Where to go for Calif. vacation??

[farmacist]

My wife and I are wanting to go to wine country this spring for vacation and see what all the fuss is about. While there, we would also like to head to the beach for some surfing for a day or two. We both wakesurf but neither have been fortunate enough to try the real deal.
We will need to rent boards, maybe an instructor, etc., etc. Have no idea where we should be looking to go. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Domsz06]

well there is Napa, but honestly my wino friends enjoy the central coast wines and vineyards near SLO (San Louis Obisbo)

Not sure you can really surf the waves, but you could drive down to la in 3-4 hours from SLO and surf and rent there. I have been to a few vineyards in SLO and had an absloute blast!

SPBFAN and I would meet you at Lake Nacimento and go Board with you if you wanted to as well.

Good luck.

Oh yeah, and a place called "the Cliffs" is a really nice resort to stay at, or the best western in Pismo every room opens to the beach.

here are the links.

http://www.cliffsresort.com/?src=ppc...ismobeachhotel

http://www.shorecliff.com/

shore cliff is the one that is cool and if you tell them you are with ConocoPhillips you get the rooms for 95 dollars a night during the off season.


and there is also a wine buss that takes you to like 5 or 6 vineyards and then drops you back off so you don't have to drive, just another idea.

[hoopykat]

Just a note, any surfing along the California coast is COLD! Water temps are in the 50s and maybe 60s. There are many popular places to surf from basically Santa Cruz north. There are many great wineries in the Russian River area near Guerneville, and there are outfits that offer winery tours so you don't have to drive.

-Mike

[G-MONEY]

SPBFAN and I would meet you at Lake Nacimento and go Board with you if you wanted to as well.

I would drive up as well and make it a party

[dogbert]

Sounds like a wine country Tige reunion to me!

[Domsz06]

That would be way fun, meet up for a weekend and then go to vineyards, you could come up during the strawberry festival in Santa maria, do strawberries and wine.

Also. Don't for get the little Dutch Town just south of Santa Maria. It's called Sulvane.

Sideways was filmed there

[chpthril]

My parents did the "Wine Train" tour last year and enjoyed it. May be a little too geriatric for you tho

[TeamAllen]

Domz,
I think you mean Solvang.

Spring is a liitle chilly in the water still, especially that far North.

[Domsz06]

sorry that's correct Allen,

Thank you for correcting me.

the water is always cold, it never really warms up, that's what wet suits are for

My friends wear suits even in Huntington (sp) year round.

[Lunchbox]

I'll go but I'm not drinking any F'ing Merlot!!!

[da.bell]

Monterey Bay is a great location for wine and the aquarium. Went there about 2 years ago and took a wine tour via a trolley and it was very fun.

[farmacist]

Thanks guys! I was just kicking the idea around but now am very excited about the possibilities.
When is the strawberry festival, when does Lake Nac. warm up?

I am wanting to order a Bullet from the guys at Walker. Maybe can pick it up in person and bum a tow from one of you guys for the first ride.

Lunchbox- I will buy you a beer or two or twelve, whatever.

[Domsz06]

the strawberry festival is in May.

and for sure we will tow you.

[Domsz06]

here is info on the festival

May 24 - 25 -- Strawberry Festival
Festival: Very popular festival. Arts & crafts. Food & games. Ten entertainment areas with continuous entertainment. Strawberry Treats of every variety. Arroyo Grande, CA
Fee: FreeTime: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Phone Number: (805) 473.2250

[Domsz06]

Event Name: Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival
Type of event: Festival
Date of event: April 22 - April 24, 2005
# of days: 3
Event held: Indoors

City: Santa Maria
State: CA
Phone: 805-346-1739