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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.
- Know Before You Go: Travel to Big SurDiscover the most up-to-date guidance for navigating Highway 1 amid the ongoing closures
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- 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 Sur
- Santa Barbara CountySanta Barbara
- Ventura CountyVentura
- Monterey CountyCarmel-by-the-Sea
- Monterey CountyMonterey
- San Luis Obispo CountyAtascadero
- San Luis Obispo CountyPismo Beach
- Monterey CountySalinas
- Santa Barbara CountyLos Alamos
- San Luis Obispo CountyMorro Bay
- Santa Barbara CountyBuellton
- San Luis Obispo CountyAvila Beach
- San Luis Obispo CountySan Luis Obispo
- Ventura CountyOxnard
- Santa Barbara CountyGoleta
- Ventura CountyOjai
- Ventura CountyCamarillo
- Santa Barbara CountyLos Olivos
- Santa Barbara CountySanta Maria
- San Luis Obispo CountyPaso Robles
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 engineering
Ventura County
Absorb the relaxed vibe of this classic California destination on the coast
Golfing in Monterey & Carmel
Play along the ocean or in sunny wine country
Cannery Row
Visit shops and eateries wrapped in Steinbeck history, as well as a world-class aquarium
State Street
Follow winding walkways to shops, fountains, and food
Funk Zone
Get edgy in this oh-so-hot spot for tasting rooms and food
Santa 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 gatherings
Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country
Tour an iconic wine region with fog, sun, and plenty of Pinot
Santa Barbara Public Market
Go local, gourmet, and delicious downtown
California Dream Eater
The Ultimate Foodie Road Trip: Ventura + Santa Barbara
California 101
California’s Highway One Road Trip
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
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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
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Culinary Gems, Hidden Beaches, Napa Valley Wine
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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
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Solo Travel, L.A. Street Food, Olive Oil Tasting
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California Curiosities, Architecture, East Bay
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