California’s Central Coast: Natural and Cultural Wonders Road Trip

It’s a short drive south along Highway 1 to reach Monterey County, a diverse region known for breathtaking coastal views, lush wine country and outdoor adventures. Must-see attractions include Cannery Row, where sardine canneries once dominated the scene and inspired the famous John Steinbeck novel of the same name; shops and seafood restaurants at Old Fisherman’s Wharf; and the outstanding Monterey Bay Aquarium. Visit Point Pinos Lighthouse in quaint Pacific Grove, and look out for breaching humpback whales year-round. Or, head to charming Carmel-by-the-Sea for a delicious meal followed by boutique and art gallery shopping and some time at the beach. Travel inland to Monterey Wine Country, home to dozens of vineyards and tasting rooms in the Salinas Valley, as well as award-winning Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs to sample in Carmel Valley Village. Spend time in the outdoors with redwood forests and waterfalls at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and watch a breathtaking sunset as sea lions bark in the distance. Or, head inland to Pinnacles National Park, a dramatic volcanic landscape punctuated by immense rock spires, ideal for hiking among wildflowers and rock climbing. Either is an ideal way to soak in the inspiring scenery before driving to your next stop.

Roll down the windows and soak in the views of the Pacific Ocean along one of the most-photographed sections of the California coast. Highway 1 hugs the edge of towering seaside cliffs as waves crash onto the rocks below. Keep an eye out for the old lighthouse and the elephant seals that gather at the rookery at Piedras Blancas. In San Simeon, take a tour of Hearst Castle, the opulent estate-turned-museum of media mogul, William Randolph Hearst. The views of the San Simeon and the Pacific Ocean are outstanding. If you’ve worked up a thirst, you’re in luck. This region is renowned for its fertile soil and near-ideal weather, contributing to a centuries-old wine-making tradition. Take a short detour inland to Paso Robles and Templeton for a winery tour. Continue further south to go hiking at Morro Bay State Park in the quaint seaside village of Morro Bay. Be sure to snap some photos of Morro Rock, a 23 million-year-old volcanic plug standing 175 meters tall. Browse the downtown shops, then grab lunch and a craft brew in San Luis Obispo, a quirky, beach-loving town that was once named the happiest city in America. If you’re traveling from October to February, stop at the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach on your way to Santa Maria, an overwintering site for thousands of monarch butterflies.

Take in the stands of eucalyptus trees and farmland along Highway 1, stopping to pay a visit to the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve. It’s the second-largest stretch of sand dunes in California; guided hikes are offered via the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center. In Santa Maria, book a round of golf at Blacklake Golf Resort or La Purisima Golf Course to work up an appetite for some Santa Maria-style barbecue: dry-rubbed beef tri-tip grilled over a fire of California coastal red oak, served with beans, salsa, garlic bread and salad. Farther south in Santa Ynez Valley, wine enthusiasts can sip the wares of more than two dozen wineries in nearby Los Olivos, offering tours and tastings with a picturesque backdrop. Don’t miss a visit to Solvang, known as “Little Denmark,” to indulge in a Danish pastry and stroll along Scandinavian-style storefronts housing shops and restaurants. If you’re wiped out from the day’s adventures, check into a funky, updated retro Airstream trailer at Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground in Buellton.

Highway 101 out of Buellton turns south at the coastline. You’ll be treated to expansive ocean views as you drive into Santa Barbara, an idyllic beach destination flanked by the towering Santa Ynez Mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Settled by Spaniards in the late 1700s, Santa Barbara’s heritage is still apparent in the ubiquitous red-tiled roofs, Spanish architecture and various historic structures including the Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786 and still an active parish today. Hang out in downtown Santa Barbara to order lunch, sample great wine from dozens of tasting rooms and wineries, or find your next favorite pint at one of the city’s craft breweries. Have your credit card ready for world-class shopping on historic State Street. You’ll find everything from high-end brands to chic local boutiques, not to mention art galleries and fine dining. Of course, don’t forget to work on your tan – beaches at Shoreline Park, Goleta and Carpinteria are sure bets to get that golden California glow before your final stop.

Much of this stretch of Highway 101 merges with the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), offering ocean scenery for parts of the drive to Ventura. This picturesque coastal city is home to Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary, a meticulously preserved group of five islands known for their astounding biodiversity. It’s just a short boat ride away with Island Packers from Ventura Harbor Village or nearby Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor to visit this natural treasure. Go kayaking or diving (guided excursions are recommended) to encounter unique sea life, imposing sea caves, primitive islands and unparalleled views of the ocean. Back on land, go people-watching at Ventura Pier, and take the free Ventura Harbor Trolley to check out the shops, restaurants and attractions in Ventura Harbor Village. For more retail therapy, treat yourself to deals at Camarillo Premium Outlets. If you haven’t filled your camera roll yet, take the scenic route along the PCH to Los Angeles International (LAX) for your return flight home.