It’s so easy to get stuck in our daily routines. Whether we’re chained to a desk literally or figuratively, it’s rare to break out of the norm – the ebb and flow of day to day life tends to sweep you away. You frequent the standard coffee shop on the daily or head to your weekly brunch spot without blinking an eye. As we rely on old standbys, time seems to blur, days blending into weeks, weeks slumping into months. But what if, every once in awhile, you were free to to kick the standbys to the curb?

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When Clorox asked me to share some FluFOMO – what you might be missing out on if you’re unfortunate enough to catch the flu this season – I decided it was high time to break out of my routine. Since I’ve done my best to keep the flu at bay this season (you can see how I kept from catching the stomach flu from my kid right here). Sure there are thousands of trendy spots in and around San Francisco that would check every hipster box you can think of, but I wondered what might be out there if I looked a little past the usual.

I recently took the opportunity to enjoy a crisp January day ditching my routine entirely and instead, hitting the road excited to discover what Hwy 1 might bring my way – no set itinerary, no set agenda, no Instagram stalking beforehand. Just a sense of adventure.

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Upon snaking up the coast, I stumbled upon the charming little town of Bolinas a little less than an hour north of San Francisco. Nestled against the Pacific and beloved by surfers who hate crowds, the one-street hamlet, pop. 2,000, feels like a throwback to a bygone era. You can belly up to the bar at Smiley’s Saloon, the oldest bar in California, or lunch on oysters plucked only miles from Coast Cafe, the town diner. But what I love most about places like Bolinas are the people. Also quick to smile, happy to share a kind word and eager to tell an interesting story, it’s a wonderful reminder of the power of human connection. At Smiley’s, I was regaled of the celebrities that often come through Bolinas as they explore Marin – often unsure of what to make of town residents who really couldn’t give two sh***!

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an artist community still thrives in bolinas

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a quiet stroll on the beach soothes the soul

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When the world seems to spin a bit out of control, a little time spent breaking free of the usual is the perfect way to reflect on what matters most. You never know what you might be missing out on until you simply get out there and explore.

Have you missed out on some adventure this winter due to the flu? Click here to share your story and be entered to win a Clorox prize pack!

For more getaway ideas, CLICK HERE

 

original photography for apt34 by emily scott

This post is in partnership with Clorox. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations that I’m excited about and that have kept apartment 34’s doors open

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6 Comments

  1. I recently saw somebody’s post about travel to Paris, and they had all the same sights/shops/restaurants as somebody else’s. And the comments were more about how those were THE spots. In their FOMO, they don’t step outside the beaten path. Travel–LIFE–are more than a list to check off. Exploring is essential.

    1. I couldn’t agree with you more! The joy of travel comes from exploration and discovery. Sure, you may want to have 1 or 2 known places you want to try, but it’s the hidden gems you stumble upon that you remember for years to come.

  2. I love San Francisco and will be checking out this beach on my visit to San Francisco later in the year. As a coastal resident living near Byron Bay, Australia it is a novelty to see someone walking on the beach in an overcoat and beanie

  3. I recently spent a tranquil weekend up in Sea Ranch and your Bolinas shots have me drooling! Thanks for some more NorCal travel inspiration.

  4. Such stunning photography! Thanks for sharing.