(Outdoorsy) Long Weekend in LA County & VIDEO

Being a weekend warrior is kind of my thing.  I like to cram as many crazy activities into a weekend as possible.  Because I have a full-time job (and horses, and friends, and family, and a routine) it can sometimes be hard to get away for longer periods of time.  But - you don't need a whole week to get away all the time.  Sometimes, you just need an extra long weekend.  

In this case, four days will get you a lovely taste of southern California from hiking and biking to eating and drinking your way around LA County.  If you are looking for a post on Rodeo Drive or how to hike to the Hollywood Sign, this is not it.  This is more of an outdoorsy/less touristy long weekend in the area.  I flew into LA and never really went to LA because, in all fairness, that city just didn't interest me.  Instead, I spent some time in surrounding Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, and Joshua Tree.  Here is how I spent my four days (Friday to Monday) in LA County.

VIDEO 

Biking the Venice/Santa Monica Bike Paths

If you are heading to the Venice/Santa Monica area of California, there is one thing you absolutely have to do.  Okay, maybe two if you count eating at Cha Cha Chicken but really, you have to do this one thing:  Rent bicycles and bike the Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Paths.  A nice breeze, a beautiful bike path, some fantastic sights and people watching for slow-flat-easy-biking-miles.  It is everything you expect as you cruise along the beach stopping at some of the famous sites along the way.

Joshua Tree National Park in 1 day

So you want to go to Joshua Tree National Park? 

Oh, and you only have one day.  

You came to the right spot. 

In true KW fashion I am also always trying to cram as much adventure into a day as possible.  Welcome to the guide that will get you into and through the park in one day while seeing some of the bigger sites.  In one day you can fit in an auto tour of the park with a short but steady hike, a cactus stroll and a chance to climb around some rocks shaped like skulls.  With a lot of sites right off the main drive and an early start and a plan, you can get a good taste of Joshua Tree in just one day.  

Hike up Ryan Mountain - Joshua Tree National Park

Views from the summit 

What would a KW trip to a National Park be without a hike?  It would be a sad one of course.  Thankfully, we had just enough time to squeeze in one of the park's most popular hikes before the rain came in.  One of the first things I (almost) always do when visiting a new National Park is stop at the Visitor's Center.  I love to look at the exhibits, check out the shop, and best of all, talk to the rangers.  

Cholla Cactus Garden - Joshua Tree National Park

Until this trip, I never thought cactus could be, well, really stinking cute.  This trip to Cholla Cactus Garden proved just that.  If you are traveling to Joshua Tree National Park, this quick little walk to a garden of ridiculously adorable cactus should be on your list.  While not an exciting hike or grand adventure, this was probably one of my favorite stops in Joshua Tree National Park. 

Skull Rock - Joshua Tree National Park, California

One thing I really wanted to do while in LA was, in fact, leave LA and drive nearly three hours to the nearest National Park, Joshua Tree.  As I mentioned in my last post I wanted to see California but I really had zero interest in LA or your typical city/touristy sights (no Hollywood Sign or Beverly Hills for me).  

Any chance I have to visit a National Park I jump on it.  One of the first things I did when I planned my California Trip was to see the closest National Park to LAX and Joshua Tree won the ticket.  Joshua Tree isn't the most glamorous of National Parks but for all the desert lovers out there (yep, that's a thing) it is a fantastic park.  From the famous Dr. Suess like Joshua Trees to spectacular hikes and rock formations, Joshua Tree National Park deserves at least a day in your Southern California Itinerary.  I am working on a "24 hours in Joshua Tree" post but for now, I wanted to post about my favorite stops, sights, and hikes within the park.  

Hiking to Sandstone Peak- Santa Monica, California

If you have been following this blog for a little while, you probably know I am not much of a city person.  The crowds, the traffic, the prices, the garbage, the crime... I could go on and on. You may be thinking "didn't you live in a city Katie,  downtown in fact? " Yes, I lived in a city downtown for two years but Salt Lake City is such an easy city compared to some of our country's big cities like New York and Los Angeles.  With that being said, I still like to visit and can definitely appreciate a city for a day or two.  I love the various food and sheer amount of things to do, aspects you can find in just about any city.  

