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Monterey CA & Central Coast

From the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the sun-soaked beaches of Santa Cruz to charming Carmel and the fabulous Hearst Castle, discover things to do in Monterey, Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and the rest of the California Central Coast.

Big Sur river flowing out into the Pacific Ocean at Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur, California.

Highway 1 is open and the area’s beauty is back within reach.

The log cabin exterior of Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon.

From Jack London’s favorite pub to D.H. Lawrence’s final resting place, these destinations will delight any road-tripping bibliophile.

Rocks form arches along the coast at Natural Bridges State Beach, CA.

Each fall, this coastal park adds overwintering Western Monarch butterflies to its bounty of tidepools, marshes, and stone.

An aerial view of a river with a bridge going over it.

Find your endless summer among these coastal escapes.

a lone cypress overlooks the ocean in Monterey, california

Visit the famous attractions, but leave time for Monterey's hidden sweet spots too.

Summer visitors flock to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on the Fourth of July.

Oceanside fun, tasty eats, and California history converge in Santa Cruz.

Sun hides behind the trunk of an oak tree alongside a Paso Robles winery road

Experience a fun-filled road trip around Paso Robles, California.

Sunset over a marsh at Moss Landing State Park, California.

California's Highway 152 takes you through vast vineyards, towering redwoods, and coastal views.

Fort Point Historic Site beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.

You don’t have to break your budget to enjoy the Golden State’s vibrant destination cities.

A view of the Monterey Bay Aquarium back deck along Monterey Bay.

California's Highway 1 reveals adorable otters, friendly towns, and fabulous local flavors.

A fairy-tale building in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Walk around this tiny coastal town to see storybook architecture brought to life.

Bixby Bridge at sunset along California's Highway 1 coastal highway, image

Pull over for the best eats along California's Central Coast.

picture of the bright houses on the beach in Capitola

A charming coastal town near Santa Cruz offers shopping, sunshine, and dining with a view.

A purple sunset at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz, California.

Adventuring in a home town can feel just as exciting as visiting a foreign land.

A tablecloth covers a picnic table at Montara State Beach.

Big views, stunning sunsets, and spontaneous live music? Alfresco dining never tasted so good.

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