We didn’t go out to California just to watch the Packers beat the 49ers…
We were there visiting a friend who recently moved back.
If there is any advice I can give about deciding where to travel…
it’s to take friends and family up on the offer to come visit them.
Here’s why:
- You get to spend time with them!
- They most likely will know the area better than any guidebook; so you’ll do cooler things you wouldn’t have otherwise.
- You will probably save some money if they let you crash with them.
Our flight left at about 7:30am on a Friday morning.
Is it just me, MSPers; or is the security line at the airport slower than ever? We arrived at the gate and immediately boarded the plane. No coffee for me – specifically, no Americano. 😦
Instead, our friend Jenny {who set this whole trip in motion!} bought us a little breakfast booze.
They had Screwdrivers while I opted to add a little Bailey’s to my in-flight coffee. And who can resist Delta’s Biscoff Cookies?!
We landed around 9am San Fran-time and were greeted by Shondra with ice-cold liter-sized bottles of water.
{Note to self: Do this for anyone visiting you. It is the nicest gesture because everyone gets dehyrdrated when flying!}
Shondra drove us along the PCH {Pacific Coast Highway} making our way toward her place in Moss Beach. We stopped a bit a long the way…
…like to see what she calls “the Best Taco Bell ever”.
Imagining why? Well, this view:
Rob and I instantly noticed that many dogs were off-leash on the beach here, enjoying it along with everyone else, including the surfers!
We stopped for a little breakfast at the Montara Cafe and Bakery located in, you guessed it, Montara.
We had no idea what a treat we were in for!
Now was the chance to get great coffee!
…and a very cool menu. Jenny, Rob and I all opted for different Kalua Pork dishes. I haven’t had that since we’d been in Hawaii! We dined outside basking in the California sun; but I forgot to take any food photos until my last bite. DOH!
In the afternoon, we walked along Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay.
I decided to call it Glitter Beach instead. I love the shimmering sand!
But the most incredible thing about this beach was the whale-watching, which is a total anomaly this time of year! I was looking up tours before we left and found that the season is generally December through March. Well, here we were in October and we didn’t need to spend top dollar to take a tour because we could see them from shore!
It was too difficult to catch photos of them and enjoy the views to the fullest, so you won’t see any here. But here is a link to an article that was written the day before we arrived.
We weren’t the only ones gathered ’round to see these whales:
We had a snack at the Miramar Beach Restaurant where dogs were as welcome as they are on the beach. The only caveat: “No pets on the furniture.” OMG – I love this place.
Me to Rob: “Can we retire here?”
He just smiled.
Those seated near the beachfront with the ocean view could see the whales, too!
We walked back to our vehicle along a little trail and were perplexed by this sign:
I hit it up on Facebook and the best explanation was by our friend Lisa: “…horse country. Cyclists yield to hikers. Both cyclists & hikers yield to horses.” I guess it’s just respectful to do so because horses were here first? So, more of a historical tradition than a practical one.
Then it was off to a brewery that Shondra said she knew we’d love.
I like the digs…
And good to know that walkens are welcome. Ha!
The taproom was nice and we loved the beer selection.
I think my fave of the bunch was the Lean Mean Vanilla Bean Porter. This brewery did NOT disappoint.
After checking in Chez Shondra and saying hello to Cali cat {for calico, not California. Ha!}, we went for an early dinner at Shondra’s favorite little local spot – Moss Beach Distillery.
And of course, this place was also…
I enjoyed watching a Griffon dog anxiously wait for his daddy to get back from getting drinks while he sat with his momma. He was so sweet!
Moss Beach Distillery is not actually a distillery, but I didn’t get that far into reading why…
Shondra knew exactly when we should get there to snag a seat near the fire, overlooking the ocean to watch the sun set!
And we scored that spot…
…as well as a bottle of half-priced wine during happy hour. Oh how we are big, bold Zinfandel lovers!
While the weather was mild, the sun was still hot and starting to burn my forehead, so Rob gave me his hat for a bit. We had to take a Wineaux friend photo!
Shondra and I dined on scrumptious Happy Hour food while Jenny and Rob went with burgers.
As the sun slowly set over the ocean, a fire was lit…
And we ended our night polishing off three bottles…
Not bad for old Wineaux friends, hey?! It was a perfect first day in California. That’s only the beginning… 🙂
Where was your last vacation visiting friends?
Cheers~
Carrie
Season It Already! 