On my recent trip to Paso Robles, one of the people I went with had purchased something called an Urban Adventure Quest, which was designed to take you all around the city as you answered questions in an “Amazing Race” type activity. Not one to ever turn down fun new experience I joined the group and we set out to explore Paso Robles via the Urban Adventure quest, here is all the info.

Details

• Cost: $49 to buy the quest, it is a website you access on your phone. Here is more info.
• Time: Takes about 2 hours to complete
• Difficulty: More difficult then I anticipated

After connecting to the website and making our way to the starting point we set out on the quest.

I initially thought this would be an incredibly easy test that was just used to help you explore the city, but quickly found out that is not the case. The questions were pretty hard and I would recommend a notepad as you will need to remember different things and do math to get the answers. Due to the difficultly, this will not appeal to everyone, but I am sure there are some people out there that would love the opportunity to put their mind to work while exploring a new area in an interactive way. The game does offer hints when you get stuck.

Since I don’t want to spoil any of it if you are going to do it yourself, here are a few photos from our time on the quest.

While you are walking around the city be sure to also go to the Brown Butter Cookie Company in the below building as the cookies there are life changing.

Our group was on a time rush so we only made it about 75% of the way through the quest before we threw in the towel. That being said it was a fun experience that gave our group a lot of laughs and a decent amount of head scratching. I would say that I would have enjoyed it more if it was easier, but it is still a really unique and fun way to explore a new city. Let me know in the comments if you have done anything like this before and what you thought.

I am always trying to find unique and fun spots to explore when I travel up and down California. When I was in Paso Robles a few weeks ago I stumbled on Sculpterra Winery & Sculpture Gardens and looked like exactly what I like exploring. This full winery has many varietals of wine, pistachios grown on the property you can taste and tons of crazy metal sculptures, what more could you want? Here is all the information.

Details

• Cost: $10 to taste
• Hours: Everyday 10AM – 5PM
• Location: 5015 Linne Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Getting There

While it is not on the main Highway 46 where most of the famous and massive wineries are, it is worth the detour to go find this fun spot. Random side note – Go to Clautiere Winery while you are here as well, as it is a fun winery nearby.

After seeing the sign off Linne Road you will turn right and drive slowly on a dirt road for about a quarter of a mile. After a quarter-mile you will see the massive iron wrought gates that you can turn left through and head towards the winery itself. Another quarter-mile on the dirt road will have you in the parking lot for the winery and you will see all of the massive sculptures awaiting your arrival.

The Sculpture History

This excerpt was taken from here:

World renowned sculptor John Jagger was commissioned by owner Dr. Warren Frankel for a five year period, and his works can be viewed while strolling through the gardens. These magnificent sculptures in bronze and granite are one man’s life work and are sure to inspire any visitor. From the beautiful 10 foot bronze “Mermaid” rising from the fountain, to the 20,000 Lb. granite “Puma” and the 16 ft. tall bronze “Dancing Horse”, Jagger’s passion for the underwater world, cats – from domestic to wild, and horses are evident. Upon entering the tasting room you are greeted by Jagger’s miniature series of sculptures displayed throughout. Mr. Jagger left this world on June 6, 2013 and with his passing, local sculptor Dale Evers has taken over the reins as the sculptor in residence, and will continue to push the creative envelope.

The Sculptures

As you read above, these fun sculptures have a lot of unique history and are continuing to evolve with new ones popping up when you least expect it. Here are some of my favorite ones I saw.

The Flying Fish

The Large Cat

The Dog in a Car Window

The Tiger

The Sleeping Cat

The Horse

The Archer

As you can see there are so many awesome sculptures to check out and this isn’t even half. You will love wandering the gardens and seeing them all before heading inside.

They also have an area which shows you what the different varietals of wine look like, with a row of each type planted and named. I found this fascinating as I had never compared them like this before.

Lastly, there is a game area in the back with an outdoor ping pong table, bocce ball, checkers and more.

The Tasting Room

Not to be outdone by the sculptures themselves, the tasting room is really unique and beautiful as well. The wrought iron chandeliers hang down in a inviting fashion, the soda machine in the back has been completely redone, and the chairs even have a unique look.

The winery also serves their own, grown on the property pistachios right there in the tasting room as well and you can eat them in-between tastes of wine.

All of this leads to a fascinating and fun experience, one that I couldn’t get enough of. I was a big fan of Sculpterra Winery and I highly recommend it, especially if you are looking for a fun spot to visit that isn’t taking itself too seriously. Let me know if you have been in the comments and what you thought and check out a few more unique wineries in Paso Robles here.

Before you read any further, yes Pirate’s Cove is a nude beach, so don’t be surprised if you see naked people hanging out there and let this be a warning if going with your family. That being said the beach and the cave itself are incredibly beautiful. You can walk to the cave without going down to the beach if you want to see it and do not want to see anything else. I went and visited on a rainy fall day and I had both the cave and the beach to myself for sunset, it was an amazing spot and here is all the information.

Details

• Cost: Free
• Location: 1551 Cave Landing Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• Parking: Dirt Lot

Getting There

After getting off Highway 1 on Avila Beach Dr, you will go under the freeway and drive about a mile and a half till you see a golf course on your right and a small road leading up a hill on the left. The road is called Cave Landing Road and it is about a half mile long and ends in a large dirt parking lot.

After parking you will proceed down the hill on the trail in the South East section of the lot. This trail is relatively steep but pretty short, after about a tenth of mile you will reach a split with a sign that says cave one way and beach the other.

The Cave

I went to the cave first so I headed to the right. The trail to the cave is about another tenth of a mile and when you complete that you will turn a corner and see the big cave to your right.

This cave is actually pretty impressive and is about 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide.

When you walk through the cave you will be greeted by a sheer cliff. This is a fantastic place to watch the sunset from.

I was sad with how much the cave had been abused though. There was trash everywhere along with graffiti on the cave walls. I don’t know who would do such a thing as this is a beautiful piece of nature, but please do your part and clean up some trash if you visit.

The Beach

After visiting the cave you can head down the beach if you feel so inclined. Back at the fork in the road you will want to go left and then it is a series of 15-20 steps which lead you down to the beach.

When I was there at sunset and I was the only person at the beach. I got to just sit there and relax with a few of the seals that were sleeping on the rocks in the water.

The beach also has a few small tide pools and I saw a decent amount of sea anemones in the shallow pools.

After sitting on the beach and just watching the waves come in I headed back up the steps to the car.

There was a police car waiting in the lot so I am guessing they shut this area down after sunset, but I can’t confirm that. I did make a new friend on the way back that you can see below.

All in all Pirate’s Cove is an amazing spot to explore and watch the sunset at. I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone due to the clothing optional thing, but I enjoyed my time at this beach. Be sure to leave any tips in the comments.

Having only opened a month before my visit, I was impressed by how beautiful the Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles really was. This hotel exudes European style and architecture with its spectacular staircase in the lobby to its large central courtyard, it is one of the prettiest hotels I have been to in a while. While I didn’t stay here, I got a chance to tour the property and eat at the restaurant, here is all the information.

