Page 137 - 2014 Travel Guide to California

Even though the Central Coast region’s
main highlight is indeed, its coast, the
varied geography and moderate climate
ensure that there are plenty of treats for
visitors to find. Whether your preference
is digging for clams, surfing the perfect
wave, strolling Mediterranean-style village
streets, sampling fresh regional cuisine
and world-famous wines, or lazing on the
beach, it’s all right here on the Central
Coast—and there’s enough for everyone.
City & Town
South of Big Sur, the sweep of coastline is
dotted with small beach towns. Cambria
perches on pine-forested hills above the
ocean, and has galleries and antique
shops. Laid-back Cayucos is an old-school
beach retreat with a surf break and fishing
pier near the main drag. Morro Bay’s land-
mark, an ancient volcanic peak emerging
from the ocean floor, stands at the
entrance to a beautiful estuary.
Tucked between the ocean and the Santa
Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is often
called the “American Riviera” because of its
Mediterranean climate and red-tiled build-
ings. Head inland to artist enclave Ojai to
unwind and take in the “pink moment”
sunsets—the color of cotton candy.
»
MUST
SEE,
DO
» Spanish History Get a glimpse into Santa
Barbara’s origins with a visit to Mission Santa
Barbara—Spain’s 10th attempt to colonize the region.
› santabarbaramission.org
» Pink Moment Look to the east for the setting
sun’s reflection on the bluffs of the Topatopa
Mountains in Ojai for a brilliant pink sunset.
› ci.ojai.ca.us
» Castle on a Hill Visit Hearst Castle, the
over-the-top estate that William Randolph Hearst
called “the ranch.”
› hearstcastle.org
» Volcanic Sister Walk out to the base of
Morro Rock, one of a series of volcanic plugs
known as the Nine Sisters of San Luis Obispo
County, in Morro Bay.
› morrobay.org
» Wine and Olive Oil Tasting Get some
great grape and olive taste (not together!) from
Paso Robles’ best wineries and tasting rooms.
› pasowine.com
INSIDER’S
»
TIP
Another quirky architectural
obsession of the region, NITT
WITT RIDGE in Cambria is a
castle-like creation of drift-
wood, abalone shells and a
variety of funky treasures.
Check it out for ideas for your
own found-object crafts at
home, or just for the fun of it.
MISSION SANTA BARBARA, above; rugged point in
Montano de Oro State Park, Morro Bay, opposite.
2014 T R AV E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A 135