Picks and Pans – From Los Olivos, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

PICKS: Los Olivos, CA

Although Sean and I spent less than an hour in this town, I’ve already made plans to return. With its old Victorian homes converted into B&Bs, its small main street lined with tasting rooms from local wineries and its relaxed vibe, Los Olivos is the perfect place to spend a weekend […]

Picks and Pans – Pismo Beach and Shell Beach, CA

PICKS: Pismo Beach

Although at first glance there doesn’t seem to be anything special about it, Pismo Beach is a solidly good beach. Nice sand, hardly any trash blowing around, lots of space and just enough people for good people watching, but not so many that it seems crowded. Plus, it was warm enough in […]

Picks and Pans – Morro Bay, CA

PICKS: Sunset at Morro Rock

Morro Rock is all that remains of a once gigantic volcano. It sits on Morro Beach like a lost behemoth, left behind when the rest of its kind vanished. During sunset, the waves crash dramatically against it and create great plumes of spray in the fiery light, reminiscent of the […]

Picks and Pans – From Pinnacles National Monument to Fresno, CA

PICKS: High Peaks and Balconies Cave Loop in Pinnacles National Monument

Pinnacles has been on the road trip itinerary ever since Sean’s mom showed us a picture of Sean, at the ripe old age of 18 months, peering into the mouth of one of the caves in the park. We returned to those caves, and […]

Picks and Pans – Big Sur, CA

PICKS: Big Sur Station

Big Sur Station should be the first stop for anyone heading into Big Sur. The ranger station has information on all the surrounding state parks and the Los Padres National Forest that borders Big Sur. We were lucky enough to stop in when Ranger Bob was manning the desk. A 9 […]