The Epic California Road Trip: How Travel Can Help You Live A Richer Life
How do YOU live a more fulfilling and richer life? Is it through your work, your relationships, your hobbies? I’m sure it’s a mixture of all of the above. One activity, however, helps bring ALL of that together. For me, it’s TRAVEL. Travel not only helps to enrich bonds with your family and friends if they are your travel companions, but it also helps to explore new cultures, new lands, new ways of life.
So many of us who love to travel have felt like a piece of them is missing lately. The pandemic has stifled so much joy and expression so many of us get from exploring the world. However, we can now begin to peek our heads out and start safely and carefully traveling again. I chose to do this by staying close to home and set out on a California road trip up and down the coast. Fortunately, being a California resident gives me unprecedented access to some of the world’s most beautiful vistas, all practically “in my own backyard.”
Thanks to Hotwire and their Hot Rate Deals, I was not only able to book incredible 4 and 5 star hotel rooms for a fantastic rate and save a ton of money, but I was also able to select hotels that are taking extra precautions during COVID-19 to ensure I’m as safe as possible. So with all that extra money I’m saving, I can splurge on the activities that help me experience a destination the most…eating, adventuring, and shopping.
Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara
We started out in Santa Barbara, California. A town known for its prestige, beauty, food and wine. You better believe I sampled some of the goods! First off, we lodged at the gorgeous 5-star Hotel Californian which we saved a huge amount on since it was a Hotwire Hot Rate Hotel. We also were able to choose it because, thanks to Hotwire, we knew they were taking all of the necessary COVID-19 precautions. Next, time to eat! Santa Barbara is also known for its local high quality uni, or sea urchin. So we went to the town’s best new sushi spot, Oku, to indulge. Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like trying local seafood that was caught directly off the shores you’re gazing upon. And then one of my favorite boutiques on Earth, Whiskey and Leather, happens to be on the quaint stretch of adorable shops on Coast Village Road.
Sushi Oku, Santa Barbara
Next we headed up to Monterey, but first we had to explore some sights off the beaten path. Have you seen the Oceano Dunes near Pismo before?? WOW!! Zero exaggeration it feels like you’re in the Northern Sahara or Moroocco… or another planet! The towering rolling sand dunes certainly don’t feel like you’re in California. PLUS, you can REALLY take social distancing to the next level!
Oceano Dunes, Pismo Beach
After a stop at the famous and imposing Bixby Bridge near Big Sur, we ended up in Monterey where we dined at Paluca Trattoria, the very spot that inspired the restaurant in one of my favorite new shows, Big Little Lies.
Paluca Trattoria, Monterey
Bixby Bridge, Big Sur
The Painted Ladies, San Francisco
Next, we journeyed to San Francisco, where of course you have to dine at some of the country’s greatest restaurants. We checked out the new California Fish Market, the uber cool Flour + Water, and the flavorful La Mar on the waterfront. We also lodged at the 5-star St. Regis, my favorite hotel in the Bay Area. Plus, no trip to San Fran is complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and the Painted Ladies from majestic viewpoints.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Last but certainly not least, we experienced the most pure form of La Dolce Vita. On the way back down the coast, we stopped at Wolff Vineyards near San Luis Obispo close to the Paso Robles wine region. The Central Coast of California is known for their exquisite wine and it goes to show you that Napa isn’t the only breathtaking view on the West Coast. What better way to top off our incredible trip than truly soaking up the sweet life by imbibing some of the tastiest varietals around.
So now really is the time to shake off the dust of the last several months, and get out there and live life again. Explore, indulge, imbibe, and experience. Hotwire can be your favorite new travel companion who can help you save a ton, and then help you use your savings to experience a richer life!
*This blog is part of a paid partnership with Hotwire.