California's Central Coast Things to Do
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A tranquil expanse between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the California Central Coast, including Monterey, Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura, is an idyllic destination of dramatic seascapes, charming coastal resorts, wineries, bucolic communities and alluring and events.
The essence of California's agricultural bounty, The Central Valley is a thriving region of culturally diverse towns, historic sites, outdoor recreation and bountiful wildlife.
Madera Wine Trail
It's the Wine Industry's Best Kept Secret - wineries making award-winning wines just south of Yosemite National Forest. Madera County has a long tradition producing wine and is one of the oldest grape growing regions in America. The Madera Vintners Association was organized in 2001 as a collaborative effort by the area's family winemakers, a group of dedicated individuals whose common purpose is to promote excellence in winemaking and help direct a region rich in potential through a commitment to modern winemaking techniques and sustainable vineyard practices.
Madera County is one of the oldest wine grape producing areas in California. As early as the late 1800's, settlers homesteaded small farms and planted grapes to produce wine. These settlers came to Madera bringing their old world winemaking expertise from such countries as Italy, Armenia, France and others. Before the turn of the century, Madera County was host to two wineries that shipped wines bearing the Madera label to many parts of the world. Few of these original wineries survived prohibition, but new wineries emerged starting in the late 1930's Madera County has long been known for producing world-renown dessert wines and ports. Recently, many new small wineries have developed to join these flagship premium wineries. This current renaissance is driven by the recognition that Madera County is a unique grape growing region. Madera's microclimate is bounded and cooled by the San Joaquin River on the southwest and the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the east. Warm summer temperatures and varied soil types in Madera County provide a foundation for the full development of the grapes. Recognizing these distinctive characteristics, Madera was designated an American Viticultural Area in 1985.
There are now several small, family-owned wineries in Madera County, making up the Madera Wine Trail. Many of these wineries are situated in the midst of the vineyards from which they harvest their grapes. Oftentimes, the winemakers' roots are in growing wine grapes. Their attentive care and expertise ensures the production of high quality wine grapes, a critical first step for producing exceptional wine. This spirit of growing superior wine grapes and crafting premium wine in Madera began with the early settlers' hands and lives on today. Guests visiting the Madera Wine Trail reap the benefits of the region's rich history, knowledgeable staff, and tasting rooms that are still small enough that you can speak to the winemakers themselves. The Madera area winemakers celebrate each other's unique styles - visitors can experience old world processes and state-of-the-art technology in the same day.
[ Back to Top ]Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park embraces 1,200 square miles of scenic wild land of the central Sierra Nevada that stretches along California's eastern flank. Called "the most beautiful place on earth," by Theodore Roosevelt, the park ranges from 2,000 feet above sea level to more than 13,000 feet, and offers an alpine wilderness, three groves of Giant Sequoias, 840 miles of hiking trails, and the glacially carved Yosemite Valley with impressive waterfalls, cliffs and unusual rock formations.
[ Back to Top ]Joshua Tree National Park
A refuge for the human spirit, Joshua Tree National Park's 794,000 acres offer clear skies and tranquility. Joshua Tree Park is an immense and fragile land shaped by two deserts. The Colorado Desert, and cooler Mojave Desert, habitat of the extensive stands of the undisciplined Joshua Trees and six fan palm oases in dramatic contrast. Rugged mountains of twisted rock and granite monoliths set against the Joshua Trees form a mosaic of intense beauty.
[ Back to Top ]Fresno County Fruit Trail
Enjoy orchards and farms brimming with ripe fruit on this self guided tour through Central California's agricultural heartland. Visit the farmers' markets, festival and events as you discover the charming Fresno heritage and culture.
[ Back to Top ]Channel Islands National Park
Comprised of five islands along the Central California coast north of Los Angeles, Channel Islands consists of 249,354 acres of the islands of San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara. The islands and their one mile of kelp forested ocean comprise Channel Islands National Park where you can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, fishing, bird watching, kayaking, whale watching, sailing/boating, hiking, wildlife viewing and stargazing. Hop aboard boat and whale watching cruises from Ventura and Oxnard to the islands.
[ Back to Top ]Central Coast Wineries
Taste your way through the Central Coast Wine Country, home of award. winning wineries and vineyards that span miles of beautiful coastline. From the Santa Cruz and Monterey wine country to the wine trails of Santa Barbara, you'll experience the world's finest premium wines from oak dotted, foggy vineyards. Wind through the vineyards in San Luis Obispo County, and sample prize-winning Pinot Noirs, rich Chardonnays, big Zinfandels, bold Cabernets and velvety Merlots at 80 wineries. Sip hand-crafted wines at the wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where the flavors enhance the mountain views.
[ Back to Top ]Point Lobos State Reserve
Two miles south of Carmel, Point Lobos State Reserve is a coastal treasure. The ever-changing skies and shifting seas form a kaleidoscope of Nature. The jewel of the California State Parks, the Reserve encompasses 750 acres of underwater wonders and 550 acres of trails and views. Whales and dolphins are visible off the coast, and seals bark on offshore rocks at Punta de los Lobos Marinos. Bold headlands, coves and meadows are popular for picnics, scuba diving, jogging, birding, and photography.
