Why You Should Visit California's Central Coast

If you decide to tour the Central Coast of California, one of the cities you will see on your travels is Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara is a beautiful city on the ocean, complete with palm trees and a pier, it is the epitome of the California city. There are many things to do there, whether you are shopping on State Street or enjoying the open air market on the beach, you are sure to enjoy this idyllic city. Children and "big kids" alike will enjoy the whale watching and sea lion trips off of the pier or a trip to the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens.

After checking out the sites in Santa Barbara, put your top down and hop on the 101 north towards Solvang. On your way you can stop off at Nojoqui National Park, have a picnic, and take a walk up to Nojoqui Falls. After your lunch, just a little further up the road you will reach the exit to Buellton. If picnics aren't your style, you can check out the Famous Pea Soup at Anderson's, right off of the highway. After tasting their famous soup, continue on towards Solvang, and stop at the Ostrich Farm or visit Flag is Up Farms, which is owned and operated by Monty Roberts, "the man who listens to horses".

Since it is the Central Coast, if you see a winery or a vineyard, stop on by and have a taste or a tour.

Once you reach Solvang, you will be taken away, to a replica of a Danish village. With windmills, Danish architecture, Danish restaurants and plenty of souvenir shops, Solvang is a taste of Europe in the middle of California. Whether you want to peruse the fruit market or pick up some homemade fudge, Solvang has many delightful treats around every corner.

After touring the cities of the Central Coast, it is time to start what you have really traveled here for... the wine tasting. You can start tasting at wineries in Solvang, but if you would like to get out and tour some vineyards, you will want to head towards Los Olivos, where some of the most famous Central Coast Vineyards, Firestone and Fess Parker, are located. Once you get close, there will be signs posted pointing you towards the different Vineyards in the area. You will want to check the Internet or call ahead to see when the vineyards are open for tastings, which are usually reasonably priced and include a free wine glass.

Hopefully this will encourage you to visit some of the beautiful sites located throughout the Central Coast, my family and friends always enjoyed their visits and I know you will too!