DAY 1 :: Sunday, May 22nd – 8:30 AM

Arrive at VSW Headquarters, 765 Newton Way, Costa Mesa, 92627 Breakfast will be awaiting your arrival, so please don’t be shy, help yourself and dig in! One of our crew members will be on hand to help expedite paperwork and once we have that all sorted away we will get acquainted with each other and our VW’s. Next up is an orientation followed by answering any questions that you might have. We will do our best to hit the road by 10:30 am.

We’ll be heading out of Costa Mesa on the 405 Freeway North to the 10 Freeway West and then heading North toward Malibu via Highway 1 (we try our best to stay off of the Freeways in California, but sometimes it’s unavoidable, and this is one of those instances). When we travel as a group we have a lead vehicle and a caboose. The lead vehicle sets the pace, usually about 60-65 MPH (on Freeways), and the caboose makes sure everyone is doing OK. 

Before we depart Costa Mesa Bill will put together a text list of everyone traveling in our convoy so that not only can he communicate with everyone, but the rest of us can communicate as well.

We will stop for provisions and a ‘stretch your legs break’ at Vintage Grocers in Malibu. This is a great spot to grab a deli lunch and some coffee and possibly some additional snacks (each bus will have a little snack basket prepared in advance). You’ll find restrooms inside Vintage Grocers at far left corner of the store. 

From here we’ll then make our way to Waypoint in Ventura to set up camp for the night. Grab up a beach cruiser bike from Waypoint and ride the path over the freeway foot bridge to the beach or check out Ventura’s cute little downtown area and shop for a bottle of wine, a growler of beer, and any provisions that you might like to fill your ice cooler with. Dinner will be in camp at Waypoint and provided by VSW.

FYI: Hot showers and flush toilets are available at Waypoint.

DAY 2 :: Monday, May 23rd

After a light breakfast on your own (VSW will have coffee and hot water for tea ready every morning) at Waypoint Ventura (Oh, and check out the goodies they have at the front desk in the morning!), we’ll break camp and travel up the 101 Highway along the coast to the town of Los Alamos. A town so tiny, you’d miss it if you blinked. We’ll have lunch at Bell’s Restaurant on Bell Street where they have a lovely outdoor patio (Restaurant meals are optional so if you choose to join in then please be prepared to reimburse via VENMO, cash, or PayPal). We’ll then head up the coast to Morro Bay State Park. We will make a pit stop on Los Osos Valley Road at a Grocery Outlet, with a Ralphs Market right next door. Now’s the time to pickup anything you may have forgotten in the food and beverage department. After provisioning up we’ll check into Morro Bay State Park for 2 nights. Dinner will be on your own tonight. Cook in camp or head into town for some waterfront dining.

Check in is at 2:00 pm, check out at 12:00 pm. Group Camp Site GOSO is booked under the name Diane Staggs.

Hot showers are available and flush toilets. (See one of our crew for shower tokens or quarters.)

Sycamore Mineral Springs (Avila Beach turnoff)

This is an optional stopping point for those who might want to soak for 1 hour in a private 2 person mineral spring tub under giant sycamore trees on the way up to Morro Bay. (There are bathrooms for clothing changes, or soak naked... the tubs are private.)

If you choose to do this you will need to make a reservation in advance. A booking can be made online: and the hillside hot tubs are open until 9:45 PM. Pricing starts at $22.50 per person.

If you choose to vist Sycamore Mineral Springs we recommend that you travel up Highway 101 directly from Bell’s Restaurant in Los Alamos to, instead of meandering up Highway 1 through the beach towns with the group. This will allow more time to soak at Sycamore. Conversely, meander with the group and peel off here at the Avila Beach turn-off and meet us at the Morro State Park campsite later on in the evening or the following morning. It’s your choice! (You will be on your own, and will need to check into the campsite without us. If you choose to break away from the group and stay at or near Sycamore Mineral Springs on Monday night let us know in advance and we can recommend some spots to stay the night.)

