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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.
Forbes
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
This One-Of-Two Ferrari 250 California Could Hit $20M At Auction
Built in 1961, the Ferrari is one of just two California Spiders in this specification. The Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is already one of the rarest, most beautiful and most exclusive classic cars of all time – and now one of just two competition-specification examples is up for sale. To be offered by Gooding Christie's at the Pebble Beach auction across 15 and 16 August, and with an estimate in excess of $20,000,000, the Ferrari is one of the most significant classic cars of all time, and for interested buyers may well represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The car comes with a rare removable roof made from aluminum. Built in 1961, chassis number 2383 GT is one of only two such California Spiders to leave Ferrari's Maranello, Italy factory as alloy-bodied, full competition-specification examples. The car boasts a V12 engine with higher compression ratio and more power than regular SWB Spiders, with its estimated 280 horsepower output being 40 more than standard. The race-ready engine was derived from that of the 250 Testa Rossa, and identical to those powering the closely related 250 GT SWB coupes of the same era. This example also benefits from a competition-spec Abarth exhaust, covered headlamps, ribbed gearbox, limited-slip differential, oversized fuel tank, quick-release external fuel filler and the rare addition of a removable aluminum hardtop roof. The car retains its original 2,953 CC Tipo 168 'Colombo' engine, four-speed manual transmission, chassis, body and differential, as stated by the enclosed 'Red Book' marking its Ferrari Classiche certification. The first owner competed in hill climbs and circuit races with the car, racking up several wins. According to its Ferrari Classiche file, the car began life with bodywork painted a silver-gray colour called Grigio Argento, paired with a blue leather interior. Sold to Ernst Lautenschlager in Stuttgart, Germany, the car was raced extensively in German and Austrian hill climbs and circuit races, Gooding Christie's says. The California's racing record shows two hill climb victories in 1961, followed by a third the following year, two second-place finishes and a fourth. The car was sold in 1962 with about 3,700 miles on the clock. As is common for many classic Ferraris, the California was soon repainted red by its new owner, also in Germany, and was taken on Alpine camping holidays. The car moved to Switzerland a few years later, before heading to a new owner in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1968. In the mid-1980s it entered the collection of television producer and noted Ferrari collector Greg Garrison. One of just 56 SWB California Spiders produced, the car has an estimate of $20,000,000. Finally, the California was acquired by its current owner in 1999, after which it underwent a complete restoration and was repainted Grigio Fumo (smoke gray). For the next 25 years, the auction house says, the car 'remained a centerpiece in one of the world's most admired Ferrari collections,' and made appearances at almost every top-tier historic motoring event, including Le Mans Classic and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
80 First Tee Teens Selected To Compete During PGA TOUR Champions' PURE Insurance Championship At Pebble Beach
First Tee and PGA TOUR Champions are proud to announce the 80 exceptional teens selected to compete in the 2025 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee, to be held September 19–21 at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Marley Pedrique poses after the final round of the final round of the 2025 First Tee National Championship at the Walker Course at South Bend University in South Bend, Ind. on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Jason E. Miczek/First Tee) The annual tournament is hosted by PURE Insurance and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and broadcast internationally on Golf Channel. It uniquely pairs First Tee participants with PGA TOUR Champions professionals and amateurs from the business world for a week of competition and mentorship. The teens, ages 15 to 18, represent 48 First Tee chapters nationwide and will compete for the male and female pro-junior titles. Participants were chosen based on both their golf skills and personal growth through First Tee's youth development programs. This year's class boasts an average GPA of 3.89 and nearly seven years of involvement with First Tee. 'The PURE Insurance Championship is more than a golf tournament — it's a celebration of the dedication, perseverance and character of First Tee juniors," said Katie Krum, Chief Marketing Officer at PURE Insurance. 'Having experienced firsthand the lasting impact of youth sports, I am proud to support such a worthy cause and thrilled to share that we have extended our title sponsorship commitment through 2029 and continue championing these inspiring young leaders.' The 2025 junior field was announced live on Golf Channel, featuring an interview with Dylan Au, an alumnus of First Tee – Greater Seattle, who competed in the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship alongside Fred Couples. Au will begin pre-med classes at the University of Washington this fall. First Tee - Greater Seattle's Dylan Au poses alongside his playing partner Fred Couples at the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. In addition, Marley Pedrique of First Tee – Florida Gold Coast earned an exemption into the tournament by finishing third at the 2025 First Tee National Championship, held in June at the University of Notre Dame's Warren Course. 'This moment represents years of hard work and dedication for these 80 teens,' said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. 'Thanks to our partners at PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Pebble Beach Resorts, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel for supporting this event. It is a week filled with incredible golf, mentorship and invaluable life lessons.' This year's PGA TOUR Champions field will include legends such as David Duval, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh and defending champion Paul Broadhurst. Clint Eastwood returns as chairman of the PURE Insurance Championship. Tournament play begins Friday on both Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Following Saturday's rounds, the top 24 juniors will advance to Sunday's final round at Pebble Beach, where one male and one female First Tee participant will be crowned champions. The junior field for 2025 PURE Insurance Championship can be viewed here.
