Breakfast: banana nut bread // peanut butter banana toast topped with pepitas & honey
Lunch: sandwiches (either homemade or purchased out) + fruit and chips brought from home
Pepper spray
Bring gloves for pushups
Choose and audiobook you both want
Lunch: sandwiches (either homemade or purchased out) + fruit and chips brought from home
Pepper spray
Bring gloves for pushups
Choose and audiobook you both want
Dinner & Comedy in Santa Barbara
Friday, November 17, 2023
7:00 A.M. / Morning workout, shower, get ready to go. Mike is going to work this morning so you have time. Pack sandwiches for the road.
12:00 A.M. / Drive to Santa Barbara. It's a 5 hour drive (so call it 6 hours with stops).
If you want, you can stop through Paso Robles on the way home for lunch at Red Scooter Deli (they do have an order ahead option if that matters to you). You probably won't have time anymore but just in case this is in the downtown area so you can walk around Downtown City Park, check out some of the shops like Spare Time Used Books and coffee at Spearhead Coffee.
6:15 P.M. / Arrive at your Airbnb. Get ready for dinner. It's nearby!
7:15 P.M. / Dinner reservation at Secret Bao (4.5 on Yelp, highly rated bao and dumplings; there's a $20 per person no show fee if you don't cancel at least one day in advance so don't bail).
8:15 P.M. / If you have leftovers, you could always run over and drop them at home because it's close by. If you're in the mood, you can go for ice cream at McConnell's Ice Cream (the best known spot in SB!). They're open until 11 P.M. and have seasonal options and also some vegan ice creams. It's about five blocks away.
8:30 P.M. / You have tickets to see a show at SB Comedy Hideaway! Doors open at 8:30 P.M. and show starts at 9 P.M.
10:00 P.M. / Show ends, it's a 10 minute walk back to your Airbnb (yay!).
7:00 A.M. / Morning workout, shower, get ready to go. Mike is going to work this morning so you have time. Pack sandwiches for the road.
12:00 A.M. / Drive to Santa Barbara. It's a 5 hour drive (so call it 6 hours with stops).
If you want, you can stop through Paso Robles on the way home for lunch at Red Scooter Deli (they do have an order ahead option if that matters to you). You probably won't have time anymore but just in case this is in the downtown area so you can walk around Downtown City Park, check out some of the shops like Spare Time Used Books and coffee at Spearhead Coffee.
6:15 P.M. / Arrive at your Airbnb. Get ready for dinner. It's nearby!
7:15 P.M. / Dinner reservation at Secret Bao (4.5 on Yelp, highly rated bao and dumplings; there's a $20 per person no show fee if you don't cancel at least one day in advance so don't bail).
8:15 P.M. / If you have leftovers, you could always run over and drop them at home because it's close by. If you're in the mood, you can go for ice cream at McConnell's Ice Cream (the best known spot in SB!). They're open until 11 P.M. and have seasonal options and also some vegan ice creams. It's about five blocks away.
8:30 P.M. / You have tickets to see a show at SB Comedy Hideaway! Doors open at 8:30 P.M. and show starts at 9 P.M.
10:00 P.M. / Show ends, it's a 10 minute walk back to your Airbnb (yay!).
Breakfast in Santa Barbara + Hike + Drive to Escondido
Saturday, November 18, 2023
7:30 A.M. / Ideally, you'll get in a morning workout at Alameda Park (very close by and well rated, not huge; switch between running and jumping squats, can add in wall sits and lunges if you want), then stop for coffee after at CAJÉ (well rated and looks so cute). You could also flip the order of these things (coffee opens at 7 A.M.) if you need time to wake up.
*You had originally planned to do Arroyo Burro Beach County Park and Douglas Family Preserve yesterday. Both are very highly rated; there's one parking lot on the north side that's free, limited parking. In case you have time or desire.
9:30 A.M. / Home to shower and pack. For you, breakfast is banana bread at the Airbnb (no toaster in this one). Walk to Santa Barbara Public Market (Little Heart Cafecito for coffee in there) to check out the food for Monster. I also want to point out Buena Onda Empanadas to Monster because they have really good ratings and he might want empanadas, and also Tino's Italian Grocery because people rave about their sandwiches.
