We first decided we needed to take this trip several years ago before we knew we were moving to San Francisco. I even bought a PCH guidebook before we moved to SF. Coincidentally, that was long enough ago that I forgot I bought the guidebook and still haven't used it.
Once we moved to SF, this trip seemed easier than ever to finally take, but kept getting put on the back burner. Believe it or not (most of you will believe it), the trip was finally set in stone when we found out the new Batman movie The Dark Night Rises was coming out.
Brent + Jared + Batman = happiness.
The trip was mostly planned Couchman style (go with the flow), with a few things King style (planned out). We knew we were going to see Batman. Twice. Hearst Castle. Disneyland. And had a few nights in hotels planned out.
Day 1
We drove to Carmel by Sea and stopped for lunch at a place with a beautiful view but less memorable food. The views along the drive are stunning.
We arrived at Hearst Castle early afternoon and took the general tour of the castle. The castle (which is more like a mansion than a castle...I expected a draw bridge and moat) was amazing and the history really interested me. I might have spent too much time that night googling the Hearst family. The details, art, architecture was all so beautiful.
That night we stayed in Avila beach, a few miles outside of San Louis Obispo, in the cutest little hotel. I know this doesn't interest most of you but I must say Avila La Fonda Hotel was the cutest unexpected place. It had some great amenities like serving warm chocolate chip cookies all day, chocolate crouisants for breakfast, pie in the evening, wine and cheese at 5 pm, snacks at cost, dvd and book library, a very nice welcome basket....all included in the room fee which was very affordable considering the location.
And moving on...
Day 2
We reluctantly left Avila Beach and made it to L.A. just in time to get lunch and catch our first showing of Batman.
The movie was really good, we had assigned seats, and the theater displayed some costumes and the tumbler (Batman's ride). L.A. was already winning cool points with us. (The glass is so reflective here but that's Batman in between Jared & Brent.)
Day 3
Disneyland. I don't actually love theme parks but the art and detail at Disneyland is impressive. Also, the short rib at the Blue Bayou restaurant made it worth the trip alone.
It was fun to watch Brent experience the art as an adult. He is especially inspired by Mary Blair who is responsible for most of the It's A Small World art.
And who doesn't love a good fireworks show to end the day.
We were there from 9ish to 12am. We got to do everything we really wanted to do. As you can see, we had fun!
Day 4
After Disneyland, we were exhausted. We slept in, took it easy, saw Batman again, and saw a few L.A. sights. A nice and relaxing day.
Day 5
Took it easy, checked out the Farmer's Market, Jared met us for dinner, and headed to Venice Beach.
I didn't really know much about it, but we planned to stay a night at Hotel Erwin on a friends recommendation. Hotel Erwin was a really great hotel and we had the nicest view from our balcony. We first went out for walk on the boardwalk which was interesting...my guidebook (the one I haven't used till now) says " its a a freak show, a human zoo, a wacky carnival and an essential L.A. experience." I don't know about the essential L.A. experience part but I do agree with everything else. It was a relief when we discovered the mid century inspired shops on Abbot Kinney Blvd. Just our cup of tea:)
We had some great BBQ for dinner to top off our Venice Beach experience. We haven't found any good BBQ in SF so it was a treat.
Day 6
We had planned to stay in Venice Beach two nights but then decided we would get more out of our trip if we stayed at a different beach town. We decided on Santa Barbara. We fell in love with Santa Barbara. Our hotel The Biltmore, mexican food at Los Arroyos, the beach...it's a beautiful place. Lot's of rest and relaxation going on and a great way to end our trip.
Wished we could have made it down to San Diego, but hopefully we'll get back down that way soonish. For anyone looking for a great stateside vacation I highly recommend the PCH.
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