As a mom who absolutely adores travel, I’ve always believed that the best vacations are the ones that feed the soul—and I mean that literally! Nothing brings a family or a group of friends closer than sharing a wonderful meal together, especially when that meal tells a story about the place you’re visiting. Coastal California, you know, has always held a special place in my heart, and after our last trip, I’m so excited to tell you about a journey we took that was all about flavor. We decided to paint our own “Culinary Canvas,” starting in the charming seaside town of La Jolla, venturing up the coast to the chic city of Santa Monica, and finally, finding a serene escape in the redwoods of Santa Cruz. It was a trip filled with fresh, beautiful food and, of course, memories we’ll cherish forever.
Stop One: La Jolla’s Rancho-Style Elegance
Our first stop was the picturesque village of La Jolla. It’s one of those places that feels like a hidden gem, even though everyone knows about it. The cliffs, the coves, the seals—it’s just breathtaking. And nestled in all that natural beauty is a true sanctuary for anyone who loves good food and a peaceful atmosphere: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa.
Stepping onto the grounds of Estancia feels like you’ve been transported to a sophisticated, sun-drenched Spanish ranch. The architecture is a stunning blend of a hacienda and a coastal retreat, with beautiful courtyards, lush gardens, and inviting fireplaces everywhere you look. It’s the kind of place where you can truly relax and let the world melt away. From the moment we arrived, I knew we had found a place to create some special family memories. The kids immediately loved exploring the winding paths and discovering the quiet nooks, and I was just so taken with the thoughtful design and the feeling of stepping into another world.
The culinary experiences at Estancia are just as fantastic as the setting. They have several wonderful places to dine right on the property, and each one has its own unique charm. We absolutely fell in love with Mustangs & Burros. It’s their signature restaurant, and it was just named one of OpenTable’s Best Outdoor Dining Venues, which is no surprise at all. The atmosphere is so relaxed and inviting, with cozy fireplaces and a menu that brings together Baja coastal flavors with a Southern California twist. We had some of the most delicious fish tacos and fresh ceviche—it was all so bright and flavorful, and sitting outside under the stars with my family felt absolutely magical.
For breakfast and brunch, we were so charmed by Greenfinch Restaurant & Bar. The name alone makes you feel like you’re in a little aviary. It’s got this lovely, open-air balcony that overlooks a gorgeous garden courtyard. We enjoyed their elevated breakfast favorites with a Southwestern flair. It felt so sophisticated, but still comfortable enough for a family to feel right at home. I also have to mention The Trading Post Café & Bar, which is a perfect spot for a morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up. They focus on locally sourced ingredients and artisanal craftsmanship, so even a simple latte felt like a real treat. And for a truly unique experience, they have this amazing on-site apiary! We even found some honey-inspired gifts to take home. It’s those little, unexpected touches that really make a vacation memorable, don’t you think?
Beyond the hotel, La Jolla’s culinary scene is a delight to explore. Every Sunday morning, you simply must visit the La Jolla Open Aire Market. It’s held on the grounds of the elementary school, and all the proceeds go back to the school, which I just love. It’s not just a place to get fresh produce; it’s a whole event! You’ll find a vibrant international food court, talented local artisans, and live music. We grabbed some fresh-squeezed juice and a delicious breakfast burrito and just soaked up the lively, community atmosphere. I also recommend strolling through The Village and finding a charming café for a little treat. The pastries at Sugar & Scribe are absolutely heavenly. After all that eating, you can take a scenic walk along the Coast Walk Trail to digest and see the famous La Jolla seals and sea lions sunbathing at the Cove.
Stop Two: Santa Monica’s Coastal Cool
After a few days of peaceful relaxation and delicious food in La Jolla, we decided it was time to move on to our next destination. The drive up the coast is an adventure in itself, with stunning ocean views and picturesque towns to pass through. There’s nothing quite like having the Pacific Ocean on one side of you as you travel. We rolled the windows down and let the sea breeze and salty air fill the car. It was the perfect way to transition from the serene elegance of La Jolla to the vibrant, chic energy of Santa Monica.
Our destination in Santa Monica was Viceroy Santa Monica. Oh my goodness, talk about a different vibe! This hotel felt like stepping into a sleek, modern, and stylish beach house. It’s so close to the ocean, you can practically hear the waves from your room. The design is all about coastal cool, with clean lines, comfortable furnishings, and a fantastic pool deck that is the heart of the resort. It’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring, and the kids loved splashing in the pool while I relaxed in a plush cabana.
