Spread out the activities below over two days depending on when you arrive or depart the area. Relax and enjoy the area, you don’t want to rush, part of the beauty of these areas is letting them seep into your skin.
We have provided links to the best RV parks to stay, book in for at least 2 or 3 nights at each place.
DAY 1 & 2
San Diego is indeed a vibrant and diverse city with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for culinary delights, cultural experiences, outdoor activities, or just some time to relax by the water, San Diego has it all.
- Neighbourhoods: Each neighbourhood offers a unique vibe. Little Italy is perfect for food lovers, with a range of Italian restaurants and trendy cafes. The Gaslamp Quarter is the place to be for nightlife, while the East Village is a hotspot for arts and entertainment. North Park is known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, breweries, and galleries, and Old Town offers a glimpse into the city’s history with its preserved buildings and traditional Mexican cuisine.
- Balboa Park: A must-visit, this expansive park is home to numerous museums, beautiful gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The zoo, renowned for its conservation efforts, is one of the few places where you can see giant pandas.
- Beaches: San Diego’s beaches are perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re catching waves at Ocean Beach, enjoying the lively boardwalk at Mission Beach, or soaking up the sun at Pacific Beach, there’s a beach for every mood. Mission Bay is especially great for water sports like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
- La Jolla: Just a short drive from downtown, La Jolla offers stunning coastal views, upscale dining, and the chance to explore sea caves or snorkel with sea lions. The beaches here, like La Jolla Shores, are perfect for a day of relaxation or exploration.
- Attractions: SeaWorld San Diego is a fun-filled destination for families, offering marine shows, rides, and interactive exhibits. The Maritime Museum gives you a glimpse into maritime history with its collection of historic ships, including the Star of India.
- Craft Beer: San Diego is also famous for its craft beer scene, with breweries like Stone Brewing, Ballast Point, and Modern Times leading the way. A brewery tour is a great way to sample some of the best beers in the country.
Whether you’re planning a day at the zoo, exploring the historic sites, or just unwinding at the beach, San Diego offers a perfect mix of activities and experiences.
Stay –KOA San Diego
DAY 3 & 4
Huntington Beach, often referred to as “Surf City USA,” offers the quintessential Southern California beach experience. Here’s how you can make the most of a day soaking up the surf vibe:
Morning:
- Start with Breakfast: Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at one of the local spots on Main Street. Try Sugar Shack Café, a classic, or head to one of the beachfront cafes for a meal with a view.
- Explore the Pier: After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll along the Huntington Beach Pier. The pier offers stunning ocean views, and you can watch surfers catching waves from above. If you’re up for it, grab a coffee or snack at the end of the pier at Ruby’s Diner.
Late Morning to Early Afternoon:
- Beach Time: Spend some time on the sand. Whether you want to relax, swim, or try your hand at surfing, the beach is the perfect spot. You can rent surfboards, bikes, or even take a surfing lesson if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Volleyball & Biking: If surfing isn’t your thing, play a game of volleyball on the beach courts or rent a bike to cruise along the oceanfront path, enjoying the sea breeze and the beautiful coastline.
Lunch:
- Pacific City: Head to Pacific City, an outdoor mall just a short walk from the pier. Here, you’ll find a variety of dining options with ocean views. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, burgers, or something a bit more upscale, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Afternoon:
- Shopping: After lunch, explore the surf shops and boutiques along Main Street and in Pacific City. Pick up some surf gear or a unique souvenir to remember your visit.
- Horseback Riding in Central Park: For a change of pace, head to Huntington Central Park for horseback riding. It’s a serene way to connect with nature and experience a different side of Huntington Beach.
- Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: If you prefer exploring on foot, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a fantastic spot for birdwatching and hiking. The reserve is a haven for wildlife and offers peaceful trails through the wetlands.
Evening:
- Sunset at the Pier: End your day by watching the sunset from the pier. The colors over the ocean are breathtaking and it’s the perfect way to wrap up a day in Surf City.
- Dinner: For dinner, you can choose from a variety of restaurants along Main Street or in Pacific City. Enjoy some fresh seafood or a classic California-style meal, and maybe even a craft beer from one of the local breweries.