Details

• Book here
• Location: 2700 Buena Vista Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446

From the moment you walk through the large patio and into the beautiful lobby you will feel as if you have left Paso Robles and entered another world all together. The design has a range of earth tones, stone and marble which is very relaxing and peaceful.

The lobby itself even has a slice of an old Sequoia Tree that lets you get up close and see how big these trees truly are.

From the lobby you can enter the courtyard, which is one of the most impressive parts of the hotel. The courtyard itself is gigantic with lots of areas to hang out, some even by fireplaces.

The art in the courtyard has all be commissioned and brought in from Europe to match the style they are looking to create. This was my favorite piece as it was carved out of a an old wooden stump.

After exiting the courtyard through the attached brick tunnel you will reach the back of the property where the pool is located and which leads to the patios of many of the downstairs rooms.

The rooms themselves were spacious and had a clean design that matched the look of the hotel.

The room I saw also had a large marble floor bathroom as well.

Lastly, there is a full spa on the property if you are looking to book a massage or treatment while you are there.

Cello Restaurant

For me the highlight of my time at Allegretto was the lunch I had at the Cello Restaurant. While the menu was full of unique things, I ended up going with the tomato soup and the scallop salad.

Both of the items were fantastic, the tomato soup even had a slight curry flavor that I really liked. The highlight though was the scallop salad. This salad contained three large scallops that were seasoned and cooked to perfection. Sometimes scallops can be a little underwhelming, but that was not the case here.

All in all the Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a beautiful hotel in Paso Robles. I look forward to going back and actually staying there as I imagine the courtyard at night would be a beautiful place to relax. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Downtown Paso Robles is not hurting for great food options, that being said Panolivo is one of my favorite spots for lunch. This quaint little eatery is run by a husband and wife combo and has been in business for a little over a decade an the wife in the duo is actually the chef for the restaurant as well. It is a great spot for a pastry or for a meal, here is all the info:

Details

• Cost: $10-$15
• Hours: 7:30AM – 8:30PM
• Location: 1344 Park St, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Located right in the middle of downtown Paso Robles, Panolivo is walking distance from the main square and close to attractions like the historic Paso Robles Inn. Parking is never an issue here unless it is a really busy weekend so you can grab parking and head in.

The restaurant itself has probably two dozen tables, but they are spaced out well so there is a lot of room for everyone. Right when you walk in you will see the pastry counter which has a ton of amazing looking treats. I only had the macaroon myself but it was fantastic.

After sitting down and looking over the extensive menu we grabbed bread and Tuscan Crushers which were multicolored potatoes fried to a crispy crunch and with added truffle oil and parmesan cheese. The Tuscan Crushers were fantastic and I highly recommend you order them as it is like a better almost french fry like dish.

The bread came with multiple options for spreading on top and I really enjoyed it as well.

I ended up going with the deconstructed crab sandwich and a side salad for my meal and I was really happy with the my choice. The salad had a balsamic dressing on it and locally grown vegetables.

The sandwich had two slices of bread, avocado, crab and tomatoes, along with a really good sauce on the side. I wasn’t sure how to eat it but then quickly realized there is no wrong way. I was impressed with the meal as it had a ton of flavor and the crab tasted really fresh. I wasn’t a huge fan of the bread slices but that is why the deconstructed way it was made was perfect.

If you are still hungry after eating this meal be sure to grab a pastry or two on the way out, you won’t regret it. All in all Panolivo is a great spot in Paso Robles, especially for lunch. I would love to hear what you thought of it as well below and be sure to check out the beautiful Paso Robles Inn if you are in the area.

When you drive through Atascadero, one of the places that is sure to catch your eye is the historic city hall building. This structure from 1918 is one of the most beautiful old buildings on the California coast (minus Hearst Castle). It has an intriguing history that spans almost a full century, exploring the building and the park connected to it is a great way to spend a few relaxing hours in the city. Here is all the information.

Details

• You can call the historical society in advance to set up a tour, but planned tours normally happen on Wednesday and Friday.
• You can walk into the first floor where they have a few rooms of historical artifacts and information about the building any time it is open.
• Location: 6500 Palma Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422

History

Below is a brief synopsis but you can read all of the history here:

Edward Gardner Lewis, a magazine publisher from the East, founded Atascadero in 1913. The centerpiece of EG Lewis’ planned community was an Italian Renaissance-style building, which became home to Atascadero City Hall and the city museum. Constructed between 1914 and 1918 with bricks made from local clay, this uncommon building has become one of California’s Historical Landmarks (No. 958). Designed by Walter D. Bliss of San Francisco, construction was completed in 1918 at a cost of $180,000. It was damaged in the 2003 earthquake and after significant upgrades and renovations, the building was re-opened in August 2013.

The Tour

I went on a tour with a docent from the historical society named Len. He was fantastic and incredibly knowledgeable about the building’s unique history. We explored the building for about an hour and a half learning all about the city, EG Lewis and the building itself. Here are a few of the highlights, but to fully understand the area be sure to take a tour for yourself.

First Floor

This floor is open to the public even without a tour, and it consists of two main rooms with different exhibits in them. The exhibits talk about EG Lewis, the tent city that was created while the town was being built and the restoration process after the earthquake.

There is also an area that talks about the printing industry that Edward created, which was larger than Hearst’s print empire at one time.

The first floor also is a great place to see the main rotunda that is now the ceiling of the city hall offices. It was beautiful and worth visiting just for itself.

Second Floor

From there the tour headed to the second floor, and we walked a circular path around the building to see the different historical images they had on the walls. These told the story of the city’s creation and of the area itself, they were fascinating.

Third Floor

On this floor, we saw more historical photographs as well as views out the windows down to the gardens themselves.

One of the rooms on this floor showcases the way the original building was constructed before the earthquake, and I found that to be a unique way to understand the construction process of the early 1900’s.

They also had a few windows that revolved on pins, and that let in the air from the outside. These windows can also be seen when you are looking at the building’s exterior.

Lastly, there was an area on this floor that let us see the rotunda from the other side. You can only look through a window at it, but I was surprised that it was still held up based on the way it looked from this angle. It gave me more appreciation for the way it was created.

Fourth Floor

This floor brings you to the second rotunda in the building. It is a beautiful spot that can be rented out for parties and events.

Depending on what is going on you may be able to walk out on the small roof area of the building. This does not always happen on tours though as this is a working building and there are always meetings and events happening.

On our tour, we walked out on the small roof though and got to see a few nice views of the gardens below. It was a great way to end our tour. Big thanks to Len for providing such a fabulous, historic insight into the building and the town.

The Exterior

After walking back out of the building, I took some time to walk around the exterior.

There are four historic fountains at each corner of the building that were also recreated when the building went through restorations.

Along with that, there is a large fountain right in the middle of the gardens that provides a great place to take photos with the fountain and the building behind it.

