Pismo/Cambria Archives - Jen is on a Journey

Pismo Beach: Relax at Seacrest Oceanfront Hotel & Play at Steve’s ATV

July 22, 2014 by The Mom Jen 8 Comments

Once again our son’s baseball playing let us explore a new location in this amazing state. Our latest tournament had us in the Pismo Beach area. Having lived in the Bay Area for over 30 years I had never been to Pismo and I’m wondering what took me so long!! It doesn’t look like much from the freeway but once we explored a bit we were completely smitten by this coastal town.

The Pismo Beach area has so much to offer for couples or families. We checked out www.ClassicCalifornia.com and were blown away by all there is to do. We drove around downtown Pismo and couldn’t wait to get out and stroll around.

We were so fortunate to stay at the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel. Our Deluxe OceanFront room in the South Tower was spacious and had everything we needed. We had two queen beds and a full size sofa sleeper. There was more than enough room for all four of us. Just a few of the amenities we also enjoyed were:

Free WiFi Internet access
42” Flat-panel HDTV with DirecTV
Refrigerator
Microwave
Keurig coffee maker w/coffee
iPod docking station
Free local calls
Iron/ironing board
Individually controlled heating and cooling

The boys (all 3 of them) were most excited by the TV and DirecTV access, of course, but I was more interested in the spa like bathroom. It included a hair dryer, spa-inspired tri-nozzle showerhead, two bathrobes, and spa-inspired bath & body products. It was also large enough to allow more than one person to use it at a time.

But the best part about this room was the view. It was breath taking! We had a sliding glass door to a private balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We were so close to the beach it was remarkable. I could have slept out there! My hubby convinced me just to sleep inside with the door open. Listening to the ocean while going to sleep and then waking up still hearing the waves crash on the shore is something I could so get used to. I never wanted to leave!

They also offer a “Thirst Aid” service giving guests a chance to enjoy local award-winning wine and beer on the private balcony or patio, conveniently delivered to your room. Although I didn’t have a chance to try this out (because we had to make a detour to the local ER because of an ATV accident) I know it would have been right up my alley.

The hotel staff and service was fantastic. Everyone was friendly and helpful, even coming to our room to show my husband how to use the Keurig! ;o)

The SeaCrest has really thought of everything. They are located in one of THE most incredible locations in Pismo and the hotel provided amenities go above and beyond.

Continental breakfast
Coffee and cookies in the afternoon (3pm-7pm)
Direct beach access
Heated pool with ocean view
Three outdoor hot tubs
Entirely smoke-free guestrooms
Pet friendly facility and rooms
BBQ gas and charcoal grills

Complimentary wireless Internet access throughout the hotel
Fire Pits and heaters
RoofTop Terrace, 4th floor overlooking Pismo Beach
SeaMist Terrace with lounge chairs, firepits, and 3 gas barbecue grills

While we were there the SeaCrest staff recommended we try ATV rides on the dunes and that’s all the boys could think about, so before we headed downtown we went there first.

We went into Steve’s ATV because they looked the most professional from the outside. Inside Michelle helped us and answered all of our questions. She was super accommodating and very knowledgeable. We ended up renting 4 ATVs – 1 for each of us. You drive out to the dunes and their yellow bus picks you up and takes you to a trailer and all the quads. Everyone at the trailer was ready to lend a hand too.We had to watch a short safety video, outlining the rules and things to remember to stay safe. It was professionally done and to the point. After the video, we got our helmets and gear. My youngest didn’t have sunglasses and I was wearing flip flops. They had both goggles for him and spare shoes for me.

We got a brief rundown on the machines and then we were off. You head down the dunes and it just keeps going and going. There are flat well-worn areas and then there are the dunes; miles and miles of dunes. It was truly like a mirage; you would think you had reached the end and then get to the top of a dune and realize there were miles and miles of sand that seemed to go on forever.

