We departed San Francisco on New Years day and picked up our rental vehicle for the balance of our holiday. This trip was not one that was really planned out at all other than the beginning, the middle some where, and the end. It’s not really like me to not have a plan, but I have truly found that some our our best adventures have been when I have backed off the planning and just let it happen organically. So this trip was without a real plan.
Our first stop was Napa, which is only really about an hour from Oakland (the other side of the Bay from San Francisco). It was out of season for wine tasting and the prices (compared to the Okanagan) for a tasting was exorbitant, so we opted for an overnight stay and to simply a quick exploration of the Valley by car. It reminded me very much of the Okanagan, except on a grander scale. Beautiful for sure. Definitely a do over with another visit in the early fall when the vines are full of grapes.
What we did find in Napa was, OMG, an amazing Mexican eatery called Frida’s Mexican Bar and Grill (https://www.fridasmexicangrill.com). OMG – THE most authentic and amazing Mexican food I have experienced north of Mexico. The most amazing complimentary home made nachos served with hand chopped picco de gallo as soon as we sat down, along with a side of Frida’s home brew beer at the mere cost of $3 a pint. As you can expect, that made my husband very happy. Will opted for Frida’s combo plate with nachos, chingalinga, quesadilla, flautas, and chicken wings, topped with sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo. More food that a man needed. I opted for the flautas plate. AMAZING. (Ok note to self, I have used OMG twice and the word amazing three times in this paragraph, but I honestly cannot think of any other way to describe the most authentic Mexican cuisine I have eaten in my lifetime). If you ever find yourself in Napa for the wine, this is a must try Mexican joint. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Our next stop was in Monterey where we made Monterey Tides our home base for two nights (https://montereytides.com). Situated right on an ABSOLUTELY EXSQUITIE BEACH! I was lulled to sleep each night by the sound of the breaking tide just outside our door. The crash of waves like beautiful music for my soul. The rooms were basic but clean, but the views of the ocean and beach made this a wonderful stop in our adventure. The lobby had exceptional views where we were offered a complimentary cocktail each night. We enjoyed watching the waves and the sun setting as we sipped wines and wished for a lottery win so that the beach life could be ours every day of our pending retirement. I realize a selfish wish, but what are we without our dreams?
We chose to make this our home base for a few days and explore locally. We ventured the coast of the Monterey Peninsula down through the 17 Mile Coastline through Pebble Beach in Carmel, CA. There is a cost associated with this drive, however, as a military member and a resident outside of CA, they waived us through for free and thanked us for our service. So much natural beauty including points of interest like The Restless Sea, Point Joe, China Rock, Bird Rock, Cypress Point Lookout and the Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point. A beautiful drive if you every find ourself in that neck of the woods. Again, I would do this drive again in a heartbeat when the weather was a bit more favourable, and would go as far as to pack a picnic for two of cheese, crackers and cured meats to enjoy along the sea at one of the stops (and of course would throw in a botte of Cab Sav to enjoy with it!). It was truly and amazing day that had us end at the beach in Carmel-By-The Sea, a cute little beach town filled with fairy like stone cottages, cobblestone streets, and filled with artists, writers and poets. It boasts a spectacular beach and happens to be where Dirty Harry served as Mayor a term back in the 80s.
Monterey truly was the gateway to our journey along the coast of California in our “no plan” getaway. From there, while we were chased by epic weather including unprecedented rain, flooding, and mud slides, we managed to stay ahead of the worst of the weather (although there were a few days driving that were definitely not so pleasant), kept our rain jackets handy and were thankful for the days where we were blessed with blue and sunny skies as we continued to explore the Coast of California.