DAY 3 :: Tuesday, May 25th

Wake up to breakfast in camp provided by VSW and prepare for a big day of fun! Gallagher Wine Tours will be picking us up from our campsite at approximately 10:15 am. The Gallagher-crafted itinerary features three to four wineries (depending on time constraints) located in the west region of Paso Robles, and concierge-class private transportation. The wine tour is an option offered at $100 per person, this pays for our driver, vehicle, and co-ordination of the tour. Wine tasting fees are not included in the $100. fee, and lunch or small bites can be ordered along the way at the various tasting rooms, this is also not included in the $100. fee.

If you’d rather stay back at camp, there is no shortage of things to do in Morro Bay. You’ll find an ocean-lover’s paradise here. From kayaking to whale watching, Morro Bay can bring you up close and personal with its wildlife, including the adorable otters who call the bay home. You can hike in the nearby Elfin Forest, or visit the nearby town of San Luis Obispo. 

Dinner tonight will be in camp tonight and provided by VSW.

Things to do in Morro Bay

If you choose to skip the wine tour, Morro Bay has plenty to fill your day. Located on a National Marine Estuary, Morro Bay is teeming with wildlife. Visit with sea otters and sea lions from the land and the sea! There is also a busy shopping and dining area along the waterfront on Embarcadero.

 A Kayak Shack

Hourly rates from $16. Located right outside the campground. No reservations – first come, first serve rentals only. All rentals include life jackets and paddles.

Morro Bay Paddlesports

SUP rentals from $30/hr and Kayak rentals from $20/hr. They also offer guided tours on SUP and kayaks and lessons! Pick up from the bayfront in Morro Bay. For reservations, call 805-225-1497.

Estero Adventures

Electric pontoon boat rentals from $99/hr, kayak rentals and beach bike rentals are also available. Reservations can be made online, or call 805-550-3165.

Morro Bay Whale Watching

3 hour trips $55 on a 53 foot whale watching vessel. Reservations can be made online, or call 805-772-9463.

Shopping and Dining on the Embarcadero

• Bayside Café - 10 State Park Road, Morro Bay (close to the campground)

• Galley Seafood Grill & Bar - 899 Embarcadero, Morro Bay

• Great American Fish Company - 214 Beach Street, Morro Bay (great for otter sightings)

• Dutchman’s Seafood House - 701 Embarcadero, Morro Bay

• Libertine Brew Pub - 801 Embarcadero, Morro Bay

• Carousel Taffy - 845 Embarcadero, Morro Bay

• The Shell Shop - 590 Embarcadero, Morro Bay

Coastal Parks

• Morro Bay Rock

• Montana de Oro State Park - Spooners Cove

DAY 4 :: Wednesday, May 25th

Start out the day with breakfast on your own, but make it a light one because just up the road a bit we will stop for lunch in the charming beach town of Cayucos – Grab up some lunch at the local favorite pint-sized eatery The Hidden Kitchen, or choose another eatery that catches your fancy. The Brown Butter Cookie Company shouldn’t be missed... you can sample one-of-a-kind espresso, almond, cinnamon and coconut lime cookies, and then purchase an assortment of their heavenly cookies for take away.

A little further up the Highway 1, we will stop and check out 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. 

From here we’ll make the scant few miles journey north to the town of Cambria and Moonstone Beach for our one night’s stay at Ocean Point Ranch. We will enjoy one nights rest at and an optional farm to table dinner paired with wines from local vineyards. Our check-in is at 4 PM.

We will enjoy a special Farm-to-Table dinner in theCanteen at Ocean Point Ranch. Local wines will be paired with our meal. The dinner is optional and will be at an additional cost of $85 per person (10 day advance notice before departure is needed in order to participate in this option).

Cambria is a very walkable town and there are wonderful little shops, Moonstone Beach, tasting rooms and dining options nearby.

