California Road Trip – From San Francisco to Santa Barbara in 9 Days! Part 1

California Road Trip: San Francisco – Carmel – Morro Bay (Part 1 of 4)

Living in New York is amazing! But even then, you have to get away every now and then ;). A true American road trip has always been on our bucket list. So last week we traveled to California and explored a bit of the West Coast. In the next four posts, I'll tell you about our road trip adventure!

Day 1 in San Francisco

Today we start our California road trip in the vibrant city of San Francisco. We've booked a bed and breakfast at Country Cottage in the trendy Mission Dolores neighborhood. Used to the sweltering temperatures of NYC, this is a shock for us. I thought California had a Mediterranean climate?! So, priorities: shopping first! Some of the boutiques in the Mission and Castro neighborhoods are really lovely. Lots of vintage items.

Too bad it's a bit too cold to sit in Dolores Park (lots of crazy but hilarious locals). We're having a drink at the brewery. Cerveceria de MateVeza on the corner over there. Cool little place.

On Valencia Street we drink some nice wines (ok not cheap, but so much better than what you get in NY) and order a cheese board Mission Cheese. Super nice place.

We eat the best pasta we have eaten in a long time at Flour.

On to Carmel-by-the-sea!

The next morning, our road trip truly begins. Tip: rent a car from Hertz in Emeryville; it's cheaper than at the airport, and you can easily get there by Bart Train. If you're driving over the Golden Gate Bridge, don't forget to pay the toll beforehand!

From Half Moon Bay (where we have lunch) we take Highway 1, famous for its beautiful views. We stop at Pie RanchThey sell cute little cakes, coffee, and tea. And you can buy fruits and vegetables, fresh from the fields. You'll want to grab these!

We're staying in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's mostly "newly weds and nearly deads," as Lonely Planet so aptly describes it. ☺ With its white sandy beaches and cute little town center, it's truly a beautiful place. We buy a bottle of wine (inexpensive and sooooo delicious!) at the supermarket and enjoy it while watching a romantic sunset on the beach.

Seven hours later, we're in Morro Bay, one of the small towns you pass on Highway 1. There's not much to do here besides eating, drinking, and hitting the beach. And spotting the funny, but smelly, sea lions in the harbor. Most restaurants and bars close between 8 and 9 p.m. This is the first time I've ever run at 9 a.m. On vacation, no less. ;)

We're getting another bottle of wine, some fresh fish (scallops, lobster, and mussels), and using the barbecues by the beach. Tonight, we're having our first BBQ of the year!

To part 2? Continue »
PS: you can find more nice addresses in the New York Little Black BookA city guide with the best restaurants, shops, and fun things to do in New York. New addresses are constantly being added, so check out my latest NY adventures online every week at Your Little Black Book!

This is B.!

Ever wondered what it's like to live in New York in your 30s? Then follow the weekly diary of Bianca, who traded her Amsterdam life for the Big Apple! B. tells you all about her new favorite hotspots, shopping adventures, and events you won't want to miss.