Soledad

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Soledad's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival in Soledad
morning
:

Arrive in Soledad and get settled into your accommodations. Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh pastries and coffee. Take a leisurely stroll around the charming town center to absorb the local atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Visit the historic Soledad Mission, where you can explore its beautiful architecture and learn about its significance in California's history. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a nearby park, taking in the scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Spend the afternoon visiting local art galleries to appreciate the regional artistic talent.

evening
:

Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant, savoring expertly prepared dishes made with local ingredients. Take a relaxing evening walk through the town, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and perhaps catching a sunset. Conclude the day by sampling local wines at a nearby tasting room.

day 2
Exploring Pinnacles National Park
morning
:

Gear up for an adventure at Pinnacles National Park, located just a short drive away. Start with an early hike on one of the scenic trails, where you can admire the unique rock formations and diverse wildlife. Don't forget to keep an eye out for local California condors soaring above.

afternoon
:

After the hike, enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature, taking in the serene beauty of the park. Spend the afternoon discovering the caves within Pinnacles, experiencing the cool darkness and feeling the thrill of exploration. Capture stunning photographs of both the park's cliffs and wildlife.

evening
:

Return to Soledad and unwind at your accommodations before dinner. Enjoy a comforting meal at a local diner, sampling dishes that reflect the region's flavors. Spend the evening relaxing, perhaps by a fire pit under the stars or enjoying a nightcap at a local bar.

day 3
Wine Tasting in the Salinas Valley
morning
:

Start with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a wine tour of the Salinas Valley, renowned for its exceptional vineyards. Visit a couple of local wineries, where you can learn about the winemaking process from vine to bottle. Sample a variety of wines and appreciate the stunning vineyard landscapes.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a winery, savoring gourmet dishes that pair beautifully with their wines. Continue your wine exploration, visiting additional wineries and perhaps participating in a wine blending experience. Engage with local vintners and gain a deeper understanding of their craft.

evening
:

Head back to Soledad and get ready for dinner at a restaurant featuring local agricultural produce. Indulge in a culinary experience that showcases the best of local flavors and wines. Enjoy an evening stroll through town, marveling at the twinkling lights and lively atmosphere.

day 4
Cultural Day in Soledad
morning
:

Visit the Soledad Historical Society Museum to learn more about the local history and culture. Take your time exploring the exhibits that showcase the rich heritage of the area. Engage with local historians and ask questions to enhance your understanding.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a nearby café, then participate in a local art workshop where you can create your own masterpiece. Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the creative process while enjoying the company of fellow art lovers. Discover the beauty of local crafts and the stories behind them.

evening
:

Attend a performance or cultural event at a local venue to experience the vibrant artistic scene in Soledad. Afterward, enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant, exploring the fusion of flavors inspired by the area's diverse community. End your night with a dessert from a local bakery, relishing a sweet treat.

day 5
Outdoor Adventures
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the nearby Los Padres National Forest for a day of outdoor adventure. Choose from activities like hiking, mountain biking, or even horseback riding through the scenic trails. Embrace the tranquillity of nature as you immerse yourself in the beautiful wilderness.

afternoon
:

Pack a lunch to enjoy in the great outdoors, taking in the breathtaking views surrounding you. If you choose to hike, explore hidden waterfalls or panoramic lookout points that showcase stunning landscapes. Engage in wildlife spotting to see the diverse fauna of the forest.

evening
:

Return to Soledad, where you can dine at a casual eatery, enjoying classic American fare. Reflect on your adventurous day over a nice meal as you recount stories and experiences shared with travel companions. If you desire, check out local live music for a fun end to your day.

day 6
Relaxation and Spa Day
morning
:

Indulge in a late breakfast at your accommodation or a cozy nearby café, treating yourself to a leisurely meal. Spend your morning at a local spa, booking a refreshing massage or pampering treatment that rejuvenates your body and mind. Allow yourself the time to unwind and fully embrace the relaxing atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a light lunch at a café known for its healthy options before exploring local shops for some light retail therapy. Spend the afternoon visiting art boutiques and specialty shops, discovering unique crafts and gifts. Engage with friendly shop owners and learn the stories behind their products.

evening
:

Conclude your relaxing day with a tranquil dinner at a restaurant known for its serene ambiance. Savor delicious, healthy cuisine while taking in the peaceful surroundings. After dinner, enjoy a calm evening stroll to reflect on the day's relaxation and tranquility.

day 7
Historical Exploration
morning
:

Start your day with breakfast at a local diner before exploring historic landmarks in and around Soledad. Visit the beautiful Soledad Mission and delve into its intricate history, gaining insights into early California. Take time to appreciate the architecture and serene gardens surrounding the mission.

afternoon
:

For lunch, try a local spot known for dishes that reflect the area's cultural diversity. Spend the afternoon visiting other points of historical interest in the region, such as old ranches or museums dedicated to the early settlers and agricultural history. Listen to local stories and perhaps even speak with descendants of original settlers.

evening
:

Return to Soledad for an evening of fine dining, sampling dishes inspired by local history and ingredients. Engage with fellow diners or locals to share experiences and learn more about Soledad's rich heritage. Wrap up the night with a browse through a local bookstore, discovering titles about the area's historical tales.

day 8
Local Farm Experience
morning
:

Start with breakfast at a farmstay or local café, where you can savor ingredients sourced directly from the farms. Enjoy a morning tour of a nearby farm, learning about sustainable agricultural practices and how food is grown. Participate in a hands-on experience, such as picking fruits or vegetables.

afternoon
:

Gather for a farm-fresh lunch prepared by the farmers themselves, featuring seasonal dishes that celebrate the day's harvest. Explore the farm's offerings and perhaps engage in discussions about local food systems and agriculture. Spend your afternoon enjoying activities like horseback riding or simply relaxing in the picturesque surroundings.

evening
:

Enjoy a themed dinner at the farm or a local restaurant featuring the day's harvest. Savor the flavors of freshly picked ingredients turned into a beautiful meal. Spend your final evening reflecting on your experience and the connections you've made with the local community.

day 9
Departure and Reflections
morning
:

With one last breakfast at your favorite local spot, reflect on the incredible experiences you've had in Soledad. Spend your morning packing and perhaps visiting any missed shops or sights for one last glimpse of the town. Take time to jot down memories or highlights that stood out during your stay.

afternoon
:

Before you depart, treat yourself to a lovely lunch at a cozy café, savoring that final meal and the flavors of Soledad. Use this time to recap your favorite moments or share stories with travel companions. Take a leisurely drive around the town one last time to truly appreciate the charm of Soledad.

evening
:

As you prepare for your journey home, carry the memories of your Soledad adventure with you. Engage in a thoughtful conversation with your travel mates about your favorite itineraries from the trip. Finally, head to the airport or your next destination, feeling enriched by your time spent in this quaint California town.

Discover Soledad

Read more in our Soledad 2025 Travel Guide.

Soledad Travel Guide