Things to do in Cambria

Restaurants

• Black Cat Bistro – 1602 Main Street, Ste C, Cambria

• Madeline’s Restaurant & Wine Cellar – 788 Main Street, Cambria

• Robin’s Restaurant – 4095 Burton Drive, Cambria (next door to the Inn)

• Sea Chest Oyster Bar – 6216 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria

• Linn’s Restaurant – 2277 Main Street, Cambria (famous for their pies!)

• Linn’s Easy as Pie Cafe – 1234 Bridge Street, Cambria

• Firestone Grill – 603 Main Street, Cambria (known for their delish Tri-tip Sandwiches)

• Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill – 6550 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria

Shopping

• The Garden Shed – Browse 6000 sq. ft. of merchandise beautifully displayed in this historic tin creamery building dating back to the 1890’s. Soaps, bath & body products, home decor, garden items.

• Ocean Heir – Tucked away in The Garden Shed, one of Diane’s ‘go to’ womens clothing boutiques!

• Rich Man Poor Man – 2-floor antique collectible mall filled with vintage picks from over 30 dealers.

• Antiques on Main – Find a wide range of top-grade antique items along with collectibles and vintage jewelry.

• Sea + Green – A collective of vintage and handmade goods inspired by the sea and rooted in nature.

And a little further up/down the road…

• Nitt Witt Ridge – Folk Art Style house that is a California State Historical Landmark.

• Moonstone Beach Drive

• Stolo Vineyard and Winery – 3776 Santa Rosa Creek Road, Cambria (tasting room).

• Hearst Ranch Winery – 442 Slo San Simeon Rd, San Simeon (tasting room).

• The Elephant Seal Rookery/Piedras Blancas at Elephant Seal Vista Point, Hwy 1, San Simeon.

• Hearst Castle is currently closed, but you can spy it from the road. The property is also home to a herd of zebras that can frequently be seen wandering the ranch along Highway 1.

DAY 5 :: Thursday, May 26th

We will start off the day by having a group orientation around the Moonstone Corral on the grounds of Ocean Point Ranch. Check out is at 11:00 AM, and breakfast is on your own, so be sure to do some exploring in the morning before we depart for our drive through the back roads toward Santa Barbara County and the Santa Ynez Valley wine country. Just outside of Arroyo Grande, we’ll stop for lunch at Rancho Nimpomo BBQ.

“Bright and cheerful, with an inspired melding of Santa Maria barbecue and Mexican food. Meats are smoked—not grilled—over red oak, and used in inventions like a smoked tri-tip burrito and a tri-tip sandwich made with garlicky Mexican-style torta bread.”

~ Sunset.com 

We’ll then roll down the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail on our way to our campsite at Ballard Hill Ranch in Los Olivos. Keep your eyes peeled along the canyon for the wineries that you might like to visit on Friday afternoon. 

We’ll help you circle the wagons at the Ballard Hill Ranch camp, and then head over to the Airstream for a signature cocktail and a fine seat overlooking the valley below. 

You are on your own for dinner tonight, our campsite is a short walk/drive/Uber from the cutest little Western town ever – Los Olivos! Head into town for a wonderful meal at Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe, it’s just one of many excellent restaurants to choose from (See: HERE for a host of restaurant choices). You can also opt to have a good old-fashioned cookout at camp. After dinner, we will gather together for a campfire and cocktails and the proverbial s’mores roast!

While at Ballard Hill Ranch feel free to roam the property and barns. Angela, the owner of this unique property, has ambitiously revamped it in the short time she has owned it. Angela keeps in her care 5 horses, 2 miniature horses, 5 goats, 1 lamb as well as too many to count ducks, hens, turkeys, roosters, cats and dogs!

