San Luis Obispo
Being the most developed town along this coast, San Luis Obispo is home to some good universities. The nearby surfing spots like Pismo Beach, Morro Bay and Avila Bay are especially popular for weekend escapes. Pismo Beach is also known to be the “Clam Capital of the World”, due to the abundance of clams found at this coastline. Seven Sisters Mountains, or the rugged chain of extinct volcanos, give the county its character and natural beauty, which is appreciated by hiking enthusiasts as well.
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Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo
A landmark with its hotel and restaurant, decorated all in pink in a kitschy and fun manner. Live music attract dance lovers at night.
Paso Robles
This is a town set inland in the wine country, surrounded by a hilly landscape of great vineyards, where there are about 250 active wineries. Unlike Napa Valley, Paso Robles resembles wine countries of Europe with its rolling hills. Still, it has an American vibe with lots of insiders visiting.
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Doau Vineyards
Set on a hilltop, this family winery has views of the vineyards and offers tastings!
San Simeon
San Simeon was made famous by the Hearst Castle, a historical landmark set on an 127-acre estate. It is a popular state park created by the publishing tycoon William Hearst and architect Julia Morgan. Its Mediterranean style exquisite hilltop mansion, terraced gardens, pools and the guest cottages can be visited by guided tours only. The place is actually visited by more than 1 million people every year and is the best example of how a person can turn his vision into reality! The place was known to be a hangout area for the Hollywood stars invited by Mr. Hearst himself.
Big Sur
This artsy hilltop town overlooking the Pacific Coast is famous for its beautiful sights and lookout points like Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, Point Sur State Historic Park and Ragged Point. It is a good idea to chill out for a few days at the spas and natural hot springs around. On the road to Monterey Bay, you will cross over the Bixby Bridge –one of the tallest single span concrete bridges in the world and a good spot to take photos.
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Ventana Big Sur
This Big Sur classic offers upscale accomodation, a restaurant with amazing panoramic ocean views, a spa and recently added glamping units, where you could hire a luxury tent.
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Esalen Institute
This retreat center and educational institute has been a magnet for spritual people for decades. Its healing hot springs and natural rock pools are not to be missed!
Monterey
Monterey has been the capital of California for centuries, under Spanish, Mexican and American rule and an important center for sardine cannery industry. Today it is mainly visited for its Old Fisherman’s Wharf, which is full of colorful houses on stilts, several eateries and kiosks. Try the popular “clam chowder” served in a sour-dough bread. You can hear the sea lions roaring at the harbour and enjoy the historic waterfront promenade of the Cannery Row, where John Steinbeck's novel of the same name was set and today people go for shopping and dining! The Monterey Bay area is also famous for outdoor activities like whale watching, sailing, kayaking, golfing and biking.
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Point Lobos State Reserve
The first undersea ecological reserve of the US. About 250 species of birds and mammals live here, and migrating gray whales pass by from December through April.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A 10-minute drive away from Monterey, Carmel might be the most beautiful seaside town along this coast, thanks to its incredible beach attracting surfers with its steady ocean waves. The town is full of charming cafes, restaurants, shops and inns, as well as upscale mansions nestled among pine trees just a few steps away from the beach. The best can be seen on the historic Ocean Avenue. Clint Eastwood was once the governor of Carmel.
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L’Auberge Carmel
A very well known Relais & Châteaux property located in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Built in 1929, this historic hotel is famous for its signature restaurant and European-style elegance.
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Aubergine
The restaurant of the famous hotel L’Auberge Carmel offers cooking classes as well.
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Carmel Plaza
Fashion brands and distinctive restaurants are to be found together here, in a courtyard setting.
Pebble Beach
That’s the ultimate destination for golf and classical car addicts in Monterey Bay. The area is full of golf courses that regularly host major championships, as well as the world famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where about 200 rare and antique automobiles compete for one of the most prestigious awards in the automotive industry.
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The 17-Mile Drive
A scenic coastal route that you can enter with an admission fee awaits you here with some of the most photographed spots of the US.