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Arroyo Grande is best known for California’s only Swinging Bridge, which dates back to 1875, but the town holds many other attractions for residents. Historic structures, for example: The village is filled with splendid Victorian buildings that house a wide range of antique shops, boutiques, museums, and gourmet eateries. Need something to wash down the good food? Visit one of the many wineries in the vicinity. The local scenery is stunning, with the ocean on one side and hills on the other. Expect friendly neighbors, including chickens and roosters!

If you enjoy hiking, biking, or camping amid beautiful scenery, you’ll love Buellton. If you are a wine aficionado, you’ll love Buellton. If you’re an avid beach goer, you’ll love Buellton. Situated in the Santa Rita Hills but close to the coast, the town offers something for everyone. Residents appreciate its mild climate, local wineries, and the ever-popular OstrichLand USA, a park with more than 100 ostriches and emus. Buellton will inspire you to do what the birds do – build your nest!.

Travel + Leisure magazine recently described Los Alamos as “the best place to go wine tasting in California” and praised its “decidedly chill vibe.”According to Thrillist, Los Alamos is now known as “Little LA” because so many Angelenos have moved here. And we don’t blame them. We agree with Thrillist’s assertion that Los Alamos is one of California’s “most underrated spots for wine, dining, and Old West ambiance.” But Los Alamos isn’t only a great travel destination; it’s also a lovely place to live, thanks to its setting at the gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley. Today, the town blends the old and the new, with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants occupying the historic buildings along the seven blocks of Bell Street in the town center. If you can’t get enough of the Old West, don’t miss Los Alamos Old Days, an annual celebration of the town’s heritage, which takes place every year during the last weekend of September.

Yes, Los Olivos is “so-perfect-it’s-practically-a-movie-set,” as Travel + Leisure recently stated, but there’s more to the town than its Victorian architecture and striking surroundings in the Santa Ynez Valley. The historic downtown offers a wide range of options for shopping, dining, wine- and beer-tasting, and antiquing. Although the town is undeniably “cool,” you won’t encounter any attitude. Residents are as welcoming as the setting!

If you’re looking for peace and quiet amid natural beauty, Nipomo awaits. Peaceful, yes. Sedentary lifestyle? Probably not – there are three world-class golf resorts in the vicinity! You have your choice of Blacklake Golf Resort, Monarch Dunes Golf Club, or Cypress Ridge. But if you prefer other kinds of driving, you’re close to the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area – the only California State Park that allows vehicles on the beach. No matter what activities you decide to pursue, take time to smell the flowers: Nipomo is home to a 92-acre flower market. Or get your history and cultural fixes at the Dana Adobe Cultural Center, where you can learn about California’s Rancho era and attend community events.

If you’re seeking a small-town vibe and a friendly environment where everyone knows everyone else, you’ll fall in love with Orcutt. Warm welcomes await you at a variety of family-owned establishments. Given Orcutt’s location in the middle of wine country, it won’t surprise you to learn that wineries and wine bars are among them. But you won’t have to drink on an empty stomach – you can choose among several quality restaurants. If you enjoy shopping, you’ll want to make regular visits to the Déjà vu Antique Mall, where you can purchase not only antiques, but also jewelry, giftware, and other items. And mark your calendar for the first Friday evening of every month. That’s when local merchants stay open late and offer special deals.

The name says it all. This town is for beach lovers, whether they want to surf, fish, or stroll along the boardwalk. Another favorite site for strolling is the 11-acre Dinosaur Caves Park, situated on a bluff above the ocean. But Pismo Beach offers more than sun and sand. It’s known for world-class dining and wines, golf, and a range of attractive shops. Check out Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, which include brand favorites like Calvin Klein, Nike, and Guess. In the wintertime, you can visit Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, where butterflies migrate for the season. You’ll probably want to follow their lead, but unlike them, you’ll be inclined to stay in Pismo Beach year-round!

Calling all outdoor lovers and oenophiles! Santa Maria is ready for you. You’ll find no fewer than 13 beaches and 34 wine tasting rooms here. Hike, cycle, or go horseback riding. Whatever you do, work up an appetite because Santa Maria is famed for its barbeque. Living here is like living in a high-end resort, but without the high-end prices!

Howdy! You’ll feel like a cowboy when you visit Santa Ynez, thanks to its Old West-style buildings. But the town will tempt you to stay far from the “ranch,” with a wide variety of restaurants and shops that complement the beautiful countryside. If you want to learn more about Santa Ynez’s past, visit the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and the Parks-Janeway Carriage House, which features a huge collection of horse-drawn vehicles. And don’t miss the museum’s annual Vaquero Show & Sale. For a more contemporary celebration, attend Old Santa Ynez Day, held every June. And for entertainment year-round, visit the neighboring Chumash Casino Resort. Game on!

If you love Northern Europe but hate its weather, you’ll fall in love with Solvang, also known as “Little Denmark.” Founded by Danish Americans in 1911, Solvang integrates Danish architecture, food, and traditions into the beautiful surroundings of the Santa Ynez Valley. The town even features windmills and a statue of The Little Mermaid! If you can’t get enough of Danish-American culture, make sure to attend the Danish Days festival every September and Julefest every December. Wine lovers, take note: You can pair Danish delicacies with some of the best wines from the Central Coast. This is wine country, after all. Want a taste of local history? Visit Old Mission Santa Inés, which was founded by Franciscan priests in 1804. Let’s summarize: gorgeous surroundings, culture, and culinary treats. You’ll be sold on Solvang!

Dubbed “The American Riviera,” Santa Barbara offers a combination of nature, culture, adventure, and culinary delights. “Perfect weather, beautiful buildings, excellent bars and restaurants, and activities for all tastes and budgets make Santa Barbara a great place to live,” raves The Lonely Planet. Forbes Travel Guide is equally complimentary: “The sky is so blue it’s almost purple, the beach is lined with palm trees, and the lush, green foothills are dotted with beautiful, Spanish-style homes.” Because the climate is so mild, you might want to spend all your time outside. You have your choice of several area beaches, and active sorts can go surfing, whale-watching, hiking, camping, fishing, snorkeling, or boating. But there are plenty of indoor pursuits to keep you occupied. For example, you can tour Old Mission Santa Barbara or the many wineries in the surrounding hills. Or take a leisurely stroll around the center of town, where you can explore and enjoy a range of restaurants, bars, cafes, galleries, and shops. And check the schedule of performances and lectures at UC Santa Barbara, where you can easily get your culture fix!