I am way overdue for this post, as I have been anxious to tell you all about our trip to California (as well as share some photos)!
Our trip started in San Diego. We flew in and rented a Camero Convertible :) We only spent a day in this gorgeous town and definitely want to go back some day! We walked around the city near the water, saw the USS Midway, checked out Seaport Village, the Convention Center, the Gaslamp District and Balboa Park. Our night ended at the Karl Strauss Brewery and Restaurant. Here are some pictures that highlight our time in San Diego...
Balboa Park
Ben in front of the USS Midway
The next day we made our way up the coast to Carlsbad, CA. On the way though we stopped at several breweries and enjoyed some tastings of some great beer! We stopped at Ballast Point Brewing, Stone Brewing World Bistro, Gardens & Brewery, Lost Abbey Brewing and ended the night at Pizza Port Brewing in Carlsbad. What a day! Here are some pics...
Lost Abbey Brewing
Pizza Port Brewing
Then we were off to Santa Monica! This part of our trip wasn't about the breweries...more about seeing Santa Monica & West Hollywood, a stop to In-N-Out (since I had never been ), beach time, and dinner with my cousin Amy and her husband Joey. See below for pics!
The Fairmont Miramar
My cousin Amy & I
TrueBlood!!
In-N-Out! Yummy!
After two nights in Santa Monica we headed inland to Paso Robles for one night and some good quality time at the Firestone Walker tap room, brewery and restaurant. Our hotel in Paso Robles was beautiful! We stayed at the La Belaserra boutique hotel, great place and only two minutes from Firestone Walker. Here is a pic of Firestone Walker!
Firestone Walker Tap Room
From there we headed north through San Franacisco, made a quick stop at Muir Woods and then to Santa Rosa for a visit to Russian River Brewery, which also has a tap room and restaurant. This was probably Ben's favorite part of the trip, as he LOVES Russion River. They do have amazing beer! :)
Russian River Brewing Taster
After Santa Rosa (and might I add a beautiful drive through wine country!) we headed back to San Francisco for two nights before heading home. We stayed right in the heart of Union Square at the Grand Hyatt...fantastic location and hotel! I love San Francisco, and this was probably my favorite part of the trip. Saturday, June 2nd was my birthday, so we rented bikes and rode over the Golden Gate Bridge to Saulsalito and then took a ferry back to Fisheman's Wharf. What an amazing excursion and the perfect experience on my bday. Other than that, we just toured the city during our time there...China Town, Little Italy, North Beach (Rogue Public Ale House anyone?!), Union Square of course and the Yerba Buena area. More pics below...
Carousel at Fisherman's Wharf
Golden Gate Bridge
Union Square
Great vacation...one to never forget! xo- S
