Central Coast California

01/15/2026

Great news! Hwy 1 now open south of Big Sur between Carmel and Cambria.

After being closed for 3 years, Highway 1 south of Big Sur is now open along the coastal route between Carmel and Cambria!

The route has been plagued by closures since January 2023, when heavy rains triggered a major landslide at Paul's Slide, blocking the road for over a year until partial repairs reopened it in June 2024. Before full connectivity could be restored, another major slide hit nearby at Regent's Slide in February 2024, wiping out a 6.8-mile section and extending the overall disruption to nearly three years of interrupted through-traffic. Caltrans undertook extensive and challenging repairs, including slope stabilization with thousands of deep steel reinforcements, remote-controlled equipment for safety in unstable terrain, and advanced monitoring. Fortunately, work has finished ahead of schedule, allowing CHP Monterey to announce the full reopening today. The restoration will provide major economic relief to the Big Sur area’s businesses and residents.

Photo courtesy of California Highway Patrol CHP Monterey

10/24/2025

Tucked along California’s central coast, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a storybook town known for white-sand beaches and European-inspired charm.

The town is home to Carmel Beach, a pristine shoreline perfect for morning strolls or sunset views. The famous 17-Mile Drive winds through scenic coastal cliffs, cypress trees, and the iconic Lone Cypress.

10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in California Destinations California is often associated with bustling metropolises like Los Angeles and San Francisco, but the state’s small towns hold a charm all their own. Nestled between dramatic coastlines, rolling vineyards, and lush forests, these towns offer...

10/13/2025

15 Best Hikes on the California Central Coast

From beachfront trails to serene redwood forests and scenic boardwalks, here are 15 of the best hikes on the California Central Coast!

08/14/2025

‘The Greatest Meeting Of Land And Water In The World’ — CA’s Best State Park Has Sea Caves, A Whaling Museum, And Great Scuba Diving

The beauty of Point Lobos has inspired world-class artists and photographers including Ansel Adams, Francis McComas, and Edward Weston.

02/08/2025

Cambria - An Underrated, Artsy City Hidden On California's Coast With Chic Walkable Charm Offers A Sleepy Escape

While driving along California’s famed coastal highway, stop at this small town to wander through the artsy downtown and appreciate its seaside charm.

01/19/2025

Pacific Grove - Called 'Butterfly Town USA' Is A Less Touristy, Authentic Central Coast California Haven

A destination where some of the world's longest living monarch butterflies spend winter is known as "Butterfly Town, U.S.A.," right on California's coast.

12/11/2024

The Best Road-Trip Worthy Restaurants Along California’s Central Coast | From the classics to the newcomers, where to dine from Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, and further south to Ventura

From the classics to the newcomers, where to dine from Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, and further south to Ventura

12/04/2024

2025 Big Sur Foragers Festival
Festival Dates: Friday, January 24th – Sunday, January 26th
Details: https://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org/

Big Sur Foragers Festival 2025 is excited to bring back its popular “Wild Foraging Walk and Talk” mushroom hikes. There will be 2 hikes of 30 people each on both Saturday and Sunday, January 25-26, 2025, 4 hikes total. Hikers will meet at 9:30 a.m. at The Big Sur Lodge in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park (subject to change pending road and weather conditions) for a talk and display of wild mushrooms, then set off on guided hikes with our mushroom experts. Cost is $75 per hiker. NO REFUNDS.

Hikes will be led by mushroom experts Mark Gillespie, Anthony Gerbino, Todd Spanier, and Dr. Phil Carpenter. Lisa Haas, assisted by Maryia Crabbe, will provide an incredible display of local wild mushrooms and discuss identification, medicinal and culinary use, and many other interesting facts.
The Foragers Festival has traditionally served as a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center. The community's non-profit health center will receive the proceeds from the foraging events to continue to support the presence of local health care services in the Big Sur area.

For event details and venue information, visit
https://bit.ly/3V0Dyaa

Tickets available here:
https://bit.ly/3CE12hk

11/08/2024

Finding Sanctuary: The season of the California sea lion

Pictured here, sea lions crowd Sister City Park in Monterey, California.

California sea lions are in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary year round, and their population is increasing.

10/03/2024

Top 20 Hotels in Northern California: Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 ✨ Condé Nast Traveler readers rate the top hotels in Northern California, which is home to iconic nature—and hotels worthy of the views.

Condé Nast Traveler readers rate the top hotels in Northern California.

09/23/2024

Explore Culinary Carmel

From Carmel by the Sea:
Taste your way through Carmel-by-the-Sea's vibrant food and wine scene with 60 inspiring restaurants & 18 tasting rooms—all in our walkable village.

https://www.facebook.com/visitcarmel/videos/1612336552940928