On a recent trip to California, our goal was to check out the coast above LA in Ventura county, up through Santa Barbara and to Avila Beach. Avila Beach is a quaint small beach community facing south. For some reason the way the mountains are situated the weather at Avila always seems to be clearer where other areas might be more affected from ocean fog. This trip to Avila was just a day trip as our hotel was located just south in Pismo Beach. Avila is great for walking around, enjoying a day in the sand, walking through the shops and having lunch or dinner on one of the many patios overlooking palm trees and the surf. Located right in town is Bolt About Electric Bike Rentals. We rented 2 bikes and helmets and went straight for the Bob Hope trail, and to Kelsey See Canyon Vinyards. The ride itself is beautiful through the trees and once on top of the hill you come toe Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards. At first from the road, we weren’t sure, but once parked and walking into the back there was an outdoor serving table and plenty of outdoor seating with whimsical umbrellas, and the best part, roaming peacocks. I mean, when was the last time you had the chance to feed a peacock? One glass of wonderful Chardonnay and we were on our way back down the hill to the Bob Hope Trail. We had the bikes for about less than two hours and was 60/each. So not super inexpensive but the experience was really fun. Avila is so charming it feels like you stepped into a coastal town in Europe or the South Carolina Coast.

Our next stop for the night was Inn at the Cove near Pismo Beach. They greeted us with a warm welcome Happy Hour from 4-5 and for about that hour, we watched all the incredible wildlife through the misty cold ocean fog. Even though that was a cool sight in itself, I was hoping the clouds would quickly burn away which FINALLY they did to reveal the views were we’re waiting for. Not going to lie, I was a little panicked the weather was not going to cooperate. Once the clouds burned off around 5pm we had a gorgeous evening sunset that provide beautiful landscape photography and perfect spot to watch the sunset from our balcony. One of our favorite things to do is order in when there is a great balcony view where we can talk and eat with a great sunset view experience. Of course googling “the best pizza in Pismo Beach” was a good move as we found Giuseppe’s Pizza. It did not disappoint and looking through the other pizza shops in the area we might just have to make our way through a pizza tour of Pismo next time. So good!! Pismo Beach has a great beach town and pier that you can walk along we loved all the shops and options. Don’t forget to stop and take your picture in front of the PISMO BEACH sign.

Driving back down the coast we stopped over in Santa Barbara, California. The architecture and beauty of this city is so inviting and charming. It seems like white walls and red tile roofs are the go-to exterior facade choice and it looks fabulous. We went to the clock tour to the top for a fantastic 360 degree view of the entire city. The rich history of the courthouse was fascinating and the intricate tiles and architecture detail was stunning. A quick stop for a donut and Hook and Press for their amazing donuts and a walk through the art district and La Arcadia where you feel as if you are in another country. A weekend in Santa Barbara will be in the future for sure if we can make it happen.

A quick pass through Ventura where you find a row of shops and eateries on Main st. (About 1/4 mile from the beach itself) We didn’t find too much going on but hear that weekends are packed and full of activity. Sorry Ventura, you didn’t grab our attention this time but we have heard great things.. Onward to Oxnard for a quick trip to the beach which has a great park next to the main beach area with beautiful Palm trees and grass. The Marina was a really nice setting for dinner and yachts and a place we’d really like to explore a little more.

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Directions : Oxnard/Ventura is about 1 hours East of the San Fernando Valley and 37 minutes north of Malibu, California. This drive along the PCH (Pacific Coast Hwy 1) is so beautiful if on a clear day. Avila & Pismo are about 2 hours away and youl’ll pass right through Santa Barbara. Some other great beaches to visit are Morrow Bay, Malibu, Zuma , Huntington, Manhattan, Laguna, Newport.