5 Things To Do When Visiting California’s Central Coast
A visit to the Golden State is incomplete without a trip to California’s Central Coast. The surreal scenery that includes Spanish influenced architecture of Santa Barbara and the wildlife of the redwood forests. Here are five things you must do when visiting California’s Central Coast: •
Sample Some Barbecue – Santa Maria Style:
Nothing quite compares to the barbecue style of Texas or Kansas City, but Santa Maria has its unique technique. Unlike Texas style barbecue, the Santa Maria variety uses California red oak and is cooked over an open flame. Also, the meat is very minimally seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper. Several family-run restaurants specialize in Santa Maria style steak. • Visit Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara is the perfect place to experience Spanish –revival architecture. Strict building and architectural codes ensure that the city maintains this look and feel. With leafy streets, lovely gardens, and scenic wine valleys, this place is befitting of its nickname, ‘the American Riviera.' In fact, Santa Barbara is the best place to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle in the US. • Visit Santa Cruz Island: The Santa Cruz Island is the largest of all the Channel Islands and is home to rare wildlife species like the island scrub jay and the island fox. The Channel Island National Park covers about one –quarter of the Santa Cruz Island; the rest belongs to Nature Conservancy. To reach the island, you will have to take the one-hour boat ride. And if you are lucky like Dave was, you may spot some fin whales or even a humpback. • Visit The Reagan Library: The Reagan Library and Museum showcase Ronald Regan’s life, right from his childhood days to his final years. It includes photos, videos, and other memorabilia belonging, or in some way connected to the former President. It also includes a piece of the Berlin Wall and the Air Force One he used during his presidency. • Take a Helicopter Tour: A helicopter tour of the Central Coast is the ultimate way to admire the beautiful views of the beautiful wine valleys and the magnificent coastline.
Resource Box: The Author is a travel journalist and a wildlife aficionado. Here he writes about his visit to California’s Central Coast and the Santa Cruz Island.