How to Plan the Perfect Fall Weekend Getaway

I love summer. I love the heat. But, boy, there is something special when fall is approaching. It is the anticipation of cooler winds, changing leaves, sweaters, boots, red wine, cozy meals and the longing to get out and explore. Anyone else?

After the busy Harvest Season, usually by November, Brian and I can really take a breathe and sneak away for a long weekend getaway. This year, we’re making it a priority sooner! But in either case, why not start planning now?

We’ve taken a few fall weekenders over the years that I’m sure we will share but one of our top favorite is traveling the coast of California. Whether you’re starting at the top or the bottom of the state, this long weekender will not disappoint. It’s funny to reminisce on this particular trip as it was one of our firsts together. We’ve done a few variations of the long weekend in both different seasons and different stops. Feel free to make it your own!

How to make the perfect fall long weekend getaway come true… we’re about to share where to visit, where to stay and what to eat and drink!

Since we live in Southern California… we start at the bottom of the state driving North to Santa Barbara (skirting LA)… ending in Monterey. We call this one the ‘Central Coast Loop’.

Central Coast Loop

1. Santa Barbara

a. Hotel Californian www.hotelcalifornian.com

b. Santa Barbara Wine Collective www.santabarbarawinecollective.com

If you’re going to stay and enjoy Santa Barbara… stay at the Hotel Californian. It’s worth every penny to enjoy the California elegance, suburb customer service and walking distance to the beach, restaurants and wine bars. One wine bar in particular we enjoyed was the Santa Barbara Wine Collective. We happened to be there during COVID-19 and enjoyed the patio along with their chocolate and red wine flight. We peered inside but looking forward to stepping in, next time. They had personalized service and a well-versed wine list. Depending on your departure time, we have found Starbucks and a walk on the beach after the drive around LA is also (so!) enjoyable.

2. Solvang

a. Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe www.birkholmsbakery.com

b. Fitzpatrick’s Tavern www.fitzpatrickstavern.com

The quaint little town of Solvang, California transports you to a little village in Denmark. We always seem to arrive either mid-morning or mid-afternoon just in time for a delectable sweet treat. European’s, in general, I feel make the most incredible desserts. Birkholm’s Bakery and Cafe does not disappoint. We’ve tried the Danish, almond bearclaw, all the cinnamon-y treats but also their lemon pound cake and a treat that is called the ‘Sarah’. Sarah, spelled wrong in my case, is a shortbread cookie with marshmallow creamed dipped in chocolate. I’m sorry.. a Sarah and a cappuccino.. shut the front door! De-lish! Birkholm’s is also a deli – a perfect mid-day sandwich is also wonderful on their homemade bread. The town has many other breakfast spots, pubs (like the drool-worthy Fitzpatrick’s Tavern if savory is more your speed), parks and shops that are fun to explore.

3. Los Olivos/Santa Maria/Santa Ynez Valley

a. Cambria Estate Winery www.cambriawines.com

b. Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe www.winemerchantcafe.com

Don’t get us started on how much we enjoy the town of Los Olivos because we would be here awhile. A must stop on our usual pass through Santa Ynez Valley is Cambria Estate Winery. It is a drive, past Zaca Mesa or roughly 20 minutes or so from Los Olivos proper, but worth the time and curvy roads. Cambria Winery, part of the Jackson Family portfolio is women owned, lead and they pride themselves in being sustainably farmed. Known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.. I deviate slightly, as Viognier is my favorite, perfectly light, floral, clean and fruity on the nose with touch of minerality on the finish. A fun fact – Brian was a Winemaker for Kendall Jackson, Cambria Winery was under their umbrella of wines to oversee. Brian would visit the winery and consult with Winemaker’s to ensure wines across the brand remained unique to each. If you find, like we did on occasion, you aren’t able to venture too far into wine country, a quick pit stop into the Los Olivos Wine Merchant, you’ll find that special something.

We haven’t stayed in the area yet but hope to this next time around… We currently have a list of getaways we want to enjoy but next time to Los Olivos we’ll be enjoying the Ballard Inn and Bar Le Côte (the famous Bell’s in Los Alamos, second venture) Restaurant.

4. Highway 1

a. Elephant Seal Vista, San Simeon off Hwy 1

Have you seen the Elephant Seals? If you’re traveling on the Hwy 1… STOP!

5. Pismo Beach

a. Pismo Fish & Chips www.pismofishandchips.com

b. Ada’s Fish House www.adasfishhouse.com

c. Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach – Autograph Collection www.marriott.com

Oh Pismo… Brian and I grew up on two different coastlines – East and West. Pismo we both found in a league of its own. Pismo we found to be not as crowded as many of the Southern California beaches and warmer than the New York beach lines. We love and recommend the Vespera Resort, part of the Marriott collection, right on the water and near the pier. They upgraded us upon our arrival with Marriott points to an ocean facing room and balcony – we enjoyed the sunset each night with a glass Viognier we had just picked up at Cambria Winery. Two delicious eats.. Pismo’s Fish & Chips – perfect to bring with to the beach and for evening dining with an extensive wine selection, Ada’s Fish House. Don’t forget to get a picture out in front of the big Pismo Beach sign by the pier. We have forgotten a few times now… a reason to go back, I guess!

6. Cambria

a. Moonstone Beach

b. Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill www.moonstonebeach.com

c. Cambria Pines Lodge www.cambriapineslodge.com

The definition of a moonstone is a gemstone from feldspar which is a mineral from the Earth’s crust. Every time we head up the coast we try to make it to Cambria. It is so beautiful. When we are there we always walk to beach in search of moonstones and grab (no matter the season) a cup of their Clam Chowder at the Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill. Yum-O! Want to stay and make an even longer weekend… Cambria Pines Lodge. The Lodge is not for the pretentious. The Lodge is older and reminds me of the 90’s style. The rooms are huge and property has many walking trails and hikes and even a garden to boot.

7. Monterey

a. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Restaurant www.montereyplazahotel.com

b. Monterey Bay Aquarium www.montereybayaquarium.org

c. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. www.bubbagump.com

If I could move into any hotel, the Monterey Plaza Hotel would be a top contender. The Plaza is a great central location to walk to everything! In one direction you could walk to the Aquarium, first stopping at Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Company for a Bloody Mary and shrimp cocktail and then in the other direction is the pier, shops and beach trails. When I think of Monterey – I seem to always say… ‘let’s go back!’.

Well, until the next adventure. Happy Travels! We hope you enjoy!

#locatedhere

Sara