California Dreamin': Adventures Along the Pacific Coast

"California dreamin' on such a winter's day."

— The Mamas & The Papas

Introduction:

It all started as a simple conversation, huddled over our laptops, fingers poised to book flights for a wedding in Napa Valley. "Let's make a thing out of it," Dom proposed. I liked the idea of it. And just like that, our journey from the East Coast to the West morphed from a mere trip into a full-fledged adventure.

After a bit of brainstorming, we settled on a plan: a road trip along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, winding our way through coastal towns and rugged cliffs, with the promise of Napa's vineyards waiting at the end of our journey.

Touching down in Los Angeles, the warm California sun greeted us like an old friend. It was the beginning of a wild ride through a state that blends Hollywood glamour with natural splendor. Over the next week, California would be our playground.

If there was ever a time to rent a convertible, this was it. So we did just that—a bright yellow Mustang, a bit flashy for my taste but perfect for the occasion. We made our way from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, where the Mediterranean and Spanish-revival architecture painted a picturesque backdrop. The following morning, eager for a quintessential West Coast coffee experience, we ventured into downtown Santa Barbara. After exploring, we made our way to The Old Mission Santa Barbara, situated on 15 acres of beautiful grounds. It was a lovely stop.

Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway felt like living a scene out of a Hollywood movie. Every twist and turn left us in awe– with the deep blue ocean stretching out to the horizon on one side and towering cliffs and lush greenery on the other. The salty sea breeze, the sound of waves breaking against the rocks far below, and the sight of the sun setting over the ocean created a sense of freedom and exhilaration.

Our next stop, Morro Bay, quickly became a favorite. This moody, nostalgic beach town had a ton of character. We found cozy hotel where we slept with the windows open, waking up to the soothing sound of waves crashing, seagulls calling, and even catching glimpses of playful otters in the morning mist.

During our stay, we explored the quaint shops and cafes along the waterfront. Dom couldn't resist trying some local seafood at a charming restaurant overlooking the bay, enjoying fresh catches with views of Morro Rock standing sentinel in the distance. In the evenings, we strolled along the Embarcadero, soaking in the town's laid-back vibe and snapping photos of the colorful fishing boats bobbing in the harbor.

From Morro Bay, we made our way to Big Sur. Camping with views of the Pacific Ocean was nothing short of magical. Dom’s cousin, a camping aficionado, had brought the entire setup—tents, cooking utensils, and even prepared an incredible meal ocean-side. The air was crisp and refreshing, infused with the earthy scent of coastal flora. We spent the day exploring hidden coves and cliffside trails, each turn revealing panoramic views that seemed straight out of a nature documentary. Experiencing a West Coast sunset and sleeping under the stars remains one of my favorite memories. I didn’t want to leave.

Monterey was next on our adventure. We explored Cannery Row, a street that runs along the beautiful shoreline of Monterey City. It gives a little glimpse of the city’s fish-packing history with its historic cannery buildings. Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf, once a working wharf for the fishing industry, is now filled with quaint shops, restaurants, and walkways perfect for strolling.

Then it was time to head to Napa Valley for the wedding. The vineyards, with their rolling hills and world-class wines, provided the perfect setting for a celebration.

Our final stop was San Francisco. I must admit, the city didn’t live up to the hype from all the blogs and YouTube videos I had researched beforehand. However, seeing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and enjoying the playful sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf was worth it. As we explored San Francisco further, we decided to mix things up with a day trip to Muir Woods National Monument. It was a chance to get lost among the giant coastal redwoods and soak in their ancient beauty. Walking through those towering trees felt like stepping into another world—quiet, peaceful, and a stark contrast to the city buzz.

In the end, our journey from the East Coast to the West was more than just a trip—it was an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences. I wish we had more time to explore, but this trip was just a delightful sampler—until next time!

Here's our laid-back itinerary, with plenty of room for spontaneity and taking in the views:

Day 1: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

Morning:

Start your journey early from Los Angeles.

Take the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1).

Mid-Morning:

Arrive in Santa Barbara (approx. 2-hour drive).

Wander around the historic Santa Barbara Mission.

Lunch:

Savor lunch at a seaside restaurant.

Afternoon:

Stroll along Stearns Wharf.

Optional: Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo or the Botanic Garden.

Evening:

Dine in downtown Santa Barbara.

Stay overnight in Santa Barbara.

Day 2: Santa Barbara to Morro Bay

Morning:

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Santa Barbara.

Drive to Morro Bay (approx. 2-hour drive).

Mid-Morning:

Arrive in Morro Bay.

Visit Morro Rock and explore the Embarcadero.

Lunch:

Indulge in a seafood lunch with a bay view.

Afternoon:

Explore Morro Bay State Park.

Optional: Visit the Museum of Natural History.

Evening:

Dinner at a local eatery.

Overnight stay in Morro Bay.

Day 3: Morro Bay to Big Sur (Camping)

Morning:

Breakfast in Morro Bay.

Drive to Big Sur (approx. 2-hour drive).

Mid-Morning:

Arrive in Big Sur.

Visit McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Lunch:

Enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views.

Afternoon:

Hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Stop by Bixby Creek Bridge.

Evening:

Set up camp at a Big Sur campground.

Enjoy a campfire dinner and stargazing.

Overnight camping in Big Sur.

Day 4: Big Sur to Monterey

Morning:

Camping Breakfast in Big Sur.

Drive to Monterey (approx. 1-hour drive).

Mid-Morning:

Arrive in Monterey.

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Lunch:

Lunch at Cannery Row.

Afternoon:

Explore Old Fisherman's Wharf.

Optional: Walk or bike the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.

Evening:

Dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Overnight stay in Monterey.

Day 5: Monterey to San Francisco

Morning:

Breakfast in Monterey.

Drive to San Francisco (approx. 2-hour drive).

Mid-Morning:

Arrive in San Francisco.

Visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Lunch:

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Afternoon:

Explore Alcatraz Island (book tickets in advance).

Optional: Visit Pier 39 and watch the sea lions.

Evening:

Dinner in Chinatown or North Beach (Little Italy).

Overnight stay in San Francisco.

Day 6: San Francisco to Napa Valley

Morning:

Breakfast in San Francisco.

Drive to Napa Valley (approx. 1.5-hour drive).

Mid-Morning:

Arrive in Napa Valley.

Lunch:

Lunch at a vineyard or in downtown Napa.

Afternoon:

Enjoy winery tours and tastings.

Optional: Take the Napa Valley Wine Train or a hot air balloon ride.

Evening:

Dinner at a fine dining restaurant in Napa Valley.

Overnight stay in Napa Valley.

Day 7: Napa Valley Exploration and Return to San Francisco

Morning:

Breakfast in Napa Valley.

Explore more wineries or visit the Oxbow Public Market.

Lunch:

Lunch in Napa Valley.

Afternoon:

Drive back to San Francisco (approx. 1.5-hour drive).

Evening:

Arrive back in San Francisco.

Return car rental or prepare for departure.