Head out this season to California’s largest coastal area, stretching over 350 miles between Point Mugu and Monterey Bay, to enjoy a well-earned holiday. Made of six counties from both Northern and Southern California, the Central Coast includes 4 regions, each with its separate visitor services to facilitate you on the exciting and original road trip.
The four regions: Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Monterey Bay encompass everything you need in a coast from rocky shorelines to dreamy beaches, from high-reaching mountain tops to rolling hills, from short spans of arid desert to a panoramic view out and over the Pacific.
The Ventura region, backed by rugged mountains, is more about the beach than anything else. The Santa Barbara region, often called the “American Riviera” owes to the Mediterranean architecture and the unbeatable beaches. San Luis Obispo, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles is home to vintage beach towns. Monterey Bay boasts of the world-renowned Monterey Bay aquarium, while the galleries in Carmel make up California’s largest center.
You will need to travel by personal automobile to reach Central Coast. San Luis Obispo houses America’s first motel, while a major highway, US. Route 101 runs across most of the Central Coast counties as it stretches from San Francisco to Los Angeles. You can also adopt the smaller yet scenic State Route 1.
There are a lot of things you can do in Central Coast. If you want to experience the real Californian culture: golden hills, unspoiled coastline and amazing vineyards, you need to pack up your bags and hit the road for Central Coast. You can lose yourself in a dramatic and exhilarating sunset at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, south of Carmel on State. Or you can visit the top aquarium in the world at Monterey Bay and familiarize with sea otters, sharks, whales and other creatures from the vast, unexplored ocean. You can also head for the idealistic Carmel and stroll along shaded sidewalks, art galleries filled with delightful pictures, charming shops, cafes with delectable items on display and a breath-taking beach.
If you are particularly interested in retail shopping, and want to buy the best of everything from clothes to jewelry, you need to head out for Santa Barbara. With lush shops, world-class entertainment and cuisine, Santa Barbara is heaven if you are out there to enjoy it. If you are near San Simeon, don’t forget to check out the architectural amaze: Hearst Castle. Bask your gaze by looking at the glorious sunset from the terrace near Neptune Pool.
Central Coast has everything you need for an enjoyable trip. So don’t linger: visit this season one of 2014’s top rated destinations of US with your family and experience something unique and wonderful.