In every original road trip, it’s essential to find the best places to Rest, Refuel, Recreate, and Retail. Follow us on some of our favorites places to see and shop in the California Central Coast:
Retail:
Fresh local Blenheim apricots, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and baskets are offered by Bertuccio’s to the Hollister neighborhood. The Bertuccio family started cultivating prunes, almonds, walnuts, and apricots in the 1920s. The Bertuccios were Italian immigrants looking to better their life by utilizing the fantastic prospects that California had to offer. Paul Bertuccio, of the first generation, started cultivating onions and vegetables in the 1950s. With the assistance of his sisters Irma and Olga, they created “Bertuccio’s Market” in the 1960s. The Blenheim apricots from the area were the market’s main attraction, along with locally produced vegetables and baskets.
Featuring 40 of your favorites including Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Nike Factory Store, Calvin Klein, Aeropostale, there are plenty of places to choose from for all your shopping needs. Fun fact: Pismo Beach Premium Outlets is located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco right off Route 101, just 72 miles from Santa Barbara and minutes from California’s only drivable beach.
The environment of Buellton has also been known to inspire a sense of exploration. Enjoy thrifting in Buellton’s unique thrifting stores, try on a pair of cowboy boots in a western wear shop and explore the Creation Station!
Take in the stunning splendor of a sun-kissed beachfront playground featuring the Ventura Harbor and California beaches. Relax and escape to Harbor life; rent a kayak, peddle boat, or electric boat; go on a Harbor cruise; observe the fishing boats as they enter the harbor; stroll along the waterfront promenade or through art galleries and seaside boutiques, or have fun at the Village Carousel & Arcade or Comedy Club.
Find even more places to RETAIL in the Central Coast!
Recreate:
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Some of the best animal watching in the world may be found in one of our country’s most beautiful marine protected zones! From San Francisco to Cambria, the central coast is known as the “Serengeti of the Sea,” and it is home to immaculate beaches, gem-like tide pools, and luxuriant kelp forests. Your 6,000 square mile national undersea gem is waiting for you to explore it by going sailing, fishing, whale watching, kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, or simply splashing around in the waves at the beach. The Sanctuary Exploration Center offers state-of-the-art exhibits and has a view of the ocean while being only a short distance from the Santa Cruz Wharf. Through entertaining films and interactive exhibits, visitors may learn about the magnificent marine ecology of the sanctuary and what they can do to help maintain this unique marine protected area.
Pismo Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau
Pismo Beach offers a wide range of outdoor activities to suit any vacation style, from hiking and kayaking to surfing and golfing. Want it to go more slowly? Watch live theater at the Great American Melodrama, take a stroll along the 1,200-foot historic Pismo Beach Pier, or explore the downtown area while taking in the mesmerizing vistas of the Pacific. Visit the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove in the winter with the family; it’s the most well-known grove in the world, with an average of 30,000 butterflies present each season.
The Santa Barbara Zoo, regarded as one of the most stunning zoos in the world, is situated on 30 acres of lush botanical gardens with views of the ocean, mountains, and the city. There are many different types of wild animals living there, including Asian elephants, Western lowland gorillas, Humboldt penguins, snow leopards, African lions, meerkats, gibbons, giant anteaters, and more. In the California Trails complex, see Golden State animals that are endangered, such as the rare California condor, island foxes, and bald eagles, among others. Tarantulas, snakes, spiders, insects, and other creepy crawlies are displayed as well!
Channel Islands Harbor, a working harbor that provides exciting water activities for the whole family, is located close to the picturesque Channel Islands. The Harbor offers stores, restaurants, parks, beaches for picnics and surfing, walking and bike pathways, and more. Take advantage of our weekly Farmers’ Market, go sportfishing, or join one of our daily whale watching tours and witness gorgeous creatures.
Find even more places to RECREATE on the Central Coast!
Looking for recommendations on where to eat and sleep? Check out Rest, Refuel, Recreate, and Retail in the California Central Coast (Part 1).
