Stroll Carmel and a Magnificent Mission in San Luis Obispo

The charming cottages of Carmel (formally known as Carmel-by-the-Sea) run along main streets and brick-lined alleyways. Begin the day exploring the town by foot, discovering "hidden" stores and an endless supply of instagram moments.

Take the scenic route along the coast to revel in the beauty of the ragged coast made famous by Jack Kerouac and his friends. Stop for lunch at what looks like a gas station but is really a sweet restaurant and bakery. If you arrive closer to lunch, they'll probably be sold out of some bakery favorites like a ham and cheese croissant. But lunch is available. Check out the pin board for the day's menu which may include avocado toast, wood-fired pizza, clam and smoked trout chowder, or beef chili – it's all good.
bakery wednesday - sunday, opens at 8:30am
Breakfast wednesday - sunday, starts 9:30am
lunch wednesday - sunday, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
dinner Thursday - Saturday 5-8 pm

William Randolph Hearst's fabulous estate took decades to build and was built by California's most famous architect, Julia Morgan. Closed during Covid, the castle has reopened and remains a popular tourist destination. I recommend the Julia Morgan Tour to not only understand the bones of the buildings but the woman who has had a lasting impact on the look of California's cities.

A hub for international wines, Park 1039 is one-part gourmet food shop with international wines and cheeses, and one-part restaurant with a heated patio and a farm-to-table menu that changes daily. Pause for a plate of locally-made charcuterie or corn fritters and caviar and a glass of Grand Cru chardonnay from France's Clos St. Denis.
Open hours are Wed: 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm Thu: 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm Fri: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm Sat: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm Sun: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday

Downtown San Luis Obispo is very walkable with plenty of places to chill (like the steps in front of the Mission) or grab a cocktail or watch the world go by. But SLO is perhaps best-known not for its wine or its food or its college but a small alley on the main drag where the walls are pasted with countless pieces of chewed bubble gum. it really is gross but plenty of people want to take a picture here. You, too?

Hotel San Luis Obispo is the new kid on the block. It's within easy walking distance of downtown and has pool is at lobby level next to the S.Low bar. It makes for fine people watching in the morning at breakfast.