When I had the chance to visit Los Angeles, I jumped at the opportunity for these reasons.  The first thing a few people said to me was "you don't seem like an LA kind of gal".  Yes, yes they were all right.  I was excited to see the city but let's be honest, within five minutes I was researching the best hikes and outdoor activities in the area.  I was staying in Santa Monica just outside of LA and within minutes, had found some great hikes and activities in the area. 

Napa Valley, California (Dog friendly trip!)

Today is a sad day, 

we are at the last day of my California Road Trip post. 

A dog friendly trip up to very dog friendly, Napa Valley including amazing cheesburgers and lots of delicious California wine. 

After leaving Monterey, the plan was to head up to Napa Valley.  Instead of heading back along scenic Highway 1, we took the quicker route on the highway.  

Driving into Napa was quite quaint.  Things were a little browner than I expected, but California isn't known for its endless supply of water and I figured that was the reasoning. 

One of my favorite things about California was how some of the highways and roads, had these beautiful flowers in the median.  How pretty are the highways in CA?

En route to Napa Valley

The very first stop on our Napa tour was Gotts Roadside.  Who drives all the way to Napa and makes their first stop a cheeseburger?  We do.  I had planned a list of a few dog friendly vineyards and read about Gotts Roadside, virtually next door to one of the vineyards and also dog friendly. 

Gott's Roadside 

Gott’s Roadside (formerly Taylors) was featured in 7x7’s  100 Things to Eat+Drink Before You Die), Trust me when I say they got it right.  I am drooling and dreaming of those amazing cheeseburgers. 

Picnic Area at Gotts Roadside 

Gott's is so different from the fancy and wine centric fine dining of Napa Valley.  You can come to Gott's and enjoy wine in Nappa Valley while also enjoying an amazing burger (and fries, and milkshake, and beer) outside WITH YOUR DOG. 

 It has a fun a drive in vibe and be warned, a looooong line.  It is not cheap at about $ 10-12 for a lone cheeseburger with no sides, but in the realm of California prices it is fair and trust me when I say it is SO worth it.  We had been in the car for a while, we were exhausted and hungry so we went full monte here.  Two burgers, sweet potato fries, and a milk shake.  They also have beer wine and drinks, but I was saving that for the vineyards. 

Burgers and fries from Gotts

So, how was the burger I bet you are wondering as you stare down that western bacon blue burger?   Hands down one of the best burgers I have ever had.  And their dipping sauce for the sweet potato fries?  I think I could drink it.  

Western Bacon Blue Burger, Gotts Roadside 

Of course, the fact that they are dog friendly and you can enjoy your meal (AND WINE) in the sunshine of amazing California adds about 20 points to my book.  Wine, cheeseburgers, outdoor seating and pups- California has it all.

After we inhaled out burgers and reluctantly left Gott's behind in the rear view mirror, it was time to see some famous vineyards.   The first stop on our wine tour was Hall Vineyard.  This vineyard is right off St/ Helena Highway in St. Helena in Napa Valley.  I knew it was a dog friendly vineyard right next to Gotts and the perfect way to start seeing Napa.

One of the really unique things about this vineyard was all of the art around the property.  We were told the owners mother was an art teacher, and art was an integral part of the families lifestyle and also, their vineyard.  There are various sculptures around the property, and art around the buildings.  Some of the wine labels are even drawings that his mother created. 

Another really cute feature was the instant greeting. The second we walked up to the building we were greeting by someone at the vineyard, who walked us up to the tasting area and gave Olive this adorable Hall Dog Treat.  It smelled so good I thought about taking a bite. 

The tasting room had a deck and an indoor area, with glass paneling overlooking the vineyard.  This was a perfect spot to sit in the shade and sample wine.  Their standard tasting of 4 wines off their list ran for about $35.  I thought it was a little pricey for a tasting but when in Napa!  They even brought out a large dog bowl for Olive and we relaxed in the shade.

