PCH - Day 1 (Santa Monica to San Luis Obispo)

This morning I drove up the 101 from Santa Monica through Malibu, the Oxnard agricultural region and the Channel Islands area and stopped in Santa Barbara for lunch at a great little place called Shoreline Beach Cafe right on the sand. The combination of fresh seafood and Mexican culture in California suits me well -- fish tacos, shrimp tacos, I could eat variations on that just about every day and be happy. The morning drive was a mix of fog and sun with the haze burning off in the afternoon as happens pretty often on the west coast. Leaving from Santa Barbara, I mostly stuck to the 101 and Hwy 1, winding my way through the coastal wine-producing villages south of San Luis Obispo. When I got up to San Luis Obispo, I visited the Edna Valley Vineyards for a wine tasting, they're especially known for their white wines and the vineyards and tasting room are in a beautiful valley just east of town. I stayed the night at Shorecliff Hotel in Pismo Beach a few miles south of San Luis Obispo and drove up to SLO (locals' shorthand) for dinner at Firestone Grill recommended by a friend for their tri-tip which is VERY popular in coastal California. The combination of whatever they do to the smoky-tangy BBQ sauce and the fresh roll grilled with garlic butter is what makes their particular sandwich so good. Great fresh and light onion rings too. I came back to Pismo Beach and spent the rest of the evening reading on my balcony facing the ocean.

Edna Valley Vineyards - a few from their patio

Pismo Beach south of SLO - morning view from my balcony