Curator’s statement
The California Central Coast represents a rare convergence of natural drama, cultural richness, and unhurried charm that feels increasingly rare in modern travel. Stretching along the Big Sur coastline and through wine-country valleys, this region showcases some of America’s most stunning landscapes—where rugged cliffs meet pristine beaches and redwood forests give way to sun-drenched vineyards. Beyond the scenery, the Central Coast offers an authentic blend of culinary excellence, artistic communities, and small-town character that resists the over-tourism of nearby destinations. Whether you’re seeking coastal adventure, wine exploration, farm-to-table dining, or simply a place to slow down and reconnect with nature, the Central Coast delivers an experience that lingers long after you leave.
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Things to do in California
Catch a glimpse of migrating humpbacks on a whale watching tour from Monterey, Morro Bay, or Avila Beach.
Wine tasting
Paso Robles and the Santa Ynez Valley anchor the Central Coast’s thriving wine country, with over 200 wineries producing acclaimed Zinfandels, Pinot Noirs, and Rhône varietals. The Edna Valley near San Luis Obispo offers cool-climate wines, while tasting rooms in downtown areas like Paso Robles provide a walkable wine experience. I particularly love the Hearst Ranch Winery in San Simeon. The wine is magnificent and the views are spectacular!
Beach walks
Miles of pristine coastline invite leisurely strolls along sandy shores and dramatic bluffs, from the expansive Pismo Beach to the secluded coves of Shell Beach. Moonstone Beach in Cambria features a scenic boardwalk perfect for sunset walks, while low tide reveals tidepools teeming with starfish, anemones, and crabs at Natural Bridges and Montana de Oro. You can’t go wrong with a stroll on Carmel Beach, with its white sand, views AND it is dog-friendly.
Whale-watching
The Central Coast offers some of California’s best whale-watching opportunities, particularly from December through May when gray whales migrate along the coastline. Tours depart from harbors in Monterey, Morro Bay, and Avila Beach, where visitors can also spot humpback whales, dolphins, and sea otters year-round. Small six-person, two-hour tours available right off the Avila Harbor.
Sunsets
The west-facing coastline creates spectacular sunset viewing opportunities, with Morro Rock providing an iconic silhouette against blazing orange and pink skies. Popular sunset spots include the Pismo Beach Pier, Shell Beach bluffs, and any of the scenic pullouts along Highway 1 through Big Sur, where the sun dips directly into the Pacific horizon.
Top-down coastal drives
Highway 1 through Big Sur ranks among the world’s most scenic drives, winding 90 miles along sheer cliffs with countless pullouts for jaw-dropping ocean vistas. The drive from San Luis Obispo to Monterey takes 3–4 hours without stops, but allows for memorable detours to Hearst Castle, McWay Falls, and charming coastal villages like Cambria and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Highway 1 is scheduled to re-open near Big Sur in March of 2026.
Health & wellness
The Central Coast’s mild climate and natural beauty make it ideal for wellness activities, with championship golf courses at Pebble Beach and Avila Beach Golf Resort offering ocean views. Numerous spas like Sycamore Mineral Springs and the resorts in Carmel provide rejuvenating treatments using local botanicals, while pickleball and tennis courts are available at most resort properties and public facilities throughout San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties.
Places to eat & drink in California
Morning coffee at Radici Market!
Le Bicyclette (Carmel by the Sea): Le Bicyclette is a charming French-Italian bistro in Carmel-by-the-Sea known for its European countryside atmosphere and rustic cuisine. The restaurant features a cozy setting with an outdoor patio and serves classic dishes like pasta, rotisserie chicken, and French-inspired fare.
Radici Market (Carmel Valley): The market, located in Hacienda Hay & Feed is a hidden gem that offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where neighbors gather to exchange recipes and connect over their shared love for good food. Try the coffee, come back for the ice cream and stay for the line dancing lessons—I’m not kidding!
Hearst Ranch Winery (San Simeon): A restaurant and oceanfront tasting room in San Simeon offers stunning Pacific Coast Highway views and panoramic vistas, making it a popular stop for wine tasting along Highway 1.
Ember Restaurant (Arroyo Grande): Features a rustic but modern interior and serves Italian-inspired contemporary comfort food, including signature dishes like grilled under-a-brick chicken and their 50-layer lasagna—yes, 50 layers! Try it, you won’t be disappointed.
Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill (Cambria): Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill is an oceanfront restaurant in Cambria known for its fresh seafood, steaks, and American cuisine, featuring breathtaking Pacific Ocean views from both its heated patio and large picture windows.
Need to know
The perfect 4 day drive starts in San Francisco and ends in Santa Barbara. You can add some time in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. Highway 1 is currently closed for about a 16 mile stretch near Big Sur (2025). There are routes around this area, but plan for additional time between spots along the route. The road is tentatively scheduled to reopen in March of 2026. I love the coast anytime of year, but the best months for coastal weather are August through October. Early summer can bring coastal fog that may burn away by early afternoon but quickly sets back in by sunset.
Travel Advisor
Michelle McDonagh
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