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Fact Sheet | Story Ideas | WTM Central Coast Page | Press Home Story
Ideas for the Press
Nothing quite matches the rush of paddling for the swell, jumping to your feet and riding a wave for the first time. In Santa Cruz, you'll find some of the sweetest surf spots in the world for beginners and pros alike. Cowell's Beach next to the Santa Cruz Wharf and the Beach Boardwalk is undeniably the best place to learn to surf. A sheltered point break provides long, gentle waves in shallow waters with a soft, sandy ocean floor. Surf school instructors will outfit you with wetsuits and surfboards, coach you in small groups or one-on-one and guarantee to get you up on the waves on your first lesson. Just up from Cowell's Beach is the legendary Steamer's Lane, where surfing pros tackle the lane's huge swells. If you're not ready to take to the waves, you can watch the excitement from up above Steamer Lane at Lighthouse Point or explore the point's fascinating Surfing Museum, which traces over 100 years of local surfing history. For more information, contact: Ranee Ruble, Publicity Director/Film Liaison, Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council, 831-425-1234, ext. 103, rruble@santacruzca.org, www.santacruzca.org Breathtaking Monterey Monterey County is a world-renowned tourist destination legendary for its breathtaking coastal scenery, moderate climate and rich history. Perhaps not as recognized are the award winning wines, fresh produce, gourmet restaurants and food-related events that entice visitors and locals alike. With the close proximity of Monterey Bay, fresh seafood is abundant year 'round, available at gourmet restaurants, freshly delivered to Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf, or direct from the sea aboard one of the area's many deep sea fishing charters. The unique terrain and climate of the nearby Salinas Valley, known as the "Salad Bowl of the World," produces robustly flavored signature crops such as lettuce, artichokes, broccoli, onions, strawberries, mushrooms, wine grapes and many other varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and edible flowers. The rich soil and moderate climate also form the recipe for success for Monterey County wines which possess distinctive qualities that distinguish them from those produced elsewhere in California and other wine regions in the world. This rich atmosphere attracts outstanding chefs and winemakers who, in turn, create superior products. Monterey County pays tribute to its many edible resources through annual festivals devoted to artichokes, tomatoes, broccoli, seafood, wine and more. Even the most discerning palate is sure to appreciate this gourmet paradise. For more info: Julie Armstrong, Communications Manager, Monterey CVB, www.monterey.com, julie@mccvb.org or (831) 648 5355. California's Natural Escape….San Luis Obispo County Along Highway 1 in the center of California is a bit of heaven. San Luis Obispo County is truly California's Natural Escape. From its tranquil, scenic territory of rolling hills and wide open spaces, to the sapphire blue Pacific Ocean, a rejuvenation of the mind, body and spirit is inevitable. Soak in a hot mineral springs spa or kayak among frolicking sea otters in the coastal harbors. For historic ambiance the commanding Hearst Castle®, two pristine California missions, and various museums await visitors. Luring lakes and magnificent ocean waters invite surfing, sailing, deep sea fishing, boating, swimming and water skiing. Twelve golf courses offer a golfer's paradise! Lush vineyards landscape the hills and valleys providing two distinctly different award winning wine regions home to over 60 wineries. For an adventure, an experience, a memory . . . this county offers you everything you desire. For more info: Susan Carvalho, Communications Manager, SLO County VCB, www.sanluisobispocounty.com scarvalho@slonet.org (805) 541 8000 Santa Barbara- the American Riviera The Santa Barbara Wine Country region is bursting at its viticultural seams with nearly 60 wineries producing award-winning Syrah, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Crush parties, vintner dinners and tasting events abound. Wine trails include the new Santa Rita Hills Loop (new AVA), Santa Ynez Wine Trail and Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Wine culture in Santa Barbara actually goes back more than 200 years, when the Spanish missionaries brought in the first grapevines. Since then, Santa Barbara has become world-renown for its loyalty to the architecture of the Spanish missions built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Known as the "Queen of the Missions," Mission Santa Barbara is the tenth of California's 21 string of missions, and is the only one to be continuously occupied and used since its' founding in 1786. This city by the sea is also known for its warm Mediterranean climate and 300+ days of average sunshine making it a paradise for "alfresco shopping" with a mix of open-air markets, seaside galleries, and streets lined with charming boutiques. Round out your visit to the American Riviera with a walk along one of Santa Barbara's eighteen pristine beaches or dine at one of Santa Barbara's exquisite restaurants to savor a taste of fresh Californian cuisine. For more information or to receive a complete media kit on Santa Barbara - the American Riviera, please contact the Communications Manager at the Santa Barbara Conference and Visitors Bureau & Film Commission at 805/966-9222 or visit our web site at www.santabarbaraCA.com Oxnard / Ventura What
does the wrecked passenger liner named La Jennelle, Rudolph Valentino
and Clark Gable and a big juicy bunch of strawberries all have
in common? Oxnard, that's what! Oxnard, located 60 miles up the
coast from Los Angeles, has several interesting stories to tell
such as the fact that the La Jennelle was beached near Oxnard
for over ten years, and that both Valentino and Gable used Oxnard
as their playground in the 1930's while making a number of films.
Also noteworthy is Oxnard's hundred million dollar strawberry
industry, producing up to 264 million baskets of the delicious
fruit, and its annual California Strawberry Festival, which welcomes
over 40,000 tourists each year. Its warm yearly temperatures,
uncrowded beaches and close proximity to the Channel Islands National
Park, make Oxnard a destination haven. Call the Oxnard Convention
& Visitors Bureau for a free Oxnard Destination Guide at 1-800-269-6273.
The Channel Islands, located 14-miles off the coast, are home
to plants and animals found no where else on earth; and pristine
beaches that hint at what California's native ecology was once
like. This nature preserve is home to more than 2,000 species
of animals of plants, 145 of which are unique to the islands.
Recreational options for visitors abound-including hiking, guided
walks, camping, diving, snorkeling and kayaking through spectacular
sea caves. Now, the trip takes less time these days. Island Packers
now has a twin hull, 149-passenger catamaran, which reduces travel
time to the islands by nearly an hour. The Isthmus, a region of
Santa Cruz Island, is open to the public for the first time. For
more info: Malei Weir, Ventura VCB, 805-344-6620; luna@surfari.net
www.ventura-usa.com and Janis Flippen, Oxnard VCB, www.oxnardtourism.com
jflippenpr@earthlink.net (805) 389 9495.
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