I spent a good 2 hours here while I was visiting the city and I was impressed with how well they had restored the city hall and how beautiful it was. No visit to Atascadero is complete without visiting it. If you are spending some time in the city, check out my weekend itinerary here as well.

If you are looking for a great spot to eat in Atascadero, then look no further then Street Side Ale House. This unique restaurant has all sorts of fun options on the menu, a massive beer list and a beautiful all wood interior. I really enjoyed my time and food here, read on for all the info.

Details

• Cost: $12 – $18
• Location: 6155 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422

Getting There

Street Side Ale House is located right next to Carlton Hotel on El Camino Real in Atascadero. There is parking on the street near the restaurant.

The Restaurant

The exterior is very simple, but the interior is beautiful with wood covering the walls, large flat screen TVs playing sports, and a nice full bar.

I got seated quickly at one of the large bar tables and set out to look over the massive menu.

The Food

Like I said above, this spot has a lot of really unique dishes, and I found it hard to decide one what to order (in a good way). They also have a massive beer list which includes things like beer cocktails (beer mixed with liquor, juice, etc.). Here are a few of the items I tried:

Deviled Eggs – Flavorful eggs with a good smoked bacon, dill and pepperoncinis on top. Fun, easy appetizer with a light spice from the pepperoncini’s. Served with sriracha which is an excellent way to round out the flavor.

Back Yard Jalapenos – Jalapeños filled with creme cheese and wrapped in bacon. The bites are pan fried then thrown in a broiler, so it has a nice caramelized taste. The peppers are not that spicy and are easy to eat with the cilantro ranch dipping sauce. I would highly recommend this appetizer as it was incredible.

Fish and Chips – Really good fish with a light beer battering, not the typical deep fried crust. The red snapper fish practically melts in your mouth and the tarter sauce is creamy with a strong flavor. The fries are fine but nothing to write home about.

Lamb Burger – Excellent presentation with large fire roasted tomatoes sitting on top. The burger tastes like a gyro to me with the lamb, feta, and tomato. I was told the patty is made in house with lamb and pork as the base. I really enjoyed it and liked how the sweet balsamic reduction added to the flavor. The brioche bun was great as well, and I appreciated that it didn’t overpower it. Again the fries were nothing special, but the burger was fantastic and I highly recommend it.

The addition of beer cocktails to the menu added to the unique offerings. There was one with beer, whiskey and orange juice and another with beer, grapefruit and vodka. They were much better than you would anticipate.

Peanut Butter Stout Brownie Sundae – A homemade brownie with Belching Beaver Brewery’s famous peanut butter stout as a reduction. Comes with whipped creme, candied pecans and vanilla ice cream. It’s a good rich dessert, and the homemade brownies are the best part.

All in all, I was incredibly impressed with my food at Street Side Ale House. It is just the right price for what you get and all of the flavors were well thought out. If you are in the area be sure to give it a try, I doubt you will leave disappointed. Let me know what you think of this spot in the comments.

Disclosure: This meal was provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.

The Carlton Hotel in Atascadero is a historic luxury hotel that opened in the late 1920’s. I got a chance to stay there recently, and it is a beautiful spot to stay in the small Central Coast town. I would told it is the most popular hotel in the city, as people love the quaint charm and history it provides. It is within walking distance of many of the downtown restaurants, has a lovely courtyard on the balcony and a restaurant that is currently undergoing renovations. Here is all the information so you can check it out yourself.

Details

• Book Here
• Location: 6005 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
• Amenities: Some rooms include access to the courtyard and/or large spa tubs, flat screen TV’s and free parking

History

As mentioned above, the hotel was built in 1928 and opened in 1929 as a luxury hotel. It was ran this way until the 80’s when it fell into disrepair. It was bought in 1999, renovated, and opened again 2004.

Getting There

When you get off the 101 freeway and pull up to the hotel, you will instantly fall in love with the historic facade, complete with an old neon sign that says Carlton. The hotel has parking across the street and you walk by its restaurant, that is not currently open, to get to the lobby.

The lobby is large and inviting with a big check-in desk and a massive staircase that leads to the second floor. The hotel does have an elevator as well in case you can’t use the stairs.

The Rooms

I stayed in a room that opened to the courtyard, and it was a great home away from home. The rooms were historic looking with modern amenities, which gave them a nice ambiance.

The main room itself had a king size bed and lots of space between the bed, TV and small tables and chairs.

I loved being able to pull back the curtains and look into the courtyard, or even to grab some coffee and go out there to drink it. The bathroom was great as well with a big spa tub, stone shower, sink and separate toilet.

I was impressed with the room as it never felt cramped like some hotels can feel. The hotel is also within walking distance of places like Streetcar Ale House, the city hall and Bru Coffeehouse.

All in all, it is fun to stay in a historic hotel, especially one with modern amenities. This hotel is a great jumping off point for exploring the town of Atascadero or venturing out to Morro Bay or Paso Robles, and I can’t wait to visit again. Let me know if you have been in the comments.

Disclosure: This hotel was provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.

If you are looking for something entirely unique to do while exploring the central coast of California, then be sure to add The Grove on 41 to your list. This beautiful, family-run olive oil farm is a great place to learn more about olive oil up close. Karen who runs the farm is fantastic and she displays a love for olive oil that will make you excited about it when you are done. I got a chance to spend a few hours on her farm recently and here is all the information so you can do it yourself.

Details

• Tasting is $10 a person by appointment only, fees are waived with a purchase of a bottle *Prices subject to change
• Set up a tasting appointment online here

History

Karen and the family took over this property in 2010. They then decided to plant olive trees in 2011, so the groves themselves are relatively new. They have over 4,000 trees on the property with 3,500 of the Spanish Arbequina style and 500 of the Greek Koroneiki style.

Getting There

The property is located on Highway 41 about 4 miles from the freeway. You can not even get past the gate without an appointment though so make sure to have one if you go.

The Tasting

When we pulled up to the barn on the back property, we met Karen and she introduced herself and started to tell us about olive oil. We moved over to the tasting area and sat down to learn how tasting works. Basically, you heat the oil with your hands to room temperature, then proceed to slurp it into your mouth to bring out the flavors.

It was a lot of fun, and I was surprised how different they all were from each other. After we got through the four different varietals, we took a break to go explore the property before getting into the flavored oils.

The Property

As we walked around with Karen and saw the property, I was incredibly impressed with her knowledge of the olives. She told us tons of facts, including those about organic growing and it didn’t seem like there was any question that could stump her.

The property itself is pretty big with lots of olive trees all set up like you would see in a vineyard.

We walked through them and got to see the small buds that were started to grow on the branches (these turn into flowers which have an olive inside). It was a fun process to learn more about.

We also went over and saw the cottage which she rents out for events and for people to stay at, more about that here. I would love to stay there next time I am in the area as it was beautiful and inviting.

After walking around the property, we made our way back to the tasting area and sat down to try the flavored oils.

