|
The Central Coast California offers amazing travel and extended stay experiences for visitors, with some of the most breathtaking ocean views in the world. The coast of California itself is very long; however, the Central Coast of California is a specific region, spanning from Monterey Bay to Point Conception. Other towns and counties within the Central Coast California include Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Santa Barbara. Each of these towns offers a something special and unique to the region.
With all of these towns and area attractions at your disposal, planning a long vacation to the Central Coast California can seem like a difficult task. However there are certain regions and destinations that stand out above others and simply cannot be missed during your Central Coast California vacation. Here are a few absolute highlights that must be seen during a central coast vacation.
Salinas Valley: The Richness of America's Farmland
Salinas Valley is an agricultural area that runs along the Salinas River, making up much of Monterey County. Salinas Valley is one of the most fertile areas in the United States, and visitors can have a great time touring a strawberry field. The regional cuisine in Salinas Valley is of the utmost freshest quality.
Consider the L’Auberge Carmel for lodging and dining. This Central Coast resort puts you right in the heart of the action, and the in-house restaurant, the “Aubergine,” has been named one of the top ten new restaurants in the country. And of course, the L’Auberge Carmel offers amazing luxury spa services.
Mendocino Wine Country: A Hidden Treasure
Mendocino is the home to much of the certified organic wine that is produced in the Central Coast California. Mendocino is an absolutely brilliant travel destination, providing visitors with experiences that are the epitome of Central Coast travel.
In Mendocino, you will find a plethora of wine tours and vineyards. Two notable wine experiences in Mendocino include the Le Vin Winery Bar and the Paul Dolan Vineyards. The Le Vin Winery Bar is a bright and pleasant wine bar that houses a knowledgeable serving staff quick to give guests impromptu wine lessons. The Paul Dolan Vineyards is a beautiful stretch of land that sits upon the jagged and fascinating natural rock formations of the Mendocino coast. The wine found at the Paul Dolan Vineyards is completely organic, and the vineyard offers amazing tours and tastings that allow guests to sample some of the freshest wine ever made. These vineyards are some of the best of all the Central Coast wineries.
Santa Barbara: A Peaceful Alternative to LA
Santa Barbara is located about an hour and a half away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. However, this serene and peaceful community does not resemble the busy city in any way, shape, or form. Rather, Santa Barbara serves as a phenomenal retreat for outdoors enthusiasts who are visiting the Central Coast California. Santa Barbara offers numerous opportunities for central coast surfing and hiking, as the natural terrain and scenery is an amazing backdrop for fun in the sun.
If you seek Central Coast lodging during your stay in Santa Barbara, consider the famous Montecito Inn. This five star Central Coast resort is known for its elegant accommodations and amazing service by its staff. Only a stone’s throw from the Montecito is the beautiful Butterfly Beach, which is an absolute paradise for surfers and tanning enthusiasts. The amazingly secluded hiking and biking trails will also provide Santa Barbara visitors with lovely opportunities for central coast biking and hiking.
Visitors to Santa Barbara should also be sure to plan a visit to the incredibly popular La Super Rica Taqueria, the restaurant that was named to serve the “Best Mexican Food in the Country” by the New York Times. Hollywood trivia buffs will also enjoy the Taqueria, which Julia Child once publicly identified as her all time favorite restaurant.
When planning a trip to central coast California, the myriad destinations and attractions can be a confusing. However, if you choose these hidden gems, you will find that your central coast travel experience is unique to any experienced by friends or co-workers...and far more luxurious. Who knows? The beauty of central coast California may just compel you to invest in some central coast real estate!
|