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Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
I Live in California and This Is the Most Underrated Part of the State—With a Stunning Stretch of Highway
Take your time driving through Big Sur, stopping to take in panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Lucia Mountains. The Central Coast is home to one of the Golden State's most underrated wine growing regions—indulge in a glass of vino at any of the many wineries you'll find in the area. Learn about local marine life and Central Coast history at Monterey's Cannery Row. Feast on seafood at the Sardine Factory or California cuisine at Nepenthe. Shop at unique, one-of-a-kind boutiques in charming small towns like San Luis Obispo, Solvang, or Carmel-by-the-Sea. Some people come to California to take in the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles or experience the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. But between these two metropolises, there's an idyllic stretch of rolling mountains, quaint winemaking communities, and some of the most breathtaking ocean views in the state—California's Central Coast. This region covers about 350 miles between Ventura and Monterey Counties, and is probably best known for Big Sur, a postcard-perfect section of Highway 1 bordered by towering redwood trees on one side and blue Pacific waters on the other. You've more than likely seen a few pictures of the iconic Bixby Bridge during sunset. Compared to its busier northern and southern neighbors, the Central Coast might come across as a bit on the sleepy side. Of course, it's anything but. 'We have a diversity of experiences here that range from the wonder of Big Sur to the iconic golf at Pebble Beach, to the shops, restaurants, and galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea, to the various wine experiences,' says Rob O'Keefe, president and CEO of See Monterey County. 'It's hard for people to fully wrap their minds around it.' Indeed, you'd be hard-pressed to cram all of the Central Coast's many highlights into one trip. But as noted by Mike Freed, cofounder of the Post Ranch Inn and a Central Coast resident of more than 40 years, the region is best experienced at a slower pace. 'Just take your time—don't be in a rush when you visit, because there's just so much to see,' says Freed. 'There's only one Highway 1, and the views are so special.' Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to California's Central Coast. A guest room iside The Inn at Mattei's Tavern. The Inn at Mattei's Tavern was featured in Travel + Leisure's It List and took home the gold in the World's Best Awards 2025 as the best hotel in California. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley community of Los Olivos, California, this expansive property comprises a series of cottages, suites, and studios. All of the rooms have been renovated to honor the hotel's more than 100-year-old history while fully embracing modern creature comforts. Featured in our 2023 It List, the adults-only Villa Mara Carmel has just 15 airy rooms in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, where Clint Eastwood served as mayor in the '80s. Villa Mara Carmel's warm, cream-colored interiors and furnishings contrast with the sometimes moody seashore outside. Guests can also cozy up at the outdoor fire pit with a craft cocktail from Jesena's Bar. Perched above Big Sur's thundering waves, the Post Ranch Inn appeared in T+L's World's Best Awards in 2023. From wood paneling in the rooms to heated outdoor infinity pools and the Michelin-recognized Sierra Mar restaurant, the property exudes quiet luxury. But the Post Ranch Inn also has an ecofriendly ethos, a factor of utmost importance in Big Sur's unique environment. 'We have one of the largest solar systems in the state of California for a hotel," Freed says. "We have our own farm, so we produce much of our own produce on the property, and we're now working with a number of groups to do organic and regenerative agriculture.' You might recognize Alila Ventana Big Sur from T+L's World's Best Awards or from social media posts—this five-star property's open-air spa and gorgeous gardens are the stuff of Instagram dreams. In terms of stays, you can lounge around in one of the 54 guest rooms and suites or spread out in one of 15 glamping tents for a night beneath the stars. Nearby Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a recognized dark sky location, too. A stay at Montecito's idyllic San Ysidro Ranch puts you in good company—the property counts Winston Churchill, Groucho Marx, and John and Jackie Kennedy among its past guests. Plus, San Ysidro Ranch was voted the second best hotel in California in this year's World's Best Awards. Expect stylish details like outdoor rainfall showers, sunken in-room spa tubs, and four-poster canopy beds during your all-inclusive stay. View of McWay Falls in Big Sur. Big Sur is a veritable treasure trove of coastal scenery. Along this 90-mile stretch of Highway 1 (aka the Pacific Coast Highway) you'll find no less than five California state parks, dramatic cliffs plunging into bright blue waters, and purple sand beaches. A word of warning: Highway 1 closes periodically due to erosion, and a six-mile stretch of the road is currently closed. However, visitors can still enter from the north and south and drive up to the point of the closure. 