How we made a mini-moon happen in Covid times

I’m a married woman, y’all! Evan and I had planned a big 230 person wedding for this October, but that’s obviously not happening. So, we postponed our big celebration to next year.

Although honestly, I have no idea what life will look like next Fall, so I’m trying to not get my hopes up.

In the meantime, we got hitched! 

Trading our epic bash for a backyard wedding with just our parents and siblings in attendance, it was a truly magical day. I’ll give a full wedding blog once I get some more pictures back, don’t you worry! 

Following our wedding, we wanted to celebrate with some type of honeymoon. While our epic vacation we’d hoped for (Tahiti, Italian Alps, or Bali), we managed to make some magic happen along the way. 

So, I wanted to give a rundown of our California Road Trip Honeymoon. I share our favorite restaurants, activities, and where we stayed. Last, I list some of my top tips when traveling these days.

Here’s the route we did:

First stop: Carmel-by-the-Sea

We left San Diego early in the morning and made our way up to Carmel-by-the-Sea. A small town on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel is full of art galleries, libraries, incredible cafes and restaurants, and some DOPE houses. It’s got a neighborhood feel that’s cozy, luxurious, yet accessible to everyone! 

Carmel felt SO safe. Masks are mandatory ($100 fine for not wearing them) and all restaurants are doing outdoor only seating. People generally were very respectful, spacious, and conscientious of others. I loved the vibe and I felt so comfortable being there given how many precautions the entire city took. 

Where to Eat 

Carmel Belle 

Okay, this spot was BOMB! I fell in love with the neighborhood vibe, farm fresh ingredients, and affordable price point. The lunches also look so tasty that I honestly could have eaten here every meal. 

• What to order
  • Poached eggs on toast, side of the roasted veggies + truffled mushrooms
  • Polenta with poached eggs and roasted tomatoes 
  • Avocado Toast

La Bicyclette

La Bicyclette has all the dreamy vibes of an Italian/French/German fusion cafe with a splash of California farm to table. Wine list was fantastic and not too pricey, and their outdoor seating lined with flower boxes was beyond romantic ambiance. They don’t take reservations and do book out FAST. I suggest getting there early (think just before 5pm at the latest) to put your names in to grab a table before it gets too late. 

What to order 

• Pizzas – the gluten free crust is BOMB – crisp and chewy! We got the mushroom pizza and the Salumi and loved them both
• For the gluten-eaters, the Cinghiale Toscana looked like actual food porn incarnate 

Anton & Michel 

After our 20+ mile bike ride, we popped into Anton & Michel for lunch. The restaurant itself looks a little more old-school steak house vibe, the outdoor dining was divine. An outdoor patio lines a beautiful fountain, with umbrellas, bountiful plants, and garden seating that is to die for. Service was lovely and it was a perfect mellow vibe without a long wait. 

What to order

• Evan got the Ahi Sandwich and said it was incredible
• Salmon Caesar or Shrimp Salads were must-order items 

Stationaery

Stationaery has all the artisanal vibes your heart could desire. The restaurant itself looked SO cute, but all seating was outdoor so you’re spread out among the sidewalk and walkways. It’s not perfect, but it’s what Covid life gives you. I will say, the menu isn’t extremely extensive and pretty limited gluten free items, but they make up for it with unique offerings. My eggs did come out cold, but they quickly whipped me up a fresh batch that were great. 

What to order

• Potato Pancake (wish we had ordered this!!)
• The breakfast plate
• Breakfast sammie if you’re feeling indulgent AF. 

What to do in Carmel

Walks on the beach

Walks on the beach are never a bad idea. Carmel City Beach is a long, wide, white sand beach that is hard to beat anywhere on the California Central Coast. It’s right off the main road of downtown Carmel with plenty of parking. Take a stroll with a cup of coffee in the morning or cozy up and watch sunset. 

Rent bikes and ride 17 Mile Drive 

17 Mile Drive is a stretch of dramatic coastal cliffs, snow-white beaches, mystical forests and iconic golf courses. You can either drive the route (and pay $10.50), or you can cruise it for free on bikes!

This is one of the most scenic rides I’ve ever taken. You’ll see breathtaking coastal views like the Lone Cypress and giant trees at Crocker Grove. Take a stroll at the boardwalk above the beach at Spanish Bay or pop in for lunch at Pebble Beach Golf Course. 

We rented electric bikes at Mad Dogs & the Englishman from 10am-5pm for $75/each. You can definitely take a road bike if you want a little more exercise. The ride does have some small hills so a cruiser bike may be a bit more of a workout than you anticipate.

Evan recently had ankle surgery and we could easily cruise for 2-3 hours without breaking a sweat on our electric bikes. 

There are plenty of beaches and at least 2-3 dining options along the route where you can pop in for a quick bite or glass of wine (hey, it’s vacation!). 

