California Week: Up the Coast

From Cayucos we took Highway 1 north, planning our next stop to check out the elephant seals. If we'd had time, we would definitely have stopped at Hearst Castle, but we had to make it to Half Moon Bay (an ambitious drive to say the least--it's just 30 miles south of SF) by dark. The elephant seals are easy to spot--there is signage telling you where they are. Sometimes they aren't around, but they were this time. They are amazing to watch, even if just for 5 minutes.

Next stop was the Big Sur Bakery. We didn't make it in time for lunch, but the cappuccino was fantastic.They also sell local jams and marmalades from Happy Girl, which are so good, and worth bringing home.

My favorite beach ever is the China Cove Beach (below) which is within Point Lobos State Preserve. I grew up going there, and its emerald water and white sand are breathtaking. Bonus, there's hardly ever anyone there. No, it isn't the kind of beach you swim at--it's freezing--but it's great to bring a picnic to. It's about a 10 minute drive to its parking lot off of Highway 1, and then a 10 minute walk to the beach.

Harley Farms, Pescadero

We were just in the Bay Area last weekend, and had a perfect Sunday afternoon at Harley Farms.  Dee Harley, the owner, is a passionate farmer who raises goats and makes some really lovely goat cheeses, and even soap and lotion that has her goat milk in it, as well as the lavender she grows. Every weekend they have two hour tours, twice a day (kids welcome), and you get to see the whole operation in action, and even make your own cheese at the end.  It is so much fun, so inspiring, and so easy to get to--just 45 minutes from the San Francisco Airport (and a lovely drive at that, past all the beaches on Highway One).

Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

No, it isn't a mistake, this is not Scotland, it's The Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay, CA . We've been to this hotel twice, and each time, we can't stop saying (and overhearing other guests saying the same thing) that it feels like we are on the coast in Scotland or Ireland. We landed at 8pm into SFO, and from the minute we got our rental car, to our arrival here, it was less than 30 minutes. And once we arrived, it was like we were so so far away. The rooms are so comfortable, they have a great kids club that really involves the kids in what is going on in the local community, and the food is amazing. There are two restaurants at the property, Navio and The Conservatory, and they compost from them. The chefs also utilize all local food, and have very close relationships with the farmers and fishermen. The wine list is great, and so are the oysters, and pretty much everything we tried. At dusk, a bagpiper comes out, and it doesn't feel corny, it seems just right.