This often-ignored region of California features quirky hotels, breathtaking beaches, scenic hiking trails, and some of the finest wines in the West.

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The lunch offerings at solar-powered Niner Estates in Paso Robles showcase a variety of local fields, suppliers, mills, and dairy farms: fresh greens from Windrose Farm, lentils and grains from Kandarian Organic Farms, and goat cheese from Central Coast Creamery. Plus, the estate boasts its own garden, chicken coop, and olive groves. Don’t miss the refreshing Bruts and fruit-forward Pinots at this winery — but the on-site restaurant might just steal the show.

Despite being one of the newer wineries in the area, Niner embodies the essence of what the Central Coast has long represented: family-owned businesses striving for innovation while fostering a strong community spirit. This ethos resonates from key locations like Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo to the charming beach towns further up the coast. Alongside fantastic food and wine, breathtaking beaches, and abundant hiking trails, it's this connection that lingers with visitors and keeps them returning.

The historic wine region surrounding Paso Robles boasts around 200 wineries, many of which have become cult favorites due to their experimental nature, distinguishing them from their Napa and Sonoma counterparts. At Kukkula, owner and winemaker Kevin Jussila dry-farms 50 acres of grapevines, 32 acres of walnuts, and eight acres of French varietals of olives. Jussila's innovative method prioritizes cultivating the finest fruit while minimizing interference in the cellar. The creativity extends beyond wine; up the road, at Kiler Ridge Olive Farm, owner Audrey Burnam guides visitors through their 2,700 olive trees, ending with a tasting that includes olive oil-drizzled ice cream. Burnam and her husband were inspired to become producers after discovering the rich, grassy flavors of local olive oil during their cycling trip in Tuscany.

Discover more unique wines at Tin City, a revitalized industrial complex on the outskirts of Paso, now featuring a collection of tasting rooms and pop-up shops. Sample a Chenin Blanc at Desparada, enjoy cider aged in Bourbon barrels at Tin City Cider, and treat yourself to a sheep-milk ice cream cone at Negranti Creamery. At the intimate 12-seat Six Test Kitchen, chef Ricky Odbert presents a tasting menu with creative dishes such as spider crab with sorrel and pomelo.

Paso's hotel scene is thriving. The 24-room Piccolo, a downtown extension of the Paso Robles Inn winery resort, opened its doors in October, complete with a highly anticipated rooftop bar. The beloved equestrian-themed Hotel Cheval has recently added a 20-room annex just steps from the main inn, situated off Paso's central square. Even if you don't stay at the art-filled, Tuscan-inspired Allegretto Vineyard Resort, you can still visit Cello, its on-site restaurant, for a delightful brunch featuring huevos rancheros.

Nearby San Luis Obispo — fondly referred to as SLO — has recently been celebrated as one of the happiest places in the country, bordered by stunning beaches and striking mountain peaks. It has welcomed two transformative hotels in recent months: Hotel San Luis Obispo, the latest venture from the family behind Hotel Healdsburg, boasts white oak flooring, handcrafted textiles, and private terraces in each of its 78 rooms. Additionally, Hotel Cerro, which opened in January, was constructed to LEED Silver standards and features a 4,000-square-foot hydrotherapy spa.

SLO serves as a gateway to the burgeoning Edna Valley wine region, which has expanded to include over a dozen wineries since its inception in the 1980s. Notably, Wolff Vineyards is distinguished for its remarkable Rieslings, while Edna Valley Vineyard offers Chardonnays and Pinots in a beautifully renovated tasting room. Families can spread out blankets and engage in lawn games at Malene Wines, which serves Provence-style rosés from a charming Airstream trailer.

The Pacific Coast Highway embodies the ultimate road trip fantasy, with the charming hippie beach towns along California's rugged coastline blossoming into unique destinations. In Pismo Beach, the newly opened 124-room Vespera on Ocean provides a perfect family retreat with stunning views of the Pacific, all just a short drive from the famous butterfly groves. Further north in Cayucos, the Brown Butter Cookie Company, founded by two sisters, has become popular for its delectable shortbread cookies sprinkled with sea salt. The enticing scents of brown butter, cocoa, and almond waft from its two-story bakery on Cayucos' main street.

Once a quiet town, Cambria now buzzes with art galleries, boutiques, and California cuisine. Highlights include the gluten-free eatery Hidden Kitchen and Robin's, a beloved establishment for 35 years, renowned for its vegetable-focused dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Don’t miss Linn's, famous for its mouthwatering Olallieberry pie, a recipe chef Renee Linn has perfected over three decades — be sure to grab a slice while in the Central Coast!

A must-see along the PCH is Hearst Castle in San Simeon, which is celebrating its centennial this year. William Randolph Hearst commissioned architect Julia Morgan to create the stunning 165-room mansion, set within 123 acres of gardens, pavilions, and pools. The iconic Neptune Pool, adorned with statues and colonnades, has recently been renovated and is available for private events on select dates throughout the year. After your visit, drive past the estate's horses and zebras to Hearst Ranch Winery, where you can savor aromatic Chardonnays in a new tasting room offering breathtaking ocean views.

This article originally appeared in the June 2020 edition of Dinogo, titled A Place in the Sun. Vespera on Ocean contributed to the research for this piece.