Central Coast of California
21/01/2025
May 2021
This was my first solo adventure with a goal of finishing a portion of the California coastal highway and visit places that hold special memories from previous trips that Brian and I took together. I also explored and created new memories in new locations. Brian was with me every step of the way in my heart and I am so grateful to have had this solo adventure.
Wine Country and Dry Creek Valley
The trip started north of San Francisco with a stay in the cute town of Petaluma and the Dry Creek Valley region of wine country. CAST was as favorite winery for me and Brian on our 25th wedding anniversary trip. The winery asked if they could borrow and display a painting Brian completed there in 2016 and I was so happy to oblige. The staff was so kind and generous during my visit. They gifted me a couple of bottles of wine, some souvenir items, and paid for my VIP tasting/tour. So nice knowing a piece of Brian's art is in one of our favorite California locations.
Headed down the Pacific Coast Highway
As I headed down the Pacific Coast Highway, I made stops at Land's End for some hiking and a stroll through the Presidio. I enjoyed staying in the town of Carmel by the Sea and used that as a base while exploring some favorite spots in Big Sur. Some key locations in the photos are Point Lobos State Park, Soberanes Point, Bixby Creek Bridge, Point Sur Light Station, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The "purple sand" was a treat to see in person at Pfeiffer beach.
Some of my favorite parts of the coast
Further down the coast I had stays in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara with stops at Pismo Beach, Los Olivos, and Gaviota State Park. I had a quick (and stinky) stop at sea lion beach. Los Olivos is a cute little town we visited before with a neat vibe. I could stay in Santa Barbara forever!
Channel Islands National Park
The most challenging and rewarding part of the trip was exploring Channel Islands National Park off the California Coast. It was over an hour ferry ride from Ventura to Channel Island NP but it offered fabulous opportunities to see the dolphins and whales up close. I spent the day hiking and did a group kayak tour of sea caves on the island. I loved how the isolation of the islands has created a one of a kind habitat for flowers and animals. The island fox are found no where else on earth and they are so cute! This was a week of self-growth and strength building for me. I'm so glad I took this solo trip and look forward to hopefully many more. California coast will always hold a special place in my heart. And now I can say that we've driven the WHOLE coastline of California!