Where to Stay

We stayed at The Getaway. It’s a recently renovated quaint little spot that feels like an upscale beach motel. 

The pros: This spot was super affordable and walking distance to everything you need in downtown Carmel. With all outdoor walkways, you avoid any communal hallways and feel very Covid safe. The rooms were recently remodeled and had everything you need, including a fireplace! Book a room on the second floor for extra privacy and better views.

Perks:

• Free wine tasting from 5-6
• A simple breakfast gets delivered to your door every morning
• Free cruiser bike rentals
• Affordable

The cons: it’s definitely not a resort, so no pool, jacuzzi, spa or anything like that. The walls are quite thin so if you have rowdy neighbors it will feel noisy. Lastly, the outdoor walkways make it feel like you need your blinds closed all day. Overall, it was a good spot if you don’t plan on spending much time in your room, and instead want to be out exploring. 

Other spots to stay: L’Auberge Carmel, La Playa Carmel, and The Hideaway all looked like great hotel options too!

Second Stop: Pismo Beach 

Pismo Beach is a sleepy little beach town just 20 minutes south of San Luis Obispo. The downtown itself is equal parts funky, hip, touristy, and a touch grungy. Don’t go expecting anything bougie, and love it for what it is. There are some incredible stretches of beach to walk along, not to mention the famous sand dunes. 

What to do in Pismo

Get out for some fun activities in Pismo Beach! In addition to those below, we loved walking along the beach and watching surfers from the pier.

Wine Tasting in Edna Valley

Edna Valley is shockingly close to downtown Pismo (we went from our hotel on the beach to wine country in 10 minutes!) and there are incredible little spots for wine tasting. 

Biddle Ranch

We loved the mellow, laidback vibe of this place! Recently built with gorgeous modern white farmhouse buildings, this tasting room sits right on the vineyard where they grow their Chardonnay grapes. Olive trees dot the courtyard that has plenty of shade and a perfect view.

The Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, and Eviva varietals were some of our favorites. Biddle Ranch serves limited food, but the harvest box was sold out by our appointment at 2:30pm, so be warned to not come hungry just in case!

Center of Effort

With incredible views, sweeping vineyards, and spacious estate, impressive is an understatement when it comes to describing this vineyard and tasting room. We were the only guests there during our time slot (heyyy 4pm Wednesday wine tasting), and got essentially a private tour and guided tasting from the hospitality manager.

Definitely call ahead and order the cheese plate to go with your wines because it’s a game changer. Wines are pricier and the tasting fee is a little steep at $30, but a fun splurge!

Edna Valley Vineyard

While we didn’t get a chance to visit here, the photos of the estate look gorgeous and I’ve heard lovely things about the experience! 

Sand Dunes

Unfortunately when we were there the dunes were closed. I suggest checking if the dunes are open when you’re traveling. It’s undoubtedly worth checking out for a drive along the beach. You can take your own car (though check if it’s advisable based on your model) or go wild and rent dune buggies for a drive. 

Where to Eat

Ember

If I lived in Pismo Beach, Ember would be my go-to date night spot. It’s got a lovely garden patio which you should definitely request when booking, since the front parking lot didn’t have much ambiance. Everything we ordered was delicious, and the staff was incredibly responsive, helpful, and passionate about their work. 

What to order

• Green goddess salad
• Roasted chicken
• Halibut
• The pizzas if you’re not gluten free like me!

Honeymoon Cafe

Be still my beach-bum heart! I loved this little shack filled with good vibes and better food. Painted bright turquoise and paired with a Bob Marley soundtrack, the Honeymoon Cafe is where you get quality food cooked with love. 

What to order

• Roasted veggie omelette
• Sunrise tacos
• Oatmeal with fresh berries
• Al-Paca bowl

Where to Stay

Dolphin Bay Resort

Dolphin Bay is a beautiful resort right on the cliffs above the water at the north end of Pismo. We had a gorgeous ocean view room that is honestly bigger than my apartment. The hotel rooms also hosted full kitchens and had laundry, so would be great if you want to cook some meals at home or freshen up mid-trip. 

Downsides: many of the amenities were closed (spa, gym, jacuzzi), so you don’t get the full experience that comes with the price tag. Many of the guests did not wear masks around the property, and there were not many extra safety protocols. We also got unlucky with rowdy kids and parents getting wild at the pool all hours of the day. Otherwise, it was a gorgeous view and beautiful place to stay. 

Other places to stay: The Cliffs Hotel and Spa, Vespera on Ocean, or Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach 

Last stop: Laguna Beach 

Laguna Beach is one of my favorite little beach towns in Southern California. The downtown is right on the water and filled with cute cafes, surf shops, and art galleries galore. Laguna is also very close to Corona Del Mar, Dana Point, and Newport, so you can zip around to nearby beaches and restaurants without wasting your day. 

