Day Trips or Day 1:
Santa Barbara: Start your day in this charming coastal city known for its Spanish architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. Visit the Santa Barbara Mission. You can choose a docent-led tour or, if it is Sunday, and you are lucky enough to see Father Larry is presiding, Stay for mass; Father Larry is a local favorite.
Visit The Funk Zone for wine tasting and small bites. Or the zoo is amazing! They have great special events: https://www.sbzoo.org/event-calendar/.
Or stroll down State St. have your picture taken in front of the Engel and Völkers Office. Stop in at The Night Lizard Brewing Company for a beer. They have an unusual Mission Statement: "We are committed to producing the highest quality craft beer using the freshest ingredients, while educating the public on local environmental challenges." It is a fun place to visit and I can't even drink beer. https://nightlizardbrewingcompany.com
Continue for the “Jam Packed” Weekend Trip add these stops to your itinerary:
If this is a long weekend trip, leave Santa Barbara early enough to stop at Bob’s Well Bread in Los Alamos. Bob never disappoints… artisanal breads, sandwiches, homemade soups and delicious breakfast items. And the GF “everything except gluten cookies” are AMAZING! Get there early; Everything sells out everyday!
Paso Robles: Spend a night or two in Paso Robles, a bustling wine region known for its diverse wineries, olive oil and artisanal restaurants. Explore the downtown area with its boutique shops and restaurants. Visit some of the local wineries for tastings, such as Justin Vineyards & Winery or Tablas Creek Vineyard or taste one of my favorites, “Concrete Blonde” at the family owned, beautiful Jack Creek Winery. Do you like outdoor concerts? Viña Robles Amphitheater 2024 lineup: https://vinaroblesamphitheatre.com/concerts. If you get to the venue early, say hi to my sister at the winery next door, also named Viña Robles. Viña Robles Winery and Restaurant have both indoor and outdoor service and a lovely atmosphere to have a “bite and a flight” before the concert. (LOL)
Morro Bay: Drive up to Morro Bay and spend a day exploring this picturesque coastal town. Visit Morro Rock, go kayaking in the bay, and indulge in fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants. During dungeness crab season my family loves Giovanni’s Fish Market and Gallery. If you are really craving carnitas, the best carnitas EVER can be found at Taco Temple. Several locations in the area.
Cambria: Head north to Cambria and spend the night in this charming seaside village. Take a leisurely stroll along Moonstone Beach, visit the nearby Hearst Castle, and enjoy a romantic dinner at one of Cambria's cozy restaurants. My favorite is the amazing Indigo Moon. Be sure to make reservations; it is small. http:www.indigomoonrestaurant.com/
Stretch it out to a Week-long Adventure:
Big Sur: Move on from Paso Robles north to Big Sur. Stop along the way at Ragged Point. Take the little path in back of the buildings, the views are beautiful. Hike along the coastline in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, take in the breathtaking views from Bixby Bridge, have lunch at Nepenthe. I like to sit on the south side overlooking the little bay hoping to see the pair of California Condors that love to soar in and out of puffy white clouds or a bit of fog. Do not skip the store down the staircase near the parking lot. I don't know who their buyer is but I never leave empty handed.
Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Head back up the coast and spend a couple days exploring the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Fisherman's Wharf. I love to rollerblade right out the back door of the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa. There is no more wonderful Aquarium in the world than this one. It NEVER disappoints.
Take the “long way” to the nearby town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The 17 mile drive is just plain gorgeous and is a “must do once” kind of a drive. For shopping check out the Carmel Plaza where you will find shopping and dining.
You can break this up any way you want or just take the fast route home on Highway 101. With a couple short stops you can be home in 6 or 7 hours. It is 315 miles from Carmel to the Engel & Völkers Office in Westlake Village.