'The Highway 1 driving experience is amazing,' says O'Keefe. 'You can still get all the wonder and beauty of Highway 1, even when the road isn't completely open. There's camping, glamping, hotels, restaurants, shops, galleries—all of that's still available to everybody.' According to Freed, visitors should set out early or late in the day to make the most of their time in Big Sur. 'The sunrises and sunsets are the best,' he says. 'Try to avoid midday when the crowds are driving Highway 1, because it can get busy, especially when the road from the south is closed.' The northern end of the Central Coast is capped off by Monterey Bay, home to Cannery Row (of John Steinbeck fame). Once the hub of the local sardine canning industry, it's now a picturesque spot to grab a bite to eat, play arcade games, and watch sea otters frolic in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offshore. 'You could come and make an entire two or three-day experience out of Cannery Row,' says O'Keefe. 'It's its own entertainment and tourism district.' No matter how long you spend here, you can't visit Cannery Row without seeing the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which provides a glimpse into local marine life, including the Monterey Canyon, one of the deepest underwater canyons on the West Coast, via more than 200 exhibits. Located in San Simeon, Hearst Castle is a sprawling mansion built by 20th-century media tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Once frequented by celebs like Clark Gable and Joan Crawford, Hearst Castle is now open to the public for tours, which showcase Hearst's impressive art collection, massive swimming pools, and lush gardens. You might even spot some zebras—yes, zebras—grazing in the hills. The Central Coast American Viticultural Area spans the entirety of the Central Coast and includes cute small towns known for their wine scenes, such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Atascadero. While the Central Coast doesn't quite have the same name recognition as Napa or Sonoma yet, it could certainly give them a run for their money. 'Our wine country experience is almost like people would think Napa was like back in the '70s,' says O'Keefe. 'It's very authentic, very easy to approach.' There are hundreds of options up and down the Central Coast, but popular wineries include Biddle Ranch Vineyard in San Luis Obispo, Folktale Winery & Vineyard in Carmel, and Eberle Winery in Paso Robles. Though many visitors come to drive the Central Coast, you might want to spend some time exploring the area on foot as well. 'Where else can you go in the world where you have so much open space and great hiking trails?' Freed asks. 'There's no better hiking anywhere in California, if not in the world.' To get the quintessential Central Coast hiking experience (outside of Big Sur, of course), head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This 1,300-acre space has many of the same features as Andrew Molera and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Parks, including striking Monterey cypress trees and stellar sea views, but with fewer crowds. Danish architecture in downtown Solvang, California. DiscoThe Danish-style town of Solvang is packed with tasteful art galleries and stores selling Scandinavian-inspired wares. After shopping, snap some pics of the charming Danish architecture and stop by Ostrichland USA to feed emus and ostrich on your way out of town. Downtown San Luis Obispo's expansive retail scene has a little something for everyone. Fascinating used bookstores like Phoenix Books, one-of-a-kind gift stores like Idlewild Floral, and the music memorabilia-stuffed Boo Boo Records all make for a lively and varied day of shopping. With a population of just 18, the former dairy community of Harmony isn't a town by any stretch of the imagination. It is, however, an excellent pit stop along Highway 1 to buy hand-blown glass pieces, wheel-thrown pottery, and a scoop of freshly churned ice cream. For a wider selection of handcrafted goodies, the town of Cambria (population 6,000) is just up the road. In the center of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the outdoor shopping center Carmel Plaza hosts luxury retailers and quaint boutiques alike. Come by to browse the selection at shops like Bottega Veneta and Beachwood Home, and stay to people-watch and snack on the outdoor patio. State Street in Santa Barbara is lined with clothiers like Asher Market, brand-name department stores at Paseo Nuevo mall, and cafes like Dune Coffee Roasters, perfect for a quick pick-me-up. And you might just need a cup of the good stuff—with dozens of different retailers to choose from, you can easily spend hours here. Scenes from inside Nate's On Marsh. One of downtown San Luis Obispo's culinary gems, Nate's on Marsh serves up fresh takes on Italian classics like ragu, bolognese, and lasagne. Recognized by the Michelin Guide in 2022, Nate's on Marsh is fast becoming a local landmark. Specials like veal osso buco tend to grab most of the