Central California

This is an unofficial web site about the attractions of the Central California coastal area. It is for the guidance of travelers and tourists who happen to discover this attractive part of California. The information presented is deemed to be accurate but if inaccuracies are discovered the webmaster would welcome input and suggestions.

You can drive this part of the California coast by route 101 or 1. Route 1 winds along the coast and provides many vistas of the ocean and the agriculture that typifies this area. The coastal drive is recommended if you have the time to see the small towns and the beautiful ocean scenery. If you are in a hurry to get somewhere, then route 101 is the one for you,

California's State Route 1 (aka Highway 1) skirts the Golden State's glorious Pacific coastline from "So Cal" near San Luis Obispo northwest to the forests of Monterey. While the twists and curves, and occasional precariously-perched cliff-top road, may prove challenging at times (one section has been ominously dubbed Devil's Slide thanks to landslides and erosion that have occasionally made the road impassable), the magnificent vistas of ocean waves breaking on rocky sea-sculpted shores, windswept beaches dotted by frolicking otters or sea lions, and magnificent forests presiding above it all can rouse even the wariest of drivers behind the wheel. Don't miss San Simeon's mountaintop Hearst Castle). There are also endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, particularly around the Big Sur area, where you can hike through redwood forests, comb the beaches for shells and jade, and camp under the stars. Margaret Talbot rates Highway 1 as the "Best Road Trip In America".

I traveled the 140 miles from Monterey to San Luis Obispo recently and have several comments to add to the above information. You should allow a half a day and maybe longer to complete this drive. There are many sharp turns requiring speeds of only 20-30 miles an hour . There are lots of vista points where you can drive off the road and take pictures of the coastal rocks and surf. Make sure that you have a full tank of gas because there are no gas stations between Monterey and Cambria. Since you are on this road for 3-4 hours it would be a good idea to take a picnic lunch since food services are very limited.

San Luis Obispo County is in the center of this area - click here for more information about SLO County

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