California Central Coast

This was our first trip to this area, and we flew into San Jose and back from Santa Barbara, taking in views, wine and missions along the way. We also stayed in a hotel we later saw in “Ratched” – Lucia Lodge, Big Sur. A very nice spot. Back to Day 1 though, and after landing in San Jose we headed to our first Mission, San Juan Bautista. Next to the coast and Monterey and Pacific Grove, with a walk near Lover’s Point, dinner at Jeninni Kitchen and Wine Bar before heading up to Carmel Valley and out accommodation – Blue Sky Lodge.

From our base in Carmel Valley, we headed back down to Carmel and 17 Mile Drive, visiting the town and Mission too.

Breakfast at the Sunny Bakery Cafe, then onto Highway 1 down to Lucia Lodge. Lunch with a spectacular view was at Nepenthe. Since we made this trip Highway 1 hasn’t been open when we have been in that area again, but hopefully one day we can make that journey again down Big Sur.

From Lucia Lodge we enjoyed the morning mist coming from the sea, before heading South down to Hearst Castle. Really has to be seen to be believed, but once is enough! We headed inland to Paso Robles with dinner at Thomas Hill Organics, and some after dinner wine at Hotel Cheval, before spending the night at the Paso Robles Inn.

The Red Scooter Deli for breakfast, then headed a little North to San Miguel for a Mission visit, before heading over to Morro Bay (also seen in “Ratched”) for lunch Hofbrau der Albatross. Plenty of Seabirds about, and thousands of Pelicans! A wine tasting at Adelaida and Justin in the afternoon and dinner at Piazza Del Pane completed the day.

Coffee from Spearhead, then brunch at Brunch before heading down to San Luis Obispo for a look around the town and Mission. Solvang and a visit to Mortensen’s Bakery followed, then out to La Purisima Mission State Historic Park. Onwards to Santa Barbara and the West Beach Inn.

The next day spend walking around Santa Barbara, out to the Mission, a couple of wine tastings before and after dinner at Harbor View Inn. Another quick look around the harbor the following morning before the flight home.