In this narrow strip of coastal hills and valleys, discover romantic towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea, historic Monterey and elegant Santa Barbara, nicknamed “the American Riviera.” The region’s classic drive along Highway One, linking San Francisco to Los Angeles, visits Big Sur, Hearst Castle, wine country, and kick-back surf towns.
MAJOR TAKEAWAYS
The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival is a longtime favorite along the Central Coast, as Castroville produces 95 percent of the nation's artichokes.
The Ventura County Wine Trail includes nearly 20 wineries and tasting rooms in settings ranging from urban neighborhoods to the bucolic Ojai Valley.
Monterey remains an outstanding place to see whales year-round due to the cold, food-rich one-mile deep canyon just offshore.
Local chefs in the Santa Maria Valley have maintained and refined a signature barbecue style created by ranchers in the mid-1800s, generating interest from foodies around the world.
Oxnard is the Central Coast’s cultural hub, providing everything from impressionism to contemporary Latino works at the Carnegie Art Museum, housed in the original Carnegie Library.
Counties, Major Cities and Attractions
Counties
There are five counties in the Central Coast region of California:
Monterey County
San Benito County
San Luis Obispo County
Santa Barbara County
Ventura County
Major Cities
This region is home to romantic towns, including Carmel-by-the-Sea, historic Monterey and elegant Santa Barbara, nicknamed “the American Riviera.” Oxnard is the largest city in the Central Coast.
Hollister
Monterey
Morro Bay
Ojai
Oxnard
Paso Robles
Pismo Beach
Salinas
San Luis Obispo
Santa Barbara
Santa Ynez
Solvang
Ventura
Major Attractions
Take an epic Highway One drive between San Francisco and Los Angeles to discover secret beaches and soaring cliffs.
17-Mile Drive: Take a drive on this scenic road on the Monterey Peninsula which includes famous landmarks like The Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach Golf Links
Big Sur: Enjoy rugged stretch of California’s coastal Highway One, which offers breathtaking scenery
Bixby Bridge: One of the most scenic and photographed bridges in California, known for its dramatic views and graceful architecture
Channel Islands National Park: Referred to as the “Galapagos of North America,” these eight islands are accessible by boat and offer wildlife viewing, hiking, sea kayaking and more
Hearst Castle: Tour the incredible mansion that was once the home of William Randolph Hearst and is now a National Historic Landmark, featuring an unparalleled art collection and picturesque Roman Pools
McWay Falls: This 80-foot waterfall flows year-round from McWay Creek in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and is one of two in California that cascade directly into the ocean
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Experience innovative exhibits, cutting-edge marine research and ocean conservation leadership at this popular family friendly attraction
Pebble Beach Golf Links: This world-famous golf course features Pacific Ocean vistas and cliffside fairways and has played host to five U.S. Open Championships along with the annual AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am
Pinnacles National Park: Ideal for hikers and climbers, the park features rare talus caves and towering rock spires that are home to diverse wildlife