Where to Eat 

Buddha’s Favorite

Shoutout to my girls @sweatandtell and @alectreffs for recommending this incredible little sushi spot. Right on the bay on Lido Isle, this sushi spot had a laid back and fun atmosphere that didn’t take itself too seriously. The sushi is incredible quality at a fantastic price point. 

What to order

• Seaweed salad
• Hamachi sashimi
• Jamie’s Cryin’ roll

Urth Caffe

Located right in the heart of downtown Laguna, this outdoor seating oasis overlooking the beach has a massive menu full of healthy options. After a week of indulgent eats, stopping here for breakfast was so refreshing! Expect a line on the weekends and be ready to wait a bit, but it’ll be worth it I promise. 

What to order

• Poached eggs and toast
• Eggs Salmone
• Huevos Rancheros

Bear Flag Fish Co

Bear Flag is one of my all time favorite restaurants that I have to hit every time we are in the Laguna/Newport area. With got fresh fish up the yin yang here, they have plenty of options for everyone in your crew. The Crystal Cove location is a favorite of mine – pick up food and then park over by the beach for a picnic vibe! 

What to order

• Bear Flag Roll
• La Bamba Roll
• Tuna Poke starter or Poke Bowl
• Chips and Guacamole

Zinc Cafe

I’ve loved Zinc since way back in the days when they had a location in Solana Beach when I was growing up. Unfortunately for me, they’re only located in Orange County and LA these days, so I make an effort to swing in anytime I’m in town. Tons of gluten free options, everything feels fresh and high quality here. 

What to order

• Avocado Toast
• Healthy Bowl
• Zinc Salad
• And definitely scope the fresh baked goods section 

What to do

Hike the trails in Alta Laguna Park

Dubbed “Top of the World” the lookout spot at the top of this park has 360 degree views of Laguna. There is an extensive trail network that winds through the rolling hills. Miles of hiking it easily available and well marked, or you can just park up top and walk 3-4 minutes to see the view. 

Visit the Tide Pools 

Laguna Beach boasts impressive tide pooling opportunities, giving you an up-close look at various sea creatures from sea stars to anemones. Pick up an illustrated brochure at the Official Visitors Center to help you identify the sea life you might spot.

Where to Stay 

Montage Laguna Beach

The Montage may be the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed in. Hosting breathtaking ocean views, unparalleled service, and incredible facilities, it’s a pricey stay but an unbelievable experience if you’re balling out.

The staff took so many safety precautions – all were fully masked and gloved at all times. Masks are mandatory in all hotel areas unless you were seated at a meal or in your designated spot by the pool. They even had hand sanitizing stations at every single doorway and elevator pod. The Montage definitely spared no expense on keeping things safe and distanced.

The pool is spacious, quiet and overlooks the cliffs above the ocean. We splurged for a massage, but since the spa lounge and facilities were closed, it felt pretty overpriced without the experience of lounging before and afterwards. Also being fully masked up the entire time wasn’t exactly the same relaxing feel. Just my two cents! Save the money and grab a fancy cocktail by the pool instead.

Other spots to stay: The Inn at Laguna Beach, Laguna Cliffs Marriott, Monarch Beach Resort

My top travel tips

Call ahead 

First tip: call ahead to restaurants to see if they take reservations or if they’re walk up only. We also got unlucky along the trip where Google said restaurants were open, and they were closed, so calling ahead will save you some needless driving in circles. 

Pack some gut-health boosting supplements 

Whenever I’m on a vacation, you bet your ass I’m packing my FRISKA probiotic + digestive enzymes. Especially when my vacation is packed with glorious restaurants and a good bit of wine.

These daily supplements support digestion and absorption of nutrients, rebalance your gut biome, and have added benefits for your immunity and sleep cycles. I love traveling with the Nightly Reboot since I have so much trouble sleeping in new places. It gets me to sleep in no time. Also check out My Top Tips for Better Sleep while you’re at it.  

Have hand sanitizer and masks on you

I know this goes without saying these days, but have hand sanitizer and masks ready at all times. It makes life a whole lot easier! If you’re traveling from a state with mellower Covid restrictions, be ready for every California restaurant to require a mask when not seated at your table (as of early November 2020). 

Relax and go with it 

I struggle to let go of lofty expectations. Level setting my honeymoon expectations to what was possible during Covid wasn’t the easiest for me. But once I embraced our California road trip honeymoon as the first celebration of many, I could roll with the bumps along the way.

Prepare for restaurants to be unexpectedly closed or have long waits. It might be hard to find a cute cocktail bar to pop into spontaneously. Some of the activities you’re hoping for might not be possible. There is still fun to be had, and a lot to be grateful for regardless!