California's Central Coast

By: Maureen Therese

California's central coast is easily one of the most gorgeous areas in the country. The entire region is loaded with natural beauty in the form of parks, beaches, and vineyards. Not surprisingly, many of my top things to do in this region revolve around health and nature, making it the perfect vacation destination for fitness & nature buffs. Check out my list of ten fun things to incorporate into your next trip to the Central Coast.

1. Take a scenic drive

Take a scenic drive - Top Ten Travel List

A bike or car ride, whichever suits your interest, is the best way to take in the natural beauty of the area. The portion of scenic Hwy 101 (one of the most gorgeous drives in the world) that travels San Luis Obispo and Monterey County is particularly beautiful.

Check out this location at:

Hwy 101
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

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2. Visit River Oaks Hot Springs

Visit River Oaks Hot Springs - Top Ten Travel List

Hot springs are fairly inexpensive and enable the body to absorb trace minerals and elements and have been reported by many to cure various ailments. River Oaks Hot Springs, located in beautiful Paso Robles, offers the perfect setting for soaking up the benefits of natural mineral springs. Relaxing in one of their outdoor tubs is a fantastic way to soak up the gorgeous vineyard scenery, while also enjoying a health enhancing mineral bath.

Check out this location at:

800 Clubhouse Dr
Paso Robles, CA 93446

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3. Visit a local winery

Visit a local winery - Top Ten Travel List

Central California is home to a multitude of wineries. Paso Robles is a popular vacation destination for those looking to tour/do tastings at local wineries, many of which offer complimentary samples.

Check out this location at:

Various
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

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4. Enjoy an Italian dinner on the coast at Distasio’s on the Bay

Enjoy an Italian dinner on the coast at Distasio’s on the Bay - Top Ten Travel List

This coastal Italian restaurant in Morro Bay offers fantastic home cooked food and incredible views of the coast.

Check out this location at:

781 Market Street
Morro Bay, CA 93442

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5. Relax on a beach

Relax on a beach - Top Ten Travel List

The central coast of California is well-known for being home to some incredible beaches. Due to the mild year-round temps, anytime of the year is a great time to visit one of the numerous beaches spread throughout the region. Check out Morro Strands and Pismo State Beach.

Check out this location at:

Various
Paso Robles, CA 93446

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6. Tour the gorgeous Hearst Castle

Tour the gorgeous Hearst Castle - Top Ten Travel List

This stunning estate features 165 rooms, 127 acres of gardens, and magnificent views of the Pacific.

Check out this location at:

750 Hearst Castle Rd
San Simeon, CA 93452

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7. Enjoy the beauty of the area with a pinic in the park

Enjoy the beauty of the area with a pinic in the park - Top Ten Travel List

The scenery in the area makes an ideal setting for a picnic. Grab a picnic basket and some local wine and head out to a quiet, secluded location

Check out this location at:

Various
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

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8. Take a bike ride in scenic Templeton

Take a bike ride in scenic Templeton - Top Ten Travel List

This small town is perfect for a relaxing afternoon of leisurely biking due to the lack of traffic and congestion and the natural beauty of the area.

Check out this location at:

Various
Templeton, CA 93465

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9. Spend the day sightseeing and relaxing in Monterey Bay

Spend the day sightseeing and relaxing in Monterey Bay - Top Ten Travel List

Monterey is a gorgeous coastal town with amazing beaches, a great aquarium, plenty of trails, and lots of great restaurants. You can easily spend a full day here exploring all the sights. Monterey State Beach is a great place to start. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is another must-see.

For fitness buffs, the Monterey Bay Recreational Trail is a scenic place to take a bike ride or walk with its' stunning views of the rocky coastline. To keep your trip more relaxing, look into a dolphin or sightseeing cruise.

Check out this location at:

Various
Monterey, CA 93940

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10. Treat yourself to a massage

Treat yourself to a massage - Top Ten Travel List

A massage goes hand in hand with the relaxing atmosphere of San Luis Obispo county. A deep tissue massage at River Oaks Hot Springs, followed by a relaxing soak in the natural mineral springs, is the ultimate in relaxation!

Check out this location at:

800 Clubhouse Dr
Paso Robles, CA 93446

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