Monterey was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. It was the only port of entry for taxable goods in California. In 1846 the U.S. flag was raised over the Customs House, and California became part of the United States after the ensuing Mexican-American War.

Big Sur is a rugged stretch of California’s central coast between Carmel and San Simeon. Bordered to the east by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the west by the Pacific Ocean, it’s traversed by narrow, 2-lane State Route 1, known for winding turns, seaside cliffs and views of the often-misty coastline.

Officially called Carmel-by-the-Sea, this coastal Southern California town is known for its amazing scenery as well as its art scene past and present. Former mayors include Clint Eastwood, Perry Newberry, and Herbert Heron, among other artistic icons.

Charming California wine-country town known for rolling vineyards, historic downtown, hot springs, boutique tasting rooms, farm-to-table dining, and relaxed Central Coast scenery, offering a warm, approachable getaway for wine lovers, couples, and road trippers year-round alike.

San Simeon is a town on the Pacific coast of San Luis Obispo County, California. Its position along State Route 1 is approximately halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, each of those cities being roughly 230 miles (370 km) away. A key feature of the area is Hearst Castle.

Antiquated windmills and Northern Europeans-style architecture punctuate the little village's skyline. Brilliant sunshine, boundless open country and rolling hills- these are the characteristics of what the original Danish immigrants called "Solvang" or "Sunny Field"

"The American Riviera" in southern California is known for its year-round warm weather. It features miles of beaches as well as historic landmarks like the Mission Santa Barbara, a still-functioning church founded by Spanish missionaries in the 18th century.