Susan and I flew in to Santa Maria to explore California's central coast for the weekend.
We decided on Santa Maria since it seemed to be the center of the central coast area ---
stretching to Pismo Beach to the north, and Santa Barbara to the south.
The area is known for its beautiful and varied environments --- from the coastline,
to the lush vineyards and farmlands, and some mountainous terrains.
It's approximately 2 hour flight for the Cessna 172 from Napa cruising at 5,500'.
It was VFR CAVU all the way but we experienced some few mild bumps as we pass by
some terrains near Mt. Hamilton at South San Jose, the Pinnacles north of King City,
and when crossing the Santa Lucia Wilderness north of San Luis Obispo.
R2504 was active at that time so we kept our distance from it as we overflew Paso Robles.
When we arrived in Santa Maria, it was VFR but the city had few scattered clouds at 2,000'.
So, we flew under the clouds and landed at the Santa Maria airport runway 30.
Santa Maria airport is a towered airport with commercial flights for regional carriers.
It has a decent Radisson Hotel located at the south ramp.
So, after landing, we taxied to the Radisson Hotel, unload our luggage, and checked-in--- very convenient.
We were given a room overlooking the ramp; overlooking the parked Cessna.
After checking in, I walked to the airport terminal to get a rental car.
Since this airport has commercial flights, the major rental cars were there.
I end up renting from Hertz ---
interesting to note that Hertz gave me a better deal using my AAA membership than my AOPA Hertz Gold.
There are decent places to eat at the airport.
One is Pepper Gracias inside the terminal building.
And inside the Radisson Hotel next to the airport, there's a Vintner's Bar and Grill, and the Atrium Bistro.
Susan and I decided to explore the northern area instead and end up eating at Old Juan's Cantina in Oceano.
The following day, the area had overcast with heavy fog in some areas ---
typical Central Coast weather in the morning for this time of the year; and clears up around noon.
We explored the town of Solvang, and lunched in Pismo Beach.
As expected, the weather cleared up that afternoon for our VFR return flight.
The self serve fuel station was a bit far from the hotel ramp, so I end up calling a fuel truck from Central Coast FBO.
The fuel truck arrived promptly as I was doing my final pre-flight. For the return leg, we cruised at 6,500'.
Overall great experience from airport upkeep, controllers, the FBO, Radisson Hotel,
convenient rental car, the Central Coast area --- and a great use of general aviation for a weekend getaway.
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Passing Mt. Hamilton and Lick Observatory at South San Jose |
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Overflying the Pinnacles National Monument north of King City; note the interesting terrain formations. |
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Arriving Santa Maria after a 2-hour flight from Napa. |
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... and taxied right next to Radisson Hotel; Susan tying down the plane. |
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Our room was overlooking the ramp where the Cessna was parked. |
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Other planes parked right next to the hotel; the passengers were most likely staying in the hotel also. |
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There were several dining options nearby. We decided to explore the area instead and end up dining at the Old Juan's Cantina in Oceano. |
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This picture doesn't do justice to this shimp and crab enchilada at Old Juan's Cantina; it was pretty good. |
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We explored the area with this neon green rental car. |
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...all the way south to Solvang. |
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...and lunch at Vintana Grill overlooking the ocean at Pismo Beach. |
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Overflying an interesting housing neighborhood somewhere around Dublin/Concord area. |
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Benicia Bridge viewed towards the Bay. |
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Another photo of the mining crater near Blue Rock Springs Park. |
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Housing development next to the Blue Rock Springs Golf Course. |