It took a little getting used to, as the boys kept getting stuck in loose sand, but they finally figured out what to look for and avoid. We had ridden about an hour before my “accident” and unfortunately had to go back. The staff was really great and offered the boys the remaining 1 hour on our rental time if they wanted to come back later or the next day. We all had a BLAST!! The boys haven’t stopped talking about the ATV ride.

Our trip was cut a little short, like I said because of my untimely ATV accident, so I am looking forward to returning to Pismo Beach to explore more and we will be staying at the SeaCrest Oceanfront. They have spoiled me for any other hotel.

Bridgette writes for Jen is on a Journey–I’m a mom with 3 kids (translated…a husband and 2 boys – 12 and 14 ) who’s reached that 35-47 age bracket. I love music, coffee, crafting, and devouring a good book! I currently work as the Office Administrator at a preschool. I’ve also worked as an HR Assistant, 911 Communications Operator, and Golf Course Starter. Our family loves animals, camping and fishing, baseball, hockey, and going to the movies. We have 4 cats and 1 amazing dog, Buster. When the kids aren’t playing baseball, we love spending time with our friends and family.

Our stay was hosted, all opinions my own.

Pismo Beach Ocean-front Lodging: The Sandcastle Inn Review

March 26, 2013 by The Mom Jen 4 Comments

I can hardly believe that living in California my whole life, I’ve never been to Pismo Beach. Driving down 101 heading south from home we’ve driven past it probably a hundred times. If you know anything about me it’s that I love the beach, the ocean, palm trees, and this gorgeous oceanside town has a lovely hotel that sits right on the beach, The Sandcastle Inn. With views galore, plus amenities that will have you coming back as often as possible, you definitely have to check it out on your next visit!

Walking into to the lobby you run directly into a grand mirror that takes your eye up to the third floor, just on the other side you’ll find the dining area for continental breakfasts, sitting by the fire in the evening, and a view of the ocean. Grabbing some yummy chocolate chip cookies we headed up to find our room.

The hotel decor is tan, pale yellow, blue, and white, perfect beach colors and for the location. The suite has plenty of space for a family of five, seating and dining space, while the sofa pulls out to more sleeping space as well!

Our suite was not technically “ocean view” but in reality, I could sit on this balcony off our room for hours watching the surfers and eventually the sunset! Just off the dining area, lounge chairs to enjoy the afternoon sun or to read.

The bed was so comfortable, I love that feeling.The bathroom had a tub/shower combo and two doors from the living area and to the bedroom. There was also a separate vanity for us girls to get ready while someone showered.Being so close to the ocean, I worried my youngest would be sad there isn’t a pool, but the hot tub sufficed and it’s stunning views just add to the relaxation factor!Just steps off the boardwalk, you can rejoice on the beach to your heart’s content, here’s a super shot of the hotel from the white sands! And, who can ever get sick of sunsets, not me!Breakfast is a waffle bar with many other great options like parfaits, muffins, and fruit. Coffee, tea, and fruit-infused water is offered all day long. One other great spot in the hotel for a lovely view is the 3rd floor patio with couches, a fire pit, and heaters for cool nights. Enjoy your wine here at sunset, or bring your breakfast up in the morning!

I loved that the desk clerk handed me a map of the nearby walking area highlighting different family friendly spots for dinner. We dined at Pizmo Cafe with delicious Italian fare, wine and beer just a short walk away! Also, before heading on the road, I met a friend and enjoyed Old West Cinnamon Rolls that are just out of this world and not to far from the hotel!

We are not just going to pass by this amazing little town again without stopping and if we stay, it’s going to be at The Sandcastle Inn. It makes for a great stopping point on a long road trip, and you just can’t enough of it’s beautiful California location!

Our stay was hosted to facilitate this review, all opinions our own.

