We decided to split our time between living in Los Angeles and Vancouver starting this winter. Thus, we planned a little road trip along the California coast. We drove one car up with whatever that could fit in the trunk. It was a 6-day drive – we were taking our time and it was fun! 🙂
Day 1: Los Angeles > Santa Barbara. Day 2: Santa Barbara > Carmel. In the morning of Day 2 we passed by Morro Bay. Here is the Morro Rock, known as the “Gibraltar of the Pacific.”
🙂
A quick bite at Boni’s Tacos in Cambria. Quite yummy!
Next, we reached Big Sur and crossed the famous Bixby Creek Bridge.
Beautiful scenery at Big Sur.
We had a really nice dinner at Casanova (see here) in Carmel and stay at the lovely Quail Lodge & Golf Club. We took a nice walk around the property the second morning before we left.
Day 3: Carmel > Gualala. When we drove through San Francisco in the early afternoon it was pouring! So a very quick stop and we were on our way!
Then we started on a long coastal drive. The roads are really narrow and windy… Lucky that it cleared up! And the view along the coast is definitely worth it! We really loved stop at Muir Beach lookout. So pretty!!
Very windy!! 🙂
A little town named Marshal.
In the evening of Day 3, we reached Gualala (what a cute name)! We found a cute little motel called Seacliff on the Bluff with ocean view.
We grabbed some quick take-out and enjoyed the beautiful sunset in our room!
So pretty!
Day 4: Gualala, CA > Eureka, CA. We passed by The Drive-Through Tree in Leggett, California. It is just about halfway between the Mexican and Canadian borders.
The name Chandelier Tree came from its enormous branches. We did drive our car through the tree – fun!!
One last one!
We were planning on driving through the Avenue of Giants, a scenic drive parallel to Highway 101, to see the giant redwoods. However, it was raining so hard so we decided to be safe and stayed on the freeway.
As we were on our way to the hotel when we reached Eureka, California, we saw Lost Coast Brewery! Brian loves their Great White so we had to visit!
A photo with the shark! (Can you tell it was pouring?!)
Time for beer tasting.
Cute!
All the fruity beer we like… Apricot.. Watermelon… Tangerine… 🙂
Yum! Our favorite = Watermelon Wheat!
We also stopped by the Carson Mansion, one of the most famous and grand Victorian houses in America.
Day 5: Eureka, CA > Crescent City, CA > Grants Pass, OR > Eugene, OR.
The lady at Lost Coast Brewery highly recommended that we drive by Patrick’s Point on our way, so that’s what we did!
So glad we came. We loved the view and the little hike!
The Wedding Rock. There is an easy trail to the rock.
View from the Wedding Rock.
That’s where we were!
Welcome to Grants Pass! Yes we have reached Oregon!
The Caveman Statue.
We stayed overnight at Eugene, OR, and looked forward to visiting Portland tomorrow!