Central Coast Vacations
Natural Beauty
The Central Coast is arguably California’s most beautiful region, with countless visitors coming every year to drive the iconic Highway 1 along the coast. Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach are some of the notable highlights. We also recommend stopping by Piedras Blancas to see elephant seals lounging on the sand.
Vineyards
Some of California’s most impressive wine regions are located in this part of the state, thanks to grapes planted by Franciscan monks as they made their way north along the El Camino Real in the late 1700s. Head to the San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, or Santa Barbara wine regions to sip some of the state’s finest vintages.
Attractions
If you can tear your eyes away from the gorgeous natural landscapes, there are plenty of impressive attractions on the Central Coast to check out. Start with Hearst Castle, an ornate mansion built by publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Speaking of historic buildings, the region is also dotted with some of the state’s most impressive missions, like Mission San Luis Obispo and Mission Santa Barbara. If you’re heading north, make sure to stop by Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Beach Towns
What sets the Central Coast apart is its charming, laid-back atmosphere, and there’s no better way to experience the true personality of the area than by visiting its quiet beach towns. Some of our favorites are Cayucos, Carpinteria, Capitola, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, San Simeon, and Cambria, but you can always drive along the coast and see where the road takes you!