California Coast winter getaways to Morro Bay and realm of North Coast elephant seals
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California is one of the most visited states in the US and usually visitors want to spend time in San Francisco or Los Angeles. Well, you can do either, then rent a car and in 4 hours from one or the other city, you will find yourself on the California Highway 1 Road Trip. This will take you to the middle of the state where you can explore beautiful scenery, visit vineyards, eat magnificent and fresh seafood and experience America’s Castle.
What to see in California?
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An expert started his journey in Los Angeles and spent four glorious hours being awed by the vistas along the route. From the Pacific ocean to the majestic mountains, the place is all around to savor. He arrived in Morro Bay home to Morro Rock, sometimes referred to as California’s Rock of Gibraltor. It is an imposing sight and can be seen from every point in Morro Bay. And you will get struck by the laid back atmosphere and 1960’s vibe.
You will see every age group casually strolling and enjoying all the sights and sounds – from craft beers to upscale wines and terrific seafood at every corner. If you are there, you will particularly enjoy dining at Tognazzini’s Dockside which is owned by a commercial fisherman. You can go whale watching, shopping, paddle boarding or just watch the seals and sea otters float by your hotel.
Find your perfect getaway in California
Your next stop should be Cayucos where you can still find ranchers pulling up to the local restaurants and tying up their horses on the posts in front. You won’t see that in LA! It has great restaurants on the ocean and is home to one of Oprah’s favorites, the Brown Butter Cookie Company, which is locally owned – the cookies just melt in your mouth. From there, you can drive a short distance to Harmony, population 18. However, in true California style, it is home to a winery, Harmony Cellars. You can take a tour, taste their wines and enjoy the outdoor scenery.
A short drive from Harmony is Cambria, home to more wineries, great restaurants, shops with locally made products and of course, the ocean. They have a great eco program and you can pick up a Cambria Stewardship Clean-Up Kit at their Visitor Center.
Get back in your car and only a few minutes away is the Elephant Seal Rookery where these magnificent creatures migrate thousands of miles twice a year to breed, molt, birth and rest between trips. It is quite a sight and definitely worth the stop.
From there, you must head to Hearst Castle State Park in San Simeon. See where William Randolph Hearst lived and greeted his many famous friends for almost 3 decades in the early part of the last century. There are guided tours available of the house and grounds.
After the tour, you can head over to the Hearst Ranch Winery Tasting Room and Sebastian’s General Store where you can dine on a grass-fed burger from their ranch.
So when you consider visiting California, don’t forget about the mid-section of the State. It will provide many fond experiences and memories.
