Coastal Bliss
Author: Natelle Fitzgerald
October 2007
Features
California’s Central Coast Offers Appealing Contrasts FOR GROUPS
A quick glimpse of California’s central coast might make you think that all those sunny beach towns, inland wineries and full-service hotels are the same—just one long coastal blur of activities and amenities. But a closer look proves differently. Subtle climate variations yield a different type of grape, booming new development contrasts with original architecture, while renowned landmarks and out-of-the-way retreats create a balance of must-sees.
The area between California’s busy northern and southern hubs (San Francisco and Los Angeles) moves at a different pace—not so slow that you’d have to work harder to provide a top-of-the-line meeting, but unhurried enough that your group will feel renewed, set apart from the standard routine. Explore the gems of the surprising central coast; this is not business as usual.
Monterey County
The city of Monterey, once a candidate for California’s state capital, is today the winning location for the 2008 global conference of the Society of Incentive Travel Executives. This seaside town, which sits on a peninsula 75 miles south of San Francisco, is known for its fantastic aquarium and ties to the famous author John Steinbeck, whose stories depict its early years—from a community churning out whale oil to a huge factory town shipping canned sardines and salmon. Today it’s big on hospitality. The old canneries have morphed into a row of shops, restaurants and museums, and hotel inventory is up 12 percent this year. Whales still feed here, but so do people.
County itself encompasses a national forest, a coastal mountain range and river valley, the scenic Highway 1 and a long road of vineyards in the Salinas and Carmel valleys. “Monterey is complete,” says John McMahon, CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau “We know we’re a beautiful destination, and Monterey is becoming even more aggressive in attracting groups.” Coupled with the central location of the Monterey Conference Center, it’s no wonder Monterey will be hosting the SITE global conference. Maybe yours will be next.
Meeting Venues
The Monterey Conference Center is located near the heart of downtown, with two adjoining hotels Portola Plaza Hotel and the Monterey Marriott, ready to accommodate sizable groups. Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort and Conference Center is a short drive from the center, while three miles away you’ll find the full-service Embassy Suites, located in Seaside. All are within minutes of Cannery Row, the aquarium and fantastic seaside dining and shops.
Groups shouldn’t leave Monterey County before experiencing the beauty of Big Sur, a huge unspoiled area along California’s coastal Highway 1 with giant redwood groves, sweeping views beyond seaside cliffs and rolling pastures. Even closer to Monterey is the famed 17-Mile Drive. This scenic stretch of road was created by the old Del Monte Hotel (currently the Naval Postgraduate School) to offer back-in-the-day guests a pleasant carriage ride from the hotel to the lodge at Pebble Beach. Here visitors will find several renowned golf courses that will challenge even your lowest handicap golfer (there’s serious bragging rights to play here).
Staying closer to town, eye the giant octopus at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a short walk from the conference center. Catch other amazing visuals next year—the city of Monterey is getting an IMAX Theatre. By May 2008, films will come to life in the 16,000-square-foot space with crystal clear images and 12,000 watts of digital sound.
A scenic drive inland to Salinas is the National Steinbeck Center, where you can see the original “Rocinante,” the truck Steinbeck drove across the U.S. when he wrote Travels with Charley. The center can accommodate up to 600 for a reception. Also in Salinas, featuring several celebrity animals, is the Vision Quest Ranch, home of Wild Things. Gila monsters, lions, ferrets—you name it—they come to this ranch to live out their post-stardom years (or are lucky to be saved from an unfortunate situation). “It’s a great outing, very memorable,” says the CVB’s McMahon. The ranch’s new large event tent can host up to 300; imagine your CEO entering the reception on an elephant’s back while guests shake hands with a curious marmoset named Mona, who staff members have affectionately deemed “The Queen of Cute.”
San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo County, home to 24 towns in a 3,300-square-mile area, is the halfway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles. To the north, the cities of San Miguel, Paso Robles and Templeton hug Highway 101 inland, while San Simeon (home to Hearst Castle) anchors the coast to the west. Trailing farther south are San Luis Obispo and several inviting beach communities.
With a major airport, a university, 80 miles of coastline and exquisite weather, it’s a no-brainer as a meetings destination—SLO’s got that “meet-in-the-middle” advantage. “I think people come here for the scenic beauty and to experience California at a slower pace,” says Johanna Koch, marketing director at San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau.
Meeting Venues
The largest space for a meeting is the Alex Madonna Expo Center, with a floor space of 20,000 sq. ft. Its smaller dining area has exposed beams, while the Silver Bar is surrounded by stone and ornately carved wood trim, echoing the rustic foothills where it resides. Closer to town, on the north side, gather at California Polytechnic State University and its Performing Arts Center. There's ample space (101,314 sq. ft.) to entertain your group, especially with the historic Forbes Pipe organ, complete with 2,767 hand-forged silver pipes—the pride and joy of the center. If you’re looking for lodging and meeting space in one place, consider Embassy Suites Hotel San Luis Obispo with an indoor pool and 11 different meeting rooms.
