48 Hours in Central California

For the last three years, it’s become an accidental tradition that we end the year, exploring the California coastline. This year, we headed to Central California, staying in the Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo area.

We stayed at the super cozy Inn at Morro Bay. It’s right by the water and has a killer view of the bay. Our first morning there after our first night, it rained and we soaked in (pun intended) all the cozy vibes with our own personal fireplace. We also thoroughly enjoyed the roominess of the king sized bed (we only have a full at our apartment). The inn was central to where we wanted to go: only 15 minutes away from Montana de Oro State Park in one direction, and 15 minutes away from San Luis Obispo in the other.

It felt so nice to getaway from the hustle and bustle of LA. The drive up to SLO was worth the trip alone. I always love driving along PCH and don’t do it nearly as often as I should. We definitely took it way slow in SLO. We took our time getting out of bed (the fireplace made it really hard to leave our room). We walked around the streets of Downtown SLO. We sipped coffee at our favorite place in Central Cali: Scout Coffee. We ended the night by getting burgers at Eureka Burger (which I know, we have in LA).

The highlight of the trip had to be finally getting to visit the Montana de Oro State Park. I’ve seen photos of this beautiful place on Instagram, and honestly the photos don’t do this place justice. After growing up in SoCal, you’d think all beaches would feel the same. Wrong-o. This beach had a saltier air, and it was just so breathtakingly beautiful. The sand was course and darker than the beaches of LA. I could probably sit here all day, listening to to the waves crash along the shore. We even saw a deer crossing the road on our drive in! This is definitely a place we’ll come back to time and time again.

Here’s a really quick list of recommendations:

• STAY: The Inn at Morro Bay
• VISIT: Montana de Oro State Park; Downtown SLO (you can see the infamous Bubble Gum Alley); East Beach in Santa Barbara; Avila Beach
• DRINK: Scout Coffee in SLO; Sweetie Cup Tea House in SLO
  
• EAT: Splash Cafe in SLO; High Street Market & Deli in SLO; Carlitos Cafe Y Cantina in Santa Barbara; Pizza My Heart in Santa Barbara; Los Agaves in Santa Barbara

Can’t wait to add to this list in the years to come. Don’t discredit Central California’s beauty. I know I never will!