California There and Back

We really love California... most of it. And we love road trips too... most of them. Combine California and a road trip, and you've got yourself a lovely two week adventure there and back again. 

We flew to San Francisco to alleviate another two days of travel before the trip and another day following the trip. It worked out perfectly. 

We stayed at the Marriott right in the middle of the downtown shopping district and it worked so efficiently for public transportation, and walking about the city. 

San Francisco is a wonderful city filled with all kinds of interesting places to seek out. 

First time visiting City Lights Books - we loved this 3-story independent bookstore for all its quirk and charm. I can't abide purchasing from the online retailers, so it's indy bookstores or the library for me. 

This welcoming angel sat outside a gorgeous church ~ Saints Peter & Paul Church. 

As lovely outside as it was inside - no pics inside though... 

Our walk-about in San Francisco was a windy one!

And chilly too!

We love the hustle and bustle of Chinatown. The markets put out the most glorious produce, and the little eateries and bakeries are loaded with yummy treats. We tried the egg tarts in two different places this time around and they are as warm and gooey and fresh as you can imagine. 

The best we found were at Napoleon Super Bakery on Stockton Avenue. 

We have previously visited Golden Gate Bakery, but they have not reopened after Covid. 

The sights, the sounds, the smells, the art. Love it all. 

This metal sculpture just outside the Chinatown Gate showcases the entire area by street name. It's a wonderful artistic map for your enjoyment and it's helpful too! 

The architecture really is just too cool here. 

The Painted Ladies

A perfectly delectable and charming meal in the Mission District could have you

Checking out the yum at Dona Mago on Van Ness or perhaps seeking out the 

Meal of Your Life at Nopalito. 

Both were flavorful, delicious, and just what we wanted. 

We were not able to make it to Japan this year (Damn Covid Canceled Cruise!)

But we were able to enjoy the Japanese Tea Garden within Golden Gate Park. 

From San Francisco, we headed south to one of our very favorite places - Carmel. 

But along the way we stopped in to 

Burger Santa Cruz.

Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT miss out on the deliciousness that is Burger Santa Cruz. 

You can see by the picture above that it was heavenly, and the fries were crisped to perfection. 

I mean... yes. 

It was better than even In & Out, and I consider that place to be a religious experience. 

Carmel is so lovely, peaceful, enchanting, dog-friendly, and just well, lovely. 

We stayed at the Candlelight Inn this time around and it might just be my favorite property so far. 

If I may, our two favorite places to eat in Carmel are:

Toro Sushi and Terry's Lounge at the Cypress Inn. 

There are plenty of shops to poke into, the gorgeous Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, a lovely walking path along the ocean, and some very cool hiking trails just 20 minutes away at 

Point Lobos. Absolutely gorgeous!

Oh, and I cannot forget the Carmel Bakery!!!

Continuing south to Morro Bay - 

We stayed at the Anderson Inn with a gorgeous Waterfront accommodation - perfectly situated and lovely inside as well. I would stay here again in a very hot minute. Loved it!

The sea otters were out sunning themselves floating amid the kelp. 

 

This super-fascinating garden of rock sculptures about took my breath away. 

It's just the other side of Morro Rock, continue walking around the rock to find it. 

Stunning. 

We thoroughly enjoyed wandering here in Morro Bay and snacked our way 

through a couple of meals that were delicious. 

We loved Tognazzini's Dockside Restaurant, Dutchman's Seafood House, Hofbrau del Albatross, and the Libertine. Stop into any of them and enjoy!

Oh and there's a darling independent bookstore here that you won't want to miss. 

It's called Coalesce and it's on Main Street. They've been around since 1973. Stop in!!

And on to Long Beach! 

We visited with family here in Long Beach and had a wonderful time. 

Our great nieces are darling little ones and we all enjoyed the Aquarium of the Pacific. 

I promise - my great nieces are the cutest little girls you've ever seen, but I won't post their faces here. 

But I will share these gorgeous jellyfish we saw in the aquarium. This is a very cool place to visit!! 

I will, however, post a pic of these two ~ 

My niece and my great nephew who came all the way to 

Arizona just after we returned from California!! 

We had a blast with them as well. 

Until next time 

:) Deb