As a self proclaimed Foodie, I look forward to trying something new and exciting everywhere I go. Here in California we really have a lot of options when it comes to food as we are able to grow a vast majority of it right here in our own state. I think this is something that as a whole most Californians don’t fully appreciate because, quite frankly, unless we have lived or visited outside of the state, we just don’t realize how good we have it!
As someone who’s done her fair share of traveling, I can attest to this fact!
So I thought I would put together a small guide highlighting five lesser known gems along the California Coast that I consider noteworthy stops. Not just for the food, but also for their locations and rich history!
Starting from North to South we begin our foodie journey at a well known hot spot along the Pacheco Pass in Hollister, California just 45 minutes from Highway 1 and the Pacific shore, Casa de Fruta.
This Italian family run business for over 115 years is one of the largest and most well known fruit stands in the state. With an overabundance of locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as locally made products, such as Pepper Plant Hot Sauce (one of my favorites!) which originated in Paso Robles, CA, house made desserts, and souvenirs among MANY other things, they have something for everyone.
But the fruit stand is only the beginning. Over the years they’ve grown to meet the demand of their visitors and have added a restaurant, cafe, kiddie rides, and built an oasis destination that’s become a non-negotiable stop for thousands of travelers every day. It’s truly worth your time to stop in, have a piece of pie, walk around their beautiful grounds, and grab some fresh cherries before hopping back on the highway.
Next up, we travel a short way South to the well known Monterey area. If you have the time, take a detour off the main road and make your way down to 17 Mile Drive. This awe-worthy stretch of the California Coast is home to some very elaborate privately owned multi-million dollar properties. Not only do you get to experience the exquisitely beautiful architecture of some of the estates, but you also get up close and personal with views of the coastline and Pebble Beach Golf Course as you mosey down the windy path.
All that traveling and admiring may make you hungry and a stop in at The Gallery in Pebble Beach might be just what you need. I recommend getting a seat on the outside patio with views of the golf course up against the Ocean, ordering one of their over-the-top Bloody Mary’s & a nice juicy burger. If you’d rather something lighter, their specialty salads are also very tasty! Take in those views, the ocean air, & leave your worries behind!
A couple hours south, you’ll stumble into the beach town of Pismo. This is a great place to stop for the night if you need to. I’ve spent a good portion of my youth here and it’s still one of those places that feels like home to me. In recent years they’ve really spent time and money on building up their main street infrastructure to accommodate more visitors and made their downtown area quite the hub. With so many places to choose from when it comes to cuisine, I want to highlight a small Cafe just up the road from the sandy beach.
The Honeymoon Cafe is a must for me anytime I’m in town. I usually stop in during the late morning after a nice little workout and enjoy a breakfast burrito and a frothy hot latte. It’s a quick service kind of place that’s great if you’re on-the-go too. Seating is limited and they’re well loved by locals and tourists alike, but the wait is never too long and always worth it!
Once you’ve eaten brunch and you're ready to roll, you hop back on Highway 101 South and it’s on to the next!
Most people are familiar with the beloved California burger joint, In n’ Out. But a little lesser known burger joint that also got its start here on the California Coast, is The Habit.
In just the last ten years they’ve really grown to have many locations up and down the state, but their original location where they first started their journey to success, still exists.
In the laid-back town of Santa Barbara just off the highway, you’ll find The Original Habit Grill. Famous for their charbroiled burgers, this old-school style burger joint is a quaint little stop. It’s all outdoors, so you’ll order your food at the walk up counter and sit at umbrella covered tables, enjoying the mild weather the California Coast is known for.
When I go, I always order a double char with cheese, lettuce wrapped with no mayo and added avocado & mushrooms! SO good. While you’re at it, give one of their Malt Milk Shakes a try too. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the history of the location as you enjoy your burger before you get on your way again.
The last stop on this food tour is going to be in the well known town of Malibu. The location however is a hidden gem just off Highway 1 as you come into town called Paradise Cove.
You will have to pay for parking but if you sit down to eat at the restaurant and ask the waitress politely, they’ll validate your parking for you. I’ve been here several times over the last few years and it remains one of my most favorite places to stop! Filled with rich history of movie stars who have frequented there, the walls of this highly unique eatery in the sand are completely covered in memorabilia. Ask for a table outside or under their tented patio where you can sit and enjoy your meal with your toes in the sand!
Two things they’re famous for are their Key Lime Pie, (touted as one of the best by Kenny Chesney himself) and their wide array of alcoholic umbrella drinks. Their menu is vast and is sure to include something for everyone and their portion sizes are very large! I recommend trying any fresh fish dish and their famous Clam Chowder. Then tie the meal together with a slice of Key Lime Pie & a Banana Cream Rum drink before you close out the evening with a stroll on the beach while the waves lap at your feet.
At this point, if you don’t already live here in California, your food coma self might be feeling as though you never want to leave!
If that’s the case, don’t let anything stop you! Life’s too short to stay in one place.(ad) If you decide to pack up and move to California, or if you already live here and just want to move from one part of the state to another, consider using the highly rated Big Deahl’s Movers. These Rancho Cucamonga long distance movers will help you get where you want to go. With over 200 positive customer reviews on both Google & Yelp you can rest assured that you and your valuables will be in good hands when making your next move.
No job is too big or small from local inner city jobs to long distance, they have the resources to help you get where you want to go!
Lastly, when or if you do decide to move here, give me a shout and we can share a celebratory cocktail on the coast of somewhere beautiful.
Cheers!
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