Exploring Northern California for a weekend
Note: This post has been updated on May 10, 2022.
For as many times as I had traveled to San Francisco for work, I had only left the confines of the city on a few occasions, and that was usually to see friends for a night or visit my company’s former sister office building. Yet secretly, on my phone, I was harboring a bucket list of to-do’s that were within minutes, and even a few hours, of my “second home”.
At the beginning of May, a girlfriend of mine suggested we tack on a girls’ trip to our most recent work trip, offering to accompany me to these places, since she used to live there and had seen the best spots. Thus, our girls’ weekend trip was born.
Check out my itinerary for a perfect weekend jaunt around San Francisco, San Jose, and Monterrey.
SAN FRANCISCO’S JAPANESE TEA GARDEN
Ever since my travels to Australia last year, I’ve been a bit obsessed with tea customs in different countries, with the Japanese customs being my favorite. The Japanese Tea Garden felt like I wasn’t even near San Francisco, but in a completely different country. It’s very peaceful and very beautiful, and is a great way to spend a few hours!
NOTE: There is a working tea house there with traditional teas and little bites.
Winchester Mystery Mansion
I’ve been obsessed with the story of the Winchester Mansion for decades. It’s a horrible series of unfortunate events for the Winchester family, which seemed to have been poured into the design of this odd masterpiece.
We purchased the main tour and the extended tour ($54 pp for both), which was a limited time offer. Since some of these rooms were so fragile, they couldn’t take heavy tour volume for more than a few months every few years (click here for tickets).
Throughout the incredibly informative three hours we spent there, we saw almost every room in the house, learned about every minor detail of what went into each room (that they were able to explain), and appreciated the kinds of inventions Sarah Winchester had installed to assist her workers in getting tasks done faster. From the indoor/outdoor water recycling system for her plants, to the elevators, the intercom system, the laundry room, and her efficient way of heating her home, it was clear Sarah wanted her workers to feel comfortable and appreciated for the tasks they were doing. Even their workers’ quarters were well-appointed with both cool and warm air apparatuses, along with comfortable beds, and other amenities! Sadly, no pictures are allowed of the inside of the house.
I definitely recommend this tour for anyone who loves history, architecture, and a bit of the absurd.
HIKING POINT LOBOS STATE RESERVE
Point Lobos offers different length/degree of difficulty of hikes, which given that we wanted to enjoy it, we chose an easy 4-mile, moderate incline here-and-there, hike (click here to view).
For the first 3/4 of the hike, we were walking through thick forest vegetation (on a trail of course). Once you have made it through to the expansive view, you are treated to the unbelievable beauty of caves, cliffs, Bird Island (which doesn’t smell pleasant), and seal pups (which were hard to capture).
PRO TIP: Get to the reserve when the park opens! If you wait until 10am, there will be only street parking. If you wait until 11am, the trails will get busy.
PEBBLE BEACH 17-MILE DRIVE, MONTEREY
After leaving the serenity of Point Lobos, we headed to Pebble Beach to do the 17-mile drive ($10.25 in cash, per car, to enter). It’s another beautiful drive (with jaw-dropping homes along the way). It’s highly recommended to do this drive, not just because of the multiple places to stop and take amazing pictures, but also to see Seal Island (highly recommended during pupping season in early May).
HANGING AROUND DOWNTOWN CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
Every single store, restaurant, inn, coffee shop, and wine bar are so charming, so elegant, and so much fun to explore.
Where to dine & drink
Anton and Michel
If there is only one restaurant you make it to, make a reservation at Anton and Michel. From the service, to the food, to the wine, to giving us one of the best tables in the restaurant (see the pool image above), it was a five-star experience the whole way through. I recommend the Wild Mushroom Risotto, Wedge salad, and selection of ice creams (they brought me sundae toppings on the side).
NOTE: They are very gluten-free friendly!
Basil
We came here for lunch and drinks, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! I recommend the asparagus puree soup and basil house salad with chicken. They are very gluten-free friendly!
NOTE: I wouldn’t recommend the cocktails unless you like a strong pour (see above - this was mostly vodka)!
Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company
I love non-commercialized coffee shops for so many reasons, but particularly for their coffee culture, Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company is no different. Not only do they roast their beans on site, but their coffee and other caffeinated drinks are absolutely fantastic.
NOTE: They also offer a small menu of gluten-free treats as well!
Cottage of Sweets
This place is an adult child’s dream! Not only do they sell rare candies we all had as kids, they also sell an amazing array of house-made chocolates, fudges, and other sugary confections!
Shops of Note
Kris Kringle of Carmel
Every town needs a good, year-round Christmas store! Kris Kringle has some beautiful pieces I’ve never seen before, along with a large collection of unique Nutcrackers!
Diggidy Dog
Diggidy Dog is a wonderful pet store in town with some really great (but pricey) toys. They also have a wide variety of homemade treats!
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Wayside Inn
Having stayed at many inns before, I didn’t have high expectations. When we opened the door to our room, I was blown away. I felt like I had stepped into a quaint, well-appointed suite in Nantucket with high-end amenities and peaceful decor. The beds were the most comfortable ones we had ever slept in, too! To top it off, we were also given a free breakfast, delivered right to our door. It was a fantastic experience from end-to-end, and I highly recommend staying there.
