Traveling Alone Can Have Its Pros
As a kid, almost every summer, my family would take a week off and choose a destination to travel to. We weren’t rich by any means, so we made do with what we could and the importance of breaking out of our routine was necessary. It allowed us to pretend we were somewhere far away with no stress or worries. It allowed us to daydream about traveling to other parts of the world and, for a few days, forget work, school and other daily obligations we had waiting for us back at home. Spending a week away gave me a clarity that I definitely needed before starting a new school year, and as an adult I’ve held on to that.
As students with busy schedules, we may not all have the time to vacation or the funds for an extravagant getaway, but even a short road trip can make a world of difference. In California, we are blessed with ocean, desert, mountains and hundreds of cities to explore, and most are just a short drive away.
This summer I had the opportunity to take some time off and drive up the coast to Monterey. I saved up some money and planned a route with several stops along the rocky coast that I could explore. I packed my clothes and my camera, loaded up my favorite songs on a playlist and I was off on my adventure.
My first stop was about two and a half hours away from Glendora. Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley and surrounded by the lush forest of Los Padres National Park sits the quaint Danish village of Solvang. When you arrive, the stunning Danish architecture transports you to Europe. The streets are lined with bakeries and charming shops like this one that is decorated and sells Christmas merchandise all year ‘round. The aroma of bread fills the air and stopping into one of their many bakeries will satisfy any hungry tourist.
I stopped in at Paula’s Pancake house and ordered the traveler’s special off of their extensive menu. It came with a large warm waffle that had a satisfying crunch on the outside, but soft spongy inside. Each bite was doused in sweet maple syrup and it paired perfectly with the savory bacon. While I enjoyed my meal on their patio, I was delighted to see families cruising by on surrey bikes and a few moments later, a horse drawn carriage. I felt like I was living in a Disney movie with European architecture as its backdrop. After I finished up my meal, I got back in my car and proceeded on my route.
The next stop was an hour north of Solvang. Located on the central coast in San Luis Obispo is the Madonna Inn, a kitschy hotel known for its intricate themed rooms. You can find several rooms adorned in bright pink glitter wallpaper, cherub chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and rose carpeted floors. I’ve stayed in a pink room called the Carin on a previous visit. Another theme you can find there are the rock rooms, featuring real stone walls and a sculpted rock waterfall shower. Walking through the inn, you will find several interesting features throughout the property. There is a secret garden that is tucked away behind the main building, there you will find a dreamy little botanical. I was surrounded by different types of vibrant flowers and butterflies.
In the main building sits their famous steakhouse adorned with pink furniture and dazzling chandeliers. The restaurant is mostly known for its juicy steaks and big chunks of pink champagne cake the size of my forearm. I was there early in the day, so it sat empty and I could appreciate it in all its glory. Just above the steakhouse, up some carpeted stairs, you will find their gift shop that holds merchandise that captures the Madonna Inn’s eccentric vibe. If you are a fan of the color pink, this is the place for you.
After taking a glance and trying on a few sequin and feathered coats, I jumped back into my car and drove another three hours to one of my favorite spots on the route: Big Sur.
I wanted to get a view of the iconic Bixby Bridge and snap a couple of photos, but unfortunately the road was crowded with other tourists. The shoulders were lined up with cars and I was only able to stop a half mile up the road to get a view of the ocean.
I drove another 18 miles up the coast to my final destination: Monterey. This stunning coastal city has been a favorite of mine since traveling with my family a decade before. I can’t help but feel nostalgic when breathing in the salty air and listening to the barks of sea lions. Fisherman’s Wharf is one of its many iconic locations. Here you will find thousands of sea lions resting on the rocks and docks near the wharf and causing a delightful spectacle. The Wharf lures you in with the smell of locally caught seafood, such as the rich clam chowder you can find at almost every restaurant located there. I ended my day with a warm bowl of clam chowder in a bread bowl watching the waves crash into the rocks.
The next day I woke up bright and early to visit Cannery Row, a historic street that was home to sardine canning factories in the early 1900s. Now it is the site of the Monterey Bay aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the United States. I visited the aquarium and spent a couple hours exploring their enormous collection of marine life. My favorite was the penguin enclosure.
I ended my trip with a picturesque sunset at Morro Bay on my journey home. I stopped to look at Morro Rock and snap a few shots of the landscape.
My road trip was only three days long, but it gave me everything I needed to clear my mind and return to my daily life. I believe that it is essential to break your routine and take some time for yourself by seeing new places. Sometimes it can feel like the days begin to blend together and it becomes an endless cycle of school, work and other daily obligations. I oblige you to consider taking a trip away from it all, even if it’s just an hour away. Adventure awaits.
Photos by Kim Tyron
