Big Sur

The mystical California coastline between Santa Barbara and Carmel-by-the-Sea is a blend of dreamy mountains, jagged clliffs, stunning vistas and zero cell phone service. Connected by Route 1, this is the road-trip of a lifetime.

Big Sur is book-ended by Santa Barbara and Carmel-by-the-Sea, both worth stopovers on their own. Santa Barbara has incredible wine bars and Carmel-by-the Sea is an adorable storybook town.

EAT

Brass Bear Brewing and Bistro Craft beers at a casual eatery in downtown Santa Barbara.

Deetjens Restaurant

Nepenthe Enjoy dramatic views over lunch.

DRINK

Dawn’s Dream Winery Family-owned winery in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Area 5.1 Cool winery in Santa Barbara.

PLAY

Bixby Bridge The emblem of Big Sur.

Elephant Seal Vista Point Just outside San Simeon, park and get out at this view point to observe elephant seals sleeping on the beach.

Esalen Institute Hot Springs This healing center offers public bathing in its hot springs between 1am and 3am every night. Reservations must be made day-of, and are released each morning on their website at 9am.

Hearst Castle Located in San Simeon, book a tour or admire from afar.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Home to redwood trees and good for hiking.

Pismo Beach Spend a morning here and admire the beautiful, monarch butterflies.

Point Lobos State National Reserve Spend a morning or afternoon at this wild reserve.

McWay Falls An 80-foot-tall waterfall flowing year-round into the Pacific Ocean.

Solveng This Danish-style town is a delightful stop along the way from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach. Visit any local pastry shop.

STAY

Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Rustic, country-style inn and cabins. Recommended by a friend.

Ragged Point Inn Absolutely amazing views.

Treebones Restort Yurt-style glamping. Book way in advance. Recommended by a friend.

Big Sur

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Washington, DC

America’s capital is much more than the politics that fuel it. DC’s wide avenues, parks and green spaces, and free national museums and memorials make it especially deserving of a weekend (or week!) away.

Spring and fall are lovely in DC, while the summer is sweltering. The spring is spectacular when the cherry blossom trees are in bloom along the River Basin and Jefferson Memorial.

If staying for a few days, purchase a SmarTrip card to use the Metro and bus system. Metro fares are discounted with the card.

Nearly all of the Smithsonian Museums are free!

EAT

Ben’s Chili Bowl A historic spot serving up late night chili and hot dogs. Obama is a fan!

Bistrot du Coin The best mussels and fries in Dupont.

Lapis Chic and cozy Afghan bistro in Adams Morgan.

Matchbox Home-grown, fancy pizza chain. Try the mini burgers.

Old Ebbitt Grill Steps from the White House, this restaurant is a DC institution and known for its oysters

Perry’s Book the Sunday drag brunch.

Rasika Delicious Indian food with locations in West End and Penn Quarter.

Sakuramen Ramen Bar Tiny spot in Adams Morgan.

Thai X-ing Traditional Thai food in a charming row house on Florida Avenue.

Zorba’s Cafe Casual Greek restaurant in Dupont Circle.

DRINK

American Ice Company Trendy, industrial style bar on V Street.

The Blaguard Local dive in Adams Morgan that is one of the best pubs in the world.

Brixton Three-story British style pub with a roof deck.

Marvin Good music and dancing on U Street.

Masa 14 Asian-Latin fusion restaurant with a hip roof deck bar.

Nellie’s Sports Bar Late night fun.

PLAY

Botanic Garden Smithsonian greenhouse next to the Capital.

Capital Crescent Trail Walk or bike this 11 mile trail along the historic C & O Canal.

Capital Building and White House Tours Book through your local congressional office.

Crumbs & Whiskers Adorable cat cafe in Georgetown. All of the cats are rescues.

Eastern Market Local produce, meat and art in Capital Hill.

Georgetown Internationally known for it’s University (and cupcakes!), spend time walking the cobble-stoned streets of this charming, historic neighborhood.

Holocaust Memorial Museum A national, free museum where visitors can learn about genocide, the Holocaust and remember its victims. A very moving experience.

Meridian HIll Park A terraced, urban park with statues and fountains.

The National Mall Tour the different memorials here and do not miss the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial.

Nationals Park Catch a home baseball game at the Nationals’ stadium near Navy Yard.

National Museum of Natural History The jewel of the Smithsonian museum network. The Hope Diamond is on display!

National Portrait Gallery Smithsonian in the Penn Quarter.

Newseum Interactive, seven-story museum promoting freedom of speech and the American First Amendment. It takes visitors through the evolution of communication. This museum is private and not part of the Smithsonian network.

Rock Creek Park Hike or bike through this park running through the heart of the capital.

STAY

DC is relatively small and there are many good neighborhoods. To be close to food, shopping and nightlife, look for a hotel in Georgetown, Dupont or Penn Quarter (though it will come at a cost).

For a more authentic, local experience, we recommend staying at an Airbnb in Adams Morgan or Capital Hill. Adams Morgan is a diverse, bohemian area while Capital Hill is close to the National Mall and museums.

Washington, DC

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Tromsø

A visit to the Arctic Circle, why not? Tromsø has become an increasingly popular tourist destination for its legendary northern lights. While it is not necessarily a playground for shoppers or foodies, it is definitely an amazing trip for those who want to explore all the Arctic Circle has to offer.  

The best time to see the northern lights is in winter between October and early April.

Tromsø is a two hour flight from Oslo and the local airport is about 7 kilometers from the city center. The Flybussen takes approximately 15 minutes to the city center. Alternatively, take a taxi given the short distance.