11:00 A.M. / Check out is at 11 A.M. It's a three hour drive from Santa Barbara to Encinitas, but you'll stop along the way. Take the route that goes along the water (so you'll take the 1 rather than the 101).
12:00 P.M. / First stop is Point Dume. Lots of paths plus a scenic view. Do some walking and take some pictures. After, drive 15 minutes east to John's Garden for lunch (sandwiches and outdoor seating, looks nice).
1:00 P.M. / You're going to head 8 minutes back up the road to Solstice Canyon Loop in the Santa Monica National Recreation Park (an hour away from your last Airbnb). This is a three mile hike with not much elevation, should take about 1.5 hours. I believe there's a waterfall and it's mostly shaded and highly rated.
2:30 P.M. / Drive the rest of the way to Encinitas.
5:00 P.M. / It's another two hours of driving, possibly more with traffic, so you'll arrive by 5:00 P.M. (check in is a 3 P.M.). Shower and rest! This could also be a good time to pick up creamer from the grocery (and anything else you need; perhaps do morning coffee at a cafe and afternoon coffee at home).
*Possibly meet up with John & Victoria for dinner, but since we're arriving slightly late maybe not. You can coordinate, invite them to dinner, cancel and go meet them, there are options.
7:30 P.M. / If you're in the mood, you can grab a drink at Modern Times Far West Lounge Brewery (1 mile from Airbnb) before dinner. I made a reservation at Buona Forchetta (highly rated pizza place with good looking salads and many vegan options) for 7:30 P.M. It's a one mile walk as well and it's cancellable.
7:30 A.M. / Ideally, you'll get in a morning workout at Alameda Park (very close by and well rated, not huge; switch between running and jumping squats, can add in wall sits and lunges if you want), then stop for coffee after at CAJÉ (well rated and looks so cute). You could also flip the order of these things (coffee opens at 7 A.M.) if you need time to wake up.
*You had originally planned to do Arroyo Burro Beach County Park and Douglas Family Preserve yesterday. Both are very highly rated; there's one parking lot on the north side that's free, limited parking. In case you have time or desire.
9:30 A.M. / Home to shower and pack. For you, breakfast is banana bread at the Airbnb (no toaster in this one). Walk to Santa Barbara Public Market (Little Heart Cafecito for coffee in there) to check out the food for Monster. I also want to point out Buena Onda Empanadas to Monster because they have really good ratings and he might want empanadas, and also Tino's Italian Grocery because people rave about their sandwiches.
11:00 A.M. / Check out is at 11 A.M. It's a three hour drive from Santa Barbara to Encinitas, but you'll stop along the way. Take the route that goes along the water (so you'll take the 1 rather than the 101).
12:00 P.M. / First stop is Point Dume. Lots of paths plus a scenic view. Do some walking and take some pictures. After, drive 15 minutes east to John's Garden for lunch (sandwiches and outdoor seating, looks nice).
1:00 P.M. / You're going to head 8 minutes back up the road to Solstice Canyon Loop in the Santa Monica National Recreation Park (an hour away from your last Airbnb). This is a three mile hike with not much elevation, should take about 1.5 hours. I believe there's a waterfall and it's mostly shaded and highly rated.
2:30 P.M. / Drive the rest of the way to Encinitas.
5:00 P.M. / It's another two hours of driving, possibly more with traffic, so you'll arrive by 5:00 P.M. (check in is a 3 P.M.). Shower and rest! This could also be a good time to pick up creamer from the grocery (and anything else you need; perhaps do morning coffee at a cafe and afternoon coffee at home).
*Possibly meet up with John & Victoria for dinner, but since we're arriving slightly late maybe not. You can coordinate, invite them to dinner, cancel and go meet them, there are options.
7:30 P.M. / If you're in the mood, you can grab a drink at Modern Times Far West Lounge Brewery (1 mile from Airbnb) before dinner. I made a reservation at Buona Forchetta (highly rated pizza place with good looking salads and many vegan options) for 7:30 P.M. It's a one mile walk as well and it's cancellable.