DAY 6 :: Friday, May 27th

Wake up and look for your new neighbors, a herd of cows grazing the surrounding hills. Head over to the Airstream for breakfast and then get ready to spend the day exploring the area. There are plenty of options for your day, from horseback riding and electric bike tours, to traditional winery visits and tasting rooms in Los Olivos or in nearby Solvang. You can even take a hot air balloon ride if you’re feeling adventurous! We’ll share one last dinner together here before our return to Costa Mesa.

Things To Do in Los Olivos

Hot Air Balloon rides

Sky’s The Limit Ballooning

$295. 3.5 to 4 hour experience. Total trip time includes: Transport from meeting location to launch field, setup of the balloon, flight and a post flight champagne celebration.

Guided Horseback Trail Rides in Wine Country 

Fess Parker Ranch

$135 per person, 90 minute tour, 6 guests maximum. Must make reservations at least 48 hours in advance. Call Fess Parker Wine Country Inn and speak to the front desk for reservations. 

805-688-7788 Guided rides only.

Vino Vaqueros

$175 per person, 75-90 minute riding time (wine touring time is up to you). Two person minimum. BY RESERVATION ONLY! May be good for a group tour with other Vin de Viners. They’re set up as private groups. Guided rides only. 

Bike Rentals

Pedego Electric Bike Rental, Tours, and Excursions

$45-$79 Rentals, $79 for a 4 hour Self Guided Tour. Tour as a couple or a group and visit wineries, or just head out on your own to explore Los Olivos and the Wine Trail.

Wine Tasting Rooms in Downtown Los Olivos 

There are over 30 wineries and wine tasting rooms in town! 

DAY 7 :: Saturday, May 28th 

We’ll say goodbye to our hilltop campsite this morning, and head to Bob’s Well Bread down in Ballard for breakfast or we can mosey straight into Solvang for a breakfast bite. You’ll want to pick up the makings of a picnic lunch at Bob’s or maybe in the town of Solvang. Make sure you hit up the Danish bakeries in town and sample an aebleskiver.

Æbleskiver are Danish snacks that are spherical in shape. The name literally means “apple slices” in Danish, although apples are not usually an ingredient in present-day versions. The crust is similar in texture to European pancakes, but with a light and fluffy innard like a Yorkshire pudding.

We’ll meet up at Mission Santa Ines on the edge of Solvang in preparation for the journey back. We’ll again stick to the back roads, stopping for a sightseeing visit to Cold Spring Tavern (an old stage coach stop) in the hills above Santa Barbara. We’ll make our way into town and stop at the Mission in Santa Barbara. There may be some time to visit the Mission for a self-guided tour ($15 per person) before we head back down the coast to VSW HQ in Costa Mesa. Somewhere along the way we will stop for a picnic lunch. We usually have all sorts of leftovers to share, so keep that in mind.

Things To Do In Solvang

Bakeries, Eats, Tasting Rooms and Shopping Downtown

• The Coffee House by Chomp – 1693 Mission Drive, D103, Solvang

• Birkholm’s Bakery – 460 Alisal Road, Solvang

• Mortensen’s Bakery – 1588 Mission Drive, Solvang

• Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery – 1529 Mission Drive, Solvang

• Cailloux Cheese Shop – 1661 Mission Drive, Solvang

• Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates – 2734, 1679 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang

• The Book Loft/Hans Christian Anderson Museum – 1680 Mission Drive, Solvang

• Eco Wine Furniture – 485 Alisal Road, Suite 137, Solvang

• A Piece of the Past – 1430 Mission Drive, Solvang

• Hans Christian Anderson Park – 775 Atterdag Road, Solvang

• Tasting Rooms in Solvang

Ostrichland USA

610 E Hwy 246, Solvang, CA

Open daily from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

93463 You’ll always remember the time you spent watching, feeding and getting to know these amazing ostriches and emus. 

General Admission is $7 per person.

Buellton

A town just across the 101 Freeway to the west of Solvang... you’ll find more eateries, tap rooms and tasting rooms. Industrial Eats and Barrel Works Taproom are two of our favorites!