• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sweet Cs Designs
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Beef
    • Burgers & Sandwiches
    • Candy & Sweets
    • Chicken
    • Cookies
    • Dessert
    • Drinks
      • Moonshine
    • keto
    • Main Dishes
    • One Pot
    • paleo
    • Pasta
    • Pork
    • Salads
    • Seafood
    • Slow Cooker
    • Side Dishes
    • Vegan
  • Traveling
    • United States
    • Europe
    • Mexico
    • Cruising
    • How To Fly Free
  • Holidays
    • 4th of July
    • Birthday
    • Christmas
    • Cinco de Mayo
    • easter
    • Fall
    • fathers day
    • Halloween
  • DIY
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

The Ultimate California Central Coast Foodie Road Trip

February 6, 2019 by Courtney ODell 12 Comments

121 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

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!!

Click here to check out my tour around Santa Monica’s Restaurant Week, and see things to do, where to stay, and what to eat and drink!

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

Filed Under: California, Travel, United States

About Courtney ODell

Courtney loves to share great wine, good food, and loves to explore far flung places- all while masting an everyday elegant and easy style. Courtney writes the popular creative lifestyle blog Sweet C’s Designs- a site devoted to delicious everyday recipes, home decor, crafts, DIY inspiration, and photography tips to help make your every day extraordinary.
Advertising, media and other inquiries- please contact hello@sweetcsdesigns.com

free email series

Fridge to Fork
in 30 Minutes or Less

My “GO-TO” recipes to make dinnertime delicious & stress-free

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sabrina

    February 6, 2019 at 2:15 pm

    This really makes me want to plan a trip! So many amazing places to visit and delicious food to eat.

    Reply
  2. Steph

    February 6, 2019 at 12:34 pm

    I grew up going to Santa Monica all the time! Such a fun place to visit with so many tasty food options!

    Reply
    • Courtney ODell

      February 6, 2019 at 12:55 pm

      No way! I’m originally from Santa Monica – all my mom’s family is still there. Small world!

      Reply
  3. Julie Blanner

    February 6, 2019 at 12:17 pm

    This looks like an amazing trip! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Courtney ODell

      February 6, 2019 at 12:56 pm

      It was awesome… and one that can fit any budget, style, or group!

      Reply
  4. Kristyn

    February 6, 2019 at 11:44 am

    This is great & so helpful! It’s time for me to take a trip!!

    Reply
    • Courtney ODell

      February 6, 2019 at 12:56 pm

      Yes! Or better yet….. you just come with me for another round? 😉

      Reply
  5. Toni

    February 6, 2019 at 11:36 am

    I totally agree! It’s great to visit places during the off-season! All these food made me hungry! Great shots!

    Reply
    • Courtney ODell

      February 6, 2019 at 12:55 pm

      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!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Santa Monica Restaurant Week - A Must Visit - Sweet Cs Designs says:
    February 6, 2019 at 10:09 am

    […] To see my entire road trip plan, please start here.  […]

    Reply
  2. A Perfect Day in the Santa Ynez Valley - Sweet Cs Designs says:
    February 6, 2019 at 10:07 am

    […] To see my entire road trip plan, please start here.  […]

    Reply
  3. A Perfect Day in SLOCal - Sweet Cs Designs says:
    February 6, 2019 at 10:06 am

    […] To see my entire road trip plan, please start here.  […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

About Courtney

Hi- I'm Courtney O'Dell, the writer and photographer behind Sweet C's. I’m a travel obsessed foodie and mom of two sharing the best recipes, tips ... more about me!

  • Keto Recipes
  • Appetizers
  • Main Dishes
  • Side Dishes
  • Drinks
  • Desserts
  • Instant Pot
  • Air Fryer
  • Web Stories
  • Travel
lobster tails seasoned with paprika and butter on a white plate with chopped parsley on top with lemons on the plate next to it
roasted prime rib sliced on a wood cutting board
air fried french fries in a glass jar
broiled lobster tails on a baking sheet with lemon slices next to them
sliced pork tenderloin on aluminum foil in a garlic butter sauce with parsley on top
picture of brownies frosted to look like snowmen, christmas trees, and reindeer on a plate on a table

free email series

My “GO-TO” recipes to make dinnertime stress-free

Trending Travel

picture of baked apple on a plate topped with figs and whipped cream

More Travel

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates
  • Sponsor the Sweet C's newsletter here.

Contact

  • Contact
  • Media Kit
  • FAQ

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.