The stretch of California coastline from Santa Barbara up to Santa Cruz was really one of our favorite parts of an overall magical trip. We camped at Pismo State Beach and felt like were right back home with all the 4-wheel drives and flag bearing in the little dune side town.

As we continued up the coast, we made our way to the adorable town of San Luis Obispo, greeted by a free band in the park, locals dancing in the grass, and all the lemonade we could drink. This town sits squarely in a lesser-known area of wine country. We were fortunate enough to stay at an Airbnb that was a remodeled creamery on a working vineyard with some spectacular back deck views.  The creamery was charming; filled with antiques and memorabilia from the owner’s career as a film director.

From here we visited Morrow Bay which was windy and cold but stunning (this will be a theme), mountain biked, hiked to a Pirates Cove, and walked the quaint streets and boardwalk of SLO which overlooks a creek running through the town. This area is one to return to or possibly even live! As we drove further up the coast to Santa Cruz we got our first glimpse of redwoods, which is always magical, no matter if you have seen them before. We biked to the boardwalk and amusement park, did some hiking and got a beer at the Monty’s Log Cabin Bar, which was just exactly as I remembered it from a visit to California just about 20 years ago!! The people were still friendly and still discussing the local economy and soaring cost of housing. Will it be the same in another 20 years!!??