Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Central Coast
Why Go?
Too often forgotten or dismissed as 'flyover' country between San Francisco and LA, this
fairytale stretch of California coast is packed with wild beaches, misty redwood forests
where hot springs hide, and rolling golden hills of fertile vineyards and farm fields.
Coastal Hwy 1 pulls out all the stops, scenery-wise. Flower-power Santa Cruz and the
historic port town of Monterey are gateways to the rugged wilderness of the bohemian Big
Sur coast. It's an epic journey snaking down to vainglorious Hearst Castle, past light-
houses and edgy cliffs atop which endangered condors soar.
Get acquainted with California's agricultural heartland along inland Hwy 101, called El
Camino Real (the King's Highway) by Spanish conquistadors and Franciscan friars. Colo-
nial missions still line the route, which passes through Paso Robles' flourishing wine coun-
try. Then soothe your nature-loving soul in collegiate San Luis Obispo, ringed by sunny
beach towns and volcanic peaks.
