Four Nights, Four Epic Destinations
Sometimes the only therapy you need is an adventure that feeds your soul.
Have a long weekend and nothing to do? Want to get away, but you don’t want to deal with the hassles of an airport? Traveling by car is the perfect choice. Pack your bags. In this post, I am going to show you four must-see stops for your California road trip.
I started my journey in San Diego. Since I would be traveling with my pup, dog friendly stops were a must. While it is important to plan ahead, leaving some room for the unexpected will make it more enjoyable.
Four Epic Destinations
Yosemite National Park
Whether you are hiking Vernal Falls or strolling Lower Yosemite Falls, the views will take your breath away. There’s nothing better for the soul then getting lost in nature.
East Lake Tahoe
Most People that go to Tahoe stay on the south side. It is definitely more lively which can mean more crowds. If you prefer a more calmer serene experience, East Tahoe will be a better choice. A day of hiking followed by a delicious lunch with amazing views is my idea of time well spent.
Big Sur and Carmel
Crossing the infamous 1932 Bixby Bridge while taking in the turquoise waters of Big Sur is a picturesque sight. Designated off of US 1 about 18 miles from Carmel-by-the-sea.
Morro Bay
A quaint fisherman town with a scenic backdrop. Burying your feet in the sand while listening to the ocean waves, is a great way to end your road trip. The majestic Morro Rock can be seen from any area of this town. Here you can try some delicious seafood.
Yosemite– Near the South entrance of Yosemite, along the Fresno river is the town of Oakhurst. This is where we booked our first overnight in an amazing Airbnb. Ideally, a trip to Yosemite should be a minimum of two days. However, if you have visited the national park before, one day is doable. We started our morning with some good eats at Mountain Oaks Cafe. An amazing brunch spot that will leave you craving more. After fueling up we headed to Yosemite Lower Falls to take in the views and burn off some calories. The falls are best to visit during the spring. This is when they are at their peak flow. If you don’t have a National Park pass the standard entry fee is $20-$35. There are certain times of the year the park will require reservations so be sure to check ahead of time. If you are not too tired from walking around Yosemite, be sure to check out the antique store scene. One of my favorites is a store called Good Ol Things.
The drive from Yosemite to Tahoe is breathtakingly scenic. The route takes you over the Tioga Pass and through the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains. Don’t forget to make a pit stop at Mono Lake for some Instagram worthy pictures of it’s majestic “Tufa Towers”
Tahoe– The next stop of our road trip was South Tahoe. Arriving in the evening, we decided to have some appetizers and a drink at Jimmy’s Restaurant at the Landing hotel. The next morning we excitedly ventured off to see the beautiful Lake Tahoe. However, there was a marathon going on that day. It made access difficult. So, we checked out and headed to the east side of Tahoe. East Tahoe is by far my favorite side of Tahoe. Turquoise water and a stunning mountain backdrop to complement it. We had lunch at a quaint cafe called Tunnel Creek Station. Their turkey pesto sandwich is mouth watering. They also make some flavorful lattes too. Our post lunch hike was a trail walking distance from the restaurant. The trail is around four miles and the views are captivating along the way. For those of you who prefer a much calmer outdoorsy part of Tahoe, I highly recommend staying in East Tahoe.
Big Sur and Carmel– We crossed over to the coast side of California. Big Sur was our third stop on this epic road trip. We stopped at the infamous Bixby Bridge for sunset. Big Sur Camp Grounds is where we decided to stay the night in lieu of a hotel. The towering redwoods located off the banks of the Big Sur River seemed like the perfect place to rest for the night. Upon check in we were given a swag bag of two Big Sur mugs and hot chocolate. I decided to car camp while my friend pitched a tent. Then we ended the night with some S’mores around the campfire.
After waking up to the sound of the riverbank, I took a stroll through the forest with my morning coffee. Perfect time to reflect and find my breath. Once the java set in, I was ready for some sightseeing and good eats. The short drive through Big Sur to Carmel is magical. You will be inclined to pull over several times to take in the views. We we finally made it to Carmel-by-the-Sea we had brunch at one of my favorite restaurants, From Scratch. Their cinnamon roll french toast and mocha lattes are hard to resist.
Morro Bay– The last stop of our journey was a charming fishing town called Morro Bay. It’s known for the iconic Morro Rock. A volcanic peak over 500 feet tall that can be viewed from just about any part of the town. The beach surrounding part of the rock was a perfect place to end our road trip. As I buried my toes in the sand and listened to the waves I felt instant relaxation. We decided to end the night watching sunset and having dinner by the shore. Morro Bay has many seafood restaurants to choose from. Something for every palate and don’t forget to grab the salt water taffy before you head home.
From mountain views to serene beaches, a road trip is a journey of discovery. As I pulled up to my final destination to a place I call home, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Grateful for the four nights of laughter, shared experiences and unforgettable memories. Now, time to plan the next adventure.