Central Coast, California
7 Days / 6 Nights / 560 miles / 900 km
What better way to experience the quintessential California lifestyle than taking a road trip in an iconic Volkswagen bus up Old Highway 1. Join us as we head out to explore the mystical and mighty Central Coast.
On this trail, you, like past Vin de Vine mavericks, will be awed by never ending pacific coast beaches, the breezes that scamper lightly over lush verde hills, and the brilliant azure morning skies that burn orange, peach, apple and strawberry as the sun is lost on the evening horizon. All five senses will be aroused and become alive as trailblazers leave behind VSW Headquarters in Costa Mesa, CA and meander north – making overnight stops in the quaint coastal towns of Ventura, Morro Bay, Moonstone Beach and Los Olivos where you’ll find escapes into nature, including kayaking (or SUP) in Morro Bay, walking the coastal shores along Moonstone Beach just south of San Simeon (find car-sized elephant seals (the world’s largest) on the beaches north of San Simeon) and of course discover award wining wines paired with creative wine-country cuisine at tasting rooms and eateries in Cambria, Paso Robles, the Foxen Wine Trail and Los Olivos.
There’s no end to the discoveries awaiting you in the central coast region of California.
DAY 1 :: VW orientation, light breakfast, and depart Costa Mesa. We will cruise HWY 1 via Santa Monica and Malibu, stopping at Trancas County Market and Vintage Grocers [pitstop for coffee, nosh, potty break] with our afternoon camp destination in Ventura at Waypoint. Check out downtown Ventura, or take a spin along the beach via complementary beach cruisers at Waypoint. Head back to camp for a tasty evening BBQ meal provided by VSW, join in some lawn games and get to know your fellow travelers around the evening campfire.
DAY 2 :: After a light breakfast we will head toward San Marcos Pass, driving secondary highways toward Los Alamos stopping for lunch at French inspired bistro Bell’s. We will continue along HWY 1 toward Morro Bay State Park, our evening destination on Day 2 [we’ll spend 2 nights here]. Feel free to peel away from the group at the Avila Beach turnoff and soak for an hour in one of the private 2 person hillside tubs at Sycamore Hot Springs [reservations need to be made in advance].
DAY 3 :: Chose to explore the Morro Bay, and/or the San Luis Obispo area(s) on your own or opt to experience a custom wine tour with the VSW crew. We will wind and climb up and down the rolling hills of Paso’s Westside, Peachy Canyon Road. The oak studded road works its way past a small creek canyon where mule deer and wild turkeys freely roam. There are several wineries and tasting rooms in the area who invite you to enjoy their award-winning vintages. Return in the early evening to a plate of gourmet inspired camp grub and harmonizing around the campfire! OPTION :: Custom Wine Tour with Lunch.
DAY 4 :: We’ll collect our gear and hit the road stopping in at the charming beach town of Cayucos. Grab up some lunch at the local favorite pint-sized eatery The Hidden Kitchen. Just a short walk around the corner is The Brown Butter Cookie Company where you can sample one-of-a-kind espresso, almond, cinnamon and coconut lime cookies. Up the road from Cayucos is the quirky, quaint must stop enclave of Harmony, population 18. Home to the Harmony Valley Creamery and its famous Scoop Truck, Harmony Glass Works, Harmony Pottery Shop artisan galleries, and Harmony Cellars where you can sample a flight. Then on toward Cambria and Moonstone Beach — our final destination on Day 5. We will enjoy one nights rest at Ocean Point Ranch and an optional farm to table dinner paired with wines from local vineyards. OPTION :: Farm to Table Dinner Paired With Local Wines
DAY 5 :: Enjoy breakfast in the Canteen at Ocean Point Ranch and take a morning walk along the beach at Moonstone. We’ll linger in Cambria for a bit and then make our way back down the coast via the Foxen Wine Trail to the Santa Ynez Valley where we will enjoy our final 2 nights together at a private ranch with views of the Santa Ynez Valley, surrounded by wineries. This farmstay is located on a 20 acre historical equine center. Walking around the ranch you can visit with farm friendly animals – Horses, mini horses, cows, goats, chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys.
DAY 6 :: FREE DAY - Explore the Foxen Wine Trail [a dozen or so vineyards with wine tasting rooms, horse back riding, horse back riding/tasting room experience, hot air balloon rides], the old western town of Los Olivos [wine tasting rooms, electric bike rentals], the Danish town of Solvang [Danish for ‘sunny field’ and known for it’s aebleskivers. Shop for these pastries, chocolate and check out the traditional Danish style architecture]. Head back to the ranch for our final evening meal together and settle in for the night in your private nest on wheels.
