events In:
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- Pebble Beach Food & Wine
Pebble Beach Food & Wine
April 9-12, 2026
- Life Time Sea Otter Classic
Life Time Sea Otter Classic
April 16–19, 2026
- California Strawberry Festival
California Strawberry Festival
May 16–17, 2026
- California Avocado Festival
California Avocado Festival
October 2–4, 2026
Places to Eat & Drink
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- 5 Perfect Home Bases for Exploring California
5 Perfect Home Bases for Exploring California
These under-the-radar destinations are close to some of the state’s most iconic landmarks
- April 2026 Events in California
April 2026 Events in California
Party in the desert, take a scenic bike ride, and enjoy a unique spring fruit
- 5 Family Vacations Your Kids Will Love
5 Family Vacations Your Kids Will Love
Book a dream getaway for your whole crew to one of these awesome California destinations
- 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
- Family Road Trip: San Luis Obispo to Buena Park
Family Road Trip: San Luis Obispo to Buena Park
This five-day trip from the Central Coast to Orange County includes beaches, whale watching, and a little kid–friendly theme park
- Heritage Valley
Heritage Valley
Explore this colorful stretch of countryside in Ventura County
- 25-Plus Places to Find Great Art Outside in California
25-Plus Places to Find Great Art Outside in California
Murals, sculptures, and even painted fire hydrants expand the Golden State’s cultural scene
- 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
- 20 Unique California Events
20 Unique California Events
These regional celebrations show a quirky, diverse side of the Golden State
- March 2026 Events in California
March 2026 Events in California
Start your spring with whale watching and theme park debuts
Videos
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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
Ventura’s 3 Dreamiest Eats in 60 Seconds
California Dream Eater
Santa Barbara’s Simply Delicious Street Tacos
California Dream Eater
Santa Barbara’s Vivid Red Velvet Pancakes
California Dream Eater
Santa Barbara’s Stunning Kaiseki-Style Sushi
California Dream Eater
3 Scrumptious Bowls of Soul in California
California Dream Eater
3 Must-Try Beach Eats in California
Podcasts
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California Travel on Any Budget
51min
Ike Barinholtz: Hollywood Stories, Trivia Wins, & California Adventures
36min
Michelin Guide, L.A. to Paso Robles, LGBTQ+ Travel
46min
Balboa Park, Wellness Travel, Wide Open Walls
37min
Spas, National Monuments, Mission San Juan Capistrano
32min
Sunnylands, Oysters, Free Activities
31min
Fascinating Road Trips
37min
Culinary Greatest Hits
34min
California Curiosities, Architecture, East Bay
37min
Solo Travel, L.A. Street Food, Olive Oil Tasting
35min
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