Perfect Fall Road Trip in California

Bella Vista, Santa Barbara, CA

Have dined at its finest at Bella Vista. Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the ocean and islands off Montecito's Butterfly Beach while delighting in their organic, Italian-inspired, California-coastal cuisine. Get ready to have your taste buds taken on an unforgettable journey.

Butterfly Beach, Montecito, CA

After brunch, head across the street to Butterfly Beach. You can stroll along the sand or along the sidewalk, depending on how you feel about the soft stuff. According to your ambition, your stroll can take you to nearby beaches or you can enjoy the luxe neighborhood.

When drone shots give you butterflies 🦋

A post shared by ATLAS IMAGERY (@atlasimagery) on Sep 24, 2017 at 9:43pm PDT

Goshi, San Luiso Obispo, CA

As you drive north through Central California’s wine country, you’ll notice fall colors at vineyards. Stop for lunch at Goshi Japanese Restaurant in San Luis Obispo, an authentic spot serving some of the best sushi you’ll find outside of Los Angeles. Be prepared to wait and take the time to explore the small shopping center, formerly a historic creamery.

. Day 2 . . . . #yum #yummy #delicious #tasty #food #foodporn #foodphotography #instafood #���� #������ #美食 #foodie #�� #dinner #japanesefood #日�料� #sashimi

A post shared by リク Σ('◉⌓◉’) sʜᴜʀ-ʀᴇᴇ-s (@surereess) on Jul 11, 2017 at 5:13pm PDT

Cave Landing Trail at Avila Beach

For a quick hike, head over to Cave Landing in Avila Beach. Only half a mile or so, the easy trek offers beautiful views of California’s Central Coast. 

Avila Valley Barn, San Luis Obispo, CA

To enjoy the bounty of California’s harvest, head over to Avila Valley Barn. The farm offers seasonal u-pick produce, including apples if you happen to be there during the fall, along with other seasonal fun and entertainment.

I have loved taking photos for as long as I can remember, but I was always so intimidated to switch the dial to manual. With the gentle push of a friend, I finally got the courage to take an online photo class @nicolesclasses. I was so thankful I did! My motivation was my favorite little subject pictured above. My desire to learn photography was to capture these moments of time, to really tell the story of her growing up. This photo is still one of my all time favorites I've captured of her. This moment is frozen in time forever. As I continue to learn my craft and grow as a photographer, she will most undoubtedly be my favorite person to photograph. So push yourself out of your comfort zone and take that leap of faith. You'll never regret trying something new or pursuing your passion. . . . #photography #momentbymoment #applepicking #makingmemories #nicolesclasses #avilabarn #avilavalleybarn @avilavalleybarn

A post shared by Felisha Connolly (@felishaconnolly) on Aug 28, 2017 at 2:08pm PDT

Mission San Miguel, San Miguel, CA

Head inland onto the 101 to check out Mission San Miguel. Still an active place of worship, Mission San Miguel was temporarily an inn during its long history and the site of a major massacre. Since then, there have been numerous stories of hauntings.

The Bells of Mission San Miguel, right next door to the Elkhorn Bar (previous post). If you visit in the winter, spring, or very early summer, there's a good chance the surrounding hillsides will be emerald green. #california #missions #history #slo #sanluisobispo

A post shared by Adrian Covert (@adriancovert) on Sep 20, 2017 at 7:36am PDT

The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar, Paso Robles, CA

After a long day, unwind for a drink and delicious meal at the Hatch. This Paso Robles spot boasts a very cool ambiance, with a brick interior and interesting light fixtures. For a hearty dinner, try the Hatch Burger—made with bacon, white cheddar, Hatch sauce, and sea salt and vinegar chips. Try their excellent cocktails, too, like the “Hatch a Plan” made with vodka, pistachio syrup, and lime ginger beer. 

It's on. New Sunday night special off the rotisserie is a throw back: Prime Rib au jus with potato purée and horseradish creme fraiche. Available 4:30 'til it's gone! 🙌🙌🙌

A post shared by The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar (@thehatchrotisserie) on Aug 27, 2017 at 12:57pm PDT

Paso Robles Inn, Paso Robles, CA

Now it’s time to rest. Stay the night at the beautiful Paso Robles Inn, which features deluxe mineral spa rooms. After you’ve been traveling, it’s the perfect way to relax. These rooms feature your own private hot springs mineral tub. Make sure to wrap yourself up in one of their plush bathrobes when you’re done! 

Vintage Paso Zinfandel Weekend is finally here! 😊 Raise a glass to Paso's first wine with us tonight in our Ballroom at the Zinposium Seminar & Z After Party beginning at 5:30 �#CentralCoasting #PasoRobles #PasoWine

A post shared by Paso Robles Inn & Steakhouse (@pasoroblesinn) on Mar 17, 2017 at 12:59pm PDT

Huckleberry’s, Pismo Beach, CA

For breakfast, we’re heading to Pismo Beach! Huckleberry’s is a classic spot for “Southern cookin’ with a California twist.” Their breakfast specialties include “Tom’s Scramble”—a homemade buttermilk biscuit topped with either sausage or chicken fried steak, and scrambled eggs and Huck’s country gravy. 

Breakfast with my dad! Love having these breakfasts with him once a week. #dad #dads #food #foodie #breakfast

A post shared by Shannon Marie Gurnee (@redheadmomblog) on Apr 22, 2016 at 11:25am PDT

Pismo Beach

Now, with a belly full of breakfast and your road trip wrapping up, check out the stunning shores of Pismo Beach. The waterfront sights in Pismo Beach are immaculate. Check out Silver Shoals Park, Margo Dodd Park Beach, Memory Park, and Pismo Pier from some of the most beautiful views of your trip! 

The view never gets old..💙 #PismoBeach

A post shared by Pismo Beach CA (@pismobeachca) on Jun 27, 2017 at 5:05am PDT

Key Insights at a Glance

• New England may be famous for fall foliage, but California also offers beautiful drives along the coast.
• Enjoy organic, Italian-inspired, California-coastal cuisine with stunning ocean views at Bella Vista in Santa Barbara.
• Stop for some of the best sushi outside of Los Angeles at Goshi Japanese Restaurant in San Luis Obispo.
• Take a quick hike at Cave Landing in Avila Beach for beautiful views of California’s Central Coast.
• Visit Avila Valley Barn for seasonal u-pick produce and other seasonal fun and entertainment.
• Explore the historic Mission San Miguel, an active place of worship with a haunted history.
• Unwind with a drink and delicious meal at The Hatch in Paso Robles, known for its cool ambiance and excellent cocktails.
• Stay the night at Paso Robles Inn, featuring deluxe mineral spa rooms with private hot springs mineral tubs.
• Enjoy classic Southern cookin’ with a California twist at Huckleberry’s in Pismo Beach for breakfast.
• Check out the stunning shores of Pismo Beach, including Silver Shoals Park, Margo Dodd Park Beach, Memory Park, and Pismo Pier.