A Road Trip on California's Central Pacific Coast

It's hard not to think of all the possible Pinterest perfect inspirational quotes that come to mind when I think about how gorgeous our trip to California's central Pacific Coast was. Coming from Southern California--particularly Los Angeles, we don't see all the stunning blues and lushes greens that world can offer. Every color was so vibrant and full of life that the best words I can come up with to describe it is...

Beauty and Gratitude.

It was my birthday weekend, and I wanted to travel to a new place I had never been. Not too far for a weekend travel, but far enough to smell a different kind of air. The plan was to see the famous Heart Castle, hopefully see some Elephant Seals, take a stroll down Moonstone Beach, and the rest was wherever the wind would take us.

And the wind took us to the most beautiful parts of California that I had ever seen. 

Vibrant crystal blue waters, the farthest greens I've every been able to see without a sight of human interruption. Being in such a place only three and a half hours away from LA, really does put into perspective how there are just so many other parts to this world that are just so mesmerizing than the sparkling lights of Hollywood. 
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When I pulled these image off my camera and onto my computer, I realized that there was so much richness of colors that I didn't want to ruin the integrity of the photos by using some random filter or editing preset for this set of images. On the contrary, I created a brand new preset just for this set and I'm so happy I did.

Although the new preset allowed me to respect the colors of true earth tones, this is a place I would recommend for anyone to see for themselves. Breathtaking views, fresh air, waves crashing, and...well, just see for yourself...

Just look at this blue...I can stare at it for days.

What I wouldn't give to see this place when Mr. Hearst himself ran it...

We even did a tour!

I managed to take a photo of us afterwards even. #messyhairdon'tcare #havingtoomuchfuntocare lol!

After a long day, we decided to head to Paso Robles, Ca to see if we could grab a bite and perhaps a brewery. Sure enough, we found the Firestone Walker Brewing Company. Their Buffalo Cauliflower was everything! 

On the drive back from Paso Robles to San Simeon where our little hotel by the coast was, the sun had set just around the mountains, and I had to pull over to take a few photos and just take it alllllll in...

On the next morning, we started early and took a walk to Moonstone Beach but parked far so we could enjoy the walk with our morning coffee. 

We even met a few friends.

To close up our trip, we decided to detour a little bit by heading towards Lopez Lake in Arroyo Grande, Ca. This was a place that was suggested to us from a couple of people we had met and had a moment to talk to while in San Simeon and also in Ragged Point, Ca. Since two people in two different towns suggested it, we thought we'd take look.

Clare even found a spot where she could set up and fish. So she was excited about that.

​What a great birthday trip that was! If you're interested in heading to some of the spots we went to, here are some helpful tips!

• Food in San Simeon, California:

Most places close pretty early on, so be sure to have food already packed up or pick up food before 6 or 7 pm. The options to have delivery is very few. 

• Hearst Castle - San Simeon, California

You can get tickets for a tour of your choice, and enjoy the history, the view and the fresh clean air.

• Moonstone Beach - Cambria, California

This walk is beautiful. From the waters, to the rocks, and even all the greens around as you take the walkway path filled with yellow flowers.

• Elephant Seals - San Simeon, California

Depending on the season, these Elephant Seals are either sleeping or their active during mating season. We saw them when they were mostly sleeping. But they're fun to watch.

• Cambria, California: 

If you're on Highway 1, and you need to essential things: gas and coffee (Cambria Coffee Roasting Company), you're going to want to stop here. It's a quaint little town where you can find little boutiques, art shops, delicious delis and the cutest little pet store to find all the cute and organic treats.

• Paso Robles, Ca

Want to hit up a brewery or have some wine? Paso Robles, Ca. is where you want to head to if you're in this part of town. 

• Ragged Point, California

There is a gas station at the Ragged Point Inn in Ragged Point, Ca. that will save you from a horrible trek if you're in the middle of nowhere without a canteen like we were. 

• Arroyo Grande, California

If you want a quiet place to camp and fish, head to the top of the mountains to Lopez Lake. It's super peaceful (no reception) unless you head towards the little fishing bait shop.


​Happy Road-Tripping!