Main Content
Blog
Blog Details
Gorgeous Stops On A Leisurely Road Trip Up The California Coast
There are places in California that are known around the world. And then there are the lesser-known, hidden gems. The Central Coast is filled with such places; small towns that were once stagecoach stops, restaurants and hotels in beautifully restored historic buildings, and tiny museums honoring famous writers. Mixed in are hundreds of wineries producing award-winning wines and restaurants receiving national attention.
Solvang
Solvang is one of the better-known destinations in this region, and for good reason. Founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, the streets are lined with half-timbered buildings topped with wood-shingled roofs, colorful shops selling Danish goods, and of course, windmills. Start your day right with traditional Danish pastries at one of the many bakeries in town. Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe has been in operation since 1951 selling Scandinavian cakes, breads, and pastries. Then stroll the streets of Solvang enjoying boutique shops, wine-tasting rooms, and restaurants. Don’t miss the small, but informative Hans Christian Andersen Museum located on the second floor of The Book Loft. To fully enjoy Solvang and the surrounding small towns, be sure to stay for at least a night. Consider staying at Hotel Ynez situated halfway between Solvang and Santa Ynez. Positioned between two churches and a residential neighborhood, this quiet property is perfect for a relaxing getaway. 22 rooms surround a large outdoor garden dotted with firepits, cozy seating areas, and a bocce ball court. The rooms are modern and spacious, and each has its own patio and hammock.
Los Olivos
Los Olivos is a wine lover’s dream come true with dozens of tasting rooms within a short walk along its two main streets, Grand Avenue and Alamo Pintado Avenue. This unincorporated community was originally a stagecoach stop and dates back to 1860. Today, Los Olivos is the perfect spot to try new wines and enjoy excellent food. Visit Grimm’s Bluff Wine Tasting Room and sample their excellent sauvignon blancs and cabernet sauvignons. You’ll likely need a break between wine tastings, so fortunately there are some lovely shops to explore. J. Woeste Treasures For Home & Garden, formerly a residence, is now a plant nursery and gift shop. It’s quite large and boasts an impressive inventory. If you’re visiting around the holidays they also have a nice selection of decorations for both inside and outside your home. Enjoy Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe for another wine tasting and dinner. After being seated next to the fireplace, sample three Bernat wines; Sangiovese, Syrah, and cabernet sauvignon. All the produce for the restaurant is grown on the nearby family farm which is adjacent to the vineyard where the grapes for Bernat wines are grown. This is definitely the place to go if you’re seeking a romantic dinner with your partner.
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo (or SLO as it’s known by locals) is a much bigger town than the previous stops. Its downtown straddles the San Luis Obispo Creek, a tiny waterway that provides a lovely backdrop to a park along with a few shops and restaurants. In fact, anytime you visit stop by Novo Restaurant and enjoy their outside deck built over the creek and around a few large oak trees. Spend some time wandering the streets of downtown SLO lined with old-fashioned street lights, large trees, a few historic buildings, and plenty of great shops. The Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is certainly worth a visit. Founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1772, the mission was the fifth built in a series of 21 spanning the state of California. There’s a small museum on the premises, and visitors are always welcome to walk through the main sanctuary when services are not taking place. Best place to stay in SLO is The Granada Hotel & Bistro. This red brick building once housed a brothel, and they’ve opted to lean into that history with a decor that features dark colors and velvet upholstery. Rooms are small but don’t lack for anything.
Text by Wendy Lee | Photo by Wendy Lee | Read More Here
Login With
Or Sign Up With Disqus