I learned that the standard process to flavor oil is to have the flavor milled with the oils, so Meyer lemon for the lemon, garlic for the garlic, etc. This is very expensive though as the mill has to be broken down every time after a flavor to clean. For them to keep the price low, they flavor on an as needed basis with a highly concentrated food grade essential oil. 99% oil with 1% with with the flavor. I tried a lot of the flavors and they were all pretty good, but the highlights for me were the raspberry, praline and garlic. It is a lot of fun to think about all of the culinary masterpieces you can make with these oils, and I was surprised by how much better they are then normal olive oils you get at the store.

After 2 hours, I paid for my oils and we said our goodbyes. It was a great spot to explore, and Karen was a great person to explore it with. I really enjoyed my time at Groves on 41 and I recommend you give it a try if you are in the area and want to learn more about this process. Let me know if you check it out in the comments.

Whenever I visit a new town, I always try to find a nice spot to get active and see the outdoorsy side of the town. I did this in Atascadero by going out on its most popular trail, a short, dog-friendly hike that takes you through oak groves as you hike a small hill and see great views. Here is all the information so you can do it yourself.

Details

• 1.7 Miles
• 100 feet of elevation
• Dog friendly
• Small dirt parking lot

Getting There

The parking lot for Jim Green Trail is located at the end of Cortez Ave. There is a small dirt parking lot right at the end of the street which you can park at.

The Hike

The hike starts from the lot and walks along the fence right across from the train tracks. Watch out for rattlesnakes as they can be prevalent on this trail, I would recommend keeping your dog on a leash.

The trail is very easy to follow and within the first tenth of a mile you will see a split; it doesn’t matter which way you go as it is a loop trail and you will come back the other way. I headed to the right.

The trail from here leads into the oak groves and becomes a more shaded walk, which provides a nice escape from the sun.

These trees are beautiful as they have hanging moss coming off of the different branches, and it reminds me of something you would see in the south.

The trail heads up, and you will be gaining a bit of elevation as you start to get your heart pumping a little.

You will continue the same way for the rest of the trail; it is relatively shaded most of the way, and it heads up and down as it loops around the small hill.

On the backside of the trail, you will be overlooking the golf course, which is not as picturesque as the other parts of the trial.

It also looks over water which provides a pretty view through the trees. I had a hard time figuring out what the water was for, so please let me know in the comments. Update – Marco in the comments let me know it was a sewage recycling area so don’t go swimming!

The trail then wraps up by winding back around and meeting with the original split from the start of the trail.

All in all, this is a beautiful spot in the city of Atascadero. I was surprised by how much I liked this trail as I had relatively low expectations heading in. It was a gorgeous and easy hike that I highly recommend for a nice way to get your blood pumping in the morning. Let me know if you have been and what you thought in the comment.

Atascadero was one of the first popular cities on the central coast, and it has a unique history that goes back to the early 1900’s. While today it has been overshadowed as a destination by cities like Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles, Atascadero has a lot of fun places for you to explore on a weekend. Here is an itinerary that you can follow, and that showcases all of the cities best spots.

Details

• Covers Friday night to Sunday lunch
• Estimated cost: $600-$800

Hotels

First off, hotels. For hotels, I recommend either the Carlton Hotel or the Holiday Inn

Carlton Hotel

Carlton Hotel is the oldest hotel in the city. Located right in the middle of the small downtown, the Carlton Hotel has all of the historic charm (built in 1918) with an updated and modern feel (renovated in 2004).

The hotel has a beautiful facade that you can see from the freeway, complete with an old neon light that says “Carlton.” The interior features a lovely second story courtyard, large staircase, and rooms with big spa tubs. It feels historic, but not concerning amenities. I loved just opening my door and walking out to the second story patio while having some of the included morning coffee. If you are looking to book this hotel, do it in advance as it can book up early.

Holiday Inn Express

If you are more into modern hotels, the Holiday Inn Express on the South end of town is a great spot for you to stay. Featuring a modest pool, continental breakfast with a machine that “prints” pancakes at the push of a button and Cowboy cookies in the lobby, it is hard to go wrong.

Many of the rooms have couches which provide a more relaxing atmosphere, as you don’t always have to sit on the bed when in the room.

Both hotels are great spots to stay in the city, now on to the weekend itinerary.

Friday

Since most people generally head out after work, this itinerary starts with dinner on Friday. For dinner, I would recommend Guest House Grill.

Dinner: Guest House Grill

Guest House Grill is a very popular dinner spot in the city; it has a broad range of dishes that lean more towards the meat lover. My wife is a vegetarian though, and she found a lot to like on the menu as well. The ambiance and the servers make it a great spot for a relaxing dinner, do call in advance for a reservation though.

• Recommendations: Artichoke for an appetizer, bacon wrapped filet with potatoes for dinner, and tableside torched creme brulee for dessert.
• Cost: $20 – $30
• Location: 8783 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422

If you are tired, then call it a night, if not you can grab a drink at Whisky and June, which is catty-corner from the Carlton Hotel.

Saturday

If you are staying at Holiday Inn, then you should just grab breakfast in the hotel as the breakfast has a lot of options and keeps your costs down. Carlton Hotel just has coffee though so I would recommend walking up the street to Bru Coffeehouse.

Breakfast: Bru Coffeehouse

Bru Coffeehouse is a fun spot, right on the main downtown street, that has a lot of different coffee options. They also have an attached room where you can sit and outdoor seating as well.

• Recommendations: I would recommend a pour-over as they have Stumptown coffee from Seattle and it is great. Also, the veggie quiche is a good breakfast item.
• Cost: $5 -$8
• Location: 5760 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422

Hiking at Jim Green Hiking Trail

After coffee, I would recommend heading over to Jim Green Trail which is a beautiful 1.7-mile hiking trail that is approachable for the whole family and the dog!  The trail is located just outside of town, and you can park in the dirt lot to hike it. Read more about the hike here.

The Groves on 41

No trip to Atascadero is complete without touring one of the many olive oil producing farms in the area. The Groves on 41 is a great place to do this as they are awesome people to hang out and taste with, they made my wife and I feel like long term friends during out time here. Visiting The Groves on 41 is via reservation only though so make sure to call in advance of you want to check it out. I would plan on trying to stop over there around 11 AM so that you can spend an hour or so before lunch.

• Set it up online here
• Cost: $10 to taste
• Location: 4455 CA-41, Templeton, CA 93465

Lunch: Street Side Ale House

Street Side Ale House is my favorite place to eat in the city and lunch is a good time to do it as it is less busy than dinner. They feature a fun menu with a lot of unique dishes that provide a broad range of flavors for you to try. They also have beer cocktails and 25 beers on taps.

• Recommendations: Lamb burger, fish and chips, backyard jalapeños
• Cost: $12 -$15
• Location: 6155 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422

The afternoon is free for you to explore as you would like, or head back to the hotel and relax. I would recommend stopping by Bristols Cider and Tent City Brewing Company though if you get the chance.

