Central California coast
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You handle says a lot, barefoot, and it's also my favorite pair of shoes lol...
I've lived and explored all along the CA coast from the Mexican border up into Oregon for more than 20 years. The Santa Barbara area is wonderful.
I'm happy to offer suggestions. What do you enjoy? Are you active, outdoorsy, beachy, foresty? Do you enjoy art and Culture? Are you foodies, high end Shoppers, or do you travel on a budget? Will you have a car?
You're welcome to PM me if you prefer.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/14/2025 11:59PM by SBP.
I've lived and explored all along the CA coast from the Mexican border up into Oregon for more than 20 years. The Santa Barbara area is wonderful.
I'm happy to offer suggestions. What do you enjoy? Are you active, outdoorsy, beachy, foresty? Do you enjoy art and Culture? Are you foodies, high end Shoppers, or do you travel on a budget? Will you have a car?
You're welcome to PM me if you prefer.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/14/2025 11:59PM by SBP.
Don't forget Hearst's Castle. There are a lot of great places for surf fishing around San Simeon.
I am by no means an expert in the area, but the one thing I have the fondest memories of was the aquarium in Monterey. Plus the place on the coast where we saw all the sea lions up close, but I have no recollection of where that was.
You absolutely, positively, and unequivocally must eat at La Super Rica in Santa Barbara. Any specials and anything with their cream sauce are the way to go, but it's all amazing.
I lived in the area for a stretch, but was unaware of this gem until later.
It was one of Julia Child's favorite restaurants in the country.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/15/2025 02:03PM by CoolMusic.
I lived in the area for a stretch, but was unaware of this gem until later.
It was one of Julia Child's favorite restaurants in the country.
Have synthesizers, will travel...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/15/2025 02:03PM by CoolMusic.
So many places to choose right near the coast...Hearst's Castle, Carmel-By-The-Sea, Monterey, Monterey Bay, Venice Beach, Half-Moon Beach, and of course, Maverick's Beach! 
But I'd say one of the overall great areas to get the central coast vibe from is San Luis Obispo. It just has that college town, spanish desert feel to it. I thought it was very interesting about 15 years ago.
We love visiting Cali. So many great places to see and parks to visit. It's just unfortunate that there are so many mental health issues. Maybe that's due to the frequent fault activity? Or the lack of four seasons? My mom once said it's due to the "westward-ho movement." Once people people moved west, reached the Pacific which stopped them, it spurred a mental heath issue. Whatever....
Enjoy!
But I'd say one of the overall great areas to get the central coast vibe from is San Luis Obispo. It just has that college town, spanish desert feel to it. I thought it was very interesting about 15 years ago.
We love visiting Cali. So many great places to see and parks to visit. It's just unfortunate that there are so many mental health issues. Maybe that's due to the frequent fault activity? Or the lack of four seasons? My mom once said it's due to the "westward-ho movement." Once people people moved west, reached the Pacific which stopped them, it spurred a mental heath issue. Whatever....
Enjoy!
It's a 3-hour (lovely) drive up the coast to Monterey from SB. The Aquarium is unique and worthwhile and there's a lot more to do there. Big Sur and Carmel by the Sea nearby are my "happy places." Hearst is on the way. Stop for lunch in Morrow Bay by the Big Rock and keep going. If you can fly out of Monterey (small and simple) or any of the Bay Area airports, you can also enjoy San Fran and Marin highlands/Napa. Amazing hiking, food, and photo ops all along the way.
There's also a botanical garden and art museum in SB if you prefer to stay local. The beaches are wonderful. Carpinteria is one of my fave spots sweet little town book-ended by Padaro Beach and Rincon.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/15/2025 03:56PM by SBP.
There's also a botanical garden and art museum in SB if you prefer to stay local. The beaches are wonderful. Carpinteria is one of my fave spots sweet little town book-ended by Padaro Beach and Rincon.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/15/2025 03:56PM by SBP.
I just remembered Solvang, it's worth a little extra driving for a day of scandanavian food and pastries. And Ostrich Land, but that would be a me thing, not everyone is excited about big birds and giant bird eggs as I am.
Don't forget the Madonna Inn in SLO if you like quirky places.
Thanks for all the great ideas and suggestions! I need to work on this because time is wasting.
We enjoy all kinds of activities...usually when I travel, I seek out anything that's different from the area I live in, since I am a novelty seeker lol. Quirky sounds great. Other people seem to rely on me to do the planning...ugh.
Recently, one of Tom Petty's daughters stayed at the Madonna Inn and took all sorts of photos and posted to her Instagram...so I noticed it looks fun.
I'l be with a family group....so looking for general stuff that appeals to all...no kids with us on this trip...so wine and brew tasting is appealing.
We're not big shoppers in terms of outlets or malls, but will pop into artsy or artisan places.
I did find the recommendations for whale watching, so we are looking at those too... that sounds wonderful.
thanks again.
We enjoy all kinds of activities...usually when I travel, I seek out anything that's different from the area I live in, since I am a novelty seeker lol. Quirky sounds great. Other people seem to rely on me to do the planning...ugh.
Recently, one of Tom Petty's daughters stayed at the Madonna Inn and took all sorts of photos and posted to her Instagram...so I noticed it looks fun.
I'l be with a family group....so looking for general stuff that appeals to all...no kids with us on this trip...so wine and brew tasting is appealing.
We're not big shoppers in terms of outlets or malls, but will pop into artsy or artisan places.
I did find the recommendations for whale watching, so we are looking at those too... that sounds wonderful.
thanks again.
Do you want responses here or to you personally?
I have some suggestions.
I have some suggestions.
thank you, here is fine! but if you prefer....PM, whatever works for you.
I am most appreciative.
I am most appreciative.
If into wine Paso Robles is lovely. Its in between northern and southern CA. Favorites are Justin, Brecon Estates and Parrish Family vineyards. Justin and Parrish have $$$ lunch but delicious to the last bite. We also stop at Pasolivo to taste and buy some incredible olive oils. If you don't have a designated driver, can message you recommendations for transportation.
For a change of pace Morrow Bay, Cambria or Solvang are nice. All are quaint, shopping in town and good eats.
If you are traveling from southern to northern CA and like the water/beach views, state route 1 along the coast is a beautiful drive. Its a longer drive than going on the 5 or 101 but the scenary doesn't compare.
For a change of pace Morrow Bay, Cambria or Solvang are nice. All are quaint, shopping in town and good eats.
If you are traveling from southern to northern CA and like the water/beach views, state route 1 along the coast is a beautiful drive. Its a longer drive than going on the 5 or 101 but the scenary doesn't compare.
Cold Spring Tavern
5995 Stagecoach Road
Santa Barbara
coldspringtavern.com
An interesting drive to the mountains and delicious food.
5995 Stagecoach Road
Santa Barbara
coldspringtavern.com
An interesting drive to the mountains and delicious food.
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