This itinerary gives you a taste of everything Huntington Beach has to offer, from its iconic surf culture to its natural beauty and vibrant shopping and dining scenes.
Stay – Bolsa Chica State Beach
DAY 5 & 6
Santa Barbara truly encapsulates the essence of the California good life with its stunning architecture, beautiful weather, and rich cultural scene. Here’s how you can make the most of a day in this picturesque city:
Morning:
- Start with Breakfast: Begin your day with breakfast at a local café on State Street, like Jeannine’s or Scarlett Begonia, where you can enjoy a delicious meal in a charming setting.
- Stroll State Street: After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll down State Street. This main thoroughfare is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir or just enjoy the ambiance of the city.
Late Morning:
- Old Mission Santa Barbara: Visit the Old Mission Santa Barbara, often called the “Queen of the Missions.” The beautiful architecture and serene gardens provide a glimpse into California’s history and the Spanish influence on the region. Don’t miss the museum and the lovely rose garden in front of the mission.
- Tour the Presidio: Head to the 1782 Presidio of Santa Barbara, where you can explore the preserved adobe buildings, including El Cuartel. This historic site offers insight into the early days of Spanish colonization in California.
Lunch:
- Lunch in The Funk Zone: Make your way to The Funk Zone, Santa Barbara’s trendiest neighborhood, for lunch. This area, with its converted warehouses, offers a mix of urban wine-tasting rooms, art studios, and eclectic eateries. You can enjoy fresh, local cuisine at a spot like The Lark or Santo Mezcal.
Afternoon:
- Kayak from East Beach: After lunch, head to East Beach and rent a kayak. Paddle out under Stearns Wharf, taking in the views of the coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountains. If you’re up for more adventure, you can explore the nearby coastline or simply relax on the beach afterward.
- Wine Tasting in The Funk Zone: Return to The Funk Zone for some afternoon wine tasting. This area is home to several urban wineries and tasting rooms, where you can sample some of Santa Barbara’s award-winning wines. The area’s relaxed vibe makes it a great place to unwind and enjoy the local flavors.
Evening:
- Sunset at Stearns Wharf: Head back to Stearns Wharf to catch the sunset. The pier offers stunning views of the ocean and the mountains, and it’s a perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
- Dinner on the Waterfront: For dinner, choose one of the waterfront restaurants near the wharf, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a view. Brophy Bros. or The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach are popular choices for their excellent cuisine and oceanfront settings.
This itinerary provides a blend of history, culture, outdoor adventure, and, of course, the wine and dining experiences that make Santa Barbara so special.
STAY – Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara
DAY 7 & 8
The Santa Ynez Valley offers a quintessential wine country experience with its stunning landscapes, diverse microclimates, and world-class wines. Here’s a guide to help you plan your visit:
Morning:
- Start with Breakfast in Solvang: Begin your day in Solvang, a charming Danish village in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy a traditional Danish breakfast at a local bakery like Olsen’s or Mortensen’s, where you can indulge in freshly baked pastries and coffee.
- Wine Tasting Pass: Purchase a Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association pass. This pass offers great value and allows you to taste at multiple boutique wineries in the region.
Late Morning:
- First Tasting in Los Olivos: Start your wine tasting journey in Los Olivos, a quaint town known for its numerous tasting rooms. Visit a boutique winery like Stolpman Vineyards or Carhartt Vineyard to sample some of the region’s best wines. Los Olivos has a charming small-town vibe, perfect for a leisurely stroll between tastings.
- Cloud Climbers Jeep Tour: For a unique and adventurous way to explore the region, sign up for a Cloud Climbers Jeep Tour. This guided tour will take you off the beaten path, four-wheeling through scenic mountain roads to visit various wineries. You’ll get a chance to enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the vineyards, making for a memorable experience.
Afternoon:
- Sideways Self-Guided Tour: After your Jeep tour, take a self-guided tour of locations featured in the movie Sideways. Start in Buellton, where you can visit the Hitching Post II, famous for its steaks and Pinot Noir. Then head to Los Alamos and Los Olivos, where you can explore the wineries and charming towns that were part of the film. Even if you haven’t seen Sideways, these locations are picturesque and offer a great glimpse into the region’s culture and scenery.