Bristols Cider

Cider is the new craft beer, and there are places popping up all over California where you can partake in the crushed apple process they are perfecting. Bristols Cider is one of the best I have been to though as they have a bunch of different options so that there is at least one that will fit your tastes. I enjoyed the barrel aged cider they had and would go out of my way to try it again.

• Recommendations: $5 tasting flight
• Location: 3220 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422

Tent City Brewing Company

I come from Southern California, which has become a craft beer mecca over the recent years. So while Tent City Brewing Co had some decent beers, for me, they were nothing too surprising. I would recommend heading over and doing a flight though as they have a fun spot with lots of outdoor seating, pretzels to eat while tasting and an excellent shuffleboard table.

• Recommendations: Tasting flight or the Red
• Cost: $2 per beer for a taster
• Location: 6760 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422

Dinner: Union and Vine

This restaurant is actually located inside of the Marriot in the North part of town. I know it sounds strange to recommend heading to another hotel to have dinner, but Union and Vine is an excellent spot for a meal. This is another place that can be busy though so call for reservations before heading over.

• Recommendations: Mushroom Bruschetta (so good!), Tri-Tip Sandwich, Lemon-Almond Cheesecake
• Cost: $15 -$20
• Location: 900 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422

Sunday

As the last day of the trip, I recommend sleeping in and taking a little time to relax in the morning as you don’t want to push yourself too hard! Breakfast at the hotel and coffee shop are good options, or you can head over to A-Town Diner or Sunshine Donuts if you are looking to get out and try something new.

At A-Town Diner, I would recommend any of the omelettes and at Sunshine Donuts, I would recommend the blueberry cake or the maple bacon.

Town Hall

One of the best parts about Atascadero is the beautiful town hall that they have right in the middle of the city. It looks like something you would see in Europe, and it is a wonderful example of the town’s history (built in 1918).

If you would like you can call the historical society in advance and they can usually help set up a tour of the inside for you. If not you can walk around the bottom floor and see a few rooms of history and artifacts, or just wander around the grounds and look at the fountains and architecture.

Lunch: Crazy Sushi Fever

I love sushi, and my favorite spot in the city is Crazy Sushi Fever. They have a nice clean location, friendly staff, and unique rolls. I had never been to a sushi place where they had a roll made from coconut shrimp, and I enjoyed it as it almost seemed like dessert sushi. Also, the non-rice rolls are interesting; we got one wrapped in cucumber that was incredibly fresh and tasty.

• Recommendations: Super Summer Roll, Cucumber Special Roll, Pacific Roll
• Cost: $15 -$20
• Location: 8050 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422

That is the end of my recommendations for a weekend spent in Atascadero, if you have extra time though I would recommend heading up to the Firestone Brewery which is in Paso Robles and which you can read about here. Also, there are over 100 wineries in Paso Robles that you can taste at, here are some of the most unique ones.

Be sure to let me know in the comments if you have any recommendations for what else to do in Atascadero and let me know what you think if you do this itinerary so I can continue to make them better.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is the fifth mission founded by Father Junípero Serra and the only mission to have an L-shaped chapel. Today the mission is located right in the heart of San Luis Obispo, which is a bustling college town along the coast of California. The mission here is free to visit, but I found it be underwhelming compared to others I saw on Day 3 of my mission tour. It is still a great stop along Highway 101 though, read on for all the details.

Details

• Cost: Free
• Location: 751 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Getting There

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is located only minutes from the Broad St exit off Highway 101 in downtown San Luis Obispo. There is parking along the street that is $1.25 an hour, but it can be hard to find during peak times since it is right in downtown San Luis Obispo (a popular college town).

The Mission

After parking, you can make your way to the church and gift shop right near the entrance. This mission is different than the others as you do not need to pay, and there is not a map so you simply go where you will at your own pace.

The gift shop has all of the things you have no doubt become accustomed to seeing at the other missions you have visited, such as books on the missions, crosses, and other tourist souvenirs.

Behind the gift shop is a small five-room museum which has a lot of great artifacts from the mission history and the Indian history around the area as well.

In the back room, there is even a map of the early land borders for the county and a case with guns from the era.

After walking through the museum, you will exit out into the mission courtyard.

As with other courtyards, this one is well manicured and kept up. The plants and flowers blooming were fantastic, and it was peaceful to walk around them.

Since the courtyard is not closed in like the other missions (you are not paying to see it) it was hard to tell where the mission ended and other more modern things began. I didn’t know whether to continue walking in a direction in hopes of seeing something from the mission’s history or to turn around.

There is a beautiful set of three old mission bells hanging prominently in the courtyard though. There is also an old well that is picturesque amount the plants and walkways.

After spending time in the courtyard, you will want to enter the chapel. This chapel is open to the public whenever the mission is open so it can be busier than others but it is large, so there is room to move around.

The chapel is unique in that it is the only mission chapel to form an L shape. All of the other ones are just one long room without the side room like this one has. Since I am visiting the missions in a row, it is fun to see ones that have different architecture as that gives them personality.

The altarpiece here is also a lot less ornate than many of the previous missions I have been too. The bottom of the L shape chapel is different than the main chapel as it let in a lot more natural light and was much brighter.

There was also a few small alcoves that you could pray in on this side as well.

The Exterior

After finishing looking at the chapel, I headed outside to be greeted by the missions fountain. The fountain was full of green water though and not running, so it was not as picturesque as others.

In the front of the mission, there is the statue of Father Serra and a large wooden cross as well. Also, off to the side there is the El Camino Real bell that is the official marking for the road, and that is at each mission.

Mission Court

This mission also has a large courtyard in front that was made by the city, and that is beautiful to stroll around. There is a fountain with a bronze bear playing in the water and a few awnings you can sit under.

If you have more time in your parking meter, there is also a small path that walks along the stream here and that provides a beautiful area just to take a relaxing walk.

All in all, the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is a great free stop on a road trip with lots of history and unique artifacts. If you are visiting only a few missions though, it is not one of my favorites. You can read about how you can drive to all of the missions here and let me know what you think in the comments.

Mission San Miguel Arcangel was the sixteenth of the California Missions to be founded, and it opened its doors in 1797. While the original church was destroyed, the current chapel was built in the early 1800’s and the mission itself is one of the most beautiful for the old style that is still on display there. It is one of my personal favorite missions as the photographic opportunities make it a great place to feel really engaged with the history you are visiting. You can read about my time visiting all the missions here or read on to learn about the beautiful Mission San Miguel Arcangel.

Details

• Cost: $3
• Location: 775 Mission St, San Miguel, CA 93451

Getting There

Mission San Miguel is located right off Highway 101 on the Mission St exit. You can see the mission right when you get off the freeway, and there is a small parking lot in front of the mission for visitors.

Be sure to also stop by the historic bell tower that you see when you get off the freeway. It is not close to the parking lot, but you can pull off for a few pictures on the way.