They are known for their red wines, but I have to say, for the price of some of the bottles, I was not blown away.  Our favorite wine actually ended up being the first one we tried and a white, sauvignon blanc.  After a few glasses and a walk around the vineyard, it was time to stop at another vineyard.  

If you are planning on heading to Napa, make sure you check out the visiting hours of the vineyards.  Most close sometime between 4:30 and 6:00.  It was about 4:00 by the time we left Hall and headed to Peju, just down the road a little way.  

Peju was a fun place and had a totally different vibe from Hall.  It was much more laid back and casual than the fancier Hall Vineyard.  It was a castle like building with a bridge and water.  It was quite cute.  

Instead of paying for another tasting, we decided to buy a bottle of rose to enjoy outside on their patio.  They had a chilled bottle we purchased and brought outside for a fair price to enjoy in the sunshine.  It was cheaper than the tastings and far better wine in my opinion.  We had a great time enjoying the scenery while talking to a nice couple from Manhattan, looking to buy a summer house in my hometown. 

Napa was such a beautiful quaint area.  It wasn't what I had envisioned in my head when I pictures NAPA, but it was a beautiful area with hundreds of dog friendly vineyards.  Check out this link for a list of dog friendly vineyards if you are going wining and dining with your pooch.  After Napa, it was a short drive to Sacramento where we stayed the night, before heading back "East" to Salt Lake City. 

A short trip, but with so many wonderful and amazing sites.  It was a ton of driving and exhausting at times, but worth every mile to enjoy beautiful California with great company and my dog. 

Want to read more about my California Road Trip?

Lake Tahoe 

Pier 39 Sea Lions

Steps of San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge 

Driving Highway One - Half Moon Bay to Big Sur

Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur

Monterey - Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, and San Carlos Beach 

Napa Valley

Monterey, California

Monterey Park 

1. Monterey is a city on California’s rugged central coast right off of the Pacific Coast Highway.  It was just one of the beautiful stops and visits along our drive down Highway 1 from San Francisco to Big Sur.  It is well known for its sardine packing industry, aquarium, beautiful beaches and overall charm. 
2. 
   

There is something for everyone here, and be sure to check out this Lists of activities and itineraries before you go.

Monterey, California is just one gorgeous place.  It is exactly what you expect a coastal California town to look and feel like.  Beautiful coastal town that is all about the water, from the world-class aquarium to historic cannery row.  I could spend a lot of time here.  While in Monterey we spent some time walking around the town, strolled down Fisherman's pier, and walked through Cannery Row. 

Fisherman's Pier

Fisherman's Pier is a much smaller version of San Francisco's famous piers.  Fisherman's Pier in Monterey is lined with touristy shops, whale watching excursions, and restaurants on a much smaller and less busy scale.  

Fisherman's Pier 

Chowder on Fisherman's Pier 

The best part about Fisherman's Wharf is all of the clam chowder. As you walk down the pier, every restaurant has an employee out front offering samples of chowder.  You can just walk up and down the boardwalk, sampling chowder from all the different restaurants.  Yep, its heaven.  

Sea Lion on Fisherman's Pier 

Whale Watching Monterey Bay 

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Whale Watching

The whale watching looked absolutely amazing out of Monterey.  After seeing the recent sightings (see above) I was really jealous we were unable to go out whale watching.  While one of the whale watching tours was dog friendly, they are expensive and Olive would not have enjoyed the evening out on the boat.  Next time. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is marine mammal paradise.  This protected area is home to all of the above sightings and so much more.  If you want to go whale watching, this is where you go. 

