Santa Ynez Valley Getaway + Highway 1 in Big Sur is Open Again (!)

Published 2 months ago • 1 min read

Happy New Year!

I started the year off with a weekend getaway to the Santa Ynez Valley, a wine region that’s about a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara. I’ve done quite a few day trips to the area, so it was nice to enjoy a more slow-paced visit.

I stayed at a very cute, incredibly peaceful hotel just outside of Solvang. This property was once a motor lodge from the 1950s. It was purchased in 2019 by a company known for reviving historic hotel properties, and was renovated into a charming boutique hotel with a laid-back yet sophisticated design (and an amazing garden space, complete with fire pits).

The weekend was spent dining and shopping in towns like Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Solvang, and Santa Ynez. Bar Le Côte (Los Olivos), Bob’s Well Bread (Ballard and Los Alamos), and The Baker’s Table (Santa Ynez) were a few standout eateries.

Of course, I also visited a couple wineries, as well – Brave & Maiden is a new favorite!

I highly recommend booking a visit if you’re craving an escape to wine country. Winter through early spring is also an amazing time to visit, especially after a rainy season. It’s so beautiful and green right now! Take a look at my Santa Ynez Valley guide for more details.

In other news, Highway 1 in Big Sur officially reopened last week, after a long stretch just south of McWay Falls was closed for three years. You can now fully enjoy this scenic drive, taking the route from Cambria and San Simeon up to Carmel-by-the-Sea!

I’ve spent the past few days updating all of my Big Sur guides to reflect the reopening. If you’re thinking of visiting (which you should…it’s one of my favorite places in California!), here’s some essential reading:

Happy travels!

Kyra, Sea to Sequoia

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