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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 Sun
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
English coastal town which tourists are flocking to after popular UK TV show is filmed there
LOOE in Cornwall has seen a huge boost in visitors thanks to BBC series Beyond Paradise. The BBC series starring Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton returned to screens in March. 4 4 The two main characters, Humphrey and Martha originally met on the fictional island of Saint Marie in the original series Death in Paradise which was filmed in Guadeloupe. Actors Kris and Sally later reprised their roles in the UK-based series, which filmed in Cornwall. The series has attracted millions of viewers, and the town of Looe has since become very popular with fans of the show flocking there in the summer. Talking to the BBC, Ben Palmer, chef and owner of the Sardine Factory in Looe, said: "Beyond Paradise has had a very positive impact on the town. People are visiting us more here, which is great. "At the restaurant we have seen a massive uptake in bookings, which is fantastic." Mr Palmer's business was featured in an episode on the show, although it was renamed the 'Ten Mile Kitchen'. He added: "People are coming down to visit us to see the set they saw on the episode, so we are very lucky and privileged to have been featured. "And we've seen an uplift in bookings and I'm very positive that other businesses have too. We all need that at this time of year and it has been warmly welcomed." The spin-off to Death in Paradise started in 2023 and is set in the fictional town of Shipton Abbott. The beaches of Looe and Fore Street which is near the East Looe River are popular locations. Behind the scenes of your favourite TV shows 4 The Grade II listed Guildhall is what is used for the Shipton Abbott Police Station. Martha's restaurant, The Ten Miles Kitchen, is filmed in The Stables, Port Eliot House & Gardens, a cafe 20 minutes inland from Looe in the parish of St Germans. For anyone wanting to take a snap of the TV cafe, it's also a chance to stop in for coffee, brunch and a look over the garden estate. According to Tripadvisor, other top places to visit in Looe include the Valley Vineyard, which has brilliant reviews of its wine tour and tasting, open between May and October. One visitor wrote: "What a lovely find! Charming, informative and friendly. We had a wonderful time on the tour and tasting." Another guest, who said they had been on wine tours around the world, said this was "the best I have ever been on." Looe is also on the South West Coast walking path of Cornwall which stretches over 300 miles so is a great location for hikers. For anyone wanting to explore the water you can hire boats, or take organised trips around the coast. You can also go crabbing, and of course swimming - of which East Looe Beach is popular. Here are . And this pretty village in England was visited by Walt Disney and was the home of a famous author. Sun Travel Ventured Down To Looe For A Visit I'M standing on the edge of a rugged clifftop looking out to sea, while the wind howls around me and ferocious waves crash on to rocks below. We're on the periphery of the old fishing harbour Polperro, in south east Cornwall, just a few miles from the ancient port of Looe. My family and I have just walked half an hour along the scenic coastline from Park Holidays' Seaview village where we are staying. Grandad has managed to carry 18-month-old Jude on his shoulders the whole way. He deserves a pint (or two) for his effort so we pile into The Three Pilchards to sink some local beer and tuck into ginormous portions of cider-battered fish and chips. This pub is the oldest in the village and dates back to the 16th century. Inside, it is cosy, atmospheric and what my dad describes as 'a proper pub'. The garden terrace is where you'll want to be though, with breath-taking panoramic views of the surrounding cove. Polperro itself, with its many ancient winding streets and white-washed houses, is charming. The salty smell of the sea air and the wobbly old-fashioned houses evoke a feeling of how the town was centuries ago — fishermen coming back after a day at sea, heartily downing their jugs of ale and singing their shanties. Hidden away on a pretty stretch of the rocky Cornish coast, we feel isolated from modern life. There are no Ubers here, but local taxi drivers are speedy and cheap. 4
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'BBC's Beyond Paradise has put our gorgeous town on the map - bookings have surged'
BBC's Beyond Paradise has prompted fans to flock to a beautiful rural coastal town, with local businesses seeing a surge in bookings and tourism, according to recent reports Beyond Paradise has earned a legion of fans since its debut in February 2023, quickly becoming one of the BBC 's most popular new crime dramas. As a spin-off of the popular Death in Paradise, the series follows DI Humphrey Goodman - played by Kris Marshall - after he traded the Caribbean for the quaint English town of Shipton Abbott in Devon. Joined by his fiancée Martha (Sally Bretton) and a lovable new team, including Zahra Ahmadi, Dylan Llewellyn, and Felicity Montagu, Humphrey tackles quirky small-town cases in the much-loved episodes. But Beyond Paradise isn't just fun to watch, it's had a real impact on the area where it's filmed. Residents in the stunning Cornish town of Looe have said the series has brought an influx of visitors, helping local businesses to thrive. And according to a BBC report, tourism is booming and business is better than ever. One local, Ben Palmer, chef and owner of the Sardine Factory in Looe, told the news outlet: "Beyond Paradise has had a very positive impact on the town. People are visiting us more here, which is great. At the restaurant, we have seen a massive uptake in bookings, which is fantastic." The business was even featured in an episode of Beyond Paradise, although it was renamed the "Ten Mile Kitchen". Reflecting on the experience, he added: "It was quite funny to see our restaurant turn into something else. People are coming down to visit us to see the set they saw on the episode, so we are very lucky and privileged to have featured." Looe, located 45 minutes from Plymouth, is home to 'hidden treasures', including beautiful woodland, cobbled streets with independent shops and local restaurants, and sandy beaches that are safe for swimming. The town is divided into east and west by its river and connected by the famous Looe Bridge. While the two halves are different, they both boast charming views. Meanwhile, Adam Hackett, owner of Choklet, a cocktail bar in Looe, shared how Beyond Paradise has also brought "amazing" changes to his business. "We're seeing a huge footfall off the back of the programme," he said. "We're seeing more customers, including a lot more foreign tourists, actually." It comes as DI Humphrey star Kris Marshall opened up about his favourite filming locations, revealing his love for the seaside. "I'm a big fan of getting my 'vitamin sea'—whether it's surfing or swimming, being by the water makes me happy," reports Cornwall Live. He added: "One of my favourite filming locations is Rame Head in Cornwall. It offers stunning views and has a fascinating abandoned military site, complete with old tanks and artillery steps. It's a great spot for filming and after work you can head down to a secret cove for a swim." The actor also revealed another cherished location, describing it as a peaceful escape. "Another favourite is Mothecombe Beach, which is a secluded spot only accessible on foot," he said. Meanwhile, Zahra Ahmadi, who plays Detective Sergeant Esther Williams, particularly enjoyed filming in the picturesque village of Charlestown. She shared how much she loved the location, staying nearby in St Austell at the time. Dylan Llewellyn, known for his role in Derry Girls, echoed the sentiment, sharing his love for filming in Looe. The actor, who plays PC Kelby Hartford, spoke fondly of the town, saying, "Looe is always one of my favourite locations." He added: "It's such a lovely spot and the people there are so accommodating, always great sports when we're filming. There's just something about filming in such beautiful parts of Devon and Cornwall that makes it all feel even more special."