[ Back to Top ]Mission San Buenventura
The 9th mission in the California chain, San Buenaventura was founded in 1782 by Father Serra on the beach of the Santa Barbara Channel. Visit the church that was restored to its original state in 1957.
[ Back to Top ]Mission San Juan Bautista
California's 15th and most spectacular California mission, San Juan Bautista Mission was built in 1797 at the foot of the Gavilan Mountains. Visiting the church, completed in 1812, and property offers a
glimpse at life 200 years ago. Inside the massive carved entrance of the sanctuary, you'll see authentic altar statues and a colorful altar screen, called "rerodos," painted in 1816 by Thomas Doak, an American sailor who jumped ship in Monterey. The front of the Mission displays the mission's rich and colorful past.
[ Back to Top ]Hearst Castle
The enchanting hilltop retreat of William Randolph Hearst is one of one of the world's greatest estates and a California Historical Monument. Located on 127 cares in San Simeon, on top of a hillside of the Santa Lucia Mountains, Hearst Castle offers tours of the magnificent estate's 165 rooms, unique artifacts, Renaissance art, ornate swimming pools, fanciful gardens and walkways. Walk up to the observation deck to view the Hearst Castle layout from the crown of the mountain. Call (800) 444.4445 or visit www.hearstcastle.org
[ Back to Top ]Los Padres National Forest
Los Padres National Forest encompasses 1.75 million acres in the coastal mountains of Central California. Stretching 220 miles from the Big Sur Coast to western Los Angeles County, the Forest offers beautiful streams, rivers and beaches for recreational activities. Explore miles hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, and the Forest's has 10 wildernesses areas.
[ Back to Top ]Ojai Valley
In a crescent shaped valley between Santa Barbara and Ventura, surrounded by mountain peaks, Ojai is a magical place. The spectacularly tranquil setting has made Ojai a mecca for artists and New Age spiritualists, drawn by the area's mystical beauty. Drive east on Ojai Avenue, up the hill, and stop at the stone bench near the top where the view is spectacular.
[ Back to Top ]Carmel
Cultured, quaint and artistic, Carmel is renowned for its art galleries, eclectic shops and fine restaurants and café and wine tasting rooms housed in Tudor style buildings and tucked down elegant courtyards. Play on Carmel's pristine white beaches and golf courses blessed with panoramic views of the ocean. Enjoy a cornucopia of unique shops, restaurants, cafés, and wine tasting rooms.
[ Back to Top ]Big Sur
From gorgeous beaches to mountains to stately redwoods, Big Sur is one of Geographic Traveler's "50 Places of a Lifetime" and the perfect place to find spiritual serenity. Hike tree-lined valleys, climb high ridges above the coastline, and gaze into millions of acres of wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest.
You'll find gorgeous hiking and horseback riding trails through wildflowers to the beach at Andrew Molera State Park. The turn outs at Bixby Bridge, one of the highest single span arch bridges in the world, afford awesome photo ops.
[ Back to Top ]Monterey Bay Aquarium
The largest aquarium in the US, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is world acclaimed for its interactive marine life exhibits. Probe the deep wonders of Monterey Bay from this Cannery Row attraction as you tour the exhibits. Meet South African penguins at Splash Zone or pet the fish in the bay ray pool. Venture to the Outer Bay exhibit, showcasing hammerhead sharks, enormous sunfish and green sea turtles. Don't miss the Great White shark.
[ Back to Top ]Monterey
Nestled along California's spectacular Central Coast between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Monterey's dramatic ocean scenery, pristine pine forests and historic communities beckon adventurers, artists, and vacationers. With 99 miles of breathtaking coastline and exciting attractions, Monterey is a paradise for recreational activities, water sports, festivals and events, fine dining, arts and culture, wine tasting and romantic getaways. Monterey Peninsula is famous for its natural beauty and golf courses.
[ Back to Top ]Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
Located 90 miles north of Sacramento. Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex consists of five national wildlife refuges and three wildlife management areas that comprise over 35,000 acres of wetlands and uplands in the Sacramento Valley of California. Serving as resting and feeding areas for nearly half the migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway, the Refuge is a bird watching utopia.
[ Back to Top ]California Delta
On the doorstep of Sacramento, the California Delta offers 1,000 miles of waterways fed by the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River. For boating, fishing, camping, cruising, water-skiing, windsurfing, swimming, birding, waterside dining, wine tasting, or just relaxing. Enjoy lazy rivers, sloughs, canals and 100 waterside marinas where you can rent sailboats, motor yachts, runabouts or houseboats. Fishing and boating is a way of life on the Delta's waterways.
[ Back to Top ]Santa Cruz
From windswept cliffs to expanses of sand and sea, Santa Cruz offers 29 miles of amazing beaches, majestic redwood forests and vibrant cityscapes. Build sand castles, surf, play beach volleyball, hike coastal bluffs, and enjoy romantic picnics at sunset. Savor fresh coastal cuisine and fine Central Coast wines, while breathing in Santa Cruz's rich history and art. Stop in to unique galleries and shops tucked into charming Santa Cruz neighborhoods.
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