California’s Central Coast

PART 1

I decided to break up my trip into a few blog posts, so I could really spend some time showing you the beautiful sights of California’s Central Coast. This was my FIRST time ever exploring San Luis Obispo and driving up Pacific Coast Hwy! Just saying it now, I am in love and desperately trying to find some time in my schedule to go back.  If anyone would like to join me, comment below!

DAY 1

The day after Christmas, Josh and I met up with his family in CAYUCOS, CALIFORNIA. Josh’s mom Lesia, decided to rent a beach house for the entire family as a Christmas present, how awesome is she? Josh had to work earlier that day, so we got on the road from the O.C. area around 4pm. With a few stops along the way it took us about 4 1/2 hours to get to Cayucos. Now if you’re wondering where Cayucos is, it’s located in San Luis Obispo County along California State Route 1 between Cambria to the north and Morro Bay to the south. When we finally arrived at the house the first thing I noticed was how clean and clear the air was. It was also super windy and I loved it. We stayed in that night, fun little fact Josh and his male cousins all decided to pop the question too! Not on the same day as us but in close proximity. Here’s a cute picture we all took.

DAY 2

I woke up to the sound of the wind! Seriously, I had no clue wind could be so loud. That morning we made breakfast at the house enjoying the amazing view and opening presents. It was so nice to just spend time with the family since Josh doesn’t get a chance to go home (Visalia) that much.

In the early afternoon we decided to walk into town which was an easy eleven minute walk from our house. What I loved about Cayucos is how pet-friendly they are, almost every store or shop you can bring dogs in. Bree, Josh’s sister wanted to take us to Ruddell’s Smokehouse

We got there before they were open so while we were waiting I had to get my caffeine fix so I stopped by Luna’s Coffee Bar. 

If you know me I loooove coffee and Luna’s was delicious. They also had breakfast burritos, pastries, tea’s and deserts. Their decor was super cute and the outside patio garden was a perfect place to sip your coffee, grab a book and relax. A coffee shop I highly recommend when you visit Cayucos and the best part they are *Pet Friendly*

We all walked back to Ruddell’s Smokehouse, a line had already formed so I knew this place had to be legit. We all got different types of tacos; shrimp, smoked albacore, chicken, salmon and veggie. They all were delicious and their gourmet sauce added the extra touch.

*This is a must-stop when you visit.

After lunch we all walked on the pier..

Then on the beach…

There’s something about Cayucos that makes me feel like I’m in a Nicholas Sparks book. It has a quiet, magical vibe to it. We then drove about 30 mins to see the Elephant Seals in San Simeon. Their noises, movements, and interactions with each other was so fun to watch.  When visiting the central coast, put this stop on your map it’s not everyday you see Elephant Seals.

We wanted to make one more spot, the HEARST CASTLE   

Unfortunately, all tours were sold out (Christmas Vacation) but we still walked around the museum & visitor center and watched a really informative movie about William Randolph Hearst. I was able to snap a few pictures, not enough so the Hearst Castle is on my *to-do list*.

Well that was the first day sightseeing, stay tuned for my trip to Morro Bay!