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Hit The Road This Summer – Three Awesome Local Road Trip Ideas

Summer is here! School is out, the weather is hot, and it is the perfect time to get away. Living on the Central Coast, we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by a wide variety of road trip destinations. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer  adventure, you won’t be a loss of places to go or things to see. Here are three of our favorite central coast road trip destinations.

Paso Robles Wine Country

Many joke it’s the “new Napa” – we’re so fortunate to be so close to so much delicious wine in Paso Robles. Perfect for a romantic day trip or a fun getaway with friends, you won’t be at a loss of delicious wines to try and gorgeous views of sweeping hills and green vines. Just remember to always plan ahead and have a designated driver for the day. You can learn more about Paso Robles Wine Region HERE.

Pismo and Avila Beach

Looking for a family-friendly getaway? Pismo Beach and Avila Beach are both excellent options with fun the whole family can enjoy.

Enjoy the sandy beaches and watching surfers and marine life from the pier. Kids and adults alike will delight in the tide pools at both Pismo and Avila. If you plan to bring your four-legged family members along, Avila has a great dog-friendly beaches and hotels. The oceanfront bars and restaurants in Avila are ideal for taking in the coastal sunset while enjoying delicious food and drink.

Big Sur

The coastal views along the stretch of highway 1 between Morro Bay and Monterey alone is worth a trip north to Big Sur. The winding road along the steep hills offers gorgeous, unbeatable views of the central coast. If you’re the adventurous type, Big Sur is an ideal road trip destination for you! There’s an endless number of hiking trails and excellent camping spots suitable for all levels. The McWay waterfall trail is a must-see while you’re in the area. If you’re looking to camp or book lodging for your trip, be sure to plan ahead. Campgrounds fill up fast, especially in the summer months.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing trip to local wineries in Paso Robles or hiking above the clouds in Big Sur, be sure to get out this summer and enjoy all the amazing road trip options we have available to us here on the Central Coast.

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We hope you enjoyed this post. If there is anything else we can do to help you feel free to call us at (805) 466-2446 (Atascadero) or (805) 239-8752 (Paso Robles). And be sure to stay connected with us on Facebook as well!

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Road Trip Preparation Checklist

Anytime is the perfect time to gather friends or family, pack up the car and hit the road for a road trip! Whether you’re taking a short weekend trip or a longer cross-country adventure, you want to make sure your car is in top shape before starting your travels. After all, there’s nothing worse than car troubles on vacation! Here is a road trip preparation checklist of 5 items to check on your car before hitting the road: Read more

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Stay Safe On The Road This Holiday Season | Travel Safety Tips

The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year, with many traveling by planes, trains and automobiles to be with family. If you’re taking to the road this Christmas or New Years – slow down and stay safe! Below are some helpful road trip safety reminders to keep in mind before heading out on your holiday getaway.

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To read the accompanying article from AAA, click here.

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We hope you enjoyed this post. If there is anything else we can do to help you feel free to call us at (805) 466-2446 (Atascadero) or (805) 239-8752 (Paso Robles). And be sure to stay connected with us on Facebook as well!

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Safety Tips For A Successful Road Trip

Right now is a fantastic time to get out and enjoy the warm weather and scenic views with a road trip – even if only for a day or two. Here are some safety tips for your next adventure:

Vehicle: Regardless of what type of vehicle you’ll be taking, there are some checks you should make before you hit the road. Make sure that your tires are properly inflated, brakes are fitted and that you have a full tank of gas. Also keep current copies of all essential paperwork (registration, proof of insurance, etc.) in your glove box.

Planning the route: Take a look at the route maps to find the best path for travel. Look for high traffic areas and consider alternate routes or less busy times of day to go through those areas.

Prepare properly: Defensive driving starts before you pull out of the garage. Go through a pre-trip checklist prior to leaving.  Important tasks include locking the car doors, adjusting the mirrors and buckling your seat belt.

Attire: Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely during the road trip. Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately, being sure to also wear or bring layers in case the weather is warmer or cooler than expected.

Emergencies:  Think though possible emergencies (flat tire, getting locked out of your car, etc.) and make sure you are ready to handle them.

Stay focused: Your mind may be on your destination, but it’s important to stay “in the moment” when driving.  Ensure your focus is on the road by choosing not to drive when you’re drowsy, emotional or impaired.

Be proactive behind the wheel: Look down the road, and try to spot the hazards.  Does a driver need to change lanes? Attempt to move over. Is it starting to rain? Ease up your speed. Does the driver ahead keep slamming on the brakes? Maintain at least a three- to four-second gap between your two vehicles.

Avoid distractions:  Besides your cell phone, there’s another gadget guilty of taking eyes off the road: a GPS. Be sure to program your GPS before you leave the driveway.

Follow Rules: Abide by the traffic rules and regulations during the road trip. Drive with a priority on protecting your family and those around you, including using your indicators while changing lanes.

Slow down: Follow the speed limit, and reduce your speed according to road conditions. This will also give your passengers time to enjoy the scenery. And if you enjoy looking out the window, consider driving in shifts.

Stay Alert: Even the safest drivers can get drowsy. Plan to break up your trip by rotating drivers periodically. That way, the person behind the wheel is fresh and alert, and the one in the passenger seat can help the driver stay focused.

The best road trips are ones that include memorable experiences, avoid problems along the way, and get you home safely. Follow these tips to help make sure your next road trip is one you will never forget!

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We hope you enjoyed this post. If there is anything else we can do to help you feel free to call us at (805) 466-2446 (Atascadero) or (805) 239-8752 (Paso Robles). And be sure to stay connected with us on Facebook as well!

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