Central Coast

Since prehistoric times, people have been drawn to the Central Coast by its balmy weather, wonderful beaches, crystal-clear air, and quiet scenery. Today, it's also famed for its farm-fresh abundance, which ranges from grapes vintners create into world-class wines to strawberries and other food cooks combine into unique cuisine. The scenery along the Pacific coast is similarly breathtaking, with everything from majestic cliffs and grass-tufted bluffs to wildlife estuaries and miles of dunes on display. It's a great spot to unwind, calm down, and take in the rich natural beauty.

Offshore, a pristine national park and a large marine sanctuary safeguard this magnificent piece of the planet's undersea treasures. However, the Central Coast's main attractions are not entirely natural: Sparkling examples of Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, lively commercial areas, and first-rate restaurants showcasing regional dishes and wines abound in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.