I've said it before and I'll say it again - your girl loves a staycation. As someone who hates to fly but loves to see new places, I'm not unfamiliar with a road trip. And I feel so blessed to live in a huge state with a lot to explore and enjoy.
Over the years, I've come across so many beautiful destinations that I had no idea existed when I was growing up. I've used my adulthood to really explore my state, and see all of the beauty that it has to offer. And while sometimes I'll put on my big girl pants and hop on a plane to travel to a more exotic location, it's just as rewarding for me to find hidden gems right here at home.
Here are some of my favorite travel destinations in my beautiful state of California.
Big Sur
I really don't want to be redundant here because I've sung the praises of Big Sur on this blog for years. But I can't overstate how magical this place is. Sweeping views of the edge of the country, gorgeous hikes, wildlife and just an amazing feeling of being in nature. It's where I feel most alive. And I'm so thankful for that first trip down the coast in 2015. To give you an idea of how much we love it, the road from Northern California down to Treebones Resort has been closed for about 2 years now, forcing travelers to drive inland past the the blockage and then drive up. Adding an extra 2 hours to the drive. We did it in November, and we're doing it again in March.
Where to Stay: Treebones Resort
Where to Eat: Sushi at WildCoast Restaurant
What to Do: Limekiln State Park
Mendocino
In 2023, my best friend planned a trip for us up to Mendocino as somewhat of a "Bachelorette party". You can't really call it that because it was just the two of us getting wine drunk every night, but boy was it a blast! I had never been to Mendocino before and I fell in love with it. The charming, quaint and classy vibes remind me a bit of Nantucket or Newport, Rhode Island. It's a wine and cheese, light cardigan, and loafers kind of vibe and I'm not mad at it.
Where to Stay: Blue Door Inn
Where to Eat: Luna Trattoria
What to Do: Mendocino Headlands State Park
Sausalito
This one barely counts as travel for me because it's literally 35-40 minutes away but for those of you out-of-towners, Sausalito is an amazing travel destination. Not only is it a hop, skip and a jump away from San Francisco, but it's truly so beautiful. It looks like you've traveled to some coastal European town right in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. You can easily jump on the ferry and head into the city or head to wine country from Sausalito and it's such an easy trip. I will say however, that I've had more than one racially charged encounter in this town so...do with that information what you will.
Where to Stay: Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa
Where to Eat: FISH
What to Do: Golden Gate Bridge/Marin Headlands
Santa Barbara
There's definitely a theme forming here where most of these places are near the water, but it's California... being near the water is what we all pay so much to live here for lol. Santa Barbara is the perfect mix of beach and class. I mean, Oprah lives in Santa Barbara so that should tell you everything you need to know. It's quiet enough that people usually just drive through on their way to Los Angeles, but for those of us who know what a gem it is, Santa Barbara is another great destination for a weekend getaway.
Where to Stay: Bath Street Inn
Where to Eat: Bouchon
What to Do: Old Santa Barbara Mission
Russian River
Russian River, specifically AutoCamp, was the first vacation away my husband and I ever took together so it holds a very dear place in my heart. Guerneville is a quiet, spooky town, tucked deep in the woods of Northern California. In the Summer, people enjoy kayaking and sunbathing at the river, but in the Winter, it's the perfect cozy escape. We have gone for several years now and we always enjoy ourselves so much. There are beaches nearby, and hidden gem restaurants everywhere. We went twice last year, and had so much fun hiking, exploring and enjoying the peace and stillness that it brings. I actually vlogged our Valentine's Day trip to Russian River for Patreon, which you can watch here.
Where to Stay: AutoCamp
Where to Eat: Saucy Mama's Juke Joint + Lightwave Cafe
What to Do: Duncans Mills Shopping Center + Armstrong Redwoods Natural Reserve
San Luis Obispo
Another place we love is San Luis Obispo, but specifically, Avila Beach. Mostly because it's the place where we got engaged, but it also holds a special place in my heart as well. In college, I would often drive down to SLO with my friends for Halloween Weekends or to visit other friends and so it reminds me of youth, joy and being carefree. SLO is a college town so it's bustling with young coeds and you definitely feel the college town energy. Avila Beach is an interesting sub-section of SLO where the college kids spend their weekends laying out in the sun and playing in the water. Eating acai bowls or pizza on the beach. The design of the actual town is so interesting because it almost looks fake it's so perfect. Colorful buildings and twinkling lights set in front of the beach make for a perfect backdrop to warm summer nights. I have another vlog on Patreon of our trip to Avila Beach in 2021, you can watch here.
Well friends that's it for this post! For those of you who live in California, I hope you learned about new places to visit. And for those of you who live out of state, I hope you'll consider visiting our beautiful home.
Thanks for reading!
F.
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