San Francisco and L.A. may be world-class tourist destinations, but so is the “mid-section” between them, the California Central Coast. Though perhaps not as well known as the marquee cities to its north and south, the region boasts its own unique history, landmarks and stunning landscape.
What is California’s Central Coast ?
The Central Coast is usually defined as the area of the California coast between Monterey Bay in the north and Point Conception (in southwestern Santa Barbara County) to the south. Long Inhabited by the Chumash Indians, the first European to explore the coast was the Spaniard Juan Cabrillo, who sailed along the shore in 1542. His successors turned the Central Coast into a bastion of colonial rule. The most famous California missions are in the Central Coast, as was the state’s first capital under the Spanish.
Distinctive Features:
Scenery: Described by one author as the most beautiful convergence of “land meeting sea” in the world, the Central Coast is renowned for its craggy fog-covered cliffs, wind-whipped tree groves, crescent bays and navy blue Pacific Ocean. It is California’s Provence, inspiring artists, poets and writers for generations. Big Sur’s rugged coastline road is iconic, as is the 17-mile drive on the Monterey Peninsula, filled with Monterey Pines, Cypress trees and stunning rock formations jutting into the sea.
Wildlife: Sea otters, seals, sea lions and myriad species of birds and pelicans make the Central Coast their home. A visit to the area will surely include encounters with a number of species in their native habitat. For an even more up-close encounter, visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Agriculture and Viticulture: The Central Coast includes the Salinas Valley, the most fertile agricultural region in the country, and the setting for John Steinbeck’s most famous works. It is also a distinct wine-growing region, the Central Coast Viticultural Area, which is producing award-winning wines garnering international recognition.
Golf, Golf, and More Golf: The Central Coast’s dramatic landscape makes for some excellent golf links, the most well-known located at the Pebble Beach Resorts. It’s home to Spyglass Hill, the Links at Spanish Bay and the world-famous Pebble Beach, as well as two AAA Four-Diamond resorts known for their spa and golf packages, The Inn at Spanish Bay and the Lodge at Pebble Beach.
Additional Outdoor Sports: Bicycling along the region’s many coastal drives can provide a brutal workout with a fantastic reward in terms of open-air vistas accompanied by the sound of sea lions feeding at a nearby kelp bed. Body surfing , wind surfing and parasailing are also popular, especially toward the southern end of the Central Coast. The Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, just south of San Luis Obispo, is adjacent to Shell Beach and Pismo Beach, both big body surf and parasailing spots. Fishing boats are also available for rental in nearby Avila Beach.
Central Coast Destinations:
Carmel-by-the-Sea -(or Carmel) on the Monterey Peninsula was founded more than a century ago as an artist’s colony and remains one to this day, albeit an extremely wealthy one. The one-square mile village is known for beautiful white sand beaches, Cypress groves and famous citizens, including Clint Eastwood, who served a term as mayor.
Monterey-California’s first capital later became famous for its many canning factories, immortalized in Steinbeck’s “Cannery Row.” Robert Louis Stevenson also lived there. Today, tourists flock to Fisherman’s Wharf , which has become a restaurant row, the historic early California heritage district, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Big Sur-A coastline drive, bohemian vibe and the highest coastal mountain range in the lower 48, Big Sur also boasts world-class resorts, like the much-lauded Ventana Inn and Spa.
San Simeon-Home to the Hearst San Simeon Estate, (“Hearst Castle”) a National Historic Landmark, built by the architect Julia Morgan for William Randolph Hearst and a destination in and of itself.