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Restaurant in Cornwall bookings rise 444 per cent as popular TV drama returns
A waterfront restaurant in Cornwall saw bookings rise by 444 per cent during the first episode of the latest BBC One series of Beyond Paradise. The Sardine Factory, owned by chef and Great British Menu series 19 contestant Ben Palmer in Looe, was heavily featured in the episode, prompting an online rush to book at the harbourfront venue. The online restaurant booking system saw 245 bookings made last Friday evening, compared to 45 on the previous Friday – a whopping increase of 444%. The restaurant, which has a Michelin Bib Gourmand, was a central focus of the first episode in series three, where DI Humphrey Goodman's partner, Martha Lloyd (played by Sally Bretton), opens up her new venue of business venture Ten Mile Kitchen. The exterior of the restaurant during filming (Image: BBC) Cornish fans of the show were tickled by a traditional Devon versus Cornwall scone stand-off during one of the scenes, where two police detectives from either side of the border are seen to be battling it out while layering on jam and cream in opposite orders – the Cornish officer naturally going jam first. There was further drama in the restaurant during the season opener, when Martha's mum Anne (played by Barbara Flynn) has a fall in the kitchen, prompting Chef Ben to call out humorously to his chefs on social media: 'Who forgot to mop up the spill guys?!' The series, which is headed up by Kris Marshall as DI Humprey Goodman, is showcasing areas of Cornwall and Devon to a wider audience on national television, with much of the series filmed in Looe. Palmer, who also owns Traditional Greek Restaurant YAMAS on the other side of the water, said: 'It was so exciting to be approached by the BBC and asked if they could use the restaurant for filming. 'The team have done an incredible job of shining a spotlight on Looe and surrounding areas and now we are seeing an uplift in bookings a direct result. We are over the moon. 'And we will definitely be checking the kitchen floor more thoroughly for spills in the future after Anne's little slip!' READ MORE: Everything to know for Beyond Paradise Series 3 starring Kris Marshall Visit to Looe, Cornwall, where Beyond Paradise is filmed Ben, who won the starter course of last year's Great British Menu, taking his Firefly dish all the way to Paris for the banquet, recently saw two of his recipes featured in the Great British Menu 20th anniversary recipe book which was published in January. Season 3 of Beyond Paradise continues tonight (Friday) on BBC One at 8pm.
BBC News
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Beyond Paradise effect: Cornish town of Looe sees tourism surge
Businesses in a Cornwall town have said tourism and revenue have both increased due to BBC drama Beyond programme, now in its third series, is filmed in Cornwall and Devon, with the Cornish town of Looe setting the scene for the fictional Devon town of Shipton Palmer, chef and owner of the Sardine Factory in Looe, said: "Beyond Paradise has had a very positive impact on the town. People are visiting us more here, which is great. "At the restaurant we have seen a massive uptake in bookings, which is fantastic." Mr Palmer's business was featured in an episode on the show, although it was renamed the "Ten Mile Kitchen". "It was quite funny to see our restaurant turn into something else," he said. "People are coming to down to visit us to see the set they saw on the episode so we are very lucky and privileged to have featured."And we've seen an uplift in bookings and I'm very positive that other businesses have too. We all need that at this time of year and it has been warmly welcomed." Adam Hackett, owner of Choklet, a cocktail bar in Looe, said the impact of the show had been "amazing". "We're seeing a huge footfall off the back of the programme," he said."We're seeing more customers, including a lot more foreign tourists, actually."He said his business had seen a 20% rise in takings compared with the same time last year."They have seen the programme and it's brought them down to Looe. I think it's made a huge difference," he said. Jade and Emma Hadley, from Wiltshire, were visiting shooting locations while on holiday in Cornwall."It's really nice to spot the bits that you see on the telly and go around," said Jade. "We've been spotting different areas all across Cornwall, but the police station was definitely a highlight. We even had our picture taken there."Emma said: "It's quite nice to watch Beyond Paradise while actually being in the area where they filmed it. It's like an added bonus to our holiday."The women also enjoyed seeing familiar faces from the show. "We saw Kris Marshall [who plays Det Insp Humphrey Goodman] walking along the way," Emma said. "It was very nice to see him in person."
