What a whirlwind, beautiful vacation Colton and I had exploring California. Started from LA and worked our way up to San Francisco. Nothing quite like the sun constantly shining and the crashing sounds of waves against the rocks. Was full of anxiety leaving on vacation but luckily my nerves and worries washed away and sweet relaxation came once I was by that beautiful blue water. Nothing quite like a vacation. Take one!
We arrived in LA and definitely did some hard core brunchin’, snackin’ and happy hourin’
Notice anything sparkly? Yes, I got engaged!!
And definitely got my lattein’ on…
We also enjoyed hiking, shopping, and exploring! It was a whirlwind vacation and one that I will always remember! The drive up the coast was absolutely breathtaking.
Sometimes when I go out of town to somewhere so gorgeous I question why I live in Oklahoma. But then right when I get home, I remember. Love to vacation, but also love this super friendly state! 🙂
Recommends in California <3
Favorite Places in LA:
Berry Que – Most delicious protein balls and smoothies, reasonable pricing and right in the action!
Rodeo Drive – So amazed at how interesting and different each store was in Rodeo. Champagne was passed out like water. There was also a tiny dog being served water from a very nice glass dish. Casual, you know?
Il Pastaio – Delicious restaurant by Rodeo Drive. I just knew I was going to see someone famous there..but sadly didn’t.
Original Room at Comedy Store in Hollywood – We got to see Bill Burr again! We were also literally front and center, luckily we weren’t picked on too bad. One girl did amazing impressions and made me really want to be able to do them too. I’ll work on it.
Griffith Park Trails – Perfect mixture of easy/challenging hiking trails. Breathtaking views and right by the Hollywood sign.
Favorite places in San Francisco:
Golden Gate Bridge – Fabulous as I imagined but couldn’t stay there long – heights, sheesh!
Ghirardelli Chocolate Museum – Took a lot of self control not to just stick my hand into the melted chocolate being stirred round and round. There were also awesome old advertisements hanging up in the store. Amazing what you used to get away with saying!
Napa – duh! We went on an awesome wine tasting tour! Our guide was so fun and definitely was living the good life…wine tours in Cali during the summer and hiking guide in Colo during the winter.
Hotel Nikko – Such a nice hotel! We were nearly killed trying to find where you went to park but besides that, beautiful! They have taxi/bus lanes that normal cars cannot drive on in San Francisco, just FYI.
Trattoria Contadina – Delicious Italian food in North Beach. Had that authentic unbeatable Italian taste. Also delicious bread, oops!
Eight am – Would say this was my favorite brunch place we went to, it was low key but so tasty. Had 3 types of avocado toast that I first drooled over and then gobbled up quickly.
Dirty Habit – Edgy bar that had the most interesting cocktails! Their bathrooms were really cool too. When bathrooms are cool, you know it’s got to be a good experience.
Pier 39 – So amazed by the sea lions, they literally just lay on each other for hours and there are thousands of them! Whoever planned that as the “spot” must have been really organized and influential because they have been going there since 1989.
Favorite Stops on the road:
Nick’s – Laguna Beach
Hula’s – Santa Barbara
Big Sky Cafe – San Luis Obispo
Julia Pfeiffer State Park – Big Sur
Hawthorne Gallery – Big Sur
Leave a Reply