BREAK FROM THE ROAD

North Coast Oasis

Situated 20 miles north of the historic town of Mendocino, the newly constructed Inn at Newport Ranch is part of a 2,000 acre coastal cattle ranch featuring over a mile of oceanfront, three miles of ridge tops, and 20 miles of world class hiking and riding trails. Inspired by the rugged North Coast, the unique lodging destination boasts a 20-foot-wide walk-in stone fireplace, a building supported by 24 individual redwood trees from base to cathedral-like ceiling, and a hot tub on top of a water tower that presents panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a meal al fresco at the inn’s outdoor dining areas, horseback riding, whale watching and guided ATV adventure safaris along the dramatic coast.

San Mateo County Detour

Pull off the road in Pacifica for a rewarding afternoon adventure. Join the fans in line for a pastry at Mazzetti’s Bakery before taking in the scenery on an easy hike along Devil’s Slide. Reward yourself with a Pisco Sour at Puerto 27, a Peruvian restaurant overlooking the Pacific.  Head south to Half Moon Bay, stopping to play bocce and taste wine at La Nebbia Winery. Test your glass blowing skills at Half Moon Bay Art Glass, or play a round of golf at Half Moon Bay Golf Links. Continue your detour with a stop at Pillar Point Lighthouse in Pescadero, followed by a cheese sampling at Harley Farms Goat Dairy. Hike along Ano Nuevo beach to see the giant elephant seals, or go horseback riding at Costanoa Lodge and Resort. Cheers to your excursion with a locally brewed beer at Highway One Brewing Company.

Meet Your Personal Sommelier

Wines from all over the world are personally handpicked by Katie Brookshire, the wine aficionado behind Table Wine Merchant (also a former employee of world-renowned wine expert David Lynch). Stop into this boutique Pacifica shop and let her pick the perfect bottle to suit your style. Winemakers are on site for weekend wine tastings, and “Two Fer Tuesday” offers to feature wine tastings. Most bottles are under $20.

Local Grub in Corona del Mar

On the shores of Big Corona beach, “Top Chef” alum and Southern California native Chef Brian Huskey is bringing chef-driven, approachable cuisine to the masses. Tackle Box mixes Asian, French, Peruvian, and Californian influences, creating a fresh menu accessible right at the beachside stand. Delicious dishes like lobster rolls, elote, salmon poke, and a unique twist – Banh Mi and Falafel – will surely satisfy beach-goers’ cravings. 

FIND YOUR PEACE

Serene Pismo Creek

Along Highway 1 on the southern border of Pismo Beach, the Pismo Creek ripples serenely through a riparian estuary until it is greeted by the Pacific Ocean. Flanked by majestic Eucalyptus trees, this section of the Pismo Creek is home to the Monarch Butterfly Grove which hosts tens of thousands of migrating butterflies from October through February. Meander along the banks where various migrating marine life such as dolphins, whales, and sea otters and numerous bird species including warblers and adorable snowy plovers can be observed.

Valley Escape

Miles of row crops, vast stretches of nearly empty beaches, and nature viewing invite travelers to stop along the western edge of Santa Maria Valley’s quiet landscape. Here, the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex is National Wildlife Refuge that offers hiking, wildflower viewing, bird watching, whale watching, nature photography and more. Start your adventure at the Dunes Center, a tiny museum located in the town of Guadalupe. Take a self-led or guided hike, and explore the intriguing displays of artifacts found in the dunes. Nearby, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts and Education Center specializes in local Chumash Native American heritage, and the ever-popular Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville offers great classic musicals, original plays and melodramas. End your adventure with authentic Mexican eats at El Tapatio in Guadalupe.

CAR FREE SOJOURNS

Morro Bay’s Adventure Pass

Make the most of your beach experience in Morro Bay, an active seaside fishing village along Highway 1’s Central Coast. With the Morro Bay Adventure Pass, receive discounts on bicycles, surrey, kayaking, and stand up paddle board rentals, as well as boating, fishing and wine tasting. Take a break from the road for three full days of fun with this all-inclusive package. Passes for individuals, couples, and families are available.

SLO’s Small Town Vibe

In San Luis Obispo, over 60 local businesses throughout the county have come together to join SLO Car Free, providing travellers with the opportunity to see the sights sans vehicle. Your car-free journey to San Luis Obispo’s charming coastal hub starts with a 20 percent discount off Amtrak. Sample cuisine, architecture and history with Central Coast Food Tours, explore the wine country of Paso Robles with Breakaway Tours, soak in the natural hot springs at Avila Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, or taste local, organic dining at Big Sky Café in downtown SLO. Visit renowned tourist destinations such as Hearst Castle and the popular downtown SLO farmers’ market.