- Wine Tasting in Happy Canyon: As the afternoon progresses, head to Happy Canyon for a different tasting experience. The warmer climate here is ideal for Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Stop by a winery like Grassini Family Vineyards or Vogelzang Vineyard to enjoy these rich, full-bodied wines.
Evening:
- Dinner in Santa Ynez: End your day with a delicious dinner in Santa Ynez. The town offers several excellent dining options, such as SY Kitchen, known for its farm-to-table Italian cuisine, or the elegant restaurant at The Ballard Inn. Pair your meal with a local wine to complete your wine country experience.
- Optional: Stay Overnight: If you want to extend your visit, consider staying overnight in the valley. There are numerous charming inns and boutique hotels in the area, such as The Landsby in Solvang or Fess Parker Wine Country Inn in Los Olivos.
This itinerary gives you a taste of the best that the Santa Ynez Valley has to offer, from wine tasting and scenic tours to exploring the charming towns that make this region so special. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a beautiful getaway, the Santa Ynez Valley is a perfect destination.
Stay – Flying Flags – Buellton CA 93427
DAY 9 & 10
San Luis Obispo, or SLOCal, offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit on California’s Central Coast. Here’s a guide to help you plan your visit:
Morning:
- Start with Breakfast at Scout Coffee Co.: Begin your day with a visit to Scout Coffee Co. on Garden Street for some of the best coffee in town, paired with a fresh pastry or breakfast sandwich.
- Explore Mission Plaza and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa: After breakfast, head to Mission Plaza, the heart of downtown SLO. Visit Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, one of California’s oldest missions, founded in 1772. The mission’s serene gardens and museum offer a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
Late Morning:
- Stroll Downtown: Spend some time exploring the downtown area. Pop into local shops, boutiques, and art galleries. If it’s the first Friday of the month, take advantage of Art After Dark, where galleries open their doors for wine tastings and meet-and-greets with local artists.
Lunch:
- Farmers’ Market or Downtown Eateries: If you’re visiting on a Thursday, don’t miss the farmers’ market in the evening, where you can sample local specialties like tri-tip sandwiches, tamales, and craft beer. If not, grab lunch at one of the many downtown eateries, such as Firestone Grill, known for its famous tri-tip sandwich, or Novo Restaurant & Lounge, which offers a beautiful creekside dining experience.
Afternoon:
- Visit Madonna Inn: After lunch, take a short drive to the iconic Madonna Inn. This kitschy and colorful hotel is a SLO landmark. Explore the grounds, have a look at the uniquely themed rooms, and don’t leave without trying a slice of their famous pink champagne cake at the Copper Café.
- Wine Tasting in Edna Valley: Spend your afternoon wine tasting in the nearby Edna Valley, known for its cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Visit Edna Valley Vineyard for its stunning views and exceptional wines, and Tolosa Winery for a tasting of their highly regarded Pinot Noirs.
- Explore Arroyo Grande Valley: If time allows, head south to the Arroyo Grande Valley to discover some of the area’s under-the-radar wineries. Laetitia Vineyard & Winery is particularly known for its sparkling wines, making it a perfect stop to end your wine-tasting tour.
Evening:
- Dinner in Downtown SLO: Return to downtown SLO for dinner. Enjoy a meal at Luna Red, which offers globally inspired dishes with a focus on local ingredients, or go for a casual yet delicious experience at SLO Brew Rock.
- Live Music at Mission Plaza: If you’re visiting in the summer, stick around Mission Plaza for live music on Friday nights. It’s a great way to soak up the local atmosphere and enjoy the warm, laid-back SLO vibe.
- Stay at Madonna Inn: End your day by staying at the Madonna Inn. Choose one of their quirky themed rooms for a memorable overnight experience. Whether it’s the Caveman, the Love Birds, or the Fox and Hound, each room offers a unique and whimsical touch.
This itinerary highlights the best of SLO’s history, culture, and culinary offerings, with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of California’s Central Coast.
STAY – Pismo Coast Village RV Resort
