Surf Air Recommends
Whether you’re a city dweller seeking a quick escape or a traveler in search of local gems, our California cities have a lot to see and explore. We’ve put together some recommendations for things to see, eat, and sip just a short drive from the regional airports in San Jose, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Lake Tahoe.
Food in the Bay Area
La Balena, Carmel (1.5 hours from San Jose International Airport): This California inspired Italian menu offers delicious handmade pastas and great wine.
Tomales Bay Oyster Company, Point Reyes (1.5 hours from San Jose International Airport): It doesn’t get better than fresh oysters and waterfront views. Tomales Bay Oyster Company, sits right on the bay where you can find locally caught seafood in a picnic style setting along California’s rugged coast.
Sausalito (1 hour from San Jose International Airport): Have fun with great drinks, delicious food, bocce ball, and a beach. Choose to eat on the sand or make it a post-dinner stop, either way you’ll be entertained.
Beaches in Los Angeles
El Pescador Beach, Malibu (50 minutes from Hawthorne Municipal Airport): Escape to this lesser known stretch of beach. With more sand than the neighboring beaches and less crowds than El Matador, El Pescador Beach is a hidden gem along California’s coastline.
Pirate Cove Beach, Newport Beach (57 minutes from Hawthorne Municipal Airport): Experience the epitome of coastal sophistication at Pirates Cove Beach in Newport Beach, where hidden rocky alcoves, sparkling turquoise waters, and the allure of a private, upscale shoreline combine to offer an exclusive beachfront escape along Southern California’s prestigious coastline.
Abalone Cove Beach, Palos Verdes (45 minutes from Hawthorne Municipal Airport): This beach requires a bit of a trek to get to the rocky beach, but the effort results in the most scenic spot in the South Bay. You’ll find tide pools along the shore and caves.
Hikes in Tahoe
Emerald Point Trail, South Lake Tahoe (30 minutes from Truckee Tahoe Airport): Emerald Bay is a South Lake Tahoe icon and any hike from here is guaranteed to delivery great views, but this one is fairly easy and short so you can bring a bathing suit and enjoy the water post hike.
Hidden Beach Trail, Northeast Lake Tahoe (30 minutes from Truckee Tahoe Airport): This is not an official trail, but rather paths made by locals. The path ends at a stunning beach with clear waters.
Cave Rock Trail, Southeast Lake Tahoe (30 minutes from Truckee Tahoe Airport): Enjoy this easy hike with the best views of sunset.
Wines Santa Barbara
Casa Dumetz, Los Alamos (45 minutes from Santa Barbara Airport): This woman-owned winery has a tasting room in the heart of Los Alamos. Enjoy the small downtown area with a plethora of tasting rooms and restaurants offering great wine.
SAMsARA Wine Co, Los Olivos (45 minutes from Santa Barbara Airport): This wine company produces limited releases of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, and Chardonnay from the Santa Rita Hills’ most distinctive vineyards. Enjoy their tasting room in the heart of Los Olivos.
Summerland Winery, Summerland (30 minutes from Santa Barbara Airport): A boutique winery dedicated to the production of fine wines.
