California Official Visitor's Guide 2009 - UK - (Page 28) Golf along 17-Mile Drive Ocean vistas, architecture and otters abound along this spectacular coastline central coast DISCOvER Hearst Castle F rom the stunning array of aquatic life around Monterey to the range of rare wildlife on the pristine Channel Islands, the Central Coast is a nature lover’s heaven and enough to keep any visitor entranced. Other destinations beckon too, such as the opulent Hearst Castle, situated roughly halfway between San Francisco and los Angeles. Farther south is Santa Barbara, a classy Mediterranean-style seaside town well worth exploring. Throughout the region, world-class wineries and vineyards offering tours for visitors dot the hillsides from north to south. CHAnnEL ISLAnDS nATIOnAL PARK Escape to a world apart—five wild islands traversed by hiking trails and surrounded by rock pools and azure seas, a great destination for deep-sea fishing, kayaking and snorkelling. regularly scheduled boat trips depart from Santa Barbara Harbor and Ventura Harbor. www.ventura-usa.com OLD FISHERmAn’S WHARF monterey Dine at waterside restaurants, hear seals barking and otters splashing, watch saltwater taffy being pulled and take snapshots of boats full of whale watchers or anglers motoring out to sea. www.montereyinfo.org THE POOLS OF HEARST CASTLE San Simeon Cary Grant swam here; now, two breath28 www.visitcalifornia.co.uk taking swimming pools—the neptune Pool and the roman Pool—have been restored to the glory envisioned by William randolph Hearst and famed architect Julia Morgan. www.sanluisobispocounty.com 17-mILE DRIvE Pebble Beach & Carmel-by-the-Sea Follow this looping drive or take a cycling tour past incomparable ocean vistas, wind-carved cypress trees and immaculate golf courses. www.montereyinfo.org Dining in Monterey EvEnTS January-February SAnTA BARBARA InTERnATIOnAL FILm FESTIvAL Santa Barbara Catch a glimpse of some of the film industry’s hottest stars at this stellar line-up of galas, panel discussions and over 250 film screenings. Jan 22–Feb 1. www.santa barbaraca.com march PASO ROBLES ZInFAnDEL FESTIvAL north San Luis Obispo County Celebrate the state’s native grape with wine tastings, dinners, silent auctions and open houses at award-winning wineries. Some 90 wineries in the region take part. Mar 20–22. www.sanluisobispocounty.com July & August OLD SPAnISH DAyS FIESTA Santa Barbara Enjoy Santa Barbara’s signature event (since 1924), a five-day citywide celebration with an accent on food, drink, music, dancing and rodeo. July 29–Aug 2. www.santabarbaraca.com December AlExA MIllEr (3) CHRISTmAS In THE PLAZA San Luis Obispo The plaza in front of the Mission San luis Obispo de Tolosa is filled with lights and glittering crafts during this well-loved festival. Browse amid food booths, listen to music and entertainment and let the kids visit Father Christmas. Dec 5–6. www.sanluisobispocounty.com http://www.sanluisobispocounty.com http://www.montereyinfo.org http://www.santabarbaraca.com http://www.santabarbaraca.com http://www.ventura-usa.com http://www.sanluisobispocounty.com http://www.santabarbaraca.com http://www.montereyinfo.org http://www.sanluisobispocounty.com http://www.visitcalifornia.co.uk
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