Beach Toys

Near Avila Pier

Avila Valley Barn

A combination produce market, ice cream parlor and petting zoo.

You can find olallieberries amongst the other fruits.

They also make an appearance in the baked goods.

There are spots out back to have a picnic.

Plenty of animals to pet.

Or feed.

They do not shy away from humans.

Peaceful spot to enjoy nature.

On the drive up the coast.

Laetitia Winery

Off the 101 in Arroyo Grande.

Five tastings for $10, which is waived if you purchase a bottle.

Or three.

Couldn’t decide between the pinot noir, rose and sparkling wine.

Outside the tasting room you can soak up the sun or relax under an umbrella.

There is a short trail along the vineyards.

With a mix of ocean views and a peek at the grapes.

Summerland

Three days off.

Destination: Cambria

A car trip up the California coast.

And Summerland (just south of Santa Barbara) is a great place to stop along the way.

Stretch your legs.

Eat breakfast at the Summerland Beach Cafe.

Go shopping at Botanik.

For succulents…

or chandeliers.

Stop by the local beach.

Treat your pet to a spa day.

Summerland is very pet-friendly.

And don’t leave town without a visit to Just Folk.

This piece is called Tantrum.

There is a pig on the porch.

And much to see inside.

Before getting back in the car and hitting the road.

Sea World

For a number of years our visits to Sea World were so frequent that I could recite the dialogue (along with the actors) during the shows.

This did not take away the excitement of seeing killer whales up close and personal.

Nor compel me to sit in the soak zone.

Again.

But I do appreciate that EVERYTHING has changed. More rides. More exhibits. Every show is different. And it has only been 3 years!

It was hard to say good-bye to Shamu and his buddies.

But we wanted to see every show....next up Cirque del la Mer.....all about the acrobats.

Lots of pole climbing and spandex.

And posing.

Then came the scarves and twirling.

And spinning.

But we were more interested in sea creatures....so over to Sea Lions Live.

They spoofed tv shows, from CSI to Dancing With The Stars.

It started with ballroom.

And finished with hip hop.

Do not miss this show - it was hysterical - Biff (a human performer) was one of the highlights as he warmed up the crowd and cycled through a variety of costumes and dance moves (he transformed into Olivia Newtown-John and John Travolta singing "Your the One that I Want" while donning a half sultry blonde/half coiffed brunette wig).

One show that I don't need to see again was the abomination that used to be a thrilling dolphin show.

Sure there are still a few dolphins jumping out of the water.

But for the most part, they are eclipsed by an elaborate stage, loud Disney-esque music and bird people swinging about....I miss the old dolphin show.

Then it was time for exhibits....Shark Encounter followed by Penguin Encounter and finally the brand new Turtle Reef.

Window upon window into their world.

Plus an interactive computer game (featuring animated turtles) that had all the kids lined up to play (turning their backs on the real turtles swimming by the glass).

Great day filled with Shamu-shaped pretzels and Shamu-shaped ice cream bars and sips from a dolphin-topped refillable cup.

Katy’s Cafe

Is casual and comfy and feels ‘lived in’.

We ordered breakfast sandwiches.

All the regulars were greeted by name.

You don’t need a shirt to get service.

The walls focus on surfing and whimsy.

A 3-D mural in the bathroom makes you feel like you are sitting on the bottom of the ocean (no photo as I didn’t think to take the camera in with me).

Breakfast at Katy’s Cafe lets you ease into the day before exploring Imperial Beach.

All the way to the end of the pier.

Outdoor Surfboard Museum

Along Palm Avenue, between 3^rd Street and Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach, there are surfboards along the sidewalk.

Or rather silhouettes.

I particularly like the shadow embedded into the concrete sidewalk.

They are lined up on both sides of the street.

Depicting the different shapes and sizes of boards over the years.

You can even rest on a surfboard bench while you take it all in.

The art is also functional.

 Although not sure if it was intended to be a bike stand…