EAT

Emmas Drømmekjøkken Traditional, Norwegian cuisine

Rå Sushi & Bar Central location for fresh sushi.

DRINK

Huken Pub Cozy, Nordic bar with a vintage vibe. The perfect escape from chilly, Nordic temps. Also has delicious bar food!

Ølhallen Brewing at 69° North since 1877, the oldest pub in Tromsø is a chill, local spot. Over 70 beers on tap.

PLAY

Chasing Lights Northern Lights Tour Our experience with this company was excellent. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and made several stops for potential northern lights photo opps. The company provided the necessary winter gear, tips on camera settings and afterwards emailed photos taken with their professional cameras. We chose the mini-bus tour to be with a smaller group of people. Book in advance.

Fjellheisen Cable car which offers scenic views over the city. Also a local viewing spot for northern lights if the sky is clear.

The Polar Museum This museum showcases expeditions and snippets of daily life in the Arctic Circle. Not a must-do but something to fill time if you need a break between outdoor excursions.

Villmarkssenter Dog Sledding Highly recommended! The day-long dog sledding excursion allows for 1+ hour of self-drive on the dog sleds, winter gear, lunch and puppy play time. We enjoyed this and wished we had booked a longer excursion.  

STAY

Tromsø is very small and anything near the city center, Tromsoya, will be convenient. We enjoyed Scandic Ishavshotel, a nice hotel overlooking the harbor with an amazing breakfast.

Tromsø

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Vienna

Vienna has repeatedly captured the hearts of travelers with its rich history, food scene and amazing architecture (bonus points for also being an über clean city). 

Vienna is charming any time of year and always a good stop when in central Europe.  

Vienna’s Christmas markets are some of the most intriguing in Europe, and open from mid-November through Christmas. The local vendors and winter scene at the Rathaus is one of best markets in Europe and should be a top attraction on your list if visiting during the holidays.

The City Airport Train (CAT) connects the airport to Wien Mitte Station near the city center in 15 minutes. Alternatively, taxis are available and the trip to city center is 18 kilometers.

EAT

Cafe Sacher Wien While touristy, this cafe offers the classic Austrian experience with fine coffee and the local sacher-torte. We recommend going for the Apfel-Strudel instead! 

Eis Greisler Cute spot for ice cream.

Erich Awesome brunch menu. If nothing else, go for the terrace and enjoy a drink.

Neni Middle Eastern restaurant located inside Naschmarkt. Great lunch spot.

Skopik & Lohn Upscale Schnitzel restaurant.

Steirereck Reservations recommended.

Ulrich Great patio and brunch menu.

DRINK

Das Loft Skybar at the Sofitel hotel. Go for a sun-downer and enjoy the amazing views!

Naschmarkt Wide variety of food and drink vendors and the perfect spot to grab a quick bite and afternoon spritz when the sun is out. Closed on Sundays.

O`Boufes This is a bistro but go for a wine tasting. They specailize in natural, locally grown organic wines. Different tastes but we loved trying something new.

PLAY

Belvedere Museum beautiful gardens surround the Palace which is now home to an art museum that showcases Austrian artworks and various exhibitions in the Lower Belvedere.

Innere Stadt (First District) Wander through Vienna’s charming Old Town in the evening or, to beat the crowds, on Sunday morning.

Hofburg Palace Former imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty and today the official residence of the President of Austria. Be sure to check out the Spanish Riding School, dating back to 1562.

Leopoldstadt Rent bikes to cruise around this area, and making a stop at Prater, Vienna’s playground and one of the world’s oldest amusement parks.

Museumsquartier This area is touristy, but it is a must to check out the Kunsthistorisches and Naturhistorisches Musuem, and take stroll through the nearby Volksgarten. This area is home to a variety of art musuems and the cultural centersansplatz. After taking in the sites, get lost in the small side streets.

Schloss Schoenbrunn Buy tickets in advance to avoid the queues, and don’t forget to check out the beautiful surrounding gardens. Combine this stop with the Naschmarkt for lunch.

Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera House) Go for a tour or purchase tickets for an evening show. Note that the main, classic Opera performances are traditionally closed in July and August

STAY

Choose a hotel or AirBnb in the Innere Stadt city center. We recommend the Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom.

Vienna

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is the jewel of Baja California. Come for the sunshine and clear Pacific waters, and stay for the fantastic Mexican food!

The airport is a 45 minute drive from Cabos San Lucas. Take a taxi on arrival or arrange pick-up through your hotel or resort.

While many places will accept USD, keep small bills handy for tipping, souvenirs and boat tours. Alternatively, take out pesos from an ATM on arrival.

EAT

Hacienda Cocina y Cantina Celebrate something special here. The views of the beach, water and sunset are stunning and the food is excellent.

Koi This hole in the wall serves amazingly fresh sushi. Recommended by a friend.

Los Claros Tasty and cheap tacos!

Los Tres Gallos Romantic, old world Mexican restaurant.

DRINK

Bar Esquina Attached to Bahia Hotel, this place comes alive at night and is a hip hang.

Mango Deck Restaurant & Beach Bar Chill spot for sunset and happy hour drinks on Medano Beach.

PLAY

Medano Beach

Pelican's Rock and Lover's Beach Accessible only by water taxi, a round trip to this iconic spot will set you back $5 a person.

Snorkel and catamaran cruise We had a great afternoon cruise with SunRider Tours, and have heard excellent things about Cabo San Lucas Tours.

STAY

Avoid the spring break crowds and stay at a boutique hotel or classy resort near Medano Beach. Check out the Bahia Hotel and Beach House or its neighbor, the slightly more upscale Casa Dorada.

Cabo San Lucas