DAY 7 :: We will start our day in Solvang. Then onward to the Santa Barbara Mission via the the ‘ol Stagecoach Road [sightseeing stop at Cold Springs Tavern]. Then we’ll head back down HWY 1, stopping for a picnic lunch at the beach before returning to VSW HQ.
JOURNEY DETAILS
NOTE: This is the general route our tour will take, we will be traveling secondary hi-ways whenever possible and staying as close to the coast as possible.
WHEN: Your adventure embarks from Vintage Surfari Wagons in Costa Mesa, CA on the morning of Sunday, May 22nd at 8:30 am and will be returning from Santa Barbara early evening, Saturday, May 28th.
COST:
• Single Occupancy: $2520 USD
• Double Occupancy: $1680 USD ($3360 for 2 people)
• Extra Travelers (up to 2 per bus): $80 USD (per person per day)
• Tag-along Buses: $1120 (+$80 USD/day for each additional traveler)
• Kids 10 Years And Younger Travel Free
auto insurance not included
Deposit to hold a reservation is 50% of the tour cost
Balance is to be paid in full 60 days prior to the departure date
WHAT'S INCLUDED: Provided in the cost is an 7 day rental of a classic VW Campmobile, bedding pack, down duvet, camp chairs, kitchen galley kit, firewood, camp fees, travel snack box, 3 impressive evening meals, 3 robust breakfasts, campfire goodies, and a smattering of signature cocktails, all lovingly fabricated by our VSW crew. One nights stay at Ocean Point Ranch. Oh and of course, your very own bus whisperer Vintage Bill. He'll be more than happy to answer any and all VDub queries, but most importantly he'll keep us all rolling on down the road.
MEALTIMES/PROVISIONS: Menus will reflect a healthy California cuisine. We will sample wines from the regions that we are passing through.
A communal grill and camp kitchen will be available for all bus participants to use while we are on the road. In addition, all of our vans have on board galley style kitchens and are fully stocked with all the gear you’ll need to cook and eat with.
We'll make stops strategically along our route so that everyone can purchase personal provisions.
Spontaneously we tend to gather together for restaurant meals along our route. These meals are voluntary and not included so please be prepared to reimburse via VENMO, cash, or PayPal if a group check is tabulated.
OPTIONS: If you'd like to add more nights to your journey just ask, or if you have your own bus and want to join in let us know. We aim to please and nothing is out of the question. We'll also be adding the option of touring local wineries whilst staying in the Central Coast; with pick up at our campsite in Morro Bay we will be taken on a private tour of 3-4 wineries with our local guide. This is a one day excursion where you will be responsible for your tasting fees and any food purchased while enroute. A Farm to Table dinner paired with local wines is another option not to be missed. This is priced at approximately $85 dollars per person and will be hosted by Ocean Point Ranch in Moonstone Beach.
MOVING FORWARD:
Deposit to hold a reservation is 50% of the tour cost
Balance is to be paid in full 60 days prior to the departure date
CANCELLATIONS:
More than 60 days from tour departure date: 50% of Deposit
Less than 60 days from tour departure date: 100% of Tour Cost
If we can fill your space cancelled prior to more than 30 days before the trip departure date a full refund will be given minus a $250 handling fee. Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain medical/trip insurance.
In the case of a natural disaster we will transfer your deposit or entire tour cost to a voucher for future travel. The voucher can be used for self drive or group tour bookings.
CONTACT US: Speak to one of our guides first! Send us an email and we will schedule a phone call.
Your personal camp tour guides Vintage Bill and Happy Harrigan
NEAREST AIRPORT: John Wayne International Airport (SNA) is only 15 minutes away from VSW headquarters in Costa Mesa! If you'd rather land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you'll be about 50 minutes away (depending on traffic). There are several shuttle options from both airports, as well as Uber and Lyft. Please check with us and we can recommend the best option.
NEEDED: Folks that like to make new friends, that like to camp in comfort, that want to experience the charming coastal California vibe, and sample local wines and locally grown produce, meats, cheese and WINE! Oh, and peeps that aren’t shy bcuz you’ll be exposed to all sorts of waves, smiles and questions like “what year is your bus?” ;)