Hi

We are celebrating a 35th birthday without our children. We're looking for fun and relaxation.

We have 2 nights to fill before a final night in San Diego before we leave to go home. Some thoughts I've had are San Luis obispo, pismo beach, Hearst castle area, Santa Barbara wine area. I've also considered just a long drive and extra day(s) in Carmel and/ or San Diego. One place we don't want to stop is LA.

I would really welcome thoughts please . We have this planned as a road trip with a variety of stops and relaxation ... We are going in 2 weeks time

Thank you,
Younus Shah

I'd say Santa Barbara; you can drive up into the Santa Ynez Valley; do stop at the old stagecoach stop, the Cold Spring Tavern, coming back towards Santa Barbara, it'll be on a hairpin turn on the right side shortly before you get back along the coast. Drive the Pacific Coast Hwy south from Laguna, stop for lunch at Las Brisas there enjoying the quintessential southern California views and best beach. Then stay an extra night in San Diego, everyone should stay at the Hotel Del Coronado at least once. Treat yourselves! Not bad getting to the airport from the island either.

I would choose Santa Barbara with some wine tasting in Santa Ynez. Or, spend the extra days in San Diego. So much to do and see. Hotel Del Coronado would be extra special for tour celebration trip!

I qwould pick "Sideways country" stop over Santa Barbara city..there are lodginggs and great restaurants around Solvang,Los Olivos, Buellton in all price ranges. I also like SLO but that gives you too long a drive if you want to go thru to San Diego. Not a big fan of Santa Barbara..honestly bores me after an hour, plus all the slacker homeless on State Street.Another area for a break before LA would be Malibu..There are overpriced restaurants on th4e beach or pull into Cross Creek center where there's a Starbucks, Malibu Country Mart or Marmalade Cafe (a chain but not bad)then walk across PCH to watch the surfers at the State park..I would try to time the drive thru LA for a weekend day if you can. Saturday the Adamson House is open
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=672

I think it depends what you feel like. More classic beach town, or cutesy village with some stunning scenery? I like both SB and Carmel, but I'd probably pick Carmel for an anniversary trip. SB has a good wine scene, some fun shopping, history- but I don't know if those qualities appeal to you. Both areas have their less stellar qualities- SB, for better or worse, is college oriented (aside from bums, which-valid complaint- but are pretty much in every tourist town). And Carmel is a little too self consciously cutesy- I also don't find Monterey all that interesting. And San Diego is a city, so a different experience from the other two.

You know- if budget allows- I'd look at hotel/resorts over location. Pick somewhere with fabulous views and amenities and relax.

I recommend Ojai and Ojai Valley Inn & Spa if it's in your budget. You can visit Santa Barbara, but it's a bit of a zoo, very congested, long lines for restaurants..(was just there last weekend). From Santa Barbara, take the 101 down to 150 towards Ojai. Ojai is a jewel.. feels like being in the Mediterranean, a mission style town up in a valley surrounded by mountains, citrus and olive groves, wineries, yet close to the ocean.. lots of art, music, restaurants but more relaxed.

Heading South, you may want to consider Wine Country Temecula.. go for a Sunday morning hot air balloon ride over the vineyards.. It's a short drive to San Diego..