Highway 1 Revisited – California recommendations
Easy-riding in Venice CA
LA
Sunset Marquis hotel [Sunset & Alta Lomo]
Fun for its rock excess vibe/history and proximity to Sunset Strip, plus it’s something of an oasis despite being a stone’s throw from Sunset.
Mel’s Diner [8585 Sunset + Hollywood & Vine]
Made this old school diner my office. Great for breakfast and lashings of ice tea on a scorching day. The table-top jukebox adds to the pleasure.
Book Soup [8818 Sunset]
A proper independent book store which is a joy to browse. Also has a bit of vinyl tucked down the back.
Gjusta [320 Sunset Ave, Venice, CA]
A bakery in an old boat factory – lots of exposed brick and Californian healthiness. Not cheap but fun to eat out back – in particular yoghurt & honey and beigels. Met a starlette here.
Venice Canals
Where Venice gets its name from and where Jim and The Doors got photographed. A tranquil backwater well worth a wander.
San Luis Obispo
Boo Boo Records [Monterey St]
An absolute top record store with lashings of vinyl, new and second-hand. Total delight.
Big Sur
Deetjen’s – Upper Creek House
The quintessential cabin in the woods – off the grid, back to nature, cosy fire in the hearth (as opposed to the horror movie sort).
Monterey
Monterey Aquarium
I’m not usually too in to such things but this is a real model for how to present nature and sea-life. Wondrous and beautiful.
Old Capitol Books [559 Tyler St]
Fine second-hand book store with a big selection and plenty of gems.
San Francisco
Boogaloos [Valencia & 22nd]
Fun diner with staff who like comic books and stuff, in a striking Victorian building (old drugstore?).
Baby Blues BBQ [3149 Mission St]
The real McCoy. Honest to goodness American food – great sauces and staff.
Biking the Bridge [Fisherman’s Wharf to Sausalito]
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge on a two-wheeled steed. Joyful and thrilling, especially when you’re being wind-blasted as you cross the bridge. Blazing Saddles was a good bike supplier and the name is irresistible of course – get 20% off by booking online, even on the day.
City Lights [Columbus & Broadway]
Perhaps a cliche of San Francisco …but who cares – a genuine book-lovers’ bookstore with, of course, an illustrious history. Live life to a different Beat.
City Lights 2015
City Lights 2004
Baby Blues BBQ
Simple Pleasures part 4 
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