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After leaving Los Angeles, we headed up Highway 1 with views of the gorgeous coastline (until the fog) until we hit cut over into Paso Robles.

Paso Robles

We were only here for a night, but we managed to sneak in one of my wino cousin’s current favorite winery in upon arrival.

• Adelaida Cellars – Beautiful tasting areas with views of vineyards. VERY knowledgeable staff.
• Lone Madrone (across the street)

Check out their websites for tasting fees and hours of operation. You could easily make it into a day and check out tons of wineries in the area (with snack breaks of course!)

We also drove through the cute downtown area of Paso Robles and stopped for dinner at an upscale Mexican restaurant – FISHGAUCHO. Good food and exotic margaritas/cocktails.

We then drove to our cute Airbnb for $50 total in this MANSION with the sweetest family.

Hearst Castle

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hearst Castle was just a short drive from Paso Robles and was INCREDIBLE.

There are 9 different tour options available at Hearst Castle – all of which require tickets purchased online prior to the tour HERE. $25. Honestly, very worth it. We did the Grand Rooms tour and it gave us a good idea of what life was like for the Hearst family and famous guests in the 1920s-1940s. The architecture and detail was truly incredible. AND on the way up to the castle you should see wild zebras (no joke).

After we bought our magnets and postcards we drove up the road to Sebastian’s General Store for some cheaper food for lunch (Cheaper than the Hearst Castle Cafe). Turns out it is also a winery (if you didn’t get enough of it in Paso Robles) Then a few more miles to stop and see Elephant seals (if it’s not too foggy, UGH).

Big Sur/ Julia Pfeiffer State Park

 

 

 

 

 It was unfortunately very foggy AND on top of that all of the parks (including Julia Pfeiffer State Park that I was SO excited about) were closed due to wildfires. SO. I hope that happens to no one. BUT, there were plenty of stop off points/stores along that way where I was able to grab one decent picture and feel content.

We continued up Highway 1 until….

Santa Cruz

We truly could have drove straight through to San Francisco, but it would have put us in rush hour traffic AND there were Red Woods that needed to be explored.

So we booked a last minute hotel (Hotel Solares) that I only recommend if you don’t have anything valuable in or attached to your vehicle, as my travel-mate’s bike was stolen that night (Mine was too crappy and they left it). But, besides all of that happening, we did have a decent evening exploring some of this college town.

Dinner: Woodstock’s Pizza – Divey, customizable, dairy free options, full of young people.

Drinks: Soif Wine Bar (where I ordered a cocktail)

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

The first redwoods my eyes have ever seen. It was moderately epic. I want to say it was $10 per car, but I can’t remember. Check out their website HERE. It was slightly out of our direct path to San Francisco, but definitely worth it. We completed one easy hike (Redwood Trail) and got a good taste of it.

And on to San Francisco!!