Summer on the Central Coast
Rosewood Miramar Beach by Blake Bronstad, courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara
Summer has officially arrived on the Central Coast. Our communities take full advantage of longer days and warmer nights with colorful festivals and outdoor concerts and cinema series. The water beckons at every turn, be it relaxing beach days, lake life, invigorating coastal paddles, water park play or sunset sails. Farms already abound with cucumbers, melons, stone fruit and summer squash, while the final countdown to tomato season is on. Whether you’re driving the whole coast exploring our public lands or planning a long weekend around a special event, the rich vibrance of the season and our diverse region awaits. Read on and check out our collection of itineraries for more road trip inspiration.
New Parks Guide
Our new Field Guide to the Central Coast's State & National Parks blog maps every wild place worth pulling over for between Camarillo and Santa Cruz. The region’s geographic diversity shines through, from remote islands and redwood forests to giant dunes and otherworldly rock formations.
Just Add Water
Drift through kelp forests on a Monterey Bay eco cruise and Channel Islands kayaking excursion. Paddle Lopez Lake in SLO CAL and Lake Cachuma in the Santa Ynez Valley. Soak up classic beach town vibes and catch waves in Ventura and Cayucos. Let the kids splash around all day at Gilroy Gardens or Mustang Water Park.
Outdoor Cinema
Nothing says summer like cinema under the stars. Here, outdoor film series turn iconic settings into open-air theaters—from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the Santa Cruz Boardwalk to Ventura Harbor and Paso Robles’ vineyards. Pick a flick, pack a blanket, curate your picnic fixings from local purveyors and get lost in a classic.
Live Music Love
The Central Coast turns up the volume all summer long. See a marquee name at the Santa Barbara Bowl and a major headliner at the California Mid-State Fair or Ventura County Fair. Sway to free concerts in the park in Atascadero, Friday sets at Carmel Plaza and wineries pairing acoustic acts with regional varietals and stunning scenery.
summer event highlights
California Wine Festival: July 17-18
The California Wine Festival makes its annual stop in Santa Barbara next month. Sip rare reserves at a Friday sunset tasting on the Hilton’s Plaza del Sol, then spend Saturday at the beachside festival at Chase Palm Park—hundreds of wines, craft brews, local food and live music by the sea.
Dallas Cowboys Training Camp: July 28-August 18
America’s Team returns to Oxnard’s River Ridge Playing Fields this summer for the 20th Dallas Cowboys Training Camp on the coast. Veterans report July 28, with many practices open to the public—free admission, autograph chances and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders appearances. Arrive early; entry is first come, first served.
Gilroy Garlic Festival: July 24-26
The Gilroy Garlic Festival serves up three days of garlicky favorites, culinary competitions, live music and artisan vendors in the Garlic Capital of the World—plus the return of the Garlic Queen Pageant. The event is held at Hecker Pass Outdoor Events Center and tickets are limited.
Stone Soup Music Festival: August 29-30
Now in its fourth decade, the free Stone Soup Music Festival & Street Fair fills Grover Beach with live music, food and craft vendors for a beloved community summer tradition. Held in Ramona Garden Park, the festivity kicks off with a Madonna dance party headlined by cover band Blonde Ambition.
