A guide to solo traveling the California Coast
The fact that this trip still stirs so much in me is proof that travel is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves.
The 2016 trend has made it to my substack files. 10 years ago I made a pilgrimage from LA all the way up to Sonoma Valley. It was the year I “got my spark back” so to speak. After a very difficult year where I questioned everything in my life, this solo trip felt like a fresh start.
Rent a car, drive the PCH, and experience all that this beautiful state had to offer was my only criteria.
With no real agenda and no hotels booked, I was basically winging it which is exactly what I wanted. I did have a loose itinerary of places I wanted to stop, but other than that, I was going wherever the wind would take me, as they say.
Starting in Santa Monica, I took yoga classes on the beach, ate a life-changing zucchini muffin at Huckleberry Cafe, and watched the sunset with a crisp IPA and arugula pizza from Santa Monica Brew Works. I still remember the feeling of sitting on the sand thinking that nothing could be better than this very moment.
This was the beginning of my journey of feeling truly worthy of living well. I didn’t have to earn it and life didn’t end because of heartbreak. Solo travel quickly became my favorite thing.
Another highlight that was trés touristy, but very fun was the Hollywood Bus Tour of celebrity homes. A memorable moment from that was driving the street where Usher filmed his “Let it Burn” music video IYKYK. It was a cool way to see Rodeo drive and Sunset blvd if you don’t want to actually drive it yourself. And if you’re a Pretty Woman fan, you’ll see the Reg.Bev.Wil. which was very nostalgic bc I was obsessed with that movie in the 90’s.
Next up the coast was a quick stop in Malibu to check out a hiking trail and admire the Pacific from the cliffs. It was windy up there, but worth it for the incredible views. I had another moment as I reached the top of the trail that sounded something like this: Ashley, you did this. You created this moment and no one can take it away from you.
My next destination was planned because I had only spent one day here in the past and I wanted to experience it more fully. Santa Barbara was one of the absolute highlights of the trip for its downtown charm, walkability, shopping, and wine.
I did some fun thrifting and boutique/consignment shopping where I purchased a unique Johnny Was embroidered linen vest that I still have and wear to this day. I love how we can bring travel memories with us long after we’ve been there. Whether it’s a magnet or an antique, it brings the beauty of our travels home with us.
The Santa Barbara Urban wine trail was a delight! The Oreana Winery and Tasting Room has indoor and outdoor space for wine tasting. And make sure to hit up Mony’s Mexican for tacos that hit the spot after a few of your wine stops.
BTW shoutout to shutterfly for housing all of these photos for 10 years and allowing me to walk down memory lane as I write this post.
The voyage north continued with a quick stop for the epic views at Big Sur (Note: there are a several scenic road stops where you can pull over for a stretch and enjoy more cliff views).
And from there it was a 45-minute drive up to my next jaunt in Monterey. I arrived late and booked my hotel in the nick of time, ordered some room service in a cabin like hotel that I cannot find!
An obligatory stop at Old Fisherman’s Wharf for a fried fish sandwich was on the menu. Everything tasted so fresh, but I still regret not getting the bread bowl clam chowder because it looked heavenly.
Next up was Carmel by the Sea, a quaint coastal town with dinner at Little Napoli because how could I not? They are “Carmel’s Most-Loved Italian Restaurant for over 30 Years” and for good reason. This gem of a town ignited something in me. It’s quaint, not flashy, and oh so grounding. I walked down to the beach as parking can be scarce, but there’s a magical spot underneath a tree that can’t quite be captured by words and I highly recommend at least a few hours in this town with some time at the beach with a journal or a sketchbook. 20/10 recommend.
And one more stop at Pescadero State Beach before the last leg toward San Francisco. The day was slightly overcast but I’ll stop for ocean views in any weather. From there, it’s a one-hour drive to San Francisco where I discovered a pop-up at my hotel featuring a small San Francisco based brand, Harputs own. I snagged a beautiful jumpsuit and could have easily left there with 3 pieces.
And to wrap up this incredible trip, my boyfriend met me in San Francisco for one night before we would drive up to Sonoma County and stay at the incredible Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. This was the perfect bookend to the solo soul-searching trip I had enjoyed. The hotel hosted happy hour wine and cheese tastings and their spa was incredible as it has a very unique bathhouse ritual. It was one of those places where it’s perfectly normal to walk around in a bathrobe because everyone else is too!
There are a few more mentions here… Muscardini Winery is a must, as well as The girl and the fig for dinner. And Santé is a splurge as we did the tasting menu with wine pairing, but it’s a meal that I will never forget and to me that is priceless.
Thank you for coming down memory lane with me and I hope you get to experience the California coast in your own way perhaps with a few of my recommendations thrown in there. Happy travels!
xoxo,
Ashley