Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hwy 101 in San Luis Obispo at Los Osos Valley Rd, then drive northwest around 16
miles.
ALONG HIGHWAY 101
Driving inland along Hwy 101 is a quicker way to travel between the Bay Area and South-
ern California. Although it lacks the striking scenery of coastal Hwy 1, the historic El
Camino Real (King's Highway), established by Spanish conquistadors and missionaries,
has a beauty of its own, from the fertile fields of Salinas, immortalized by novelist John
Steinbeck, to the oak-dappled golden hills of San Luis Obispo and beaches beyond. Along
the way are ghostly missions, jaw-dropping Pinnacles National Park and wineries worth
stopping for.
Gilroy
About 30 miles south of San Jose, the self-proclaimed 'garlic capital of the world' hosts
end in July. Show up for the chow - garlicky fries, garlic-flavored ice cream and more -
and cooking contests under the blazing-hot sun.
adult/child 3-10yr $50/40; 11am-5pm Mon-Fri early Jun-mid-Aug, plus 10am-6pm Sat & Sun late-
Mar-Nov; )
is a nonprofit family-oriented theme park focused on food and plants rather
than Disney-esque cartoon characters. You've got to really love flowers, fruit and veggies
to get your money's worth, though. Most rides like the 'Mushroom Swing' are tame. Buy
tickets online to save. From Hwy 101, follow Hwy 152 west; parking is $12.
Heading east on Hwy 152 toward I-5,
Casa de Fruta
( 408-842-7282;
www.casadefruta.com
; 10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister; per ride $2.50-4; seasonal hours vary;
)
is a commercialized farm stand with an old-fashioned carousel and choo-choo train
rides for youngsters.