Cambria, CA: Pelican Inn and Suites Review

May 16, 2012 by The Mom Jen 10 Comments

Just off scenic Highway 1 on the Central Coast of California in Cambria you’ll find the Pelican Inn and Suites. Perfect for a romantic getaway with your loved one or a family weekend trip to the coast, the hotel is beautiful, comfortable, and located in a gorgeous area, you just can’t go wrong. Check out the view from the front of the hotel…Upon arrival, I was greeted by Anna Marie who was friendly as they come. I was given all the information I needed for my stay (breakfast and wine reception times, where to find the pool/jacuzzi) as well as a thorough list of places to dine to meet all our tastes and needs (picky eaters spots for the kids!)! The lobby contains a full binder of information on dining, but personal experience beats that out every time!

Our suite was right next door to the lobby and dining area, parking is abundant around the property so we didn’t have far to grab our luggage and make ourselves at home. Comfort is something that is a priority at the Pelican Inn and Suites, by the looks of the gorgeous beds with pillows galore and a down blanket at the foot of the bed, I just wanted to jump on and relax with a glass of wine. The master bedroom had fireplace (all rooms in the hotel have at least one) that just exudes ambiance, romance, and coziness, while the bathroom added even more to love with the jacuzzi tub. The smaller two of our 3 kids enjoyed a jacuzzi bath that evening, next trip us parents will!

The living room hosts plenty of seating as well as a sofa bed that our son slept in and a second fireplace. Both fireplaces run off separate thermostats to keep the rooms at the perfect temperature. And, if you want to save some money by eating in, there is a full kitchen and dining area in the 2-bedroom suite that was perfect for popcorn at night as well as cup-of-noodles and snacks late!The second bedroom slept our two daughters and it was perfect for them, a second bathroom was great for our large family and it was done in gorgeous tile and glass doors on the shower. The bathroom amenities smelled fresh and clean and the shower cap fit the needs of my oldest’s long hair!

The kids were ready to find that pool after we heard it was a divine 84 degrees and since it was only near 60 degrees outside, and the ocean was the other option at the moment, we obliged. Just a short walk around the beautifully landscaped property……we found the pool. With plenty of seating, tables, and large enough for a crowd the kids oohed and awed as they stepped into the warmth. “It feels like a hot tub, a hot pool!” they squealed and my 6 year old did cannonballs in the deep end (4.5 feet). The pool and the jacuzzi are in separate locations. If you’re visiting as a couple, I believe you’d be happy that this is the case if you have a large crowd of children splashing in the pool. As a parent with kids, my oldest wanted to relax in the jacuzzi while the smaller kids splashed, so parents were separated to monitor each, not a big deal really. The view from down the parking lot from the hot tub…Before we knew it it was early evening and Wine Reception time. Each night from 5:30-7:30pm, cheese, crackers, other great appetizers like hummus and pita and a selection of desserts are offered in the dining room. This is a bonus that is appreciated so much by couples, as well as kids (cookies and hot cocoa!) and daily versus only weeknights like some locations is a treat since we stayed on a Saturday night. Local wines were offered in all flavors and can also be purchased to take home if you enjoy them so. The dining room, like the rest of the hotel, was cozy with a fireplace on one section, comfortable window seats and plenty of tables and chairs for guests.Following our snacks (the lemon bars were SOOO good!), we relaxed back at the room, this should be mandatory in every hotel…

The next morning we slept in and were so thrilled that though we were near the lobby and the dining room, as well as the parking lot, there was no noise disrupting our slumber. Maybe the soft ticking of the heater going off and on was the only noise we heard during the night, but it was somewhat soothing. Breakfast is served from 7:30-10am each morning to allow for sleeping in I believe, and there is a large assortment of breads, eggs, omelets, sausage, potatoes, oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, and freshly made waffles that our whole family was smiling and eating, and smiling and happy! Wow. All I can say is, when can I get back to Cambria?? Your stay at the Pelican Inn and Suites will not disappoint, you’ll be like me, eager to plan that next trip!

For more information, visit their website, http://www.pelicansuites.com/ and make your reservations today!

Our stay was hosted, all opinions our own!