Explore Highway 101
The Great American Road Trip awaits just outside the sparkling shores of Moonstone Beach. Highway 101 also provides a great alternate road trip route with the scenic attractions below. From rolling vineyards and farm country to historic missions no matter which route you take, get ready to put it into drive!
Award-winning wineries produce more than 40 varietals. From Cambria, take Highway 46 to one of the most scenic streets, Vineyard Drive, where large trees form a natural tunnel against rolling vineyards and charming tasting rooms, including Doce Robles Winery, Le Cuvier Winery & Tasting Room, and Ecluse Wines. Visit Paso Robles’ quaint downtown, browse boutiques, and dine on fresh California cuisine.
A National Historical Landmark rich with over 200 years of Central Coast history, the mission was founded in 1797, by Franciscan Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuen.
Sprawling over 80 acres, Mission San Antonio de Padua sits within the “Valley of Oaks.” Founded in 1771, as California’s third mission, its grounds offer a realistic step back in time.
Founded in 1791, by Father Fermin Lasuen, Mission Soledad is the thirteenth mission to be founded in California, nestled in the heart of wine country known as the Santa Lucia Highlands for a stunning backdrop.
Over 23 million years ago multiple volcanoes erupted, flowed, and slid to form what would become Pinnacles National Park. What remains is a landscape unlike any other. Bring your hiking shoes and stretch your legs through grasslands, chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms.
Built in 1897, get your history on at the Victorian-style Steinbeck House, John Steinbeck’s birthplace and boyhood home. Then visit the National Steinbeck Center, located just down the street. Dedicated to the author John Steinbeck, the center houses the largest collection of Steinbeck archives in the US and is a focal point for literature, human nature, history, agriculture, and the arts.
From Salinas, the choice is yours head to the coast or continue Highway 101 toward Gilroy.
To the Coast...
Beauty, beauty, and more beauty! Embark on this famous 17-mile drive with stops along Pacific Grove, Bird Rock Vista Point, Pebble Beach, and Carmel by the Sea.
To get here, take Highway 68 to Highway 1 South to 17 Mile Drive.
Insider Tip: An alternate route to Carmel is G16 off the 101 Highway to enter town through Carmel Valley Wine Country.
Stick to the 101
Known as the “Garlic Capital of the World” and home to the annual Garlic Festival every July featuring inspired foods including garlic ice cream. Also known for Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park - a big hit with the kids!
