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.
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.
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.
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.
This coastal Italian restaurant in Morro Bay offers fantastic home cooked food and incredible views of the coast.
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.
This stunning estate features 165 rooms, 127 acres of gardens, and magnificent views of the Pacific.
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
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.
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.
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!