The culinary scene at Viceroy Santa Monica is centered around their incredible restaurant, Sugar Palm. This place is a whole mood. The menu is a fantastic celebration of California’s coastal cuisine with a global twist. They use ingredients straight from the local farmers’ market, and you can really taste the freshness in every bite. We had the most delightful dinner, enjoying dishes like Peruvian Scallops and a beautifully prepared fresh catch of the day. The cocktails are also a work of art, with house-made syrups and unique flavors that are inspired by both Mexican heritage and the colors of a Santa Monica sunset. It was such a perfect, sophisticated evening—the kind you dream about when you’re planning a trip.
Santa Monica is a foodie’s paradise, and there’s so much to do. We made sure to hit the Santa Monica Farmers Market, which happens on Wednesdays and Saturdays and is one of the biggest and best in all of Southern California. You’ll find top chefs from all over Los Angeles stocking up on ingredients here, and it’s easy to see why. The selection of fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and prepared foods is just incredible. We grabbed some fresh berries and delicious baked goods to enjoy while we people-watched and listened to the live music. For a quick and easy bite, I have to suggest grabbing a meal at Huckleberry Bakery & Café. It’s a family-friendly spot that’s known for its fantastic baked goods and delicious, fresh, farm-to-table breakfast and lunch.
Of course, no trip to Santa Monica would be complete without visiting the Santa Monica Pier. It’s a classic for a reason! We spent an afternoon riding the Ferris wheel, which is solar-powered (I just love that), and the kids loved playing arcade games. The views from the top of the Ferris wheel, looking out over the Pacific Ocean, are just absolutely incredible and made for a truly special moment. We also biked a portion of the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as “The Strand,” which runs for 22 miles along the coast. It’s such a fun, active way to see the coastline, and we even rode all the way to Venice Beach to see the famous boardwalk and skate park.
Stop Three: Santa Cruz’s Mountaintop Retreat
After our time in Santa Monica, we were ready for a change of pace. We decided to head further north, embarking on the most scenic part of our journey along the Central Coast. The drive is a little longer, but you just can’t beat the views! We passed by beautiful farmland and rugged cliffs before arriving in Santa Cruz, a place with a wonderfully laid-back, eclectic vibe. Our final destination was Chaminade Resort & Spa, and it was the perfect end to our trip.
Perched on a mountain top overlooking the Monterey Bay, Chaminade Resort & Spa is a true breath of fresh air. It’s surrounded by towering eucalyptus and lush coastal trees, and the atmosphere is so peaceful and restorative. It’s a resort that really lets you get back to nature while still enjoying all the comforts of a luxury stay. The kids loved the feeling of being in a “treehouse” with all the amazing hiking trails and sports courts. The views from our room and from the main lodge were just spectacular—you can see all the way out to the ocean!
The resort’s culinary offerings are just as impressive as the views. The dining at Chaminade is all about celebrating the flavors of the region. The main restaurant, The View, is named for its breathtaking panoramic windows that look out over the entire bay. The menu is a fantastic example of California farm-to-table dining, with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors. We had a lovely dinner where we watched the sunset over the ocean, and it was one of those moments where you just feel so grateful to be there. They also have a wonderful poolside café for casual meals and a lounge with a cozy fireplace, perfect for a glass of local wine.
And for a truly unique experience, you simply must visit their tucked-away oasis featuring an apiary, chef’s garden, and butterfly sanctuary. It was so wonderful to see how the honeybees help the herbs and vegetables grow, knowing they’d soon be a part of our dinner!
Santa Cruz itself has so much to offer for food and fun. You absolutely have to visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, especially if you have kids! It’s this fantastic, classic seaside amusement park right on the sand. We rode the Giant Dipper roller coaster, played some games, and of course, grabbed some classic boardwalk treats like cotton candy and corn dogs. Downtown Santa Cruz is full of charming cafes and unique restaurants. I recommend stopping by a place like The Buttery for some freshly baked goods or a sandwich to take on a walk. You could also spend a day exploring the famous Mystery Spot, a quirky gravitational anomaly that the whole family will get a kick out of.
The Whole Culinary Canvas: A Trip to Remember
This trip was such a wonderful reminder that a vacation can be so much more than just a place to stay. It’s about the flavors you discover, the experiences you share, and the memories you create. Each stop on our journey—La Jolla, Santa Monica, and Santa Cruz—offered a completely different, but equally delightful, facet of California’s coastal charm. We went from the serene, hacienda-inspired elegance of the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa to the sleek, ocean-view escape of the Viceroy Santa Monica, and ended our adventure in the peaceful, mountain-top sanctuary of the Chaminade Resort & Spa.
So, if you’re looking to plan a getaway that’s both relaxing and exciting, I honestly can’t recommend this three-stop road trip enough. Start in La Jolla, immerse yourself in the elegant, rustic charm, drive up the coast to soak in the vibrant, modern energy of Santa Monica, and finish with a peaceful retreat in the redwoods of Santa Cruz. You’ll come home with a full heart, a satisfied palate, and some truly fantastic memories. Happy travels, my friends!