Hang with JW & Victoria
Sunday, November 19, 2023
5:45 A.M. / Optional: Drive 13 minutes up the road to Oceanside Harbor Village to take sunrise photos. Civil twilight at 5:45, sunrise at 6:15ish, morning light will last all the way until 7 A.M. probably. Back to Airbnb after to drop your things.
7:30 A.M. / Morning workout at the beach. Run to Leucadia State Beach (0.7 miles from your Airbnb), then run along the water and do pushups (wear your gloves). Backup beach is Stonesteps which is highly rated but smaller. Stop for coffee on your way home at Pannikin Coffee & Tea (coordinate with Monster to see if he wants to meet you there).
9:00 A.M. / Back to Airbnb to shower & change. Breakfast is peanut butter toast.
10:00 A.M. / Spend the day with John & Victoria.
9:00 P.M. / Back to Airbnb, last night in this one!
5:45 A.M. / Optional: Drive 13 minutes up the road to Oceanside Harbor Village to take sunrise photos. Civil twilight at 5:45, sunrise at 6:15ish, morning light will last all the way until 7 A.M. probably. Back to Airbnb after to drop your things.
7:30 A.M. / Morning workout at the beach. Run to Leucadia State Beach (0.7 miles from your Airbnb), then run along the water and do pushups (wear your gloves). Backup beach is Stonesteps which is highly rated but smaller. Stop for coffee on your way home at Pannikin Coffee & Tea (coordinate with Monster to see if he wants to meet you there).
9:00 A.M. / Back to Airbnb to shower & change. Breakfast is peanut butter toast.
10:00 A.M. / Spend the day with John & Victoria.
9:00 P.M. / Back to Airbnb, last night in this one!
Oceanside Harbor Village + Huntington Beach + Drive to San Luis Obispo
Monday, November 20, 2023
7:30 A.M. / Go for coffee at Queenstage Coffee (really cute and well rated, you could run there if you want or take it easy today and walk or drive; they also serve good looking food like egg toast). Then back to the Airbnb for a morning yoga class (do a 45-60 minute YouTube one; I believe the Airbnb has yoga mats). Shower, pack up and get ready to go. Breakfast is peanut butter toast.
9:30 A.M. / Check out of Airbnb (aim for 10 A.M. though checkout is by 11 A.M. at the latest) and drive to Oceanside Harbor Village (it's different than just Oceanside the city, slightly farther northwest). Walk around, check out the shops. Nana and Pop's Sweet Shop might have fudge. Take pictures. Look for a Christmas ornament.
11:00 P.M. / Continue on to Huntington Beach (it's another hour drive, so aim to arrive around noon). Lunch at Session West Coast Deli (sandwiches, soups and salads). After, walk the short distance to Huntington Beach (famous surfer beach with a pier, walk the pier).
1:30 P.M. / Start driving to San Luis Obispo. It's a five hour drive plus stops, and you do have to drive through LA so there could be traffic. Bring snacks to tie you over!
6:00 P.M. / Arrive at Garden Street Inn. Parking is free but I'm not yet sure of the situation. (Check in is at 4 P.M.). Drop your things, change and get ready for dinner. (Most of the shops in the area open at 10 A.M. and close at 6 P.M. so you'll save that for tomorrow).
7:00 P.M. / Choose somewhere for dinner. Lots of places nearby.
7:30 A.M. / Go for coffee at Queenstage Coffee (really cute and well rated, you could run there if you want or take it easy today and walk or drive; they also serve good looking food like egg toast). Then back to the Airbnb for a morning yoga class (do a 45-60 minute YouTube one; I believe the Airbnb has yoga mats). Shower, pack up and get ready to go. Breakfast is peanut butter toast.
9:30 A.M. / Check out of Airbnb (aim for 10 A.M. though checkout is by 11 A.M. at the latest) and drive to Oceanside Harbor Village (it's different than just Oceanside the city, slightly farther northwest). Walk around, check out the shops. Nana and Pop's Sweet Shop might have fudge. Take pictures. Look for a Christmas ornament.
11:00 P.M. / Continue on to Huntington Beach (it's another hour drive, so aim to arrive around noon). Lunch at Session West Coast Deli (sandwiches, soups and salads). After, walk the short distance to Huntington Beach (famous surfer beach with a pier, walk the pier).