"The sanctuary contains our nation's largest kelp forests and one of North America's largest underwater canyons and closest-to-shore deep ocean environments. Its diverse marine ecosystem also includes rugged rocky shores, wave-swept sandy beaches and tranquil estuaries. These habitats harbor an incredible variety of marine life, including 34 species of marine mammals, more than 180 species of seabirds and shorebirds, at least 525 species of fishes, and an abundance of invertebrates and algae. Known as the "Serengeti of the Sea," this remarkably productive marine environment is fringed by spectacular coastal scenery, including sand dunes, rocky cliffs, rolling hills and steep mountains." More Info

Whale Watching Monterey Bay 

San Carlos Beach 

San Carlos Beach 

If you want to spend some time on the beach, or even scuba diving, you are in a perfect spot.  San Carlos Beach on a Saturday morning was full of divers heading into the water.  I was told that more divers get certified on San Carlos Beach than anywhere else in the world.  Paradise Found.   If you aren't into diving, it is a beautiful spot to go for a swim, paddle board, lie on the beach, or just enjoy the views in the park. 

More about diving San Carlos Beach 

San Carlos Beach 

San Carlos Beach 

San Carlos Beach 

Paddle Boarding San Carlos Beach 

San Carlos Beach 

Cannery Row 

If you want a history tour,  you guessed it, you can find that here too.  Monterey's Iconic Cannery Row will satisfy any history buff in your family.  It is pretty magical to walk along these streets, envisioning Monterey as it once was.

Cannery Row

"Cannery Row is the waterfront street in the New Monterey section of Monterey, California. It is the site of a number of now-defunct sardine canning factories. The last cannery closed in 1973. The street name, formerly a nickname for Ocean View Avenue, became official in January 1958 to honor John Steinbeck and his well-known novel Cannery Row.^[1] In the novel's opening sentence, Steinbeck described the street as "a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream."  The canneries failed after the collapse of the fishing industry in Monterey Bay in the mid-1950s, which resulted from a combination of factors, including unfavorable oceanic conditions, over-fishing, and competition from other species. ^[2] In his investigation of where the sardines had gone, Ed Ricketts finally concluded "They're in cans." Before the collapse, the fishery was one of the most productive in the world due to the upwelling of cold, yet nutrient-rich water from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean that is funneled to the surface via the vast underwater Monterey Canyon".  More Info. 

To this day you will not find any operational canning facilities, but you will find shops, restaurants, and the charm of what was once a booming industry.  More about Cannery Row 

Old Labels on Cannery Row

As you walk around, keep your eyes peeled for copies of old canning labels preserved in the sidewalks and streets of Cannery Row. There is educational signage around the area and so many shops and restaurants to peek in and out of.  A walk down cannery row is a must for anyone visiting Monterey. 

Old Labels on Cannery Row

 Cannery Row

 Cannery Row

Monterey, CA

Monterey, CA

We only spent one night/day in Monterey, but there is so much to do in this little town on the coast.  I only wish we had more time.  The 17 Mile Drive was listed as a must-see by many, and will be high on my list next time I am there.  There is a fee and we were sort of sick of being in the car at that point, so it is on the list for our net visit.  Whale watching will also be a must net time I find myself on the Pacific Coast. 

For me, Monterey was out of a dream.  I had missed the water so much and this town was the perfect cure.  Coastal and charming without all the people, hustle and bustle.  San Francisco was great, but Monterey was what I wanted.  It is exactly what you hope California towns along the coast would be.  So long for now Monterey.

Next stop, Napa. 

Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur California

Pfeiffer Beach, CA

I looked up dog friendly beaches in the Big Sur area and came across Pfeiffer Beach.  I didn't look into the beach at all, just saw DOG FRIENDLY and BEACH in the same sentence, did a happy dance, and put it on my GPS.  

Well, this beach FAR exceeded any expectations I had for West Coast Beaches.

USA Today readers chose Pfeiffer Beach to be in the Top 10 Beaches in California.  And I totally see why.   "Private property and Big Sur's steep terrain makes most of its coastline inaccessible to the public. Fortunately for the visitor, however, several State Park and U.S. Forest Service beaches are open to the public all year. Pfeiffer beach is one of them". Despite its popularity it was still relatively quiet. 