attention, but no matter what you order, you're sure to leave full and satisfied. Paso Robles' Six Test Kitchen earned its Michelin star thanks to its focus on seasonal produce and inventive flavor profiles. The 12-course tasting menu shifts, but past dishes have included aged pork loin and barley koji ice cream served with whipped miso. Bring an adventurous set of taste buds, and you won't be disappointed. Skip the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on your trip to Big Sur and get lunch at Nepenthe instead. This clifftop restaurant boasts colorful, California-cool decor and menu staples like a fresh beet salad and juicy hamburgers. Be sure to check out the wine menu, which is all about local vintners. Pizza fans, look no further than Santa Barbara's Bettina. This Michelin Bib Gourmand-designated spot fires up a variety of pies topped with everything from maitake trumpet mushrooms to locally produced sausage. The interior design channels all the cheer of a European bistro—if you look away from your pizzas long enough to notice, that is. If the expansive seafood menu or the Michelin recognition at the Sardine Factory doesn't impress you, then the conservatory-style dining room just might. This Monterey restaurant is a classic, and you'll be tucking into lobster linguine, freshly shucked oysters, and Spanish-style octopus before you know it. Pro tip: with its fancy interior, this is the perfect place to play like you're living in the Golden Age à la William Randolph Hearst. Since California is famous for its year-round balmy weather, you can enjoy a trip to the Central Coast in just about any season. One of the region's few seasonal variations is the summertime 'June gloom'—overcast, cool days marked by a low-hanging marine layer. However, the clouds typically give way to blue skies by midday. Other than that, you could time your visit to one of the Central Coast's many events, like the Cayucos Sea Glass Festival in March, the Carmel Bach Festival in July, Carpinteria's California Avocado Festival in October, or the Cambria Christmas Market in late November and December. A street sign along the coast of Highway 1 in Big Sur. Konstantin Yolshin/Adobe Stock One of the best things about the Central Coast is simply getting there by car, and the ocean-view roads here are some of the most gorgeous in the country. The Central Coast is roughly halfway between L.A. and San Francisco, and your drive times will depend on the places you'd like to visit. Big Sur, a point of interest for many Central Coast visitors, is about 350 miles from L.A. (approximately a six-hour drive) and a little under 150 miles from San Francisco or about a three-hour drive. If you're flying in from another part of the country, there are several airports sprinkled throughout the area, including Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), SLO County Airport (SLO), and Santa Maria Airport (SMX). You could also choose to fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) if you want more flexible or direct flight options. Since there's no public transportation connecting the Central Coast, you'll need to rent a car. Depending on where on the Central Coast you want to go, however, you could also ride the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which runs between San Diego and San Luis Obispo—it has famously stunning views, too. You'll almost certainly need a car to fully explore the breadth of the Central Coast. With that said, some towns and cities may be accessible by bike or public transport. For example, Monterey offers a free trolley during the summer, San Luis Obispo has plenty of bike lanes, and Santa Barbara's bus system is easy to use.
The Star
15-07-2025
- The Star
Google Chrome to end support for MacOS 11 at the end of this month
The upcoming release of Google Chrome version 139 will no longer support MacOS 11 upon its release later this month on July 30. Moving forward, MacOS 11 users will ony be able to use version 138, with a warning infobar being displayed indicating they that they are running an outdated version of the browser and are no longer receiving updates. The operating system, also known as Big Sur, was originally launched in 2020 and officially reached end-of-support status on Nov 30, 2023. This means that the version of Mac OS no longer receives official security patches from Apple. For context, the most recent version of Apple's Mac operating system is MacOS 15 Sequoia, having launched in May this year. Affected users looking to update their version of Google Chrome once the new version hits will need to be running a machine on MacOS 12 and above; however, do note that MacOS 12 Monterey reached end-of-life last November, meaning that this may not be a long-term solution. Last month, Google similarly dropped support for Android 8 and Android 9, both being older versions of Android which launched back in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside Jennifer Aniston and hunky guru's cozy California break weeks before romance rumors ignited