1:30 P.M. / Start driving to San Luis Obispo. It's a five hour drive plus stops, and you do have to drive through LA so there could be traffic. Bring snacks to tie you over!
6:00 P.M. / Arrive at Garden Street Inn. Parking is free but I'm not yet sure of the situation. (Check in is at 4 P.M.). Drop your things, change and get ready for dinner. (Most of the shops in the area open at 10 A.M. and close at 6 P.M. so you'll save that for tomorrow).
7:00 P.M. / Choose somewhere for dinner. Lots of places nearby.
B&B Breakfast, Shopping, Wine Tasting in San Luis Obispo
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
7:30 A.M. / Morning run out of your bed & breakfast (if you want). In this case, it's probably best to just jog around the downtown area; I'm not getting the vibe that the nearby parks would work, but maybe. After, get coffee at Scouts Coffee Co., then back to shower and prep for the day.
9:00 A.M. / Not exactly sure when breakfast is served but it's probably around this time!
10:00 A.M. / Walk down the main drag and do some shopping for things you don't need. Most of the shops on the main strip open at 10 A.M. Be sure to check out the historic Mission San Luis Obispo, which was built in 1772 and features gardens, a gift shop, etc. Also Rocket Fizz Candy Store.
12:00 P.M. / Lunch at Bliss Cafe (vegan, counter, looks cute). There's also Cafe Crepes that has very good reviews.
2:00 P.M. / I'm thinking you might go for a wine tasting at Wolff Vineyards. (Depends on how you feel!) It's $20 per person for five pours, though if you buy two bottles you get that reimbursed. Maybe call ahead for a reservation; they're open until 5 P.M. They let you bring food, which is nice. If you decide to go, stop by SLO Food Co-Op (people rave about it, local options, on the way) to pick up some snacks (cheese, crackers, jam).
3:00 P.M. / Wine tasting.
4:30 P.M. / Back to the bed & breakfast to rest and prep for dinner.
6:00 P.M. / Dinner at Bear & the Wren. I didn't make a reservation but it looks like the right spot, fancy pizzas and other things in a nice location.
7:30 P.M. / Who's Line Is It Anyway at the Performing Arts Center.
7:30 A.M. / Morning run out of your bed & breakfast (if you want). In this case, it's probably best to just jog around the downtown area; I'm not getting the vibe that the nearby parks would work, but maybe. After, get coffee at Scouts Coffee Co., then back to shower and prep for the day.
9:00 A.M. / Not exactly sure when breakfast is served but it's probably around this time!
10:00 A.M. / Walk down the main drag and do some shopping for things you don't need. Most of the shops on the main strip open at 10 A.M. Be sure to check out the historic Mission San Luis Obispo, which was built in 1772 and features gardens, a gift shop, etc. Also Rocket Fizz Candy Store.
12:00 P.M. / Lunch at Bliss Cafe (vegan, counter, looks cute). There's also Cafe Crepes that has very good reviews.
2:00 P.M. / I'm thinking you might go for a wine tasting at Wolff Vineyards. (Depends on how you feel!) It's $20 per person for five pours, though if you buy two bottles you get that reimbursed. Maybe call ahead for a reservation; they're open until 5 P.M. They let you bring food, which is nice. If you decide to go, stop by SLO Food Co-Op (people rave about it, local options, on the way) to pick up some snacks (cheese, crackers, jam).
3:00 P.M. / Wine tasting.
4:30 P.M. / Back to the bed & breakfast to rest and prep for dinner.
6:00 P.M. / Dinner at Bear & the Wren. I didn't make a reservation but it looks like the right spot, fancy pizzas and other things in a nice location.
7:30 P.M. / Who's Line Is It Anyway at the Performing Arts Center.
Last Morning & Drive Home
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
9:00 / Breakfast at the B&B. Pack up and head out! It'll take 3.5 - 4 hours to drive home, depending on traffic.
9:00 / Breakfast at the B&B. Pack up and head out! It'll take 3.5 - 4 hours to drive home, depending on traffic.