When our kids were young, we made our frequent pilgrimage to southern California primarily to go to Disneyland, Legoland and Universal Studios. We got on/off the plane and spent an entire vacation in the parks or the hotel. Since then, we have ventured off to travelling internationally - but then again, that's an entirely new blog.
At the end of the summer holiday, I have noticed that we haven't travelled anywhere. Kids enjoyed attending an array of summer camps, but according to my son - "but we didn't get to go on summer vacation." I struggled and looked to find a decent vacation bundle but unfortunately, I ran into a new predicament. Domestic airlines are no longer offering seat choices at the time of the booking and we have to pick seats on the first-come-first-serve basis. OY!
Think, mama! THINK! Then came up with an idea to take our Tesla out for the long drive. Let's see how efficient is this Tesla supercharger network.
Weeks leading to the trip, I have watched many YouTube and studied awesome things to do with the kids on and off the road. I even made a fancy spreadsheet detailing every part of our trip towards Southern Cali.
One thing I read many many times is to be flexible when we are on the road. So yes - we do our best to keep to our schedule, but we have omitted and added while we were on the road.
If you noticed on the spreadsheet, we were hoping to leave at 5am. But with the last minute packing and feeding the kids, we didn't leave until 7am. But I figured, we will be OK as we are not going to be hitting the traffic just yet.
Departure: 10am
Cost: $10 for parking (and trail map)
We noticed as we ascend into the redwoods, the GPS signal went out (and so was music streaming) on Tesla. The cell phone signals were also spotty. But we made it to the entrance into the Visitor Center.
** Clean flushing toilets near the visitor center.
** Don't miss a quick photo opportunity with beautiful redwood trees by the restrooms.
** There is a small museum to explore (for free) next to the visitor center.
We decided to take a quick hike. In front of the visitor center is a parking lot (which is empty at this time) and this parking lot also led us to a Redwood loop trail that is less than 1-mile. It is an easy hike for young kids, and definitely wheelchair/stroller accessible. You'll see the Big Basin's main attractions at this trail. Mother of the Forest, Father of the Forest and more. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is definitely a must-go place for photo-ops.
About 70 miles down south is a gorgeous beach with white powdery sand. There is a parking lot with plenty of parking spaces (with the entrance on Ocean Ave). This, too have flushing toilets. My kids enjoyed the beach so much that they didn't want to leave.
16 more miles down from Bixby Beach is Pfeiffer Beach.
Well, we attempted to go there... BUT a park dude had blocked off the road and turned us around. If you can get there, good for you. Supposedly, it has purple sand but we didn't get to see it. Onto next stop.
On Thursday night at downtown San Luis Obispo, they host a farmers market. BUT it felt and looked more like a street fair with awesome eats. That's where we ended up eating our dinner.
First Day: The day of the trip
If you noticed on the spreadsheet, we were hoping to leave at 5am. But with the last minute packing and feeding the kids, we didn't leave until 7am. But I figured, we will be OK as we are not going to be hitting the traffic just yet.1st Stop: Big Basin Redwoods State Park (Boulder Creek, CA)
Arrival: 8:30amDeparture: 10am
Cost: $10 for parking (and trail map)
We noticed as we ascend into the redwoods, the GPS signal went out (and so was music streaming) on Tesla. The cell phone signals were also spotty. But we made it to the entrance into the Visitor Center.
** Clean flushing toilets near the visitor center.
** Don't miss a quick photo opportunity with beautiful redwood trees by the restrooms.
** There is a small museum to explore (for free) next to the visitor center.
We decided to take a quick hike. In front of the visitor center is a parking lot (which is empty at this time) and this parking lot also led us to a Redwood loop trail that is less than 1-mile. It is an easy hike for young kids, and definitely wheelchair/stroller accessible. You'll see the Big Basin's main attractions at this trail. Mother of the Forest, Father of the Forest and more. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is definitely a must-go place for photo-ops.
2nd Stop: Carmel Beach (Monterey, CA)
Arrival: 11:30am
Departure: 12:30pm
About 70 miles down south is a gorgeous beach with white powdery sand. There is a parking lot with plenty of parking spaces (with the entrance on Ocean Ave). This, too have flushing toilets. My kids enjoyed the beach so much that they didn't want to leave. 3rd Stop: Tesla Chargers at Del Monte Shopping Center (Monterey, CA)
Arrival: 1pm
Departure: 2pm
This was definitely a great time to get energized. While the car was charging, we took a quick lunch at Cali Pizza Kitchen. When we were done eating, the car was charged to the max. Onto the next stop.
