South Central California's Attractions

The region's Spanish heritage is highly visible,and no more so than in Santa Barbara. Here the area's most important garrison and the legendary structure that came to be known as "Queen of the Missions" can be found. The city's red tile Mission Revival-style architecture has been imitated throughout the State.Following the breakup of the wealthy missions during the 1830s,the land was divided into a handful of sprawling ranches, then the 1849 Gold Rush brought an influx of Easterners to California.

The newcomers subdivided the large estates and set up small farming communities. They touted the land throughout the world as a "semitropical paradise," where the first season's crops would pay for the cost of the land.In the early part of the 20th century the Central Coast was a popular vacation destination, drawing thousands of people each summer to seaside towns such as Pismo and Avila Beach.Farther north, at San Simeon, millionaire William Randolph Hearst built his own personal playground, the fabulous private museum now known as Hearst CastleTM.

MISSION VALLEY

Today, South Central California provides a wealth of activities, from horse-drawn wine-tasting tours in the scenic Santa Ynez valley to relaxation on empty beaches. The more active can try kayaking on the Kern River near Bakersfield. Offshore,the Channel Islands offer a unique view of the area's ecosystems and an opportunity to see the annual passage of the magnificent gray whales. The east of the region is dominated by the Los Padres National Forest, an area of breathtaking beauty with miles of hiking trails and drives through mountain scenery. Here, too, are signs of the Chumash Indians who once lived in thriving communities along the coast. Their enigmatic petroglyphs remain as silent reminders of their presence throughout these hills.

South Central California's beaches and coastal plains are backed by low rolling hills covered with groves of oak. Beyond this, the Los Padres National Forest has hundreds of miles of mountainous hiking trails. Just north of Santa Barbara, the gentle countryside around Santa Ynez has proved perfect for growing vines. Along the coast of San Luis Obispo County, the seaside towns of Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are known for their fishing and clamming. In the northwest, Hearst Castle is one of California's most popular tourist attractions.

South Central California's Attractions

MISSION VALLEY