Sign at the top of the entrance.  Stop and talk to the guard to see if there is parking down below. 

"Pfeiffer Beach is located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which is off the Pacific Coast Highway about 37 miles south of Carmel, down a narrow, one-lane dirt road. If you have an overly large or overly small vehicle, you might have issues navigating this road, especially if your vehicle is large and there’s oncoming traffic. At the end of the road is a paved parking area with restrooms, and from there, the beach itself is a leisurely 10 minute walk."

Pfeiffer Beach is a Day Use Area, and no overnight camping is allowed.  Hours are 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM 7 days a week.  There is a $10.00 entrance fee to access the park and beach.   Parking can be an issue and there is a guard at the top and bottom of the road to let you know if there are spaces down by the beach. If not, it is a long walk down the dirt road to access the beach.  It was a long drive down this bumpy dirt road. 

The best part, it is a dog friendly beach (on leash). 

Fido can come relax on the beach with you as long as he is on leash. 

Dirt road to get to Pfeiffer Beach 

The worst part? It is a long windy drive down a dirty road that really only has room for cars one way. Drive slow and be patient as there will be a lot of walkers on the road, and cars coming in both directions that you will have to pull over and let pass by at times. 

Finally at the end of the dirt road (I felt a little bad for everyone walking) you will see the parking area, bathrooms, and the welcome sign 

Arches at Pfeiffer Beach 

But when you get there, you are in for a surprise.  The views are phenomenal.  Wide perfect sandy beaches, and these amazing arches and caves. 

Napping Sea Lion on the beach 

Oh, and an extra surprise.  This sea lion decided he was going to haul out and take a nap on the beach.  He ignored everyone around him (his area was coned off) and scooted up on the beach whenever the waves came in too close.  This marine mammal lover was pretty happy at another critter sighting.

That face though! 

Kids watching the napping Sea Lion on the beach 

It was a really fun experience for the kids even though  A: they were farrrr too close and B:  they all thought he was dead or dying.  I am pretty sure he was just hauled out and sunbathing.  I took the time to give a quick lesson on seals vs sea lions.  Everyone should know. 

Arches at Pfeiffer Beach

The caves and arches off these beach are beautiful.  Like holy moly we don't have this stuff back at home.  Watching the wave roll through theses caves was so calming and peaceful.  It was the perfect treat after a long day in the car. 

Arches at Pfeiffer Beach

The beach area was also really nice and relatively empty.  Of course, being the Pacific, the water is quite chilly, and there was an adorable family playing in the surf, all wearing matching wet suits. 

Olive on Pfeiffer Beach 

I wasn't the only one enjoying the day.  Sometimes you just need to feel the sand under your paws and the wind in your ears.  She was so happy sitting on the beach.  This girl loves scampering along the beach and dipping into the water (we did keep her on leash as it is an on leash only area). 

Keyhole Arch, Pfeiffer Beach 

One of the most beautiful (and popular) features on this beach is Keyhole Arch.  This beautiful arch just sitting in the surf zone.  Waves rolling through the key hole and spilling onto the beach.  This picture doesn't do it justice. This is a beach and arch you need to see for yourself. 

Keyhole Arch, Pfeiffer Beach 

It is a really well known feature along the Pacific Coast, and well documented/photographed feature.  I mean, I knew Pacific had great beaches but this beach was really fully of surprises.   Pacific you are soooooooooo beautiful.

This article talks about the special time of year when photographers swarm the beach to get the perfect light through Keyhole Arch.

Yoga on the beach 

This guy was sitting on the rock, in total zen mode.  What a spot to watch the sunset and reflect.   Big Sur was more beautiful than I could have imagined.  The drive down Highway One, to walking along Pfeiffer Beach, watching the waves roll through caves and arches.  We even spotted some dolphins playing in the surf off the beach

Footprints at Pfeiffer Beach 

 If you are heading to Big Sur and want a beach you can relax on,

 and even bring your dog, this is it.