The Mission

San Miguel is in my top five for missions as it has been able to maintain that old vibe in a realistic way and not a renovated way. The walls feel like they are crumbling in front of your eyes, and while it still feels perfectly safe, the decay actually makes for pretty amazing pictures and experiences. The vibe of the mission is more like a living history than the others.

The exterior of the missions has one large section of the quadrilateral and the facade of the chapel. The chapel facade is relatively plain as far as the missions go but it looks nice next to the old wall.

There is a large fountain on the outside as well that had a lot of plants growing around it and koi inside. The top was swarming with bees when I went, which added to the old vibe.

Along the backside of the chapel, there is a large graveyard that is historic in California mission history.

This mission was the first to bury an Indian convert to Christianity in its cemetery and by the end of the mission’s time, thousands were buried here.

The back of the cemetery has an old stone bell tower that is completely beautiful to see as well. Lastly, there is a statue of Father Serra at the bottom of the exterior courtyard which you can see before you head in.

The Interior

After paying my $3, I headed into the first stop on the tour, the museum.

The museum featured two rooms with lots of information about the Native American history in the area and life on the mission.

From there you head to the interior courtyard, and you have to look at it from afar as it was not open to walk around in when I was there since priests still actively live here.

As you walk into the next section, you will come across the sheep gate. The sheep gate is a fun addition to the mission as I hadn’t seen one like it at any of the others.

Next, you will head into the four rooms of artifacts that they have here. These rooms were my favorite part as the walls are old and provide for beautiful photos.

They have done a great job of setting up example rooms to show you what the original bedrooms and the kitchen would have looked like here.

The last room in this area is dedicated specifically to artifacts.

I loved this room as it had walls that were crumbling, a fireplace and awesome hanging lights.

There was also a broad statute of an angel stepping on the devil in the back corner that was fun to see as well.

After you leave this section, you will head outside again and go towards the chapel.

The Chapel

The chapel at Mission San Miguel was one of the most interesting ones I saw visiting the missions. There were some artistic designs on the alter piece that I found a lot different the more traditional ones I had seen.

First, there was the all seeing eye of God at the top of the alter.

Next, both walls next to the alter had starburst type art pieces painted on them. I though this was a unique chapel, and it quickly became one of my favorites.

All in all, Mission San Miguel is a great mission to visit as it is right off Highway 101 and it has a lot of beautiful things to see. It is in my top five missions, and I highly recommend it. You can read more about day four on the missions trail here and the missions trail as a whole here. Be sure to leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Carrizo Plain National Monument is a beautiful range of mountains and valleys in Central California that has been relatively untouched over the years, helping it to maintain a glimpse of what California used to look like. The sprawling green hills, which are covered in wildflowers during the spring, give way to a lush lowland with everything from historic farms to the alkaline and often dry Soda Lake. You could easily spend a few days exploring the area, but if you are looking for wildflowers then right now (April 2017) is the time to go. Here is all the information on the park and the wildflowers at the bottom.

Details

• Free to enter
• Location: 17495 Soda Lake Rd, Santa Margarita, CA 93453

Getting There

The best way to the park is on Highway 58, coming from the coast or from Highway 5. Highway 58 will take you along a paved road all the way into the park. If you originate from the south, you can take Highway 166 to Soda Lake Road and into the park that way, but it is about 18 miles of dirt road that can be impassable after the rain and is generally much slower going then heading in via Highway 58. There is parking along the road and in small parking lots at the main areas. Note that most of the roads in the park are dirt. They were passable when I went but just be sure to take your time or a high clearance vehicle if you have one.

Carrizo Plains

The park is full of adventures, and most are easily accessible from the main road. Here are some of the highlights.

Soda Lake

Soda Lake is one of the largest alkaline lakes in all of California. It has no natural drainage point, so the water sits in the lake before eventually evaporating during the summer months.

If you go when the lake has water in it, it is beautiful to see it reflecting the surrounding hills. There are two main ways to see the lake which are as follows.

Soda Lake Overlook

This short, tenth of a mile hike takes you to the top of a hill that overlooks the lake below. It is a great vantage point of the valley below.

There are even some benches up here that you can relax at if you want to just sit and take in the view.

Soda Lake Boardwalk

This half-mile trail takes you out to the shores of Soda Lake so you can get up close to this body of water.

You can then walk along the elevated boardwalk that takes you along the coast and gives you a great spot to view animals and birds from.

There are interpretive plaques that tell you about the lake and its history as well.

Painted Rock

Painted Rock is one of the parks main destinations as it is a collection of Native American art that is one of the best known in California. The area is only accessible via a guided tour during the spring though and via self-registration permits during the summer. I haven’t gotten a chance to go yet, but I am sure it is amazing.

Traver Ranch

Along the southern portion of Soda Lake Road, Traver Ranch is a historic ranch that the park has preserved.

I was only able to view it from the road since it was closed to the public when I went but it was cool to see, and I would like to explore it more next time I go.

Wildflowers

If you are coming for wildflowers, then the spring is your best bet. In the spring of 2017, after all the rain we had, there is currently a super bloom that is something you really must experience for yourself. Here are the best spots I found to see the wildflowers.

Corner of Highway 58 and Seven Mile Road

As you enter the park from Highway 58, the views get better and better as you go along.

The best view by far in this area was at the corner of Highway 58 and the dirt road into the park known as Seven Mile Road.

The mountains along the left side of the road were literally covered in yellow, making it a fantastic place to experience the super bloom. There was a small dirt cow path that took you to the top of a small hill, and there was a massive bloom happening up there that I took a ton of pictures of.

Simmler Road

On the South side of the lake, there is another dirt road known as Simmler Road. This route takes you through a massive collection of yellow flowers on both sides of you as far as the eye can see.

It is a great place just to pull off and experience the bloom, as well as looking over the lake.

Soda Lake Road South

If you are going home to Southern California and you have a high clearance car, then it is worth exiting through Soda Lake Road to the south. If you are from Northern California, then I would not say this is worth driving all the way down for though as the blooms are just as good in the north part of the park.

On this road, after you pass Traver Ranch, there is an extensive collection of blooms off to your left in the surrounding mountains.

The road eventually gets up close to a range of hills before it exits the park and these hills were covered in yellow as well. I pulled off and took a bunch more photos here as well before making my way out of the park.

Video

Here is a video of my time exploring the park.

As you can see, Carrizo Plain is an amazing spot to explore, especially during the 2017 super bloom. If you have the time, it is worth the drive to see the amazing spectacle. Let me know if you go in the comments and what you thought.

In San Luis Obispo County, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles is becoming a booming area full of wine, restaurants, and places to explore. When looking for a place to stay in the area, it is hard to beat the new luxury vacation rental property just opened last year known as HorseTail Ranch, about 25 minutes south of downtown Paso Robles. With two spots to rent on the 150-acre property, it is a great home away from home. Both options are unique and can be used for everything from weddings and retreats to family vacations or romantic weekends. Here is all the information so that you can check this spot out for yourself.

