This whole region is about food, wine, wild animals, and the outdoors. Here are some of our favorites, and there are plenty more to discover out there.
Restaurants
Santa Barbara
Bouchon One of our favorite restaurants on earth. California cuisine with French influence. Who knew you could do that with persimmons? Not to be confused with Thomas Keller’s Bouchon. Pricey and generally requires reservations.
The French Press Where we stop for coffee and pastries every time we pass through Santa Barbara.
Cielito A great Mexican place. Try something with the mole poblano. Their menu changes, so you’ll have to ask. The ceviche bar is also a great bet.
Au Bon ClimatOur favorite winery has a tasting room in downtown SB. Known for Pinot noir and Chardonnay, but their work with lesser known varietals surprises and delights.
San Luis Obispo
GranadaPart of the hotel. We might order an inventive curry-squash soup or just go for the killer burger.
Big Sur
Big Sur BakeryBoth for a quick baked good (if there are any left!) and a hearty sit down. Their menu is creative and seasonal.
Coast GalleryDelicious, casual lunch place. Eat outside under the umbrellas.
San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco espressoBlue Bottle and Farm:Table are among the very best.
Dio DekaTucker’s favorite Greek restaurant in this country. Make sure to go for a Greek wine. If you’re flying in to SJC or SFO, this is directly on the way to the CA-1, in Los Gatos. Pricey and worth it.
Trails
Sykes Hot SpringsWe did this as an overnight hike to natural hot springs in Los Padres National Forest.
Los Padres National ForestAside from being a giant forest with a tremendous amount of hiking, the quick coastal cliff stops are simply astounding. We like Sand Dollar Beach on the Pacific Bluff Trail.
Montaña de OroA well-developed state park good for both long and short hikes. There’s also a fantastic cove with natural arches. We almost had the wedding here.
Other
The Monterey Bay AquariumMecca of aquariums.
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seals17,000 elephant seals live here. In early November, young males will be resting on the beach until mature males show up. It’s on CA-1, so it’s easy to stop and watch for a while. The Friends of the Elephant Seals have more info.
Ostrichland, USA1/4 mi off the highway in Buellton, CA, Ostrichland, USA raises ostriches and emus for eggs and feathers. You can feed them for $5, and it's worth every dollar to watch their funny ostrich (and emu) heads bob for food. Ostrichland USA has more.
Sustainable VineAn excellent wine tour operator who knows our favorite vineyards well.
Paso RoblesFor self-guided wine tastings.
17 Mile DriveIconic coastal drive north of Carmel.
Vandenberg AFBTina launches rockets here, but they don’t let the rest of us in, except for a section of the CA-1 if you’re heading north from LA.
Hotels and RentalsWe've listed some hotels that people have recommended, but there are more options in the area. Also, there are many vacation rentals in the area. See VRBO. We can recommend some great places to pitch a tent too. :)
Big Sur Food and WineThere are some bonus options from November 6th to 9th in the form of Big Sur Food and Wine, an event with regional winemakers and chefs from all over hosting special restaurant dinners, private dinners, wine hikes, and tastings. See their website for a schedule.