Jennifer Aniston and her hunky new guru confidante enjoyed a cozy break away in California weeks before romance rumors ignited. After exclusively revealed the Friends actress, 56, spent Fourth of July weekend with life coach Jim Curtis, it has now been revealed the pair holidayed in Big Sur in June. has learned Aniston and Curtis stayed at five-star eco-friendly resort Ventana Big Sur - where they put on a 'cozy' display, The pair were seen 'cuddling up' at the hotel's restaurant. has contacted representatives for Aniston for comment and has yet to hear back. Ventana is a favorite among superstars, with celebrities including Taylor Swift, Anne Hathaway and Ivanka Trump among fans. The resort touts itself as a mix of 'indulgence and enrichment' with a $3000 a night stay including 'all-inclusive meals, non-alcoholic beverages, transformative wellbeing programming, exclusive amenities, and a captivating collection of curated experiences with bespoke itineraries.' 'It's a place where you see the world, and even yourself, a little bit differently. Where you can find your center, soothe your body and stir your imagination. And where romantics, visionaries and seekers find the fuel that feeds their souls' their website reads. Back in April, Curtis hinted at romance between the pair as he commented a heart emoji on a video of Aniston flaunting her toned frame while working out. Curtis regularly posts inspirational quotes and 'manifestations' to help people 'break free from their past and patterns' to find love - and Aniston has been following him on the social media platform for almost two years. It's perhaps notable that the actress also liked one of Curtis's posts just last week which read: 'Repeat these affirmations to heal and recover from a divorce, breakup or difficult romance and begin to call in the new empowered, healthy and divine love.' Aniston has been actively engaging with Curtis's content for quite some time. Back in November 2023, she showed her appreciation for a post which read: 'Is it better to settle or stay alone? The answer lies in nurturing meaningful relationships. Research shows that connections with others are crucial for happiness. So, don't settle in your love life, and don't isolate yourself either.' Curtis is also the author of 'Shift: Quantum Manifestation Guide: A Workbook for Coding a New Consciousness' - which, in an Instagram post of her own, Aniston told her followers she was reading in May this year. Back in April, Curtis hinted at romance between the pair as he commented a heart emoji on a video of Aniston flaunting her toned frame while working out Further evidence of their growing bond may have been evidenced in April, when Aniston revealed that she had turned to hypnosis to get over her fear of flying. She said: 'But I have been doing some hypnosis lately... it's shockingly good!' Curtis practices a therapy that he calls 'hypno-realization' which he says helps people 'break free from their past to create an entirely new reality of powerful loving connection.' Curtis's own backstory saw him overcome years of debilitating nerve pain, which first struck the summer after his freshman year at the University of New Hampshire in 1995. When an MRI revealed lesions on his spinal cord, he decided to change his story from 'frat guy athlete to something else' and pursue alternative methods of healing. Curtis credits his university professor for sowing the seeds of his philosophy. 'He taught me to meditate and introduced me to the idea of mindfulness: focusing on just being present,' he said in a 2017 interview. He also calls this professor his 'Stimulati' and 'thought igniter'. For her part, Aniston was wed to actor Brad Pitt from 2000-2005 before the Hollywood golden couple famously imploded when he met actress Angelina Jolie on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. It wasn't until 2015 that Aniston would settle down again, marrying Justin Theroux in 2015. But theirs wasn't to be a lasting romance. They divorced just three years later. In 2022, Aniston tragically revealed she had unsuccessfully tried IVF - and wished she had frozen her eggs years earlier. The Troy actor and Jolie were then together for 11 years and welcomed three children together before their marriage came to its own explosive end in 2016; seen in 2009 'It was a challenging road for me, the baby-making road,' Aniston said at the time. 'All the years and years and years of speculation... It was really hard. I was going through IVF, drinking Chinese teas, you name it. I was throwing everything at it,' she added. 'I would've given anything if someone had said to me, 'Freeze your eggs. Do yourself a favor.' You just don't think it. So here I am today. The ship has sailed.' But, she added: 'I have zero regrets.' Theroux, 53, recently remarried - in a secret ceremony - to new love Nicole Brydon Bloom, 30. It is also understood that Aniston was taken by surprise when she learned of the wedding, but was nonetheless among the first to offer her best wishes to the happy couple. 'Jennifer was one of the first to congratulate Justin on getting married,' an insider exclusively told the Daily Mail in March. 'Yes, it took her by surprise but they have maintained a close friendship, and she is happy for him that he has found true love.' The source added that the news was somewhat bittersweet for Aniston, despite the fact she approves of Theroux's much-young new spouse.