Details

• Book here
• Bring your own food
• Horse rides available on the property with Central Coast Trailrides

Getting There

When you book, they will give you directions to the property as well as times to arrive and what to expect. Both houses are on different sides of the ranch so you can stay in one and never see the other, which truly makes it feel remote, and I loved that.

The people who manage the property, Brian and Crystal are great as well, they are actually one of the highlights. They run the horse riding business on the property called Central Coast Trailrides, which you can read about here and they are always ready to help with problems that may arise.

They also have a bunch of animals including a goat, two donkeys, a mini horse, chickens and regular horses. There were multiple times during our weekend there when we just went down and hung out with them and the animals at the barn, adding to the experience.

The Main House

There are two houses on the property. The main one is a five bedroom home with lots of amenities and which overlooks the lake. There were people staying at it and having a wedding in the back, so I didn’t see the inside. Online the photos make it look impressive though.

The Cabin

The one we stayed in was an awesome off the grid cabin that could sleep 6. It is truly off the grid, with no wifi or TV and with all the power coming from solar panels.

From the moment we pulled up to the cabin we were excited to be staying there as it was designed in such a cool way, very rustic and modern.

The Cabin is situated on top of a small ridge with a beautiful view looking over the hills in the distance and ridiculously perfect sunsets.

Outside of the house, there are a lot of outdoor seating options and a grill for cooking.

The interior is just as awesome, with a large open layout for it’s one big main story, and a loft above with two pull out beds.

My wife and I stayed here solo, but we could have easily had a few friends with us, and it wouldn’t have felt too cozy.

The one bedroom is downstairs, and it has the house’s only bathroom. If you go with friends, make sure they are good friends as you have to go through the bedroom to get to the bathroom.

There is a small kitchen under the stairs with a fridge and stove top. This is the only area I wish was a little bigger as there was not a lot of space to cook, but it worked for what we were doing.

For food, you will want to bring your own as the property is not very close to any restaurants or grocery stores. My wife and I loved that aspect as the outdoor seating, especially for sunset, was awesome and it was a great place to eat the dinner we made.

Since the cabin is up on a hill, the views during sunset are second to none as you can see for miles, here are a few shots.

With the lack of Wifi and TV, I used it as a time to unplug a little, which was a huge plus for me since I spend so much of my time connected to the internet. There was cell reception though so we could always connect with people or check email if needed.

The Lake

The property also has a lake which is near the other house, but you can drive or walk to it. There is a paddleboat you can take out on the lake, or you can just sit and relax by it.

Horse Rides

As I stated above, there is horseback riding available on the property with Central Coast Trailrides. I would recommend doing that as it’s a great way to see the property and relax, you can read more about it here.

Wineries

If you are looking to explore wineries, as I am sure you are in Paso Robles, these three are all within 15-20 minutes.

Still Water Winery

This is a smaller winery, but it has live music on the weekends and a relaxed vibe with great people working there.

Sculpterra

Sculpterra is one of my favorites in Paso Robles as it has lots of unique sculptures to explore around the property.

Cass Winery

This is a great spot for lunch as they have excellent food and you can do a wine tasting while eating the food.

Video

Here is a video I made on the property.

All in all, if you are looking for a great spot to set up a home base for exploring Paso Robles, or for a wedding or event, it is hard to beat HorseTail Ranch. Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments, I honestly can’t wait to visit again.

Disclosure: this stay was provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.

The city of Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast has become one of the most popular wine regions in the entire state and with that comes a plethora of new restaurants that are making some great food. You may recal my time at Hatch and Pasolivo, but what I really wanted to try was the popular Thomas Hill Organics. This farm to table spot lived up to the hype and was a nice place for brunch on a busy Sunday morning.  Here is all the information.

Details

• Cost:  $15 -$20 for brunch, more for dinner
• Hours: Different daily for lunch and dinner, check their website
• Location: 1313 Park St, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Getting There

From Highway 101 North, get off on Paso Robles St and head straight. From here, turn left on 13th St then right on Park St. You can find parking along the street and can walk to the restaurant from here.

The Restaurant

The restaurant is a quiet little spot on Park St and while it looks small from the outside, there is a nice sized patio in the back.

The interior has wine on the walls, a big modern bar and a few small tables along the walls.

Proceed to the back of the restaurant, and you will see a patio with a dozen tables that can seat many different party sizes. I got a reservation on Sunday morning for brunch because there was a festival in the city,  but most weekends you can get a seat relatively fast, depending on your party size. The menu is all farm to table dishes grown in the area and while it is pretty small, there are a lot of great options. Here is what we chose.

House Made Donuts – These pastries had an almost funnel cake type texture, lightly drizzled with a strawberry syrup and then topped with powdered sugar and fresh strawberries. It’s a great appetizer as it is light and not too filling. It doesn’t have that heavy set feel in your stomach when you eat them, and they go great with coffee.

Pork Belly Chiliquiles – Ample portions of pork belly sitting on a bed of chips with roasted tomatoes and chevere. An egg is added to the side as is a dallop of creme fraiche. GThe salty pork belly, savory chips, sweet chèvre and fresh tomatoes all come together to create a taste that is the definition of brunch. I especially liked the tomatoes, which you would expect to be good at a farm to table restaurant like this.

Avocado Toast – Lots of avocado with chili flakes on top. The bread has a light creme fraiche spread on it that you almost don’t notice. The scrambled eggs are fluffy and a great addition to the toast, as is the ample portion of smoked salmon on the side. Again it is a nice fresh dish, which seems to be the way to describe everything here. It’s not the best avocado toast I have had but it is above average.

As you can see, this is a fun spot for brunch in the city of Paso Robles, and the fresh ingredients and great preparation will have you coming back for more. Let me know what you think in the comments.

San Simeon Point is a trail that starts from the beach across the street from Hearst Castle. This beautiful area features a historic pier and a few buildings from the 1800’s as well as the stunning beach and trail to San Simeon Point. The point was once threatened to be turned into a resort and golf course, but due to locals rising up and putting a halt to it, this trail is still accessible to everyone today. Here is all the information.

Details

• 4 miles round trip
• 100 feet of elevation

Getting There

From Highway 1 in Cambria, you will want to head north till you see the entrance for Hearst Castle. Instead of turning right to go to the castle you will turn left and end up in a small parking lot next to the pier and beach. The beach is where the trail starts.

The Trail

From the beach, you will head right, away from the pier. I recommend watching the hill to the right as you walk, it is private property, and you want to look for the spur trail that takes you up the hill and towards the point.

Eventually, the trail will become impassible, and you will have to head into the private property area.

There is a sign here though saying that the land is accessible to hikers from sunrise to sunset, so as long as that is still there, you are good to hike onward.

The trail then stays under a shaded canopy of trees most of the rest of the way.

Every time you see a break in the trees, you will get a good view of the coastline looking back at the pier.

There are a few remarkable trees that you can see from the trail that are fun for photography, if you keep your eyes peeled.

