Travels With Carole

Come along with me and share the excitement as I explore the world researching freelance articles. These blog posts offer short chunks of travel that you can digest quickly as well as plenty of photos so you get the picture. You'll have some fun, make discoveries, and pick up great ideas and information for your own vacations. Think of me as your canary in the coal mine. For even more travel inspiration, visit my BERKELEY AND BEYOND website at http://www.berkeleyandbeyond.com.

September 15, 2024

Malibu, California: Malibu Lagoon State Beach; things to do

Malibu Lagoon State Beach

23200 PCH, close to the Malibu Pier and across from Malibu Country Mart, (805) 488-1827. Parking $12 (all day); separate parking lots for the beach and the house.

In this wild and wonderful spot you can picnic as well as hike nature trails, explore tide pools, and watch surfers. Just north of the lagoon is Malibu Colony, an upscale gated residential enclave with celebrity residents.

view from trail at Malibu Lagoon State Beach in Malibu, California

handmade Malibu ceramic tile at Malibu Lagoon State Beach in Malibu, California

●Surfrider BeachP.C.H./Sweetwater Canyon Rd.
Tucked into a cove between the Malibu Pier and Malibu Lagoon State Beach, this is a popular surfing spot.

Malibu Pier sign in Malibu, California

●Adamson House

8am-sunset. House tour Thur-Sat 11am-3pm; $7, 6-17 $2. Garden tour F at 10am; $7 (includes a house tour). Reservations not required.
The home of one of Malibu’s founding families, this historic Moorish-Spanish Colonial Revival-style house is famous for its lavish use of hand-painted ceramic tiles that were produced here in Malibu in the 1920s. The property is surrounded by an ornate brick fence, giving the property a castle-like appearance. Visitors can stroll the gardens on their own or take a tour.

Adamson House sign at Malibu Lagoon State Beach in Malibu, California

The Malibu Lagoon Museum adjoins the house. It tells the area’s history through artifacts and photographs and has a nice gift shop.

rustic fence around Adamson House at Malibu Lagoon State Beach in Malibu, California

More things to do in Malibu.

Things to do in nearby Santa Monica

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

images ©2024 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

September 14, 2024

Santa Maria: Historic Santa Maria Inn; hotel review

101 South

Historic Santa Maria Inn

801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, (800) 462-4276, (805) 928-7777. 6-story tower; 182 rooms. Pool; hot tub; fitness room. 2 restaurants; 1 bar.

exterior of Historic Santa Maria Inn in Santa Maria, California

A landmark since 1917, the Historic Santa Maria Inn attracted the Hollywood legends of yesteryear (Marilyn Monroe was among them), who often were stopping over on their way to Hearst Castle on the coast. Today it is perfect for a comfortable overnight rest stop off Highway 101. Larger rooms in the newer town are contemporary style, while rooms in the original wing are more atmospheric.

guest room at Historic Santa Maria Inn in Santa Maria, California

Entry to the hotel occurs through a vintage revolving door as well as through regular doors, and check-in takes place at an antique desk in the spacious lobby. The property has a large pool area and an extensive mature rose garden. Motel-style outdoor parking is available along with more in an enclosed multi-level parking structure. Note that breakfast is not available in the hotel.

revolving door entry at Historic Santa Maria Inn in Santa Maria, California

antique front desk at Historic Santa Maria Inn in Santa Maria, California

lobby at Historic Santa Maria Inn in Santa Maria, California

antique wood phone booths at Historic Santa Maria Inn in Santa Maria, California

swimming pool area at Historic Santa Maria Inn in Santa Maria, California

More things to do in Santa Maria.

September 13, 2024

Santa Maria, California: My Place Coffee and Juice; restaurant review

My Place Coffee and Juice

525 South Broadway, Santa Maria, (805) 478-1600. B-L, M-Sat.

interior of My Place Coffee and Juice in Santa Maria, California

My Place Coffee and Juice serves a simple selection of breakfast and lunch items. Breakfast burritos, bagels, and avocado toast are on the menu, along with muffins, cookies, and Danish--all made in house. Drinks include an extensive coffee menu, a delicious chai prepared with fresh hand-ground spices, and a selection of fruity smoothies as well as fresh-squeezed lemonades--a simple lavender version or a more exotic Purple Dream version topped with color-changing blue jasmine tea.

menu boards at My Place Coffee and Juice in Santa Maria, California

breakfast sampling at My Place Coffee and Juice in Santa Maria, California

In addition to inside seating, an outdoor deck provides umbrella-shaded seating. This Christian-based business offers free meals and services to the homeless on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m.

juice menu board at My Place Coffee and Juice in Santa Maria, California

coffee flight menu board at My Place Coffee and Juice in Santa Maria, California