Monterey 
Monterey Bay Aquarium Big Sur Santa Cruz Carmel Ojai Valley Los Padres National Forest Hearst Castle Joshua Tree National Park Mission San Juan Bautista Mission San Buenventura Point Lobos State Reserve Central Coast Wineries Channel Islands National Park California Delta Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Fresno County Fruit Trail
Monterey Bay Aquarium Big Sur Santa Cruz Carmel Ojai Valley Los Padres National Forest Hearst Castle Joshua Tree National Park Mission San Juan Bautista Mission San Buenventura Point Lobos State Reserve Central Coast Wineries Channel Islands National Park California Delta Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Fresno County Fruit Trail
California's Central Coast
A tranquil expanse between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the California Central Coast, including Monterey, Big Sur, San Luis Obispso, 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.
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 attarctions, 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.
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 matchless near.shore and coastal exhibits that explore the tide.pools.
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.
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, affords awesome photo ops.
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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 matchless near.shore and coastal exhibits that explore the tide.pools.
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.
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, affords awesome photo ops.
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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.
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.
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 a 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.
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 a 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 topLos 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.
Hearst Castle. The enchanting hilltop retreat of William Randolf 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
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.
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Hearst Castle. The enchanting hilltop retreat of William Randolf 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
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 topMission 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.
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.
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.
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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.
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 topCentral 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 vine.velveted, 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.
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.
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, house.boating, 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, motoryachts, runabouts or houseboats. Fishing and boating is a way of life on the Delta’s waterways. 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.
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, house.boating, 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, motoryachts, runabouts or houseboats. Fishing and boating is a way of life on the Delta’s waterways.
back to topSacramento 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.
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
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.
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