Eventually, you will reach the point, and you can walk out and get fantastic views of the small secluded beach below you and the coastline back the way you came.

It was a stunning area, and I wish I would have had more time just to relax here and take it all in.

San Simeon Point would be an awesome spot to get away from the crowds on a busy summer day.

When you are done, merely head back the way you came, be sure to note where the trail entered the private property, so you don’t miss it on the way back. I loved this trail and this entire area, check it out and let me know what you think in the comments.

The post San Simeon Point Trail on the Central CA Coast appeared first on California Through My Lens.

Sebastian’s is a celebrated sandwich shop that has been in existence since the mid-1800’s and is a California registered historical landmark. This shop once fed the workers that were building Hearst Castle, and it still feeds countless travelers today. If you are driving the coast, hiking San Simeon Point or spending some time at Hearst Castle, it is a great spot to have a meal. Here is all the information.

Details

• Cost: $12 – $15 a person
• Location: 442 Slo San Simeon Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452

Getting There

Heading north on Highway 1 from Cambria, when you see the sign to turn right for Hearst Castle, you will make a left at the next road. Follow it as it bends around, and Sebastian’s is on the corner. There is a large parking lot right next to it.

The Restaurant

Sebastian’s is an ancient restaurant by California standards, and it has a lot of history on the plaque out in front that designates it as a place of historical interest. it has been at this location since 1878, and it is the oldest store building along the north coast of San Luis Obispo County.

There is a large patio to sit on since it is usually nice to be outside in this area, and you simply walk in to order then find a seat.

The restaurant shares its location with the Hearst Ranch Winery, so you can sample some wine while you wait for your food. I was actually impressed with the wine, it was pretty good.

The menu has all of the things you would expect from a sandwich shop, but the claim to fame here is the burgers, which are made from the cows that roam the Hearst family property.

I didn’t get a burger this time but I have in the past and they are good. Here is what we got:

Fish and Chips – Fresh fish with light breading, making the fish inside juicy and flakey. It’s better then you would expect it to be and it is served on a bed of French fries topped with seasoning salt and tartar sauce on the side. Even the tartar sauce is above average with a sweet tang. There is a small portion of coleslaw as well, but I am never a huge fan of that so don’t have much to say about it.

Turkey Sandwich – Large portion of turkey served with bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo. It’s stacked like you would see at a fancy restaurant and has a good amount of flavor for the price. I was told this is one of the most popular items here as well and it is easy to see why. Everything is a little more expensive, but you are on a more remote part of the California Coast so know that going in.

My wife and I were both impressed with our food, and we will be back next time we drive through the area to try a few of the other menu items. If you go, let me know what you think in the comments.

The post Sebastian’s Cafe in San Simeon appeared first on California Through My Lens.

Morro Bay is one of the most beautiful spots on California’s Central Coast, with the vast Morro Rock sitting in the ocean and adding a stunning backdrop to the beaches. There are a bunch of great ways to see the rock, including walking out on the jetty and exploring Morro Strand State Beach, but one of my favorites is the short hike up to Black Hill in Morro Bay State Park. Here is all the information.

Details

• 1-mile round trip
• 150 feet of elevation
• Location: Upper State Park Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Getting There

From Highway 1 you will want to get off on S Bay Blvd then turn right on Main St and then right again on Park View Drive. Near the golf course, you will make a sharp right and drive along Upper State Park Road till it ends at a parking lot for Black Hill Trail.

The Trail

When you get to the parking lot, you are already halfway up the mountain and the short trail to the top is pretty straightforward. You can do this hike from further down if you would like as well.

There is a sign that designates the start of the trail on the right side of the parking lot, and from there you will head out on switchbacks.

After a few switchbacks, you will start to get above the trees at the golf course and get some of those fantastic views of the rock out in the distance.

Continuing on, you will also start to see a view of the Morro Bay Estuary which is unique as well.

Shortly after that, you will make it to the top of the hill where there is a small dirt patch and a few rocks to sit on.

At the summit, you get 360-degree views of the coast and Morro Rock one way, the estuary in another direction and the volcanic mountains that make up the nine sisters in yet another. Black Hill is the last of the nine sisters that you can actually hike, with a few of the other fun ones to hike being Bishops Peak and Cerro San Luis.

Soak in the views and then when you are ready, just head back down the way you came.

Black Hill Trail is a great short hike in the area, let me know what you think if you get a chance to check it out.

The post Black Hill Trail in Morro Bay State Park appeared first on California Through My Lens.

Disclosure: This experience was provided free of charge, all opinions are my own.

The coastal town of Cambria is a great place to spend a relaxing weekend on Highway 1. In my opinion, the best part of the city to stay is on Moonstone Beach Drive, which is where the Sea Otter Inn and a few other hotels are located. I spent two nights at the Sea Otter Inn, and both my wife and I loved our time in this relaxing hotel, especially enjoying the breakfast delivered to your door each morning and access to the ocean right across the street. It is an excellent spot if you are looking to relax and here is all the information.

Details

• Book Here
• Location: 6656 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA 93428

Getting There

From Highway 1 heading north, you will turn left on Windsor Blvd then a quick right on Moonstone Beach Drive. From here the hotel is about a mile and a half down on the right-hand side. There is parking right next to the rooms.

The Hotel

The hotel is two buildings with about a dozen or so rooms and a small parking lot.

I appreciated the size as it made it feel a lot more quaint, complete with Adirondack Chairs and three fire pits placed around the property, encouraging you to leave your room and relax in the ocean breeze.

There is a pool in the back if you are there in the summer and want to swim in the water instead of the ocean.

The small lobby has cookies in the afternoon and coffee all day, making it a great spot for a pick me up.

The Rooms

The hotel features large rooms with a comfortable design that’s warm and adds to the relaxation provided by the property. A few of the rooms have ocean views as well, and we were lucky enough to get one of these.

The bathroom had a large glass sliding door and a vanity for all of your stuff. It was one of the nicer hotel bathrooms I have been in.

The room also had a fireplace that was used to regulate the temperature, and it worked great for us as it was cold in the spring and it was nice to sit near the fire.

The Breakfast

Each night you fill out the breakfast you want from the four options (meat or vegetarian breakfast burrito, yogurt, or pastries with fruit) and leave it on your door to be delivered in the morning.

We had the burritos and the pastries with fruit and they were a great way to wake up in the morning. The meals also came with orange juice as well.  It is especially fun to have your breakfast in the Adirondack Chairs, looking over the ocean.

The location next to Moonstone Beach Drive is great if you are into running, as the wooden path is about two miles roundtrip and its a beautiful spot for a morning run. You can see how close it is to the beach and running path in the below photo.

Honestly, I don’t have anything negative to say about the Sea Otter Inn. It was a lovely and relaxing spot that both my wife and I enjoyed. I can’t wait to go back and if you are looking for a nice hotel along the coast then be sure to check out the Sea Otter Inn.

The post Sea Otter Inn on Cambria’s Moonstone Beach Drive appeared first on California Through My Lens.