Auto Express
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
This Bentley concept reveals the brand's future... If you know where to look
The future of Bentley is hiding in plain sight, in the EXP15 concept car. Its clean surfacing, striking details and interior flourishes hint at the design language of the Luxury Urban SUV, the electric SUV that will go public next year. But longer term, the high-riding saloon concept is testing the water for a bodystyle to replace the Mulsanne, the traditional limousine that rivalled the Rolls-Royce Phantom until it went out of production in 2020. Advertisement - Article continues below The electric EXP15 – only the fifteenth experimental car in Bentley's 106-year history – has almost the same footprint as the long-wheelbase Mulsanne, measuring 5.5-metres long and with a 3.5m-long wheelbase. But the show car stands 6cm higher due to its sizable ground clearance, with its ride height rising on tough terrain or lowering at speed to improve aerodynamics. Auto Express was treated to a sneak preview at the official opening of Bentley's new design studio at its Crewe factory, just before customers were ushered through to take a look. The concept will also take a bow at the world's richest car show in Pebble Beach, California, while the social media response will be closely monitored. All the feedback will help Bentley decide whether to green light the bodystyle as one of five electric cars planned for its new EV factory by 2035. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The concept car blends SUV, coupe and sedan forms to create something fresh in the luxury space, although cars such as the Citroën C5 X and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo have tried it unsuccessfully in more mainstream circles. Head of exterior design Domen Rucigaj told Auto Express the purpose was to find a bodystyle with more commercial appeal than just a traditional limousine, during an exclusive walkaround of the show car. 'One of the first [instructions] I gave the team was to design the car a little bit higher, because we want a global car. This means you're not doing a limousine but an SUV. But SUVs can be negative in cities because they're so big. So I said, let's merge the two cars together – and use the 'Blue Train' as inspiration.' Advertisement - Article continues below The Blue Train is the legendary 1930 Bentley mistakenly credited with beating a locomotive in a race from Cannes to Calais. Bentley chairman Woolf Barnato actually drove a Speed Six four-door saloon, but he was inaccurately painted as using another coachbuilt Bentley, the one-off Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupe. Its rakishly thin, curved window graphic and cab-backward notchback proportions have very much influenced the concept car's. As has its three-seat cockpit. But while the Blue Train had a rear seat mounted at 90˚ to the two front seats, the EXP15 contains a conventionally positioned driver's seat and two rear armchairs. But on the passenger side, the standalone seat offers epic legroom from the rear (with storage space in front) or it could slide forward into a co-driver position. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below And the three-seat concept is not as outlandish as it first appears. 'There's no reason why we couldn't do something along these lines, within the footprint of the car,' head of interior design Darren Day told Auto Express. 'Maybe it's flexible: we have four- and five-seat cars or three- and four-seat cars. It's really good to test the water and get feedback.' The EXP15 is asymmetrical: the driver's side has a coupe's single door, while the passenger side has suicide doors. When these doors open, a portion of the roof pivots away and the single chair rotates towards the aperture, enabling the passenger to 'step out with dignity in the perfect Instagram shot,' says Day, onto a projection of red light to give a red carpet-effect. This isn't a flight of fancy either. Bentley has patents for the movable roof section, and engineers are striving to channel rainwater away: nothing would ruin the Instagram moment more than a celebrity getting a huge drip on the head, though the resulting meme would no doubt break the internet. Advertisement - Article continues below So it appears there's genuine production intent for these features, either in a future series model or as Bentley expands its coachbuilt range by the Mulliner division, which has delivered the limited edition Batur and Bacalar. The EXP15 will have a profound influence on Bentley's first electric car, which we're set to see in the first half of 2026 before full production in 2027. The upright front end and long bonnet leading into a strong shoulder line are Bentley design pillars, and the clean, modernist surfacing – chosen for its 'timeless' quality according to designer Rucigaj – is sure to feature. Take a close look at the grille too. Although those recessed vertical headlamps are unlikely, a version of that dramatic grille – with its central spine and recessed crystals – are set for production Bentleys. The engineers have been working for four years to productionise the illuminated crystal effect, to ensure it meets regulations and repairability criteria. Backlit crystal will also adorn the cockpit, as Bentley experiments with shining light through translucent materials. This should create spectacular, animated patterns inspired by nature, such as the moon shimmering on water. 'We do concept cars to establish design principles and to understand where we are going, and to show our more modern design language of cars that will come,' concludes Robin Page, Bentley's director of design. Tell us which new car you're interested in and get the very best offers from our network of over 5,500 UK dealers to compare. Let's go… Find a car with the experts Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra's Terramar for under £300 a month Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra's Terramar for under £300 a month The Cupra Terramar is an appealing family SUV that looks stylish but offers plenty of practicality. It's our Deal of the Day for July 5 New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It's our Deal of the Day for 3 July
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
A 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing' Coupe in Photos
More from Robb Report This Stunning 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing' Could Fetch Over $1.5 Million at Auction Why the Iconic Porsche 356 Is a Bucket-List Classic for Any Collection The New Mercedes-AMG Might Be the Last Gas-Powered CLA Ever Best of Robb Report The 2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: Everything We Know About the Powerful Mid-Engine Beast The World's Best Superyacht Shipyards The ABCs of Chartering a Yacht Click here to read the full article. This 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing' Coupe has been owned by the same family for 30 years. Revealed at New York's International Motor Sports Show in 1954, the production 300 SL ('Super Light') was based on the already renowned 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL race car. The model is built on a tubular spaceframe. The 300 SL was pivotal in having Mercedes-Benz not only survive but thrive in the United States during the middle of the last century. With a striking red interior, this car was restored by a team of specialists that have won awards at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The 2,996 cc inline-six engine, benefiting from Bosch mechanical fuel injection, makes roughly 212 hp. A close-up of the gearshift for the car's four-speed manual transmission. The vehicle's second owner, Georgina Garcia Conde, acquired the car for $1,500 in 1969. The car now carries a high-end estimate of $1.55 million.
