California Coastin'

I can’t believe I drove to San Francisco four times last year and I never took Highway 1. I was always in such a rush to get there and always ended up taking I-5. Clearly, I was missing out! I finally set aside 3 days to see what was so special about the coast.

Day 1: We started in Malibu at El Matador Beach. I have been to Malibu plenty of times before but I had never been to El Matador Beach. It’s stunning. We ate brunch at Jeanine’s in Santa Barbra. I had the Kahlua French toast, hands down the best brunch in SB. We made a totally unexpected stop in Solvang at Ostrichland Land. We googled and we knew we had to stop and feed the ostrich. We made it to Pismo Beach and spent the night at Sycamore Mineral Springs.

Day 2: We ate breakfast at Kreuzberg’s San Luis Obispo. Best breakfast burrito I have ever had, ever! San Simoen is home to Moonrock beach, Hearst Castle, Elephant Seal beach. Admission to Hearst Castle is $25/person and you are forced to go on a guided tour. The castle is beautiful, but you aren’t given much freedom to explore. It happens to be mating season for elephant seals, so keep that in mind if you plan on stopping. My eyes are burned for life. We made it to Carmel that night and stayed at The Homestead.

Day 3: On the way back to Los Angeles, we drove through Los Padres National forest and stopped for breakfast at Big Sur River Inn. The restaurant puts lounge chairs in the river so you can enjoy your morning coffee on the lazy river. We stopped frequently along the highway for pictures and to take in the breathtaking views.

I wish I had more time to hike through the national forest, explore the quaint towns, and swim in the clear blue ocean. The coast is absolutely beautiful and all you need to see it is a car and a tank of gas.