Farther north (about 20 minutes) you’ll come to Morro Bay, but bring a sweater. The promontory is a cool respite with a terrific view of gigantic Morro Rock, its namesake landmark. While you’re there, go to the state park’s Museum of Natural History to scope out the native plants (plus, you can access Wi-Fi there). For indoor meeting space, consider the Morro Bay Community Center, which can host 420 in its banquet room.
Activities
If you happen to hear a whistle blow on your evening stroll along downtown SLO’s Higuera Street, it’s time to buy some fresh produce. At 6:30 p.m., the friendly sound kicks off the selling hour at the Thursday night Farmer’s Market, where there’s live entertainment, art and food, glorious food. (With 120 vendors, there’s something for every taste.)
A gorgeous 43-mile drive up Highway 1 from San Luis Obispo, you’ll find a grand example of architectural fusion, where Spanish Cathedral meets Mediterranean Revival (30 fireplaces and 127 acres of gardens). Originally a 40,000-acre ranch bought by George Hearst in 1865, Hearst Castle is now a national monument offering daily tours, including a visit to the serenely azure Neptune Pool. Of course, if it’s swimming or water sports you want, you don’t have to travel far. Cruise south to the string of beaches—Avila, Shell, Pismo, Oceano Dunes—which line the indented coast. The city of Pismo Beach has more than 65 restaurants, a pier and an annual Dixieland jazz festival—Jubilee-by-the-Sea (October 26–28 this year).
Santa Barbara County
The city of Santa Barbara (a.k.a. “The American Riviera”) enjoys Mediterranean-like weather as it sits tucked away on a coastline facing mostly southward. The county, known for its wine country, posh beach resorts and thriving arts scene, is also home to the Santa Maria and Santa Ynez valleys. Slightly larger than SLO County, at 4,000 square miles, Santa Barbara is just the right size for an intimate meeting. “It has the benefits of the big city without any of the negatives,” says Shannon Turner Brooks, director of communications at Santa Barbara Convention and Visitors Bureau “Santa Barbara is visually a beautiful place with its mountains and the ocean.” Warm air sweeps from the peaks of the Los Padres National Forest down toward the inland valley where more than 100 vineyards make their mark. And then there are the beaches. The Santa Barbara surf provides a sunny playground for attendees, whether they’re looking to go tide-pooling or spike one into the sand in a heated volleyball match. Sweet.
Meeting Venues
Although you won’t find a typical convention center in this county, there are plenty of hotels that can accommodate larger groups. “The hospitality industry works together quite a bit here,” Brooks says. Located downtown, Hotel Andalucia offers a fantastic rooftop bar (and pool) available for private parties, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, mountain peaks and sparkling city lights. Guests looking for a full outdoor experience and luxurious lodging can escape to Bacara Resort & Spa, with 35,500 sq. ft. of total meeting space and a 1,000-acre ranch for sunny hikes. Or check in at Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, where your conference can unfold on a lakefront deck. Can’t get enough of the beach? Stay at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort and relax by the waterfront, while the on-site conference services manager preps the 44,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space. Nightly entertainment and a 9-hole putting green are just some of the perks you’ll notice at the resort.
Beyond the Beach
Just 70 miles north of Santa Barbara, you’ll find Santa Maria, the “barbecue capital of the world.” If that title doesn’t make your mouth water, imagine the wine tasting that awaits you on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail in the surrounding valley. Every October, the Vintners’ Association presents The Celebration of Harvest at 38,000-acre Rancho Sisquoc Winery. In April look for the Vintners’ Festival, where area wineries pour a selection of their finest bottlings. You can even access the area from LAX via the Santa Maria Public Airport, served by Skywest/United. Going farther south, discover the Scandinavian-style village of Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley. Jump aboard the Belgian draft horse-drawn streetcar and take in the ambience (your group will need the break after all that wine touring). But the valley yields more than just grapes—organic lavender is grown at the family-owned Clairmont Farm in Los Olivos, where you can tour the five-acre property and watch free lavender oil-distilling demonstrations. Better yet—take home a bottle of your own, and reap the benefits of those calm-inducing properties long after you’ve boarded the plane.
Ventura County
Only an hour north of Los Angeles, the inviting seaside community of Ventura offers all of the Central Coast shopping, beach allure and cultural attractions but with a budget-friendly price tag. And as a boon for planners, there are no hotel minimums. The town’s original architecture is still intact along palm tree-lined streets. “We’re like a beach town from 20 years ago,” says Kathleen Fitzgerald, director of sales for the Ventura Convention and Visitors Bureau. And today it’s a town that allows meetings at the beach, since Crowne Plaza recently received permits to host beach events. You don’t have to lift a finger—she says rangers do all the work. Plan a scavenger hunt or enjoy a barbecue dinner by the shore. Ventura Beach Marriott is conveniently located near Buenaventura State Beach, with an on-site event coordinator who is happy to assist in creating a bonfire for that quintessential seaside party.
