Things to do in California in early August

[TechNoir]

Hello folks, this is slightly off topic but seeing as this is Parking Lot Chatter I figured it would be OK.

I am holidaying in California this summer with my wife and daughter. We have a few things planned already but there will be a period of 5 days from July 31st to August 4th when my wife and daughter will be busy so I get 5 days to myself. During this period we will be in North Santa Barbara County.

So my American friends, i am looking for suggestions of things to do when I have these 5 days to do stuff on my own. I see that there is an example of my favourite bike of all time in the Solvang motorcycle museum but I was wondering if anyone on here here have any suggestions?

Thanks,

John

[exeric]

Be careful, John; a person can get in a lot of trouble in Southern California

[Chris Haynes]

Just off Hwy 154 between Santa Barbara and Solvang is the Cold Spring Tavern. Great food. On weekends live entertainment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTGlig0812E and lots of motorcycles. On the weekends they serve Tri Tip sandwiches outside of the restaurant.
http://www.coldspringtavern.com/menu.html

[DCoul]

If you are riding, go North on hwy 1 would be a great start.

Harley Bike Rentals of Santa Barbara
736 Carpinteria St
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Phone number (805) 899-2453

Don't know anything about them.

[silentgreyfello]

Stay in air conditioning in your hotel and watch the carjackings on the news. It used to be great until it got run over from the border.

[TechNoir]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

Eric, I was hoping for something like that.

Chris, thanks for the tip.

DCoul, yep, Highway 1 is a great road, I have driven it from San Fransisco to LA once before. I haven’t decided if I am going to hire a car or bike for the week I am on my own yet, it depends on logistics.

silentgreyfello, ha ha, its a good job that I know the USA a bit and that you are joking (at least I hope you are)


John

[panz4ever]

Something to get you started if you decide to ride

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/Route...fornia_80.html

[TechNoir]

Thanks panz4ever thats a great link.

John

[DCoul]

I forgot about that website. I've been on a lot of those roads. Hwy 49 is my new favorite. Gold Lake hwy over to Graegle. Beautiful.

[No Rush]

Calico ghost town in the Mojave is cool. Ride up to Ballarat where a scene from Easy Rider was filmed. Death Valley is close by. Then you can head to Yosemite on the return. Going to be HOT, but it will make a great story!

[Skirted]

Not sure of your interests but if you are looking for touristy type things, I'll throw a few out and you can choose. I personally would stay away from heading south to LA unless you like the congestion. Guess its OK to see once but in my opinion there is a tremendous amount more to see outside that area. Of course I am from clear across the country in Pennsylvania so take for what its worth.

Requires lots of driving but if you are up for it you'll have a true American experience not soon forgotten. Not sure if you can leave your base in Santa Barbara over night but if you can the state has amazing scenery and tourist attractions. Below are some places we thought were highlights as we covered thousands of miles on two different trips. In no particular order:

1. Hearst Castle in San Simeone along coast. We weren't big into these kind of places but came highly recommended. We were blown away.
2. NAPA Valley or Sonoma Valley wine country. Sonoma just as nice, less congested, more personable habitants.
3. Sequoia National forest (A must)
4. Yosemite (a must) Even if time is short its worth a day to drive through hitting high points
5. Grass Valley - Empire Mine State Park - Again pleasantly surprised especially if you like history
6. Lake Tahoe Area - Magnificent scenery
7. Yes - Solvang is a cool little attractive town to see.
8. We also liked little town a short jaunt North East of Sacramento, Folsom CA (made famous by Johnny Cash) and prison museum
8. Death Valley in August (Need A/C car) Much more diverse than we thought. Excellent experience. Once was probably enough
9. If you get north as far as Lake Tahoe, Virginia City Nevada is a great historic town to visit. One of our favorite places.

As you drive through the state from the coastal mountains, criss-crossing through the Central Valley (where much of the nations vegetables come from) to the Sierra Nevada mountains leaves a lasting impression itself.

[TechNoir]

Thanks guys, a few good ideas there.

I have been to a couple of the places mentioned but quite a few I haven’t so I will see what I can fit in.

John