California region
Central Coast
Big Sur, Monterey and Santa Barbara
Highway 1 at its most spectacular, from Santa Cruz surf to Big Sur cliffs, Hearst Castle and the Spanish-style charm of Santa Barbara.
Next region: Los Angeles →Places to visit in Central Coast
Stories from Central Coast
Places to Visit
18 Beautiful California Coastal Towns Worth Visiting
From foggy Mendocino headlands to surf-town Encinitas, these are the California coastal towns worth planning a trip around, with what to do, when to go and practical tips for each.
18 min read
Places to Visit
10 Beautiful Places in California You Need to Visit
From granite valleys to cliff-top highways and alpine lakes, these are the California places that belong on every bucket list.
3 min read
California Lifestyle
Why Everyone Falls in Love With California
It's not just the weather. Here's what makes California feel like nowhere else, and why so many people never want to leave.
2 min read
California Travel
The Most Beautiful Coastal Drives in America
Highway 1 earns its reputation. These are the California coastal drives worth planning a whole trip around.
2 min read
Local Stories
The Comeback Kids: Meet the Elephant Seals of Año Nuevo
Once hunted nearly to extinction, northern elephant seals now crowd California beaches every winter. Here's where to see them.
1 min read
California Lifestyle
Salt, Sun and Surf: How the Beach Shapes California Life
From Hawaiian princes surfing Santa Cruz in 1885 to sunset walks on the pier, the beach is woven into California's identity.
1 min read
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