Spread Out
Hold your meeting in any one of the 12 function rooms at Four Points by Sheraton, right by the picturesque Ventura Harbor. For larger conventions and events, the Ventura County Fairgrounds will suit your needs. If you prefer a seaside meeting in the fresh air, there’s no need to also rent the venue’s 135,000 sq. ft. of indoor space. Just be sure to take advantage of the event services available (audiovisual, catering, design set-up).
Twelve miles from Ventura is the smallest city in the county—Ojai. Watch for the evening’s “pink moment” (a local reference for the warm sunset glow that reflects off surrounding mountain peaks). Having recently earned a AAA Five-Diamond award for overall quality and service, the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa offers 308 plush guest rooms and more than 20,000 sq. ft. for a gathering, plus lots of golf.
Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort, the only all-suite resort on the beach in California, is a full-service hotel with 16,000 sq. ft. of function space. After your meeting, settle into a peaceful body wrap at the resort’s Janna K Salon & Spa.
Sea, Air and Race Track
A meeting in Ventura should include at least one day on a chartered boat to explore the coast and nearby islands. Just 14 miles offshore is the Channel Islands National Park, also referred to as the “American Galapagos” due to the extensive array of plants and animals that live here. Of the five islands in the park system, Santa Cruz Island (the largest) has a trail network for adventurous day trips. Hop on board Island Packers; the company provides daily park tours. You’d also be wise to pack your windbreaker (and binoculars for the magnificent whale sightings). Kayaking and snorkeling are also favorite local pastimes.
Group members without sea legs might opt to visit the Limoneira Company—the largest lemon producer in North America. Located less than 30 minutes from Ventura in Santa Paula, the company grows produce year round. Bring a group of up to 70 for gourmet orchard dining beneath the lemon and cherry trees. They also offers hot-air balloon rides, jeep tours and horseback riding. Farther south in Oxnard, check out the annual Strawberry Festival held in May. Sue Stalley, director of sales for the Oxnard Convention and Visitors Bureau suggests that groups also take the time to visit the downtown area and experience the many restaurants and cultural attractions. For the race fans in your group, don’t miss the Jim Hall Kart Racing School. It’s great for team building—or showing your boss that you’re not afraid to take the wheel.
CENTRAL COAST DINING
Monterey County
Will’s Fargo Dining House and Saloon:In the village of Carmel, traditional western dining offers steak cut the way you want it. Seasonal outdoor dining on the patio.
Hullaballoo Restaurant: In Oldtown Salinas, two blocks from the National Steinbeck Center. Takes groups of 20 to 1,000.
Montrio Bistro: Dine in a historic Monterey firehouse, with two private banquet rooms and a special meetings menu. Try the oatmeal-crusted rainbow trout served over crispy risotto cake.
San Luis Obispo
Downtown Brewing Company: Accommodates groups up to 100 in the upstairs dining room. Promotes a full calendar of entertainment, pub fare and a broad selection of fresh beer.
Windows on the Water: Fine dining in Morro Bay. Seasonal fare features the local catch and fresh produce. Groups will love the open, airy feel and seascape views. Extensive wine list and specialty cognacs, tequilas and scotch.
F. McLintocks Saloon: Shell Beach. Good eats down by the beach. Four separate function spaces with room for up to 200. Ranch-style cooking, complete with an oak pit for ribs and steaks.
Santa Barbara
Chuck’s Waterfront Grill: Room for 10 to 200. Two covered patios available, plus—you guessed it—great ocean views. Try the fresh ahi tuna tacos at the Endless Summer bar-café.
Cafe Buenos Aires: Imagine following up your Argentinean meal with the sweet Panqueque de Dulce de Leche (thin crepes filled with crème caramel). Or maybe it’s flan you want. Either way you can’t go wrong with this Latin-American fusion cuisine.
Fairview Gardens Farm: Just a 10-minute drive to Goleta will bring you to this cool hands-on facility. Pick your food from the garden and enjoy an informal outdoor feast at the farm (for up to 20).
Ventura
The Sidecar Restaurant: Located on Main Street; seats 100 people in a real train car from the 1940s. The young chef’s reputation is really picking up steam; he incorporates organic produce with hands-on cooking classes.
71 Palm: Once a private home, this historic cottage downtown offers French country and American cuisine. General seating area, including a balcony and patio, holds up to 160. Two private dining rooms are also available.
The Greek at the Harbor: Right on the harbor in Ventura, with space for 200. You’ll find lamb, seafood and steak. Belly dancers entertain almost every night.
GETTING THERE
San Francisco International Airport
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
Los Angeles International Airport
Ventura County/Oxnard Airport
Santa Barbara Airport
Mineta San Jose International Airport
