The Ultimate California Central Coast Foodie Road Trip – gourmet food, wine, spirits, and gorgeous views through California’s Central Coast – starting in Santa Monica, and heading through Oxnard, the Santa Ynez Valley, and ending in San Luis Obispo County.
This post is sponsored by Visit California. All opinions are my own.
I love to partner with companies I know my readers will love just as much as I do – and there is no place on earth like California for a vacation!
I took a four part road trip to taste my way from Santa Monica California, through Oxnard, and on to the Santa Ynez Valley and San Luis Obispo to check out California Restaurant Month, and all the amazing food throughout California’s Central Coast.
To learn more about California Restaurant Month and get ideas for your own culinary trip through California, please head here.
There is never a better time than now to Visit California – heading in the off-season saves a ton of money, but is also ideal for less crowds, and amazing deals, festivals, and specials.
If you haven’t been dreaming of driving up California’s Central Coast – you should – Central California offers some of the most stunnding views of California’s rolling hills, dramatic mountains, and TONS of amazing food and drinks.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for a list of posts about each destination that made this Central California Foodie Road Trip so spectacular.
Click each one to see more from each spot – like where to eat, where to stay, what to do – and when to go!
This road trip, in all honesty, is designed to NOT be a summer in California trip. I feel really strongly about heading out to vacation whenever you can – and if summer fits your schedule, go then. Ideally though, I would set out on a California road trip in off-season times to take advantage of the best deals – as well as less crowds, and a much more laid back feel!
If you’re not sure when you can get the best deals, I always like to ask a hotel or even the travel board when they suggest coming.
Sometimes just shifting your dates a tiny bit can save hundreds of dollars – giving you a lot more to play with throughout California.
I took this trip in January to take advantage of the fact it was California Restaurant Month – but I also loved the cooler temps, empty highways, and laid back locals that came with an off-season trip through California – I suggest Jan-May or late Sept-Early Dec for this gourmet trek!
Find out more about each destination along this California Foodie Road Trip by clicking on each destination’s link.
Santa Monica – Surf, Sand, Shopping, and Killer Eats!
We start our tour flying in to LAX and heading straight to Santa Monica – the picturesque city by the sea known for the pier, great food, gorgeous beaches and great shopping – and it’s also the town I was born in!!
Oxnard – Stunning Beach Views, Channel Islands, and Great Food & Wine
Oxnard is a short drive from Los Angeles – but their large, empty beaches feel miles away!
Oxnard is the perfect place to taste local Ventura County wines, taste cant-get-more-fresh foods grown in the partially agricultural town, and have a whole lot of fun in the surf!
Santa Ynez Valley – Romantic Inland Wineries, Boutique Hotels, a Scandinavian Village, and World Class Cuisine
Santa Ynez Valley, tucked just inland of Santa Barbara, is a cozy and wonderful spot that I dream of someday moving to!
The sleepy and gorgeous towns of Solvang, Buellton, Santa Ynez, Ballard, and Los Alamos are oozing charm at every corner – and bursting with world class culinary picks that will make you want to immediately move, too!
SLO-Cal – Wine, Spirits, Vineyards, and a Whole Lot of Fun.
San Luis Obispo County (nicknamed “SLO-Cal”, or just “SLO”) is a gorgeous county that starts with the cozy beach towns of Morro Bay and Pismo Beach, and turns to rolling hills around Paso Robles and Atascadero, then some mountains around San Luis Obispo.
Outside of the beauty of SLO-Cal’s dramatic topography, the whole area is packed with some of the most delicious food you can find – and world renowned wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries – making SLO Cal the perfect destination for a whole lot of fun!
Central California Foodie Road Trip
The Ultimate Foodie road trip through California's Central Coast - from Santa Monica, to Oxnard, the Santa Ynez Valley, and San Luis Obispo County - where to stay, what to eat, what to drink, and what to do!
Santa Monica Restaurant Week - A Must Visit
Santa Monica Restaurant Week – A Must Visit – Santa Monica is one of California’s most iconic destinations – from the 3rd street promenade, to the pier, to cozy shops and cafes on Montana and Wilshire – Santa Monica is a must visit when in Southern California. This post is sponsored by Visit California. All…
A Perfect Day in Oxnard CA
A Perfect Day in Oxnard CA – what to do, eat, and where to stay if you have a day to spend in Oxnard California. This post is sponsored by Visit California. All opinions are my own. I love to partner with companies I know my readers will love just as much as…
A Perfect Day in the Santa Ynez Valley
A Perfect Day in the Santa Ynez Valley – exploring Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Alamos, and Ballard California for great food and wine, fresh farmers market finds, and great shopping in California’s Central Coast. This post is sponsored by Visit California. All opinions are my own. I love to partner with companies I know my…
A Perfect Day in SLOCal
A Perfect Day in SLOCal – San Luis Obispo, Templeton, Paso Robles, and Atascatero are an adult playground, full of gorgeous rolling hills, pretty vineyards, great wine, and fantastic food. How to spend a day (or two) tasting your way through SLOCal – where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. This post…
Sabrina
This really makes me want to plan a trip! So many amazing places to visit and delicious food to eat.
Steph
I grew up going to Santa Monica all the time! Such a fun place to visit with so many tasty food options!
Courtney ODell
No way! I’m originally from Santa Monica – all my mom’s family is still there. Small world!
Julie Blanner
This looks like an amazing trip! Thanks for sharing.
Courtney ODell
It was awesome… and one that can fit any budget, style, or group!
Kristyn
This is great & so helpful! It’s time for me to take a trip!!
Courtney ODell
Yes! Or better yet….. you just come with me for another round? 😉
Toni
I totally agree! It’s great to visit places during the off-season! All these food made me hungry! Great shots!
Courtney ODell
It is so fun exploring when the rest of the world isn’t alongside – this trip was the perfect time to drive up the California coast looking for great food finds!