California’s romantic Pacific Coast Highway traverses 350 miles of the most scenic coastline in the world; from a little north of Los Angeles to a little south of San Francisco. The Central Coast , California presents the visitor with world-class wineries, beautiful beaches, romantic beach towns and exciting activities both indoors and out.
The picturesque town of Solvang creates the atmosphere of a small Danish village, complete with horse-drawn carriage. Thatched roofs and windmills crown Danish-style architecture, and shopkeepers wear authentic costumes. Danish baked goods and a smorgasbord restaurant complete the experience.
Near San Luis Obispo, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Hearst Castle draws a million visitors annually to explore its stunning buildings and environment. The castle features 56 bedrooms and 61 bathrooms as well as indoor and outdoor pools, a five-story movie screen, an airfield and the world’s largest private zoo. Famous for inspiring the castle in “Citizen Kane,” it continues to inspire visitors daily. The entire Central Coast is known for seaside splendor, hiking, vineyard and wine-country tours, horseback riding, and camping in state and national parks.
Long ago, the Big Sur region enchanted writers from Henry Miller to Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. The towering ocean-side cliffs and redwood forests create some of the most extraordinary coastal views imaginable. Outdoor activities abound in this magical setting; a camera should always be kept nearby.
Nestled near Pebble Beach’s storied golf courses, the tiny, romantic town of Carmel-by-the-Sea glistens with white-sand beaches and a stroll-worthy downtown area filled with storybook homes and shops. Carmel earned early fame as an artists’ colony and currently houses dozens of art galleries.
Nearby, the city of Monterey offers a 17-mile drive past golf courses, mansions, beautiful beaches and rugged coastal vistas. At an elevation of 26 feet, Monterey is famous for its diverse marine-life studies and boasts the unparalleled Monterey Bay Aquarium. The town sights include Fisherman’s Wharf, the world-renowned Monterey Jazz Festival and Cannery Row, which was made famous by John Steinbeck.
Just across Monterey Bay, “Surf City,” the beach resort of Santa Cruz, supports thriving art, surfing and organic-food communities where alternative lifestyles prevail. The oceanfront amusement park and boardwalk emphasize play while the University of California’s Santa Cruz campus offers educational and cultural programs.
The Central Coast of California abounds with romantic ocean sunsets, spectacular natural beauty and cutting-edge cultural activities for every interest.