4th Stop: Bixby Creek Bridge (Big Sur, CA)
Arrival: 2:30pm
We actually set the GPS to go towards Pfeiffer beach. About 17 miles down Highway 1, there is a bridge that is the Golden Gate Bridge of the Big Sur. We pulled over the side of the highway at the scenic at the vista point. Be watchful of the kids when you get out of the car and while walking along the cliff.
5th Stop: Pfeiffer Beach (Big Sur, CA)
Well, we attempted to go there... BUT a park dude had blocked off the road and turned us around. If you can get there, good for you. Supposedly, it has purple sand but we didn't get to see it. Onto next stop.
6th Stop: Elephant Seal Boardwalk (San Simeon, CA)
By the time we turned around near Pfeiffer beach, we had no signal on the car or the phones. We were lost. I couldn't set the course to Moonstone Beach and I had no clue where the Elephant Seals viewing area either. We were sure we had to be on our way to our next charging stop. Luckily, about 72 miles away from Bixby Creek Bridge, we stumbled upon Elephant Seal Boardwalk. There is a huge parking lot to park and rest. Boy - it was windy there at the viewing area and these animals are nothing like the sea lions at Pier 39. A quick 20 minutes stop was definitely worth it.
7th Stop: Moonstone Beach (Cambria, CA)
Somehow, we got a brief moment of a signal on the car. I quickly set the route towards Moonstone Beach. The ground at this beach are all colorful pebbles. While there are many debris and deadwood on the beach, it is such a beautiful place to visit for a stroll down the beach. Our kids had so much fun choosing a rock they want to bring home, but we ended up leaving.
8th Stop: Bubblegum Alley (San Luis Obispo, CA)
My daughter has a sweet-tooth. She loves her candies and will wait to have her daily piece of bubblegum while she's at her grandparents' house. Naturally, I have to get her to the gum wall, except I don't know when I can actually take her to Seattle. When we got to the bubblegum wall, she didn't want to be near it or even take a picture. My son on the other hands will do anything for the picture. I was afraid, he may try to lick one of these gums if someone was to dare him. EWWW... GROSS!
On Thursday night at downtown San Luis Obispo, they host a farmers market. BUT it felt and looked more like a street fair with awesome eats. That's where we ended up eating our dinner.
9th Stop: Tesla Chargers at Madonna Inn (San Luis Obispo, CA)
This is an hourly charge that we needed to get to our next destination. Unfortunately, we have nowhere we wanted to go while we were charging here. Unless if you want to make an advance reservation to stay at their cool themed rooms or eat dinner at their steak house. We forego dinner here because we kind of look like trash after travelling and frolicking at many beaches.
10th and Final Stop: Sideway Inn (Buellton, CA)
It's a clean and comfortable hotel. We arrived at almost 10pm due to many stops. We were exhausted from the awesome day. As soon as we got to the room, we took our shower and zonked out for the night.
Second Day: Ready-Set-GO
1st Stop: Breakfast at Paula's Pancake House (Buellton, CA)
We arrived pretty early. The website said to get there before 8, so we make sure we do that. No wait, and we were seated to enjoy our delicious scrumptious breakfast. Danish pancakes were light, thin and fluffy, especially when topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
2nd Stop: Solvang Downtown (Buellton, CA)
We walked around the beautiful town of Solvang. Unfortunately, at about 9 in the morning, the stores were still closed. BUT we found great street parking and enjoyed window-shopping.
3rd Stop: Sunnyfields Park Playground (Buellton, CA)
Wood-chipped ground and castle/ship extremely large and clean playground for the kids to run and let their steam loose. They loved playing pretend for a good 45 minutes.
4th Stop: Ostritchland USA (Buellton, CA)
Literally, an ostrich farm. They had a lot of ostriches that needed to be fed. We paid only $5 per person for the entrance fee and each tray of feed (pellets) is $1. I can't even put it in words how cool this experience is. You can buy an ostrich egg to take home to experience more.
5th Stop: Tesla Chargers at The Collections Riverpark (Oxnard, CA)
While the car was charging, we ate at the food court. Although so many eateries around, our kids aren't keen to eat any. But we decided to eat at a pho' shop within this food course.
6th and Final Stop: Sheraton Universal Hotel (Universal City, CA)
I'm actually sad that this road trip came to an end. But for the next 2 days, kids will enjoy Universal Studios before we tackle the road back home. I couldn't wait for the next adventure. Time to start planning.
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