Daily Mail
06-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Why California's Big Sur residents are fleeing
Once a postcard-perfect escape, California's Big Sur is now facing a harsh new reality... impassable roads, sky-high fire risk, and vanishing access to basic services. Now, even its most devoted residents are packing up and leaving — some after more than 40 years. For some of the area's 1,500 full-time residents the most recent disruptions — which began in February last year — have been a tipping point. A seven-mile stretch of the road near the community of Lucia was closed in February 2024 and isn't expected to open until the end of the summer. A large land slide near Rocky Creek Bridge in March last year also saw closures to through traffic and residents were only able to leave on designated convoys twice a day. Further to this many residents were alarmed by Cal Fire's recent upgrade of the area's wildfire risk to 'Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.' Like other areas of the Golden State, accessing adequate insurance for properties in Big Sur is becoming increasingly difficult. Big Sur has just shy of 900 properties and most sell for $3 million or more. There are 15 properties currently active on the market ranging in price from $1.8 million to $100 million. Realtor Hillary Lipman, owner of Big Sur Coast Properties, told that issues with the highway and wildfires are certainly a driving factor for the amount of inventory on the market at the moment. 'We've had lots of difficulties with the highway being closed and fires,' Lipman, who has lived in the area for 40 years, explained. 'Most business people are frustrated nothing can be done because of excessive regulations particularly when it comes to the coastal commission. 'They're not allowed to push the dirt into the ocean to get the highway open again [after a slide] it has to be trucked away, which could be more polluting.' Lipman also owns the only gas station on the Big Sur stretch of the Highway and the constant closures have hit business. Lipman said there is also a generational shift occurring, where older residents who have lived in the area for decades are looking to move closer to a city or town in order to be nearer family and medical facilities. Around 70 percent of the 15 homes currently listed or sold in the last year have been 'legacy properties' that haven't been on the market in decades. Other older residents are moving on after the death of a spouse. Merle Mullin's 43-acre oceanfront compound Bien Sur is currently on the market for $21.5 million.
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
America's dreamy paradise becomes a nightmare so dangerous that longtime locals are selling up after decades
Once a postcard-perfect escape, California 's Big Sur is now facing a harsh new reality... impassable roads, sky-high fire risk, and vanishing access to basic services. Now, even its most devoted residents are packing up and leaving — some after more than 40 years. Among the recent sellers are Brigga Mosca, 70, and Reed Cripe, 82, who bought five acres of land overlooking the ocean for $70,000 in 1983. They built their dream home but have now decided to put it on the market for $3 million. 'It's harder for us to be here,' Mosca told the Wall Street Journal about the lack of road access and distance from basic amenities including a hospital. Big Sur's natural beauty is married to its remoteness, with only one two lane highway allowing access to Carmel-by-the-Sea to the north and the small towns outside Santa Barbara to it south. But parts of Highway 1 have been subject to natural disasters and crumbling infrastructure since it opened in 1937. For some of the area's 1,500 full-time residents the most recent disruptions — which began in February last year — have been a tipping point. A seven-mile stretch of the road near the community of Lucia was closed in February 2024 and isn't expected to open until the end of the summer. A large land slide near Rocky Creek Bridge in March last year also saw closures to through traffic and residents were only able to leave on designated convoys twice a day. Further to this many residents were alarmed by Cal Fire's recent upgrade of the area's wildfire risk to 'Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.' Like other areas of the Golden State, accessing adequate insurance for properties in Big Sur is becoming increasingly difficult. Big Sur has just shy of 900 properties and most sell for $3 million or more. There are 15 properties currently active on the market ranging in price from $1.8 million to $100 million. Realtor Hillary Lipman, owner of Big Sur Coast Properties, told that issues with the highway and wildfires are certainly a driving factor for the amount of inventory on the market at the moment. 'We've had lots off difficulties with the highway being closed and fires,' Lipman, who has lived in the area for 40 years, explained. 'Most business people are frustrated nothing can be done because of excessive regulations particularly when it comes to the coastal commission. 'They're not allowed to push the dirt into the ocean to get the highway open again [after a slide] it has to be trucked away, which could be more polluting.' Lipman also owns the only gas station on the Big Sur stretch of the Highway and the constant closures have hit business. Lipman said there is also a generational shift occurring, where older residents who have lived in the area for decades are looking to move closer to a city or town in order to be nearer family and medical facilities. Around 70 percent of the 15 homes currently listed or sold in the last year have been 'legacy properties' that haven't been on the market in decades. Other older residents are moving on after the death of a spouse. Merle Mullin's 43-acre oceanfront compound Bien Sur is currently on the market for $21.5 million. Mullin lived in the property with her husband, the insurance tycoon Peter Mullin, until his death in 2023. Residents were only able to leave on designated convoys twice a day during the closure 'What would I do by myself? It's so isolated,' she told the Journal. Lipman said there is a lot of inventory available at the moment and the market seems 'soft' but is confident it will pick back up. 'There are always people looking to buy in this magical area, and if you can't sell you still have a lovely property in Big Sur.'
